HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-11-18 Recreation Committee MinutesTown of Reading
Massachusetts
Chairman
W. Hughes
Recreation Department
Minutes of November 18
1987
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M. by W. Hughes.
,
Supervisor
C. Copeland
Members Present: W. Hughes, R. Coco, J. Donovan, J. Fallon, R. Fotino, K. Rybicki, J. Connelly
Members Absent: Mr. Catalfamo - Fincom representative and P. Hichborn
Present - Supervisor: Chris Copeland
Secretary Claire Shea
Citizens Present: Mr. Kevin Flatley, Mr. Joseph W. Nolan, Mr. A. Kendall Holbrook, Ms. Pat
Keane, Mr. Jack Sweeney, Mr. T. O'Rourke, Ms Elaine McDonald, Ms. Margaret
Griesmer
Minutes
A motion was made to accept the minutes of October 21, by Mr. John Fallon, seconded by R. Fotino.
The vote was unanimous.
,-;brres~ondence
Letters to Mrs. Morris, Peter Moscariello, Bruce Morang, Peter Heckenbleikner and Jack Conlon
as a point of information were accepted. Motion was made by John Fallon and seconded by
Richard Coco. Vote was unanimous.
Mr. Kevin Flately was introduced, as were other interested parties present. Mr. Flately spmke
on behalf of the group in regard to enclosing the present pool, or building a new structure for
use year/round. Mr. Flately gave a number of reasons why, some of which were, not only could
the young people have use of the pool, but also senior citizens, handicapped persons, sports
programs, High School activities, formal swim team and others. A lengthly discussion followed,
with many questions and concerns. The consensus was that many areas need to be investigated.
The group will appoint a committee of three and meet with Chris Copeland and Bill Hughes in
the near future.
Recreation Division Report - September and October A motion was made by Mr. John Fallon to
accept the Recreation Division Report, seconded by J. Donovan, the vote was unanimous.
Bill Hughes and Chris Copeland reported they attended a dinner at Harrows for "Spinning Wheels".
They were very impressed with the group and Mr. Drew Bililies.
Policy Manual
Chris Copeland will send out to the committee that portion of the Policy Manual to be discussed,
two weeks before the meeting. Comments should be mailed to Chris. Mr. Fallon stated he would
ike papers, (minutes, correspon.donce, so forth), mailed to committee members earlier than they
alave been. The purpose of the Policy Manual being revised was discussed, at which point Mr.
Hughes asked Chris to research, "if the Policy Manual is revised, will it be recognized"?
Bill Hughes asked that a letter be sent to Town Manager, concerning this.
Mr. Thomas Manikowski
F-r his service and dedication to the community, Mr. Thomas Manikowski was honored by the
ding Recreation Department, and presented a plaque. Reading Chronicle reporter/photographer
was present.
Budget
The Sub Committee met and have submitted a proposal with a projected salary increase for the
Supervisor of the Recreation Department, along with a more realistic pay scale for summer
employees, (parks, pool, so forth). Mr. Fallon noted the increases are well in excess of what
the Town Manager suggested. There will be increases in program fees to help off/set the cost.
The committee will publish a booklet out-lining programs offered. Fees will be waived for anyone
who meets the requirements. Total expenses for 88-89 equal $22,635.00 Grand total being
86,186.75.
Mr. J. Donovan made a motion that the proposed budget be accepted, Mr. R. Coco seconded the motion
The vote was unanimous.
Old Business
Summer Program Evaluation - Chris Copeland presented the evaluations, and was asked by Mr. J.
Connelly if people who were evaluated had received copies of their evaluations, and suggested
that should be done. Members commented on salary increases; agreeing the Recreation Department
had to keep up with the times. Members questioned recommendations made by Chris Copeland. It
was suggested that "A`Touch of Class" be updated. The committee discussed a number of other
topics, and unanimously accepted the evaluation, as read.
Kathy Rybicki informed the committee, as a point of information, that she had looked into Mr.
,;T'~ew Bililies insurance coverage, as she was asked to do, and found his coverage to be very low.
^is Copeland has been asked by the committee to speak with Mr. Bililies about this. Chris will
be meeting with Drew early next week.
New Business
Mr. William Hughes asked that the committee members show him the courtesy, as chairman, of asking
him to attend any meetings the§ might have with the Town Manager, regarding anything to do with
the Recreation Department.
It appears that the Recreation Department will come under the Human Services Department under
Article VIII.The committee has a number of questions concerning this, and hope to have them answerer
at Town Meeting.
Chris Copeland informed the committee that she has received a letter of resignation from Gary
Nihan. This volunteer position will be posted.
Mr. J. Connelly announced that the Sunday Basketball was well on its way, and that changing the
age groups to encompasse grade three was very successful. Mr. Fallon expressed his concern with
the number of hours involved because of the custodial fees. Mr. Connelly reviewed the hours with
Mr. Fallon. Mr. Fallon continued to express his concern. Chris will also review the hours with
him.
There being no further business, Mr. Fotino made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by
Kathy Rybicki. The vote was unanimous, the meeting adjourned at 10:20 P.M.