Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-02-08 Recreation Committee MinutesFebruary 8, 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. Also in attendance was Recreation Administrator, Joe Connelly. Minutes of the December 14, 1994 were approved on a motion by Campbell; seconded by Richards, 5-0-1. L. Salter arrived at 7:40PM. Minutes of January 11, 1995 were approved on a motion by Cavicchi, seconded by Kaminer, 5-0-2. Kaminer pointed out the amended changes to the summer camp fee structure. The approved camp fee structure is as follows: Camp - $120 1 st child, $110 each additional child Session IV - $60 1st child, $55 each additional child Junior Camp - $76 each child Session Iv - $38 New Business: Reading Men's Softball representatives Mike Moscariello and Dennis Gray presented the committee with a proposal to allow 2 out of town teams into the existing A Division. The proposal also in cluded allowing 3 out of town members on to each A league team. J. McGrath arrived 7:50PM Moscariello reviewed the proposal emphasizing that out of town additions would not eliminate any Reading resident's participation. Kaminer questioned if this agreement would be reciprocal with the other towns. The answer was no, the teams would become members of the R. M. S. L. Also questioned was how the teams would be chosen, and if this would add to increased demands on the fields. Mc Grath commented that this could start a trend among some of the other leagues. Kaminer also asked what steps would be taken to handle past incidents of public alcohol consumption and obscene language. Moscariello stated a new rule is being implemented which punishes those using foul language and possible suspension of team, coach , or player for alcohol consumption. Moscariello stated the Reading Police department should take appropriate action when incidences of public drinking occur. Pacino made a motion to accept this proposal on a one year trial agreement. Campbell seconded the motion, motion approved 8-0-0 Supervisor's Report: Connelly asked if there were any questions. He gave the dates of the Friday Night Teen Center activities as 3/10,4/28, 5/12,and 6/616. Conover asked if Recreation could take over the instruction of the new Sciensational Workshop. Connelly explained attempts were made to have a Reading teacher direct the program. It might be a possibility in the future. Supervisor's Report approved on a motion by Cavicchi, seconded by McGrath, 8-0-0. New Business continued: Connelly reviewed the proposed Camper with Special Needs guidelines for those registering for the summer camp program. Connelly explained the guidelines and the expertise of the people who were consulted on this matter. The committee suggested that a section be added, stating the Committee's right to either request the parents to supply direct supervision or withdraw the camper from the program. The committee felt this should be reviewed by the Town Manager and Town Counsel. The next order of business was discussion of the use of the revolving fund for field maintenance versus field capital improvements, and Recreation's overall responsibilities. Kaminer explained the Town Manager's proposal to use $4,000 from the revolving fund to help fund a special field maintenance program. The committee felt as a whole that any maintenance should be the town's responsibility and not the responsibility of the Recreation's revolving fund. Campbell pointed out the comment made by the Town Manger at the Retreat about Recreation becoming self-sustaining. Kaminer explained to the Committee our existing financial difficulties. She stated the intent of raising the fees was to give monies toward field improvements, however a specific amount could not be decided upon or promised. This decision would be made at year's end when the committee had a better idea of the financial status of the revolving fund. Conover asked Connelly to review the amount turned over to the General Fund from the Revolving Fund. Connelly explained the $32,781 was turned back to the Revolving Fund to cover the Recreation Administrator's salary and some smaller administrative expenses. Salter commented that if the Town Manager does not want Recreation's $4,000 to go toward field capital improvements, then instead of putting $4,000 toward field maintenance this money should go toward improving the existing basketball and tennis courts. Conover suggested a public relation's campaign to make the public aware of the existing field conditions and the reasoning behind their deterioration. Salter wanted to know if anyone knew the existing park budget for field maintenance. Richards pointed out that if the Committee reduced the field fees, putting the full financial responsibility on the Town, then the private organizations would want to take over their own field maintenance. Conover thought this was acceptable as long as the Recreation Committee still had the power to schedule field use. Connelly expressed his concern that regardless of whether the Recreation Committee was involved in field maintenance and planning, the Recreation Division and the Administrator would be. Salter suggested the Committee meet with the Town Manager to discuss their concerns. Conover agreed with Salter and suggested that a discussion of the field fees be put on the March agenda. Richards explained his concern that the reputation of the committee is at stake. Campbell agreed with Richards, commenting on the people's perception of the Recreation Committee. Richards suggested a tiered fee system be developed to cover administrative costs. Pacino left. Old Business: Salter explained her conversation with Chuck Schena of the Booster's Club to hold a joint Octoberfest. The committee wanted to know if the entire Reading Booster's were behind the idea. Subcommittee Reports: Teen Center - Connelly explained upcoming programs. Substance Abuse - Richards updated the Committee on the Drug Free Week Activities. Swimming Pool - Conover read a letter drafted to the Pool Task Force from the Town Manager. Salter explained her perception that the task force was dissolved before it accomplished what it was asked to do. Salter asked if the Recreation Committee could develop a Pool Sub-Committee to meet and continue the task force efforts. Campbell made a motion to adopt such a committee with the following guidelines: 1. At least one member of the Recreation Committee shall be on the sub-committee. 2. The Chairman will be a member of the Recreation Committee. This motion was seconded by McGrath, motion approved 7-0-0. Campbell made a motion that Salter become Chairman of the committee, seconded by McGrath, approved 7-0-0. Open Space Advisory - McGrath explained that they are in the process of writing the report, however no money exists to currently take any action. Other Business: Connelly asked Richards to explain field scheduling. Conover motion to adjourn, seconded by Campbell, approved 7-0-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:30PM. A5~f7~~