HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-01-11 Recreation Committee MinutesRecreation Minutes
January 11, 1995
The Recreation Committee meeting came to order at 7:30 PM in the Conference Room of the
Town Hall. Commmittee members attending, Lorraine Salter, John McGrath, Fred Conover, Sue
Cavicchi, Chris Campbell, and Kate Kaminer, Also in attendance was Associate Member Dave
Bryant and Recreation Administrator Joe Connelly.
Minutes of December 14, 1994 were not included in the Recreation Packet. Minutes will be held
for approval until the February meeting.
Committee reviewed the existing policy.
Conover questioned the Town's responsibility in maintaining the fields. Conover feels that the
Town should assume responsibility in maintaining the fields and other recreational areas. Salter
agreed with Conover and explained she had asked the Selectmen that same question. She further
explained she could not receive a straight answer or solution from the Selectmen.
Connelly reviewed the suggested changes to the field policy by Town Counsel.
1. Simultaneous permits, Reading Residents preference
2. Non-Residents will not get bumped once permit is issued.
3. Basketball and tennis, first come, first serve.
4. The recreation committee's field sub-committee will make it's best effort to accommodate
each league's request. If two or more organization's field requests conflict, the
sub-committee will handle the situation as fairly and equitable as possible.
Kaminer officially opened the public hearing.
See December minutes for Reading Organizations comments. No comments on 1/11/95.
Kaminer officially closed the public hearing.
Salter motion to accept the ncreased fee of $5 to $10. Cavcchi seconded the motion, approved
6-0-0.
Salter motion to accept permitting policy as amended. Cavicchi seconded motion, approved
6-0-0.
Supervisor's Report
Connelly reviewed report.
Salter commented on the successof the Gingerbread decorating course.
Salter also commented on the tennis court lights. She feels the Town should absorb the cost and
the responsibility for some recreation repairs and basic costs.
Connelly explained the supervisor's report was referring to the 10 light fixtures already purchased
through the revolving fund.
Salter asked Connelly to confirm the price on the tennis nets of $45 a piece.Connelly confirmed.
Committee discussion on the use of the revolving fund and the Town's lack of responsibility
toward recreation.
Kaminer motion to accept Supervisor's report. Salter seconded motion, approved 6-0-0.
New Business: Approval of summer camp fees.
Connelly explained the reason for the recommended $20 increase for camp and $14 increase for
Jr. Camp. Conover pointed out that it was over a 20% increase. The Committee as a whole felt
that the increase was too much.
Connelly explained the new activities and their cost. Conover asked how much the camp was in
surplus last year. Connelly stated over $17,000. The Committee wanted to know where this
money was going.
Connelly explained that his salary along with other administrative expenses had to be transferred
out of the revolving fund.
The Committee felt that we should not increase the price of the camp, it is already operating in a
surplus.
Kaminer pointed out her reaction to the change in field trips. She feel that trips are not necessary
and a field day or similar event would be just as much fun for the kids. The Committee agreed.
Connelly explained about the new summer elective program and it's $7.00 increase per person.
Connelly explained option to have specialty personnel teach electives for this year. Committee
agreed that this would help reduce the cost per child. Kaminer stated that this would also be a
good year to test the elective idea with the specialty counselors.
Conover pointed out to Connelly that the loss of revenue for the last week must be factored in.
Conover motion to increase the fees for camp $10, $105 to $115, Jr. Camp $7, $65 to $72,
seconded by Campbell, approved 6-0-0.
Committee agreed on changes and allowed Connelly to make the necessary changes to the camp
schedule.
Connelly explained reason for swim lesson increase.
The Committee did not like the idea of a $1,000 contingency fee for the pool. Again the question
of Town responsibility.
Salter stated that if we lose the existing pool, it might motivate people toward supporting a new
indoor facility. Conover disagreed, stating that we need a pool in Reading. Losing the old pool
should not change the fact that we need a new pool. Salter pointed out that the sight the pool
task force is looking at for the new facility, is the current Grant Municipal Pool sight.
Campbell motion to accept fee as proposed $62 I-VII, $75 BWs, $83 LG, seconded by McGrath,
approved 6-0-0.
Sub-Committee Reports
Swimming Pool- Salter invited everyone to the Wednesday night meeting 1/18/95. She
explained how the task force is looking at structures and narrowing down the decision on the style
of pool they want.
Substance Abuse Advisory Council - Bryant explained the Council's continued preparation for
the drug free week activities in March.
Open Space Advisory Council - McGrath stated the Council is doing well and is in the process
of drafting the report. The Council is upset that they have no money with which to do anything.
Teen Center Saner explained the upcoming Friday Night Activity.
Conover motion to adjourn, seconded by Salter, approved 6-0-0.
Meeting adjourned at 10:OOPM
Joe Connelly
Recreation Administrator