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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-02-05 Recreation Committee MinutesT ? Recreation Minutes February 5, 1992 A meeting of the Recreation Committee was held on February 5, 1992 in the selectmen's Meeting Room at Reading Town Hall, 16 Lowell St. Reading. Committee members present included Chairman Joseph Giordano, Vice Chair Kate Kaminer, John Fallon, John Pacino, Fred Conover, Lorraine Salter, Ed Hanley, Tom Zaya and Gary Roberts. Mary Williams and Steve Sullivan arrived late. Also in attendance was Recreation Supervisor, Lesley Wexler. Under the first order of business, the minutes of the January 8th meeting were reviewed. John Fallon made a motion to accept the minutes as recorded. The motion was seconded by Lorraine Salter and then approved with a committee vote of 5-0-1. Two items of correspondence were reviewed under the second order of business. The RFP for privitization of the pool was briefly discussed as was a memo regarding the Committee's position on relocating the Recreation Division from Human services to the Library. In the memo, it was stated that the Committee was in approval of the relocation, yet the Recreation Supervisor pref- fered to make no comment and remain neutral. Next, Recreation Supervisor, Lesley Wexler summarized her Supervisor's Report and answered various questions from the Com- mittee. A motion to approve the report was made by Committee mem- ber John Fallon and was seconded S. Sullivan. A vote of 6-0-0 to approve the report was made. At 7:45pm, Chairman Joseph Giordano welcomed members of the Ice Rink Committee. George Hines, Ice Rink Chairman introduced the various members present. Members present included Mike McCaf- frey, Nelson Burbank, and Brad Latham. Mr. Hines also mentioned Martin Curley and Harold Hulse, two board membeers who have made considerable contributions yet were unable to attend tonight's meeting. Mr. Hines reviewed the Ice Rink Committee's past efforts, and re- quested feedback from the Committee, in regards to their find- ings. It was stated by Mr. Hines, that through extensive research three main.sites had been delegated appropriate for construction of the Ice Rink. The 3 sites includes (1) Batchelder, (2) Birch Meadow area (near field house) and (3) the Nike Site. 1 Batchelder Field was found to be inadequate, resulting in the Nike Site on Haverhill St., and Birch Meadow the two main sites of interest. After more extensive research and public input, it was concluded that the prime site be the Haverhill, Nike Site, This due to ability to groom and prepare the site for construction with ease. John Fallon questioned Mr. Hines about the possibility of placing the Rink at the John St. dump. Mr. Hines responded, explaining that it would be extremely expensive given the extensive site preparation needed. It would be financially unfeasible Mr. Hines commented. John Pacino asked if there would be problems with the site at Haverhill St. George Hines stated that the Town has the right to access the driveway from Haverhill St.to the Nike Site, as does the Riflery Club, and Zanni Construction. It was asked if the Rifle Range would effect this site at all. Mr. Burbank stated that the Rifle Range would not effect the Ice Rink at all, yet it could effect any recreational fields in the area. Mr. Hines said that a traffic report is currently being compiled and that a final traffic study will be placed in the final Ice Rink Report. Fred Conover spoke for a few minutes, thanking Mr. Burbank for his most generous donation, and also for his perservance through the lengthy process. Mr. Burbank responded by saying that the members of his committee have been excellent to work with and very efficient. John Fallon asked if the right of way is 30ft. at the Nike Site. Mr. Hines stated that the right of way is 37ft. G. Hines also said that utilities for the Rink have been researched and that all abutters will be talked to. Committee member John Pacino thanked Mr. Burbank for his charitable contribution towards the rink, and asked him what the timetable would be for completion. ' Mr. Hines responded, stating that on February 11th, the Ice Rink Committee would be presenting a preliminary plan to the Selectmen, and asking for feedback from them. A final report, Mr. Hines stated, will be ready in March, and at that time, the Ice Rink Committee will request a Special Warrant to go before Town Meeting, If all plans are approved, Rink completion would be scheduled for August 1993. 