HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-03-19 Recreation Committee MinutesRecreation Committee Minutes
March 19, 1997
R
Rr y
art
t,G~
1
The Recreation Committee meeting came to order on Wednesday, March 19, 1997 at 7:35 PM in
the Senior Lounge at Reading Memorial High School. Committee members in attendance
included Chris Campbell, Dave Bryant, John McGrath, Lorraine Salter, Claire Bolger, and Kate
Kaminer. Also in attendance was Recreation Administrator Joe Connelly.
The Committee inspected the RMHS Senior Lounge, reviewing teen center facility needs.
McGrath made a motion to approve the minutes of the Wednesday, February 12, 1997 meeting
Kaminer seconded the motion, approved 6-0-0.
Associate Committee member Dennis Lucyniak entered the meeting at 7:45 PM.
New Business:
Imagination Station:
Connelly reviewed the Open Hearing on the Imagination Station Permitting Policy.
Connelly discussed the changes to the latest draft policy.
Connelly explained that the recommended user time for small groups was expanded an hour to
9 AM - 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM. The large group permitting hours were decreased to
10:30 AM -1:30 PM and 3 PM - 5 PM. Hours were changed because of the need for more
quality usage time for small groups.
Connelly reviewed the revised fee schedule for Non-Resident small groups. The daily fee was
increased to $100, the monthly fee was increased to $500, and the yearly fee was decreased to
$750.
Kaminer and Connelly explained the changes.
Kaminer motioned that the Recreation Committee accept the Imagination Station Permitting
Policy as presented and recommend the policy to the Board of Selectmen for approval. The
motion was seconded by McGrath, and approved 6-0-0.
Reading Men's Softball Field Permit Special Request:
Connelly reviewed RMSL request to begin play on Sunday morning at 10 AM on June 29,
August 03, and September 14. Fields would include Joshua Eaton, Birch Meadow Street, and
Birch Meadow Lighted Field
The Committee discussed the Sunday Basketball Questionnaire.
Bolger commented the student officials needed to call more fouls for safety reasons.
Kaminer suggested a course for interested basketball officials.
Connelly explained the difficulty to find interested officials and the current orientation procedure.
The Committee discussed the basketball program.
Connelly made his suggestions for next season.
Bryant explained that the City of Melrose was considering a skateboard/rollerblading park and
were in the primary stages.
Connelly explained that he was awaiting word from Reading resident Cheryl Schaital before
proceeding forward.
Bryant commented that the enclosed proposal from Stoneham seemed complete and would assist
the group in their planning stages.
Connelly recruited volunteers for the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 29. Lucyniak, Salter,
McGrath, and Campbell volunteered.
Kaminer discussed the possible sponsorship of the event by Re-Max reality and Steve Chuha.
Connelly explained that Recreation may have generated more than the necessary surplus for
FY97.
The Committee asked Connelly what would be done with the excess revenues.
Connelly suggested outside movie rentals for the community during a Summer evening.
Connelly distributed the movie information.
The Committee thought it was a fabulous idea and should be looked into.
The Committee discussed plans for the Celebrity Softball game fund raiser.
Connelly explained that a possible conflict with the parents of Reading Football.
The Committee asked Connelly to track down the league summary as previously requested from
Jack Webster's tee-ball league.
The Committee reviewed the diagrams of possible field lay-outs at Symonds Way.
The Committee expressed strong concern regarding the Reading Riffle Range and the sketches
showing a shooting range for the Reading Police Department.
The Committee felt that the proximity of both firing ranges to a recreational area for children is a
concern.
Connelly explained that Birch Meadow Tennis Courts may be delayed due to cold weather and
the RMHS Athletic Schedule.
Salter and Kaminer asked if there was anything that could be done to hurry the process.
Connelly explained that it was out of his hands.
McGrath motioned to adjourn, seconded by Kaminer, approved 6-0-0.
The Committee was adjourned at 9:15 PM.
41A 0 / cl `7