HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-06-14 Recreation Committee Minutes~r
Recreation Minutes
June 14, 1995
The Recreation Committee meeting came to order at 7:30 PM in the Conference Room at the
Town Hall. Committee members attending S. Cavicchi, F. Conover, G. Richards, J. Pacino, K.
Kaminer, C. Campbell, L. Salter. Also in attendance was Associate Member Dave Bryant, newly
elected member Andrew Viccari and Recreation Administrator, Joe Connelly.
Minutes of the May 10, 1995 meeting were approved on a motion by Pacino, seconded by
Campbell, 6-0-0.
Connelly introduced newly elected Committee Member Andrew Viccari who will begin sitting on
the Committee in July.
Connelly expressed his thanks to Committee members Fred Conover and Ed Hanley who will be
leaving the Committee.
Conover explained his reasons for leaving the Committee.
Recreation Administrator's Report:
Connelly explained the contract for "Grant Memorial Pool Concessions" has not yet been
complete. The Town is currently waiting for the bidder to complete the bid specifications.
Connelly reviewed the interest he has received for fall clinics.
Conover stated that when advertising for clinic directors, the advertisements should be broad to
attract a variety of possible program ideas.
Connelly reviewed with the Committee the correct chain of command for repairing a recreational
site.
The Committee believed that the existing chain of command slowed down the maintenance
process.
Salter reviewed the Tennis Tournament.
Salter explained that the addition of the elite division to the tournament helped make the
tournament a success. Salter and Kaminer explained the tremendous amount of work directly and
indirectly involved with the running of this event. Salter asked that in the future the Committee
become more involved in the tournament.
Conover suggested hiring a tournament director.
Salter explained that at this time a full time director was not needed, a couple of volunteers would
help cover some of the busy times.
Richards suggested that the Committee members become involved in all Recreational events.
Richards stated that if asked directly more Committee members would volunteer for events that
do not directly involve them.
Cavicchi existed the meeting at 8:00 PM
Connelly reviewed the 2 v. 2. Youth Basketball Tournament.
Bryant suggested that in the future more rest between game time be allotted to the participants.
Bryant received comments from some players that there wasn't enough rest in between games.
Ed Hanley entered the meeting at 8:10 PM.
Connelly asked the Committee to volunteer for a summer concert. Connelly explained that the
concerts are simple to run and are enjoyable to watch.
Connelly explained the current situation of the Grant Memorial Pool. Connelly stated that the
pool was expensive to open and is full of minor maintenance repairs. Connelly will bring this to
the attention of the Swimming Pool Subcommittee.
Connelly reviewed the very successful Teen Coalition meeting.
Connelly explained that according to the Town Clerk, in order to be an associate member one
must be 18 years of age and a registered voter.
Conover asked that the Committee re-investigate the possibility of bringing youth on to the
committee. Conover believes that it is extremely important to involve youth in Recreation
decisions.
Connelly reviewed the current enrollment numbers for the Summer programs.
New Business:
Connelly begin to review the estimated budgets and recommended fees for Fall 95 programming.
Conover asked how the administrative cost for each program was calculated.
Connelly explained that he estimated administrative time spent on each program and calculated
that percentage of the $32,000 which Recreation must turn back into the revolving fund.
Conover then asked how much money the Revolving Fund lost last year.
Connelly explained approximately $4,000.
Conover then explained that we only have to make up $4,000 not $32,000.
Connelly explained that in order to breakeven each program must be responsible for their own
administrative expense. The $32,000 must be made up in the programs.
The Committee agreed with Conover and asked that Connelly take another look at the
recommended fee and budgets for Fall of 1995.
Connelly will recalculate the figures with Kaminer and Campbell and re-submit the budget to the
Committee in July.
Connelly reviewed with the Committee the existing Capital improvements plan for FY96.
Richards suggested that the Sturges Field be skinned when it is reconditioned.
Salter asked how the recreational facilities where prioritized.
Connelly explained the Field Subcommittee prioritized the fields according to safety. Playing
fields were receiving priority over courts.
Salter stated that the Committee should take action on court maintenance to be completed this
Summer.
Connelly stated that the Committee would have decide weather or not it wants to be involved
with ordinary facility maintenance. Connelly suggested that the Committee recommend repairs
but not become directly involved in basic field and court repairs.
Conover agreed that the Committee should not be involved in maintenance.
The Committee reviewed and discussed the current 12 PM Sunday Start rule.
Pacino believe the rule originated from the Reading Clergy.
Kaminer believed the rule originated with those neighbors of a recreational facility.
Bryant reminded the Committee that some Reading Recreation programs begin before 9 AM on
Sunday. Bryant felt the Committee should remain consistent.
The Committee decided to keep the existing rule. Exceptions may be made upon Committee
approval. The Committee felt flexibility was the key.
SubCommittee Reports:
Teen Center - No Report
Substance Abuse - No Report
Swimming Pool -
Salter explained that the Committee was still planning the up coming Swimming Invitational.
Open Space Advisory Council - No Report
Richards asked how many of the Sunday Night Concerts were sponsored.
Connelly reviewed the number of summer concerts sponsored.
Richards made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Conover, approved 6-0-0. The meeting was
adjourned at 9:45 PM.
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