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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-09-14 Recreation Committee Minutesn i Recreation Minutes September 14, 1994 The Recreation Committee meeting came to order at 7:30 P.M. in the Conference Room of the Town Hall. Committee members attend- ing, Sue Cavicchi, John Pacino, Kate Kaminer, Gordon Richards, Lorraine Salter, Chris Campbell, John McGrath, and Ed Hanley. Also in attendance was associate member David Bryant and Recrea- tion Administrator Joe Connelly. Minutes on August 10, 1994 were approved as presented on a motion by Cavicchi, seconded by Pacino 8-0-0. Chip Cerratani and Joe Fallon were in attendance as parents/coaches concerned with the existing field conditions. Cerratani explained his concern with the poor preparation of the youth fields in town, especially Hunt Field. Cerratani asked questions about the possibility of contracting the field main- tenance to a private contractor. Cerratani does not feel volun- teer coaches should be relied upon to maintain the fields. Fallon commented on the high expense that contracting such a job may bring to a town. Kaminer and Connelly explained the current outline for field reconditioning. Cavicchi explained that Reading organizations should unite and bring the field issue to the selectman. Cavic- chi suggested that the group make phone calls and get on the agenda of a selectman's meeting. Cerratani asked if this was up to him or the Recreation Com- mittee. Pacino explained that the Recreation Committee has done all they could. They have been to the selectman and have put their suggestions in writing. The Committee felt that if outside groups also voiced their opinion, to the selectman, it would have a greater impact. The committee gave their support on such an action. Richards commented on how there would be no chance of the town hiring private contractors to do field maintenance. It was felt by the committee the the Town of Reading's priority does not lie in recreation. Discussed football practice field permit. The committee did not understand the Town Managers involvement with the permitting. The committee felt that Pop Warner should not have exclusive rights to the practice football field. The permit was accepted with amendments on a motion by Pacino, seconded.by McGrath, ap- proved 8-0-0. 1 Discussed E.M.A.R.C. fee proposal. The committee reviewed the op- tions presented and selected the following proposal. Applicants are to be Reading Residents. Applications for scholarship are to be submitted no later than three weeks before the first day of the program. Funding will be provided to those of need for the amount above and beyond the amount of the regular Reading Recreation camp. Payment will be made to the parent at the end of the child's participation in the program. It will be the parents responsibility to make payment to the special needs program. Application will be in the form of a written request from the parent explaining their financial need. Approved on a motion by Cavicchi, Seconded by McGrath, Approved 8-0-0. The committee wants to make sure participants are aware that this program exists. Discussed Programs: Challenger Basketball. program was accepted on motion by Pacino, seconded by McGrath, Approved 8-0-0. Volunteer Dollar program accepted on a motion by Campbell, seconded by McGrath, Approved 8-0-0. Recreation Committee discussed the revolving fund and how it is to be used. The committee felt this should be a retreat item. The committee believes the revolving fund should be used for programming and not for expensive repairs to recreation equip- ment. They also do not understand why the Recreation Ad- ministrators salary comes out of a revolving fund. The committee would like clarification on this. Discussed the up-coming Retreat. The committee would like to discuss with Peter it's role in recreation "Are they an advisory, committee". The Supervisors report was then discussed and any existing ques- tions were answered. Subcommittee reports: Connelly discussed the teen center programming. A possible after school program was discussed in cooperation with Eastern Mid- dlesex Human Services. Also a re-opening of a teen center sight is under way with Coolidge being the number one choice. Connelly explained his problems with the school system. Cavicchi will try to bridge the gap carefully between recreation and the school administration. 2 Open Space Advisory- McGrath discussed the committee and their survey. McGrath mentions his keeping recreations interest for passive and active recreation in the survey. The committee further discussed the Tennis courts and the pos- sibility of permitting. Pacino and Salter against permitting the courts for use. A system for signing up for courts was dis- cussed. The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 P.M. on a motion by Hanley, seconded by Richards, Approved 8-0-0. j 3