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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-02-15 Recreation Committee Minutes1.11 e~_ Recreation Committee Minutes February 15, 1996 The Recreation Committee meeting came to order on February 15, 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, and Gordon Richards. Also in attendance was Recreation Administrator Joe Connelly and Reading Residents Vinny Pastore and Mary Anne Pastore. Minutes of the January 10, 1996 meeting were approved on a motion by Pacino, seconded by Campbell, 5-0-1. New Business: The Committee reviewed their current program enrollment policy for Reading Residents and Non-Reading Residents. Connelly explained the current situation with the Reading Recreation Travel basketball program. Connelly explained that currently the program is open to Reading Residents only. Currently Reading Recreation considers Reading Residents as any person(s) with residence in the Town of Reading. Reading Resident Vinny Pastore is concerned that this current definition of Reading Resident excluded METCO students who attend the Reading Public Schools. Connelly explained to the Committee that after discussions with the Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Town Counsel, Town Manager, and Selectmen, Connelly recommends that this rule should be changed to include any student who attends the Reading Public Schools. V. Pastore again reviewed his desire to see this rule changed to include METCO students. Connelly confirmed with the Committee that this was not a METCO rule, but a Resident verse Non-Resident rule. Bryant explained his experience with the travel basketball program revealed that with limited openings in this program, those residents who did not make the team would be outraged to find out that space was being occupied by Non-Reading Residents. Pastore stated that when these residents attend the high school, teams cuts are made with some spaces being occupied by METCO students. Salter was concerned that this program remain recreational and not a feeder program for the high school basketball teams. Pacino agreed with Salter that these programs are becoming to competitive and should be . recreational in nature. Pastore asked the question why this rule was put into place this year. Connelly stated that this rule was consistent with all Reading Recreation sponsored programs. Reading Residents receive priority over Non-Reading residents in high demand programs. The Committee continued discussion. Kaminer suggested that Connelly find out how the Reading School Department defines Reading Resident. Kaminer believes that if the Reading School Department states in writing that METCO students are to have all the rights and privileges of a Reading Resident then they should be able to participate in the program. Pastore commented that he felt it was unnecessary that the Recreation Committee need something in writing from the School Department before making, what he believed was the right decision. Bryant motioned that Connelly find out how the School Department defined Reading Resident. Pacino amended the motion to state, if the Reading School Department can show in writing that METCO students are to receive all the rights and privileges of a Reading Resident, Reading Recreation should immediately allow any student who attends the Reading Public School to participate in any Reading Recreation program including the travel basketball program. Campbell seconded the motion, motion approved 6-0-0 Vinny Pastore and Mary Anne Pastore existed the meeting at 8:15 PM Reading Men's Softball - Connelly reviewed the request from RMSL for three special permits for tournament play. RMSL would like to begin at 10 AM on Sunday morning for it's three tournaments. Pacino motioned to grant the special permit request to Reading Men's Softball. The Committee discussed this request. Pacino felt that if the Committee continued to grant exceptions to it's 12 PM Sunday start rule then the rule should be abolished. Connelly explained that the difference is that granting a special request is different then granting every request that is submitted for Sunday play. Richards explained that the precedent has been set and it is becoming increasingly difficult to deny the request. Richards seconded the motion, the motion was approved 5-1-0. Recreation Administrators Report: Connelly reviewed the Administrators Report answering Committee questions. Connelly explained that chaperones would be needed for the last Friday Night Activity on March O l st. Bryant commented that Connelly should contact DARE officer Dave Stemadis to help chaperone the event. Campbell, Bryant, Pacino, and Richards volunteered to help with the event. Connelly reviewed the draft copy of the Two Year Park Improvements Plan which would go through if the capital improvements is approved. Connelly reviewed the two Request for Proposals for Pool Concessions and the Lighted Softball Diamond shack. The Committee gave their approval for both Request for Proposals. Subcommittee Reports: Teen Center - Salter explained that the Committee is drafting a letter to look into using the Senior Center for a temporary Teen Center site. Salter also reviewed the site proposal the Committee recently put together. Substance Abuse - Dave Bryant reviewed the upcoming Drug Free Week. Pool Subcommittee - Meeting February 28. Richards made a motion to adjourn. Salter asked the Committee for suggestions for the Friends of Reading Recreation Tennis Tournament. Campbell seconded the adjourn, motion approved 6-0-0. The Committee was adjourned at 9:40 PM. 4- C r"; 1 '-4 A - 3/iy/qC/-