Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-10-13 Recreation Committee MinutesTown of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2684 RECREATION FAX: (617) 942-9070 (617) 942-9065 Recreation Minutes October 13, 1993 The meeting of the Recreation Committee came to order at 7:30pm. Wed., Oct. 13, 1993 in the Conference Rm at Town Hall. Present at the meeting were members K. Kaminer, F. Conover, G. Richards, J. Pacino, S. Cavicchi, C. Campbell, E. Hanley, L. Salter, J. McGrath, associate member G. Roberts, Recreation Supervisor, S. Kajander and citizen Peter Moscariello. Approval of the minutes of Sept. 8th was motioned by Pacino and seconded by McGrath. The vote was 9-0-0 for approval. Peter Moscariello attended the meeting to address three issues; to gain permission to conduct the Reading Baseball School during the February vacation, request permission to run/ the Reading Baseball School for two weeks during the summer, and to address the poor conditions of the baseball fields (Morton and Washington St.) in Reading. Moscariello briefly described his baseball programs, their con- tinued success, and outlined last year's new 5 hour pitching school. He accompanied his request with a detailed report and his Reading Baseball School flyer. Cavicchi motioned to approve both Winter and Summer programs, with Hanley seconding the mo- tion. All in favor 9-0-0. A quick review of Moscariello's letter directed to Peter Hechenbleikner on Sept. 13, 1993, concerning the extremely poor conditions of baseball fields, lack of funds for repair and main- tenance, and detailed points of embarrassment , generated lengthy discussion. Richards emphasized the safety issues for the younger kids, ( and Moscariello reiterated the need for something to be done now.) Moscariello passed around photos which further pointed out the need for repairs ASAP. Pacino pointed out that the Park Planning Report deals directly with this kind of problem. Moscariello pointed out that Hechenbleikner and McIn- tire (DPW) are sympathetic with our field conditions, but main- tain there are no available funds. Pacino made a motion for the committee to approve of a memo to be directed to the Town Manager, stating their concerns about Recreation programs generating surplus money, but not having the 1 ability to direct that revenue toward field maintenance and im- provement of all town fields. Conover seconded the motion. All in favor 9-0-0-. Conover and Kaminer gave a review of a meeting held Wednesday, Oct 6th concerning REAP. Two of the issues established at that meeting; guaranteed camp slots for REAP parents and limited en- rollment numbers for regular camp, were discussed by the com- mittee. Pacino made a motion to not limit the number of children attending Reading Day Camps and not reserve slots for any ex- tended child care program. Hanley seconded the motion. Before the vote, Salter wanted the record to show that extended care may be an option for the Recreation Dept. to offer in the future. The motion was voted on and passed 9-0-0. Kajander presented a short financial review of last year's winter basketball programs. He stated that last year's program made money, down from past years, but with a small fee increase, the 1193-94" program could again increase profits. Conover stated that he was opposed to any increase, feeling that the program earned enough revenue to handle any new expenses and maintain enough profit to help existing programs in need of financial aid. Hanley made a motion for no increased fees and continuing present rates. Campbell seconded the motion. Motion was approved 8-0-1. Kajander presented a short financial review of last year's ski program, run in conjunction with Bradford Ski area, for our Middle School students. He suggested incorporating the ski areas price increase into our fee structure. The increase was $3 dol- lars. Conover made a motion to accept Kajander's recommendations and increase the ski fees $3 across the board. McGrath seconded the motion. Motion approved 9-0-0. Last year's Winter Golf program, held at Ironwood's indoor golf facility, was attended by fifty-one Reading residents. The programs consisted of a Jr. Camp, age 8 and older, adult beginner (2 sessions) and a senior citizen group. The golf students signed up directly through Ironwood. Having the students sign-up at the Ironwood club caused some confusion about what payment the town of Reading should receive as our 15% clinic fee. McGrath noted the lack of control over the program last year, and Campbell suggested Reading Residents sign-up at the Town Hall this season. Conover made a motion to continue the program, agree to the new prices and stipulate a Reading Town Hall sign up for this year's students. Cavicchi seconded the motion. Motion approved 8-1-0. Pacino made a second motion concerning the Winter Golf and that was to have Kajander attempt to obtain last year's revenue from Ironwood. Conover seconded the motion. Motion approved 8-1-0. 2 Pop Warner football would like a waiver for field usage on Oct. 17th from 8-12am and Oct. 31st from 8-12am. Campbell made a mo- tion to grant the Pop Warner football program the permits to use the practice football field on both dates, Oct.17th and Oct.31st. Salter seconded the motion. Motion approved 9-0-0. Kajander quickly reviewed his summer program evaluations. All the committee members voiced their pleasure with the revenue gen- erated during the summer, and Pacino motioned to accept the report. Conover seconded the motion. All in favor 9-0-0. Pacino gave a final review of the Recreation Park Planning Report. Conover addressed the parking issue at Birch Meadow School and McGrath noted that the report was very well done. Pacino concluded that a final revised plan would be forthcoming. Salter gave a Teen Center review. She briefed the committee on the next upcoming event. On Nov.S, the Teen Center will present Tim Flynn (a drummer) and some guest musicians to entertain at the Senior Center. Kajander will create flyers and distribute to the Middle Schools on Oct 28th and Nov. 4th. Salter also was pleased with the support of State Senator Richard Tisei, suggest- ing that some money might be available to help our Teen Center programs. Salter explained the bulletin board sharing plan that would bring the Senior Citizens and the Middle School students together. Assignment of the Subcommittees went as follows: Budget: Kaminer, Conover, Campbell Teen Center: Kaminer, Pacino, McGrath Master Park Plan: Richards , Pacino, Campbell Concert/Programs: Pacino, Zaya Scheduling: Hanley, Richards, McGrath At 10:15pm, Hanley made a motion for adjournment which was seconded by Pacino. Respectfully submitted, Steve Kajander 4 Recreation Supervisor