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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-05-08 Recreation Committee MinutesRecreation Committee Minutes May 08, 1996 The Recreation Committee meeting came to order on May 08, 1996 at 7:30 PM in the Conference Room at the Town Hall. Committee members in attendance included John Pacino, Dave Bryant, Sue Cavicchi, Lorraine Salter, Chris Campbell and Gordon Richards. Also in attendance was Recreation Administrator Joe Connelly. Minutes of the April 10, 1996 meeting were approved on a motion by Campbell, seconded by Bryant, 5-0-1. New Business: Connelly explained the Town Manager was looking for a recommendation from the Recreation Committee on the Softball Shack proposal. Connelly reviewed the proposal from Reading Babe Ruth. Kate Kaminer entered the meeting at 7:50 PM. Connelly reviewed his recommendation to accept the bid with increasing the current 3 year agreement to a 5 year agreement. Cavicchi made a motion to accept the bid a stated by Connelly, seconded by Campbell. The Committee discussed the length of the agreement. - Salter suggested that the agreement be reviewed on a yearly basis. Richards amended the current motion stating the term of agreement to be 3 years as stated in the bid specifications, with the Recreation Committee reviewing the agreement at the end of this 3 year term. The initial motion was voted and denied, 0-7-0. The amended motion was seconded by Campbell, approved 7-0-0. Connelly reviewed the Winter/FY 96 report and his recommendations for next season. Connelly answered questions from the Committee. John McGrath entered the meeting at 8:10 PM. Cavicchi mad a motion to accept the Winter/FY 96 report and recommendations as presented by Connelly, seconded Salter, 8-0-0. Connelly and the Committee discussed the Town Meeting vote on Article 13 Connelly recommended that the Committee change it's recommendation for field placement at the Symonds Way site from two youth baseball/softball fields and a soccer field to a major league diamond and a soccer field. Connelly explained that the need in town is for every size and type of field, but especially a full size diamond and soccer field. The Committee discussed this recommendation. Kaminer stated that if the Austin Prep. agreement is finalized it would mean the Town would have 5 full size diamonds and not enough youth baseball/softball fields. Richards stated that he believed the reason the Committee recommended two youth fields in the first place was because they were told a major league diamond would not fit at Symonds Way. Richards did explain that the need exist for a full size diamond, but not one with a 235 ft. left field line. Richards made a motion two change the Committee's recommendation to include a full size diamond and a soccer field at the Symonds Way site, only if a legitimate full size diamond can be constructed. This would include the 90 ft. infield dimensions and the outfield fence being no shorter than 250 ft. at any one point. The outfield fence is recommended to be 300 ft. to 335 ft. If this size baseball field can not be constructed at the Symonds Way site, the Committee recommends two youth baseball/softball diamonds and a full size soccer field. Motion was seconded by Cavicchi, approved 8-0-0. Connelly reviewed the Recreation Administrators report and answered Committee questions. Connelly reviewed the activities of the Sports Day Barbecue held on Sunday, May 05. Connelly explained that the participants had a fun time and so did the 3 parent volunteers. Connelly stated to the Committee that the amount of time involved in many of these weekend youth activities is becoming overwhelming for one person to handle. Connelly suggested that the Committee members take on one weekend project or event per year and be responsible for the planning and supervision of that event. Kaminer suggested that this include the Summer Concert Series. Kaminer also suggested that Recreation look into a student internship program, or the hiring of a part time youth coordinator to help with these activities. The Committee enthusiastically supported the internship and/or part time staffing idea. Richards suggested that the Committee volunteer for one project a year regardless of additional recreational staffing. The Committee agreed that each member should choose at least one project a year to be responsible for. Pacino thanked Kaminer for her letter explaining that she would not be seeking chairperson re-election. Subcommittee Reports: Teen Center - No Report Substance Abuse - Bryant reviewed the vote by the Selectmen on Substance Abuse Council Committee members. Pool Subcommittee - No Report Salter reviewed the up coming Tennis Tournament and asked for volunteers. Connelly explained that he is investigating the use of field space at Textron Defense Systems located in Wilmington. Richards explained to the Committee that he would be resigning from the Committee due to work obligations. Richards did state that he would be interested in joining the Committee as an associate member at a later date. McGrath made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Pacino, 8-0-0. The Committee was adjourned at 9:18 PM.