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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-07-10 Recreation Committee MinutesRecreation Committee Minutes July 10, 1996 The Recreation Committee meeting came to order on July 10, 1996 at 7:30 PM in the Conference Room at the Town Hall. Committee members in attendance included John Pacino, Dave Bryant, Chris Campbell, Sue Cavicchi, Claire Bolger, Jesse Mraz and Kate Kaminer. Also in attendance was Recreation Administrator Joe Connelly and Reading Men's Softball Director Mike Moscariello. Minutes of the June 13, 1996 meeting were approved on a motion by Pacino, seconded by Campbell, 5-0-2. New Business: Election of Officers: Pacino nominated Chris Campbell for the Chairperson position, seconded by Cavicchi, approved 6-0-1. Bryant nominated Pacino for the Vice Chairperson position, seconded by Campbell, approved 6-0-1. Lorraine Salter entered the meeting at 7:45 PM. Reading Men's Softball: Connelly reviewed the current situation with the issue of public drinking at R.M.S.L. Tournaments and League Games. Connelly explained that he has spoken with the Town Manger, Police Department, and School Department to try to isolate the incidence's of public drinking after softball games. Moscariello explained that he did what was expected by hiring a Police Officer to supervise the tournament. Moscariello suggest that this is a police issue and it is up to the authorities to take control of the situation. Moscariello also explained that he will be speaking to league managers and team coaches about this latest incident. R.M.S.L. will send flyers to all participants of it's future tournaments stating that no public drinking will be tolerated and violators will be kicked out of the tournament and be subject to prosecution. The Committee discussed this continuing problem. Kaminer stated that although Moscariello is correct in that it is a police issue the Recreation Committee and R.M.S.L. Directors must continue to discourage this behavior in their own manner. The Committee thanked Moscariello for his continued cooperation and for input to this issue. The Committee realizes that Moscariello is doing everything possible to discourage public drinking by R.M.S.L. participants. Moscariello exited the meeting at 8:00 PM. Goals: Connelly reviewed the Recreation Division's FY 96 Goals. Connelly reviewed his suggestions for Recreation Division FY 97 Goals. 1. Continue to work with the School Department to improve procedures for reserving facility space and field space in a more timely, efficient manner. The Committee discussed the current procedure and how it could be improved with new technology connecting the School Department computers with Town Hall computers. 2. Increase programming for all ages. Continue to offer at least one new recreational program per season. 3. Develop and implement a Reading Sport Organization Meeting were issues between organizations can be worked out. 4. Continue to look for and develop additional field space for Reading Residents use. Connelly discussed the current situation with the Austin Preparatory Fields, Textron Field, and Symonds Way Fields. The Committee enthusiastically wants to continue to push a cooperative effort with Austin Preparatory School. 5. Work within the school department to make Friday Night Activities and Early Release Programs more effective and efficient. 6. Accumulate a list of dependable volunteers for all activities. 7. Maintain and run the Youth Council Activities. The Committee discussed the non-participation from Birch Meadow School and how that could F' be corrected. 8. Develop a plan of program fees which will allow the Recreation Division to break-even at years end. 9. Continue to work with the Teen Center Committee and Pool Subcommittee in achieving the end goal of a physical site. 10. Review existing programs making necessary changes, additions, and deletions. Connelly explained that the evaluation of existing programs would help the Committee see what community recreation needs are being met and which are not being met. The Committee established a Program Evaluation Subcommittee which will take on this task. Members include Jesse Mraz, Kate Kaminer, and John Pacino. Dave Bryant made a motion to approve the FY 97 Goals as presented by Connelly, seconded by Cavicchi, approved 8-0-0. John McGrath entered the meeting 8:35 PM Connelly reviewed the Recreation Administrators report answering Committee questions. Connelly reviewed the Babe Ruth agreement.for concessions. The Committee asked if the exclusivity included mobile vendors, (ice cream trucks). Connelly explained that it included vendors selling food or drink on the field premises as described in the agreement. Connelly asked for assistance with the up coming swimming invitational. Kaminer and Pacino volunteered for the days event. Pacino commented that he has personally inspected many of the Reading Recreation programs this Summer and is proud to say that he is involved in such outstanding community offerings. Subcommittee Reports: Pool Subcommittee - Connelly reviewed the upcoming swim meet. Cavicchi motioned to disband the Pool Subcommittee, seconded by McGrath, Approved 9-0-0. Teen Center Subcommittee - Connelly reviewed the Coming Together Dance which will be held on 8/23. Salter highlighted the Tennis Tournaments net results. Kaminer made a motion to adjourn, seconded by McGrath, approved 9-0-0. The Recreation Committee was adjourned at 9:25 PM.