HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-03-14 Recreation Committee MinutesRecreation Committee Minutes
March 14, 1996
The Recreation Committee meeting came to order on March 14, 1996 at 7:30 PM in the
Conference Room at the Town Hall. Committee members in attendance included Lorraine Salter,
Kate Kaminer, Chris Campbell, John Pacino, Dave Bryant, Sue Cavicchi, and Andrew Viccari.
Also in attendance was Recreation Administrator Joe Connelly.
Minutes of the February 15, 1996 meeting were approved on a motion by Salter, seconded by
Campbell, 6-0-1.
New Business:
Connelly explained to the Committee that the field request from Jack Webster to start a new
T-ball league has been withdrawn.
The Committee discussed the potential of this league. The Committee believed in the future, this
proposal may be appropriate coming from Reading Youth Baseball.
Salter discussed with the Committee her concerns with the RYB age requirements. The problem
with the current requirements is it leaves out some students in the 3rd grade who do not meet the
birth date deadline. Salter explained that Soccer has recently changed their age requirements to a
per grade basis.
The Committee discussed this issue.
Connelly and Kaminer recommended that the Committee not take a formal stand on this matter.
Kaminer recommended that a letter to the RYB board by concerned parents may be effective.
Recreation Enrollment Policy:
Connelly reviewed the events of the February Committee meeting.
Connelly stated that he has been in contact with the School Department and Town Officials over
the matter of Residents, Non-Residents, and those students currently enrolled in the Reading
Public School system.
Connelly recommended that the Committee change. their existing enrollment policy to read as
follows:
Reading Recreation Division programs are offered to Reading Residents and
Non Residents, unless otherwise noted in the program description. In high demand programs,
Reading Residents and students currently enrolled in the Reading Puhlic School system are
given priority. At the Recreation Administrator's discretion, some Recreation sponsored special
events may only he open to Reading Residents.
The Committee discussed the existing policy.
Kammer asked why we consider those who are employed within the town to be Reading
Residents in our field fee policy.
The Committee discussed this policy.
Cavicchi motioned to amend the field fee policy to read:
For the purpose of field facility rentals Reading Recreation defines Resident and
Non-Resident in the following manner:
Reading Resident - Reading Residents are defined as any person(s) with residence in the Town of
Reading.
Reading Based Employment - Person(s) who are employed by businesses in the Town of Reading
will be given priority over Non-Residence, and will be charged the residence fee. This will apply
for field permitting only.
Non-Residence - Non-Residents are defined as any person(s) with residence outside the Town of
Reading.
If a Reading Resident, a Non-Resident with Reading Based Employment, and Non-Resident not
employed within the Town submit a field permit simultaneously, Reading Residents will receive
preference, followed by Non-Residence with Reading Based Employment. Once a Non-Resident
has received a field permit, that permit can not be revoked to meet a Reading Resident's Request.
Seconded by Salter, approved 7-0-0.
Cavichee made a motion to change the Reading Recreation Enrollment Policy for all it's programs
to read:
Reading Recreation Division programs are offered to Reading Residents and Non Residents,
unless otherwise noted in the program description. In high demand programs, Reading Residents
and students currently enrolled in the Reading Public School system are given priority. At the
Recreation Administrator's discretion, some Recreation sponsored special events may only be
open to Reading Residents.
Salter seconded the motion, approved 7-0-0.
Cavicchi asked that the Committee make this new policy very public to ensure awareness.
Reading United Soccer Director, Dave Blanchard entered the meeting at 8:15 PM.
Connelly reviewed the request being made by Reading United- Soccer to permit 5 Sunday dates
for league play. Connelly explained that with the new 3 official set-up, two games would not
include any Reading teams. This is a reciprocal agreement with all the towns in the Middlesex
Youth Soccer League.
Dave Blanchard further explained this new set-up and Reading United Soccer's situation.
Bryant asked if someone from RUS would be on hand for the non-Reading games.
Connelly commented that whether anyone was representing RUS at the games or not, RUS would
be held responsible for any mis-use of the field.
Cavicchi motion to approve permits for Collins field for 4/28, 5/26, 6/04 and Coolidge for 4/14.
Bryant inquired about the possibility of Make-up games.
Blanchard explained a 1 week period for make-ups had been worked into the schedule.
Pacino Seconded the motion, motion approved 7-0-0.
Salter asked Blanchard to explain why RUS changed their age requirements.
Blanchard explained that their old system which was governed by the travel team league, was
leaving out students at both the younger and older grade levels.
Joe reviewed the current Reading Parks and Recreational Facilities Two year improvements Plan.
Connelly explained the program and where it currently stands with the Town Manager,
Selectmen, and Finance Committee.
The Committee discussed the plan.
Pacino made a motion that the Recreation Committee enthusiastically support this plan. Seconded
by Campbell, approved 7-0-0.
Connelly explained the need for a Ski Program Conduct Policy and how it would effect both the
Middle School and Elementary School programs.
Cavicchi made a motion to approve the Ski Program Conduct Policy as it is written. Motion was
seconded by Bryant.
Viccari asked if there was any due process.
Connelly explained that they were receiving 2 warnings before action was being taking and a third
warning before they were being dismissed from the program.
The Committee approved the motion 7-0-0.
Recreation Administrator's Report
Connelly answered Committee question regarding the Recreation Administrator's Report.
Connelly pointed out the thank you letters sent to the Travel Basketball Coaches and the request
for coaching form which will be reviewed by the Committee next season.
Subcommittee Reports:
Teen Center - Connelly reviewed the Youth Council's next event for a Sports Day Barbecue.
Substance Abuse - Bryant reviewed the success of the Second Drug Fee Weekend.
Pool Subcommittee - Salter reviewed the pool information which was included in the Recreation
Committee packets. Salter explained her meeting with the 2000 Committee and conversations
with the architect and RMHS Principal Rena Mirkin.
Connelly asked for assistance with the Easter Egg Hunt. Committee members Salter, and Pacino
volunteered.
Salter made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Campbell, approved 7-0-0.
The Committee was adjourned at 9:40 PM.
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