2021-01-20-REC-min (includes attachments)

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2 that the market relocate to the Worthen Road practice field. Mr.Pinsonneault added that in addition to the Worthen Road practice field, other sites that were considered include the Muzzey Field, Hastings Park, the Visitors Center, and Tower Park,but all of these sites have their challenges. Additionally, Lower Hayden was not considered as a potential site due to the condition of the field. Ms.Wilcott-Henrie stated that the site for the Farmers' Market must be accessible,have ample parking,provide a large enough space, and be as close to Lexington Center as possible. The practice field was also renovated a few years ago to help improve the drainage. For all of these reasons, that is why the Worthen Road practice field is the desired location. While the Farmers' Market is looking for a 3-year relocation, Ms. Battite informed the Committee that if approved, an annual review would be necessary, as is the case with all field permits. It was also noted that the field permit fee would be waived,which would not result in the loss of revenue since Lexington High School Athletics does not pay for use of this field which is during the same times as the Market. After the presentation by Ms. Wilcott-Henrie, members of the Committee asked questions and expressed their thoughts on the proposal. Rick DeAngelis, Chairman of the Recreation Committee, acknowledged that the Farmers' Market is a community resource and said that he was supportive of this. As the practice field is adjacent to the Center 91 baseball field, Mr. DeAngelis asked how patrons would be protected from a foul balls. Ms. Wilcott-Henrie stated that the practice field is twice as large as Fletcher Park and the plan would be for vendors to set up on the part of the field located closest to the woods and Worthen Road. Another point that was raised was surrounding how often the Farmers' Market cancels and if it would be subject to the policies that are in place regarding field closures. Ms. Wilcott-Henrie indicated that the market closes very rarely as there are those that are food insecure that rely on the Farmers' Market. Mr.Pinsonneault stated that the condition of the field would need to be monitored closely and the decision about closing the field would need to be made fairly early. Ms.Battite, reiterated that enhanced communication with the Farmers' Market would be needed. It was also recommended that the Farmers' Market would be able to join the Sports Advisory Council while being held at the Worthen Road practice field to receive regular updates on the athletic fields. Several other questions were asked. Francesca Pfrommer expressed her concerns about parking as during a regular year, the Farmers' Market would open before the school day ends at Lexington High School ends and Worthen Road can be crowded with student parking and inexperienced drivers. Lisa O'Brien expressed the importance of making sure the field is left in good condition so it can be used by other organizations throughout the season. Ms. Wilcott- Henrie said that the market would do their best to leave the field in good condition every week and Mr.Pinsonneault added that the field would be included in the end-of-season maintenance performed at the athletic fields to ensure that it would be useable the following spring. While the market could be held on either asphalt or grass, a grassy surface is preferred for a few reasons. First,when it comes to securing the tents,it is easier to use stakes as compared to anchoring them and second, asphalt can get quite hot, especially during the summer months. As far as next steps are concerned, Ms. Wilcott-Henrie stated that the Farmers' Market would work with the Police Department as public safety is a prime concern. A site visit with representatives from the Farmers' Market,Police, Fire, DPW, and Recreation and Community Programs would be scheduled for the spring prior to the market opening for the season. Additionally, staff would work with the Lexington High School Athletic Director and the School Department regarding potential impacts and coming up with alternatives for where teams could practice on days when the Farmers' Market was open. Recreation Committee feedback about the proposal was needed prior to reaching out to the Lexington Public Schools with an update. 39 MARRETT ROAD,LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02421