HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-11-13 Recreation Committee MinutesRecreation Committee Minutes
November 13, 1996
The Recreation Committee meeting came to order on Wednesday, November 13, 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, Kate Kaminer, Sue
Cavicchi and Lorraine Salter. Also in attendance was Associate Member Dennis Lucyniak and
Recreation Administrator Joe Connelly.
Patin made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 09, 1996 meeting. Salter seconded
the motion, approved 5-0-3.
New Business:
Odyssey of the Mind Program
Connelly explained to the Committee the reason why Paul Guerrette, Principal of Killam School,
came to Recreation proposing the sponsorship of the OM program
Connelly reviewed the operating procedure of the OM program.
The Committee discussed the OM program.
Salter stated this program would compliment our athletic programs very nicely.
The Committee wanted to be sure that the majority of daily responsibility would not fall on the
shoulders of the Recreation Administrator.
Connelly explained that an informational meeting is being held on Tuesday, November 19, 1996 at
RMHS to answer parents questions. Present at the meeting will be Connelly, Karen
Rickershauser, and other OM experienced coaches.
Kaminer made a motion to accept the Odyssey of the Mind program as a Reading Recreation
offering, seconded by Pacino, approved 8-0-0.
Connelly reviewed the Recreation Administrators Report:
Connelly reviewed the Committees previous decision to permit use at the new Pearl Street School
field and restrict it's use to soccer only. Connelly explained that he will be meeting with members
of Longwood Administration to finalize any usage details.
Connelly and Campbell reviewed the Selectmen's walk around of the Bear Hill Site.
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The Committee discussed the possible recreational development at the Bear Hill Site.
Connelly announced to the Committee that the Selectmen would again discuss this proposal at
their December 03, 1996 Selectmen's Meeting.
The Committee reviewed the FY 98 Selectmen Goals.
Connelly reviewed goals numbered 9 and 10.
#9 - Parks - Improve park maintenance and continue capital efforts on park improvements.
#10 - Recreation - Examine staffing and compensation for recreation staffing.
Connelly and the Committee discussed the Community School concept as a possible direction for
Recreation.
The Committee felt that the Odyssey of the Mind program was a step in the right direction,
Connelly asked School Committee representative Sue Cavicchi her opinion of this possible
partnership.
Cavicchi stated that she would like Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Harutunian, to be at any future
Recreation meeting which may deal directly with the Community School topic.
Cavicchi further stated that she felt this type of cooperative effort between the municipal and
educational sides of town would be an exciting idea which may help create new exciting programs
within the schools.
Cavicchi gave background on previous School Committee's reluctance of a community school
model. Cavicchi stated that with the Town's new stand on special employees and employee
exemptions, the School Committee may have a more positive outlook on the community school
concept.
Subcommittee reports:
Teen Center: Connelly reviewed discussion from the first meeting of the Teen Center Youth
Council.
McGrath made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Kaminer, approved 8-0-0.
The Committee was adjourned at 9:00 PM.
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