2 Fred Conover asked what in regards to the rink would, Town Meet- ing need to approve. Mr. Hines explained that to lease the land at the Nike Site, a Town Meeting approval would be necessary. Mr. Latham asked the Committee for a vote in support of the rink. Mr. John Pacino then made a motion to approve the concept of having a rink at the Nike site. The motion was then seconded by John Fallon. A committee vote of 6-0-0 was recorded in favor of concept. To conclude the Ice Rink discussion, Fred Conover asked if the rink would be a facility for all groups to utilize, not just youth hockey and RMHS hockey. Mr. Burbank said he would like to see the Ice Rink used by all segments of the population. At 8:30pm, David Borgal put forth a proposal to the committee for two new clinics to be advertised in the Summer Brochure. The programs proposed were "Biddy Basketball" to be run by Dave him- self, and Summer Soccer Sessions by Joseph Connelly,jr. Mr. Borgal stated that both programs would run one night per week, for 8 weeks. Basketball would be availbale for children in grades 6,7,8, & 9. Each program would cost $20. Joe Giordano asked what facilities would be needed. Dave Borgal said anything would be fine. Mr. Giordano asked about being in competition with other Soccer and Basketball clinics. Dave Borgal explained that each clinic is offered to opposite age groups than the current clinics are designed for. Steve Sullivan inquired about what time the program would run. David said between 5 & 7pm. Fred Conover asked how many kids would be needed to make it go. Dave said it didn't matter. Fred Conover made a motion to approve the concept. S Sullivan seconded the motion. Program was approved 6-0-0 . At 8:40pm., Mr. David Williams presented a proposal for a Bird Watching program. Mr. Williams explained all ages could par- ticipate in the walks and they would be no charge to those in- volved. Fred Conover made a motion to accept the proposal as presented. The motion was seconded by Lorraine Salter. The program was ap- proved unanimously 7-0-0. At 9pm, a Public Hearing was held in regards to the construction of a batting cage at Morton Field, and also on the program fees for the upcoming year. 3 The batting cage was discussed first with Pete Moscariello presenting a proposal outlining the layout & purpose of the bat- ting cage. Throughout the batting cage portion of the public hearing, ques- tions were asked about several issues. It was asked if a batting machine would be placed in the cage. Mr. Moscariello said no. It was also asked if the cage would be lighted or locked. Mr. Moscariello stated that the cage would not be locked or lighted. One citizen asked if the cage would increase the use of the field. Joh Fallon stated that it would not as the field is used to its limit now. Dave Kerr and Neil Driscoll of Senior League stated that their organization would like to help pay for the cage as they would be using it also. They suggested that a smaller mesh fence be used to deter any climbing. John Fallon asked about placement of cage next to the tennis courts. It was stated that the action and noise from the cage would disturb the tennis players. A location far in right field was then mentioned, and J. Fallon made a motion to construct cage in this area. The motion was seconded by M. Williams. The motion was opposed with a vote of 3-4-1. Steve Sullivan made a motion to place cage near the 3rd baseline close to the bleachers. The motion was seconded by Kat Kaminer, yet opposed by the committee with a vote of 5-0-1. John Fallon then made another motion to place the batting cage in the 1st base line area. The motion was seconded and then ap- proved with a vote 5-0-3. Ms Wexler reviewed the current fee structure and stated that a few programs were in need of adjustment due to additional staff being hired or that the program had lost money at last years price. Questions regarding various prices were asked. A motion by John Fallon to have fees remain as Ms Wexler had recommended was made. The motion was seconded by Mary Williams and approved 6-1-1. Mr. Giordano reviewed the Selectmen's meeting held a few weeks ago in regards to the role of the Recreation Committee. Chairman Giordano felt the meeting went well and was constructive. 4 Vice Chair Kate Kaminer reviewed the Teen Center information gathered to date. Ms Kaminer expressed her desire to expand the Teen Center Sub Committee and to establish a sight for the center. Lorraine Salter made a motion to approve expanding the committee. The motion was seconded by J. Fallon and passed unanimously by the committee 7-0-0. Lorraine Salter made a motion to use Pearl St School and $2000. from the revolving fund to start the program. The motion was seconded by J. Fallon and was approved 7-0-0. A motion was made by J. Pacino to accept the Teen Center program. The motion seconded by J. Fallon and passed 7-0-0. At 11:45pm a motion to adjourn was made by K Kaminer, seconded by S.Sullivan. A vote of 7-0-0 in the affirmative was recorded. Respectfully mitted, 4LS-1ew J, Recfeat bn supervisor 5