Laserfiche WebLink
confusion to the Town Meeting members. Ms. Barry emphasized the importance of reaching out <br />to all elected officials, such as the Select Board, School Committee, and Town Meeting members. <br />Rick DeAngelis expressed his concerns and disappointment with the lack of inclusion to date and <br />that the petition was formalized without the Recreation Committee or department staff being <br />contacted. Mr. DeAngelis reiterated that the recreational resources in Lexington are as valuable <br />as the brick and mortar of any buildings in town and that they are important, vital, components of <br />the community. Deepika Sawhney, who is the School Committee liaison, indicated that no <br />decisions have been made and that Chapter 97 concerns have been raised. Ms. Sawhney added <br />that Mr. Malloy and Ms. Hackett will continue to work together and report back to the working <br />group and that recreation is valuable with students being a prominent beneficiary. Ms. Barry <br />understood why the Committee was upset and will keep everyone as updated as possible. Mr. <br />DeAngelis requested that this topic be on the meeting agenda going forward, for at least the next <br />two months. Deepika Sawhney reported that the School Committee is currently working on the <br />FY2023 budget. <br />6. Field Use & Permitting — Christian Boutwell <br />Based on conversations from previous Committee meetings, Christian Boutwell acknowledged <br />the growing conflicts for use at the athletic fields, specifically the synthetic turf fields at Lincoln <br />Park and youth sports organizations such as the Lexington United Soccer Club (LUSC). Mr. <br />Boutwell would like to pursue opportunities for added efficiencies or creative solutions and <br />compromises that will satisfy the highest number of users. The target is to implement any <br />recommendations for the Fall 2022 season. Melissa Battite stated that Hayato Tsurumaki, Peter <br />Coleman, and she have reviewed this idea with Mr. Boutwell and she believes that it would be a <br />great idea for the Committee to be a part of the process and help guide the conversation. <br />Committee members welcomed this approach, which will help to expedite solutions and Mr. <br />Boutwell will communicate with staff to discuss potential solutions and next steps. <br />7. Portable Restroom Program — Hayato Tsurumaki <br />Hayato Tsurumaki provided an overview of the portable toilet program and the accompanying <br />memo is attached to the meeting minutes. This pilot program, which was approved by the <br />Committee back in December 2019, was delayed due to the pandemic and finally implemented <br />during the Fall 2021 season with portable toilets at five sites. Mr. Tsurumaki reported that the <br />feedback received from the various user groups was positive and there were fewer complaints <br />from abutters and neighbors at these sites. Since this was initially a pilot program, the request <br />was to make this an annual program going forward and to have the ability to determine the <br />locations at the Outdoor Recreation Facilities annually based on the needs of the community. <br />Christian Boutwell asked if the expenses associated with this program will be paid for by the <br />department's operating budget. Melissa Battite stated that the expenses for the pilot program <br />were included in previous fee increases and staff could review each year to build into field use <br />fees and make sure the expenses are covered. Mr. Tsurumaki added that previously, the <br />Lexington United Soccer Club (LUSC) and Lexington Little League (LLL) had leased and paid <br />for portable toilets. After a brief discussion, Christian Boutwell made the following motion: <br />"The Recreation Committee moves to approve the provision ofportable restrooms as provided <br />under the pilot program to be reviewed annually and in response to the needs at other Outdoor <br />Recreation Facilities." Rick DeAngelis seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee <br />voted 6-0 to approve this motion. <br />8. Rindge Playground Replacement — Peter Coleman <br />Peter Coleman gave a presentation on the playground replacement and ADA improvements at <br />Rindge Park. The presentation slides are attached to the meeting minutes. The current <br />playground was installed in 2005 and consists of an ages 5-12 composite structure with two <br />39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 <br />