2020-09-16-REC-min (includes attachments)

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6. 5 Year Capital — FY22-FY26 Melissa Battite and Peter Coleman provided the Committee with a brief update on where things stand in the capital budgeting process. As a point of reference, the cover sheet from the FY2021- FY2025 Recreation 5 -Year Capital Plan is attached with the meeting minutes. With that being said, Ms. Battite and Mr. Coleman acknowledged that there will be some significant changes to the 5 -year capital plan going forward as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff will utilize such resources as the ADA Compliance Study and the recently completed Community Needs Assessment when determining the sequencing of capital projects that are in the existing 5 -year plan as well as the inclusion of new projects in FY2026. Staff will also be taking a more holistic approach when determining what improvements will be made at a particular site or facility given the financial constraints the Department is now experiencing. Staff have been in contact with the Conservation Department to see if there are any projects the two departments will be able to collaborate on. Work on the capital plan will continue in the coming weeks so the Committee can take a formal vote on the 5 -year capital plan at its October meeting. Members of the Committee followed up on the conversation from the Financial Summit on September 10th and inquired about the creation and implementation of a new funding model for the department. Ms. Battite stated that these details are still being worked through and discussions are ongoing with the Town Manager's Office and Finance Department. The goal is to have a better sense by the end of 2020 what the new financial model for the Department will be and whether or not it will be phased -in over multiple years. 7. Recreation & Community Programs Report Melissa Battite gave a summary of the September Recreation & Community Programs Report and a copy of the report is attached to the meeting minutes. The Reopening plans towards reopening the public restrooms at the Center Recreation Complex, Lincoln Park and Community Center was shared with the Committee. With school open, athletics starting and traditional fall youth and adult leagues operating, there is more demand for access to the restrooms, Restrooms may open in early October. Another item that was discussed was the proposed scoreboards at Lincoln Park. Ms. Battite informed the Committee that the donation of the scoreboards, which is being made by Lexington Youth Lacrosse (LYL), requires some modifications to the installation. A copy of the modified blueprint is attached to the meeting minutes. Since Lincoln Park is located on top of a capped landfill, in -the -ground installations trigger the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). An above -ground installation is the most economical approach and would include concrete bases for the scoreboards. The same locations for the scoreboards are being considered and will be adjusted should the size or dimension of the concrete bases impede on the sidelines or present any other access issues. Chris Filadoro, DPW Superintendent of Public Grounds, indicated that the installer would need to be careful of irrigation lines and that DigSafe would be required to mark out the site. Given the changes to the design and the various conditions that must be met, the Committee agreed that it would be best to discuss this topic at a separate meeting within the next week. It was agreed upon that the subsequent meeting would be scheduled for Wednesday, September 23rd at 6:30pm. 8. Picture for Annual Report The meeting concluded with taking a picture of the Recreation Committee for the annual report. The next virtual meeting of the Recreation Committee is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, September 23rd at 6:30pm through the Zoom platform. The September 16th, 2020 meeting of the Recreation Committee adjourned at 8: 41pm. 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421