HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-07-19 ad Hoc Memorial Park Use Review Committee MinutesL, -
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Town of Reading
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16 Lowell Street eading, MA 01867-2685 R RECEIVED
I C~ WN CLERK
FADING, MASS.
1004 AUG 20 P
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RECREATION DIVISION: (781) 942 - 9075
Ad hoc MEMORIAL PARK USE REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTES
July 19, 2004 at Town Hall Conference Room
Attendees: Gail Wood, Board of Selectmen
Margaret Sullivan, Resident at Large
John Fallon, Neighbor of Memorial Park
Frank Driscoll, Reading Youth Softball, Recreation Committee Member
Preston Lucus, Reading Youth Baseball
Rick Shaffer, Recreation Committee Member
John Feudo, Recreation Administrator ti
Guests: Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager
Joan Langsam, Town Counsel
Gail Wood called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.
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P. Hechenbleikner thanked the members of the ad hoc Memorial Park Use Review Committee for
volunteering. P. Hechenbleikner stated he felt it was time that there was some conclusion brought
to the situation at Memorial Park. Peter introduced Joan Langsam and mentioned that Joan could be
brought into meeting when necessary and questions could be facilitated to her through the Town
staff representative John Feudo.
P. Hechenbleikner exited the meeting at 7:22 PM.
J. Langsam explained to the committee about cy pres. She explained that the purpose of cy pres and
explained how it related to Memorial Park specifically. She stated cy pres comes into play when a
trust has a request that is not clear or the nature of the request is no longer possible. J. Langsam
stated the parameters for Memorial Park could be taken to court to be decided. Only the heirs can
release the imposed conditions of the use of the land.
J. Fallon stated he would like to see the issue go to court to see it the park could be used for the
purpose of practicing.
G. Wood stated the Committee would need to make a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen
- based on tine charge of the committee. F -Driscoll asked J -Feudo tc make availabte the actual-
charge of the committee to each member for the next meeting. J. Feudo stated he would mail it to
the committee.
Rick Shaffer entered the meeting at 7:30 PM.
The Committee discussed the Release of Condition in Deed of Gift completed on May 21, 1953 to
allow for a swimming pool to be allowed at Memorial Park. Based on their findings the Committee
agreed there were 3 options:
1. Do nothing and wait for someone to push the issue.
2. Find the heirs of the original deed and ask for their interpretation.
3.. Take the issue to court and have a judge decide.
The committee seemed most comfortable with option 2 of attempting to find the heirs of the
original deed.
J. Fallon stated that he fells people believe just because he is an abutting neighbor that he is against
activity in Memorial park for practice. J. Fallon stated he understands about the issues surrounding
the park as well as anyone and believes there is some type of middle ground.
J. Feudo stated the number one concern at Memorial Park is the parking and traffic issues. F.
Driscoll added that Monday - Friday Nights there are too many cars at the park creating the
problem.
R. Shaffer stated he felt when looking at the Memorial Park Issue, the Committee needs to look at it
as a community issue. He stated because of the shortage of fields, the Town needed to do its best to
use what it already has to a greater extent. R. Shaffer also stated he felt the intent of putting specific
sports in the original deed was to keep people out of town that were not welcome not to prevent kids
from playing sports.
J. Fallon asked if the next meeting could be advertised in the newspaper to see if any interested
residents would like to come to the meeting. The Committee agreed that it was a good idea to put a
press release in the newspaper for the August 9th meeting at 7:30 PM (location TBD).
J. Fallon made a motion to adjourn the meeting. F. Driscoll seconded the motion. Motion passes in
favor of adjourning the meeting 5-1-0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:44 PM.
Respect mitted by
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