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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-04-09 Recreation Committee MinutesRecreation Committee Minutes April 09, 1997 The Recreation Committee meeting came to order on Wednesday, April 09, 1997 at 7:35 PM in the Conference Room at Reading Town Hall. Committee members in attendance included Chris Campbell, Lorraine Salter, Claire Bolger, John Pacino, Sue Cavicchi, and Kate Kaminer. Also in attendance was Recreation Administrator Joe Connelly. Salter made a motion to approve the minutes of the Wednesday, March 19, 1997 meeting, Kaminer seconded the motion, approved 5-0-1. New Business: Connelly reviewed the FY97 End of Season Report. Connelly explained that Recreation programming generated $6,350 in excess surplus a total of $39,762. Connelly stated that the initial goal was to generate $33,412 in surplus. Connelly stated that the success of Sunday Basketball, Travel Basketball, and Various Clinics directly attributed to the year end surplus. Kaminer asked Connelly to explain why each program was financially successful. Connelly explained that Sunday Basketball had almost 100 more participants than was estimated. This in itself generated an extra $5,000. Salter asked which age groups had the largest increase in participation. Connelly stated the girls division had almost 60 more individuals participate. Connelly reviewed how the Travel Basketball Program was able to generate it's surplus. Connelly explained that the Travel Basketball schedule is broken down into 6 blocks per Saturday and 3 blocks per Sunday. Recreation estimates the use of each block for game purposes in order to establish a participation fee. Connelly stated that if all 9 blocks are not utilized in a weekend Recreation saves money. Connelly also reviewed programs that lost money, such as the Ski Program, Odyssey of the Minds, and Trips. Connelly explained that because the ski program now starts at grade 3 and not grade 6, the middle school program has decreased in participation. Connelly hopes that the change in site to Nashoba Valley will increase participation. Connelly discussed with the Committee the proposal from Carl McFadden to take over the Travel Basketball program. Connelly reviewed discussions between Recreation, McFadden, and the School Department. Connelly reviewed some specific points of the proposal: • Coaches - Non-Parent • Practices - Same structure, add vacation week • Games - Increase game schedule to 30 games, increase home tournaments • Fee - Decrease fee to $50, fundraising, referee fees, reduced custodial fee (sick time) • Intramural Program - Middle school after school program • Concerns - Sundays, Transportation, Fundraising, Board of Directors, Grades The Committee discussed the proposal. Connelly explained the philosophical difference of a travel program and recreational program. Connelly stated that the problem was no longer running the program, but it was the controversy of philosophies. (A high school feeder system or a everyone plays equal program) Connelly stated that there was absolutely no way to satisfy parents/players 1-6, 7-9, 10-12. ' Bolger stated that she did not see the pluses of this proposal. Kaminer stated that a Board of Directors should be required and that Connelly or someone from the Committee should sit on the Board for the year. Pacino suggested that if the School Department wants the program we should give it to them and concentrate on recreational programming. Cavicchi suggested that we share our concerns with Dr. Harutunian and Phil Vaccaro. Salter suggested that if the School Department realized the headaches it would be getting they would not want the program. The Committee discussed the proposal. The Committee asked Connelly to have McFadden submit a detailed written proposal that would include a Board of Directors. The Committee also feels very strongly about not having participants play up or down a grade level according to skill. The Committee would like a proposal in hand by it's May meeting. The Committee asked Connelly to invite Dr. Harutunian and Athletic Director Phil Vaccaro to it's May meeting to further discuss the proposal. The Committee hopes that philosophical differences can be discussed openly at the May Recreation Committee meeting. Connelly reviewed the Recreation Administrators report. Kaminer asked about the current situation regarding the shack at the Lighted Softball Field. Connelly explained that he would be meeting with Babe Ruth Baseball and the Town Manger on this issue. Connelly reviewed the Odyssey of the Mind Tournament. Other Business: Salter asked the Committee to discuss the placement of fields at the Symond Way site. Salter explained her concern with the placement of fields at the Symond's Way (Burbank Arena) site because of it's proximity to the Reading Riffle Association. Kaminer agreed stating that before a tragedy occurs Recreation would take the necessary steps to look into this safety issue. Salter explained that the proximity of the Riffle Range may not be a safety concern, but until that can be determined she could not support the building of fields at the Burbank facility. The Committee discussed this issue. The Committee asked Connelly to put their concerns in writing to the Town Manger. The Committee suggests a meeting between Recreation, the Town Manager, and the Reading Riffle Association. Pacino exited the meeting at 9:25 PM Cavicchi suggested that Connelly talk to Nancy Eaton about this issue. Connelly asked for volunteers for the April Vacation Fun Night, April 24, 1997. Kaminer, Salter, and Campbell agreed to help out. Bolger commented that the time was not on the school flyers. Connelly apologized for the oversight. Salter updated the Committee on the indoor pool sights.