HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-01-11 Recreation Committee Minutes OFR F9�i� Town of Reading
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16 Lowell Street REC` 'V
TOWN CLERK
tdi Reading, MA 01867-2685 READING. M 1SS.
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FAX: (781)942-5441 RECREATION DIVISION: (781)942-9075
READING RECREATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
January 11, 2011 TOWN HALL —BERGER ROOM
Attendance: Mary Ellen Stolecki, Recreation Committee Chairmen, Nancy-Linn Swain, Rec.
Committee, Frank Driscoll, Vice Chair, Rec. Committee, Eric Hughes, Rec. Committee Member,
Mary Ann Kozlowski, Rec. Committee Member, Chris Campbell, Rec. Committee Member, Kate
Kaminer, Rec. Committee Member, Bernie Winne, Associate Member, John Feudo, Recreation
Administrator
M. Stolecki called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM.
N. Swain made a motion to accept the minutes from the October 12th Rec. Committee meeting. F.
Driscoll seconded the motion. Motion passed in favor of accepting the minutes for October 12,
2010 by a vote of 6—0- 0.
K. Kaminer entered at 7:12 PM.
School Facility Use:
J. Feudo and the Town Manager met with the Superintendant of Schools and Finance Director just
before Thanksgiving. The meeting was to discuss the challenges the Recreation Division has been
facing regarding obtaining space in the schools since the inception of the After School program. J.
Feudo felt the school staff was empathetic to the issues that were bought up and made some
suggestions to help alleviate some of the constraints. J. Feudo stated he will continue to look for
space independent of school facilities and asked the committee for some suggestions.
The committee discussed some options such as Camp Curtis, RCTV and churches.
On-Line Registration:
J. Feudo stated he has been working diligently to investigate bringing an on-line registration
program to Reading Recreation. He is investigating different options and assessing costs to
implement. There are several options including systems that are completely web-based. J. Feudo
hoped to have it up and running by the beginning of March for the start of Summer registration.
The cost for up-start will be less than$5,000 and primary research shows that a better credit card
rate will help save some money based on the high volume. He hoped to have something ready for
presentation in February if all goes to plan.
READING RECREATION COMMITTEE MINUTES January 11, 2011 Con't
Amplified Sound:
J. Feudo mentioned he assembled a committee to look at amplified sound in the parks. After a
recent incident at Morton field this past summer, it became evident that the BOS policy does not
give any guidance to approve or deny requests for amplified sound use in the parks. The committee
included the Police Chief, a BOS member, Health Administrator, Rec. Committee representative
and a youth organization representative. The committee was not able to accomplish the objective
that was set forth. J. Feudo will continue to work with the staff members and BOS member to come
up with a solution.
Budget Review:
J. Feudo presented the Recreation revolving fund. He noted that some of the items were still
forecasted as the W/S season had just begun. The budget projected a 5% increase in Field Fee
revenue. The overall budget is basically at $0 after considering all revenues and expenses including
covering the fulltime salary's of all three full time staff members. This is how the revolving fund is
designed to operate. The committee asked a few questions. J. Feudo noted large jumps in revenue
in both Sunday Basketball and Travel Basketball as well as noted that the Nashoba Valley ski
program had to be cancelled for the first time since the programs inception in the early 90's. J.
Feudo noted that the tennis lights at Bancroft Ave will cost approximately$4,500 per year to
operate. The Town may consider a tennis pass or membership system to help offset those costs
going forward.
Administrator's Report:
J. Feudo gave a brief program update regarding late fall programming and early winter
programming. Overall registration numbers have been very strong with few exceptions.
There will be a youth sports coach's symposium on March 29th. The two major topics will be
concussions and recognizing and dealing with bullying in youth sports. Recreation is working with
the school department on the joint venture program.
J. Feudo mentioned that extra netting has been placed at the north end of the turf field at Collins
field to help prevent balls from hitting the house at the end of Morgan Park.
Joshua Eaton School has been working on their fund-raising for their new playground that will be
installed in August. The hopes are to build something similar in size to the other elementary
schools.
J. Feudo reminded the committee that FORR would be hosting their 5th annual Volunteer Reception
on January 20th at Bertucci's.
Sub-committees: No report.
F. Driscoll made a motion to adjourn. C. Campbell seconded the motion. Motion passes in favor of
adjournment 6-0-0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.
Respec submitted by:
®' Jo A udo
ea 'on dministra[or