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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-12-11 Recreation Committee Minutes1 Recreation Committee Minutes December 11, 1996 The Recreation Committee meeting came to order on Wednesday, December 11, 1996 at 7:30 PM in the Conference Room at the Town Hall. Committee members in attendance included John Pacino, Chris Campbell, Claire Bolger, Dave Bryant, John McGrath, Jesse Mraz, and Lorraine Salter. Also in attendance was Recreation Administrator Joe Connelly. Representing the travel basketball coaches was Jim Meleshuk girls grade 6, and Dave Williams boys grade 8 A. Salter made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 13, 1996 meeting. McGrath seconded the motion, approved 6-0-1. New Business: The Committee delayed discussion on the privatization of the travel basketball program hoping for additional basketball coaches to arrive. Recreation Administrators Report: Odyssey of the Mind Update - Connelly updated the Committee on the success of the OM program. Connelly explained to the Committee that this program may not break even in the first year, but the fee will be modified next year. E Pacino asked if the school department was financially supporting this program? 1 Connelly stated that currently Recreation's user fees were supporting this program entirely. Connelly did explain the possibility for cooperate sponsorship in the future. Bear Hill Update - Connelly recapped the Bear Hill/Summit Village project. Connelly explained the latest plans for the site which would include the following recreational services: Swing Set, Slide, Track Run, Botanical Garden, Gazebo/Shelter, Sledding Run, Small Field. Connelly also explained that the Selectmen requested that the Town look into the possibility of obtaining that front house lot of lot #51 for additional recreational usage. Connelly reviewed the new brochure with the Committee. Connelly reviewed his discussions with new YMCA Director Paul Gorman. Connelly explained the new director seemed willing to collaborate on programming and facility use. New Business: Travel Basketball - Connelly reviewed the current situation with the travel basketball program. Connelly explained his desire to have a RYBB Board of Directors in place by next season who would help administrate the program. Connelly explained his goal is to semi-privitize the league until it can be totally self supporting. Pacino commented on the Woburn Youth Basketball Program. Bryant stated that Woburn program was run by the Boys Club and not the City of Woburn. McGrath commented that the largest obstacle for privatization was facilities. Dave Williams suggested that the Committee set a date to be privatized, or have a board in place, and stick to it. Connelly stated that he wanted to make sure a league was always in place so that the kids always had a place to play. Williams suggested that the Recreation Committee send out up dates on the Committees decision and begin requesting board members from the volunteer coaches at the time of registration. Campbell suggested that an organizational meeting be held at the April meeting. Williams suggested that Recreation let individuals know exactly what is involved when discussing the privatization process. Before April Connelly will submit a letter to the current coaches, place an article in the local paper, and advertise through the Sunday League program. Connelly and the Committee thanked the coaches for their input. Jim Meleshuk and Dave Williams exited the meeting at 8:50 PM. Connelly reviewed the memo from the Town Manger requesting volunteers for the Ad Hoc Open Space Advisory Committee. John McGrath stated he would be willing to sit on that Committee if no one else wanted the honor. Connelly reviewed the busy agenda for next month which will include, a open hearing on Summer fees, Imagination Station permitting policy, and a request for roller blading facilities. Subcommittee reports: Teen Center: Connelly reviewed the Youth Council proposal to attend a evening ski trip to Nashoba Valley in February. McGrath and Salter volunteered to assist with this event. McGrath made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Bryant, approved 7-0-0. The Committee was adjourned at 9:20 PM.