HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-02-16 Recreation Committee MinutesFebruary 16, 1995
The Recreation Committee meeting came to order at 8:00 PM in the Employee Lounge at the
Town Hall. Recreation Committee members in attendance were Chris Cambell, Sue Cavicchi,
John Pacino, Lorraine Salter, Kate Kaminer, Gordon Richards, and Fred Conover. Also in
attendance were Associate Committee member David Bryant, Human Services Director Ruth
Clay, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, and Recreation Administrator Joe Connelly.
Kaminer explained to the Town Manager the purpose of this meeting. The Recreation Committee
is concerned on how the Recreation revolving fund is being used to do basic maintenance of the
fields and other Recreation facilities.
Hechenbleikner explained in detail the current capital improvements plan.
Pacino explained the Committee's concern of becoming locked into a fixed amount of
maintenance cost:
Hechenbleikner pointed out that the money was not in the maintenance budget this year for this
extraordinary maintenance program, hopefully it will be in the parks budget in future years.
The Committee also was concerned about the level of town responsibility toward the maintenance
of Recreation facilities. The Committee would like to see the D.P.W. Parks budget itemized to
see what the present $200,000 is being spent on.
Hechenbleikner described his vision to see Parks and Recreation become totally self supporting.
Richards explained the Committee's suggestion to do away with the field fees completely.
The Committee believed that the field fees collected be used to expedite improvements and not to
do field maintenance.
Kaminer explained to Hechenbleikner the current state of the revolving fund.
Connelly explained that one reason for this current state was the moneys coming out of the
revolving fund for extreme maintenance issues. (Pool Motor, Tennis Fixtures, Etc.)
Conover asked when the line should be drawn between the responsibility of the tax dollar and the
use of the revolving fund.
Hechenbleikner reviewed the current priority dilemma that Reading is faced with.
Committee members expressed concern that Recreation is made to be self-sufficient when others
are not.
Hechenbleikner explained that it was due to budget short falls and overall Town priorities. He
noted that perhaps that could partially change in the next few years
Richards explained the Committee's suggestion to privatize the fields, giving the maintenance
responsibility to the organization. Richards explained the problem with this is the exclusivity
factor in scheduling the fields.
Hechenbleikner suggested that the Recreation Committee keep the existing policy for this year
and review other options for up coming years.
Conover wanted a commitment to be made from the Committee and Town Manger to help move
in that direction.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM
Joe Connelly
Recreation Administrator
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