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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-01-20-REC-min Town of Lexington Recreation Committee Sandra Shaw, Chairman Tel: (781) 862-0500 x262 Pamela Varrin, Vice Chairman Fax: (781) 863-2350 Frederick DeAngelis Donald A. Chisholm Richard L. Neumeier RECREATION COMMITTEE MINUTES January 20, 1999 Members Present: Sandra Shaw, Pam Varrin, Don Chisholm, Rick DeAngelis, Dick Neumeier Staff Present: Karen Simmons, Brian Gilbert, Jon Jalbert Others Present: Bill Harrison of New England Golf; Jack Cunha and Gary Skocay of the Skateboard/Inline Park Committee; Jeanne Kreiger, Board of Selectmen AGENDA: 1. The meeting minutes of December 9 and December 16, 1998, were accepted and approved. 2. Bill Harrison- New England Golf Corporation The Recreation Committee congratulated Bill Harrison and New England Golf on being awarded another three-year contract for the management of Pine Meadows. Bill handed out and reviewed a report on Pine Meadows. Bill mentioned that he is planning some improvements during the 1999 season, including building a new putting green in the fall. There will also be a new practice cage that can accommodate two players. He would like to institute a weed management and pond-cleaning program, but will have to obtain Conservation th Commission approval first. A proposed irrigation-aerator on the 9 pond was recommended with an estimated cost of approximately $2-3000 plus $500 for electrical work. All improvements would be paid for out of the Town’s Pine Meadows operating budget. Bill recommends raising the rates by $1.00 for the 1999 season and opening the course at 5:30 a.m. on weekends. He would expect to generate $10-15,000 more in revenue by opening 30 minutes earlier. Karen questioned whether this would present a problem with the neighbors. Bill thought it might not since they currently have workers out on the course at 5:00 a.m. Karen will monitor and evaluate this new opening time. 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420 3. Skateboard/Inline Park The proposal from the Skateboard/Inline Park Committee, including a report on the test pits done by Amory Engineering, is attached. The Skateboard/Inline Committee members feel that they are a private citizen committee separate from Recreation and the Recreation Committee agrees. Jon Jalbert’s role on the committee will fade out now and he will provide staff support when requested. Rick DeAngelis requested that the proposed area for the park be staked out before any approval is given. Other members would like to see a design for the park on the proposed site, showing actual size and dimensions, as well as having it marked off. The Skateboard/Inline Park Committee will present a design for the park at the next Recreation Committee meeting. Sandra Shaw feels that there should be an open meeting for the neighbors of the proposed park. Don Chisholm raised the question of insurance liability to the town. At this point it falls under the Recreation Statute Law, a copy of which is attached. Brian asked about the issue of keeping the skateboarders off the track. The committee will look at all issues before putting together a policy recommendation for the park that would be posted on signs. 4. Jeanne Krieger Jeanne Krieger requested that the funding for the proposed soccer field at Harrington come out of the Recreation Enterprise Fund. She believes that the Fund is healthy and could pay for this field to be built. Jeanne feels that the majority of the selectmen are in favor of building a field at Harrington. Karen Simmons handed out the Enterprise Fund balance sheet as of December 31, 1998, and explained how the finances stand. Rick DeAngelis suggested getting youth soccer involved in donating funds to maintain the field. Jeanne suggested that a policy be written to deal with the retained earnings of the Enterprise Fund for which the Recreation Committee would be sole facilitator of the policy. Jeanne stated that the Hennessy transfer warrant would be voted after funds are approved for the new Harrington soccer field warrant. Karen discussed the Enterprise Fund Policy approved in 1997. See the attached memo dated March 19, 1997. The Recreation Committee will draft a policy on the usage of the retained earnings from the Enterprise Fund. Jeanne volunteered to be an advisor and provide input on the policy. Karen will work with the committee on revising the policy. 5. Town Meeting Warrant Assignments Brian Gilbert stated that after speaking with John Moynihan he feels that the Recreation Committee should speak with the School Committee to get involved with their preliminary plan for school improvements to be included in reimbursement from the State. This is due March 1st. Dick Neumeier will represent the Recreation Committee in speaking with the School Committee about the capital projects and field improvements at Clarke, Diamond and Lexington High School. Karen requested committee volunteers to present the warrant articles. The assignments are as follows: Pine Meadows- Rick DeAngelis Harrington Athletic Field- Don Chisholm Playground- Sandra Shaw Athletic Fields at Clarke, Diamond and Lexington High School- Dick Neumeier 6. Fee Increases The Recreation Committee approved the proposed fee increases, as shown on the attached fee schedule dated January 20, 1999. In addition, they recommended a $1.00 increase to rates at Pine Meadows and this amount was also approved. This will be presented to the Board of Selectmen on February 1, 1999 for their approval. 7. Karen’s Report Karen received a request from Minuteman Tech to allow their golf team to use Pine Meadows again this year. The Committee voted to approve this request. Minuteman will again provide an in kind donation for use of the facilities at Pine Meadows. Rick suggested teaming up with Lexington Christian Academy and their efforts in getting land for a field. 8. Brian’s Report Brian is currently looking at an analysis of contracting services to redesign the operation and management of the pool. Brian met with Bob McConnell regarding boxes for Little League equipment, irrigation at Center #4, a bib (water hookup) behind Center #2, and a bib closer to the Little League field at Lincoln. They also want to build a shed/tool shed behind the snack bar located at the football field. The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m. NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1999 7:30 P.M. ROOM 111