HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-12-08 Recreation Committee MinutesRecreation Minutes
December 8, 1993
The meeting of the Recreation Committee came to order at 7:35pm,
Wed, Dec. 8, 1993 in the Conference Rm. at Town Hall. Present at
the meeting were members Fred Conover, Chris Campbell, John
Pacino, Ed Hanley, Kate Kaminer, Lorraine Salter, John McGrath,
associate member Gary Roberts, Recreation Supervisor Steve
Kajander and citizens Paul Lucerto, Bill Carroll and Karen Gar-
cia.
Approval of the minutes of Nov. 10, 1993 was motioned by J.
Pacino and seconded by Ed Hanley. The vote was 5-0-0 for ap-
proval.
Paul Lucerto, speaking on behalf of Reading Youth Summer Baseball
program, gave a short review of the 1193" summer. The program ran
from July 4-- Aug 17, had a total of 10 teams and had 162 stu-
dents sign-up. Paul expects the number of students to increase
for the next year. The teams played 2 games a week at various
fields which included, Hunt, Killiam, J. Eaton and Austin Prep.
The majority of the games were played at Austin Prep and Killiam,
the 2 fields in the worst shape. Paul requested that his program
be able to play their games at Barrows or Sturgis next year. If
those 2 fields are unavailable, the 3rd alternate would be to fix
up Killiam field. This would include a homeplate and pitching
rubber. Pacino said this very proposal of making Killiam into a
usable field, was in the Recreation Park Planning report.
Bill Carroll addressed the committee on behalf of Men's Softball.
Bill stated that he was very glad to have a chance to discuss
ways to keep the Birch Meadow fields clean of debris, and that he
was all in favor of keeping the drinking of alcohol away from the
areas. Bill said that the bike cops did a great job this summer,
and that Bud Dickey and his dept. were very cooperative. The
main problem centers around the 3 tournaments held at the field.
Bill will talk to all his team managers and upgrad his written
notice, in an attempt to help control the problem of alcohol and
debris. It was agreed by all that the problem existed with only
a small percentage of the teams, and that having a blue & white
swing by or the bike patrol visit, would further help the
problem. If the problem continues to exist the committee will
look into the possibility of a paid (by the Softball League)
police detail.
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Next, Kajander gave a review of the 1194" camp restructure, and
brought up a problem that needs to be addressed. If the camps
are going to have an unlimited enrollment of children, how do we
insure an even distribution of students throughout all 4 ses-
sions? Kajander pointed out that in the past, the middle 2 ses-
sions are more popular than sessions I or IV. It is very pos-
sible that sessions I and III could have 140-160 children and
sessions I and IV 30-40 students. Kajander pointed out that
staffing would be extremely difficult. Karen Carcia pointed out
the problems the pool would encounter if the numbers in the camp
swim classes were increased. Salter expressed concern that
having unlimited enrollment was just not possible given the ex-
isting circumstances. The committee was in agreement that they
must re-think the unlimited enrollment policy. Pacino made a mo-
tion to have the supervisor put together a recommendation con-
cerning camp guidelines, for the next recreation meeting.
Kaminer seconded the motion. Motion accepted 6-1-1.
Kajander gave a brief review of the 1193" swim season, and his
recommendations for the 1194" season. The length of the classes
will be reduced to 30 minutes, and the maximum size of the
classes will be reduced to 8 students. The price of the various
required instructional books will now be included in the price.
Also, a small increase to offset staff pay raises will be incor-
porated into the new fees. Kaminer made a motion to accept the
` new fees, $59 for levels I-VII, $72 for BWS/EWS and $80 for
Lifeguard Training, for the 1194" swim season. Pacino seconded
the motion. All in favor 7-0-0.
Kajander outlined his recommendations for fee increases for sum-
mer camps. An overall price increase would be necessary'to cover
the 4 1/2% raise in the staff salary. Kajander suggested a
higher price for sessions II & III, to get a more even spread of
students throughout the 4 sessions. Kaminer made a motion to ac-
cept the fee structure of $105 for sessions I and IV and $125 for
sessions II and III. Salter seconded the motion. Motion
rejected 0-7-0. All opposed.
Kaminer made a motion to accept the fee increase of $105 for all
4 sessions, with $85 fee for the second child and a $65 fee for
Jr. Camp. Campbell seconded the motion. All in favor 7-0-0.
The next topic of discussion was the list of goals that the sub
committee produced at its meeting: Conover, not having attended
the sub committee meeting, expressed his approval. However,
Pacino and Hanley both expressed their disapproval of the revised
set of goals submitted by Ruth Cogan. Pacino stated that the sub
committee goals (un-revised) should stand as the committee
adopted them. Kaminer observed that it appeared that there were
2 sets of goals; the committees and the supervisor's. Pacino
made a motion to support and accept the goals of the sub com-
mittee. Campbell seconded the motion. All in favor 6-0-0.
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Pacino made a motion to have Kamineer talk to Ruth Cogan about
the committees's concerns regarding the goals. Hanley seconded
the motion. All in favor 6-0-0.
Kajander gave a brief review of the basketball and skiing
programs. He expressed concern that the girls Sunday League has
grown to large in numbers (over 75) and that to be fair, they
should be moved to the field house where teams would be smalleer
and the girls would get more playing time. By saving the cus-
todian expense for the girl's gym, the money could be used for
the new "B" travel team uniforms. Conover made a motion to have
the supervisor make the necessary changes in scheduling to ac-
comodate the girls. Pacino seconded the motion. All in favor
6-0-0.
Kajander then gave a final update on the tennis and golf
programs.
Pacino made a motion to adjourn. McGrath seconded. All in favor
6-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Steve Kajander
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