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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-03-09-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 March 9, 1999 Members Present: Sandra Shaw, Don Chisholm, Pam Varrin, Dick Neumeier Staff Present: Karen Simmons, Brian Gilbert, Jon Jalbert Others Present: Shirley Stolz of Capital Expenditures Committee AGENDA: 1. The meeting minutes of February 10, 1999 were approved. 2. Warrant Articles for Town Meeting Karen Simmons reviewed the assignments and told anyone who might need assistance to contact Brian or Karen for support as son as possible. Article 26f- Playgrounds and Recreation Facilities Improvements $30,000 is proposed for improvements at Sutherland. Sandra Shaw will speak on this article if needed and Karen will get her the notes. Article 29 Pine Meadows Improvements- Rick DeAngelis Sandra asked if there were any layout pictures on Pine Meadows. Shirley Stolz agreed that it would be helpful to see what has been accomplished so far. Brian will see if Karen’s pictures can be scanned and used. Article 30 Athletic Field Development- Don Chisholm Brian stated that he and Karen are exploring a different option for Harrington. Brian also spoke with John Moynihan regarding the location of the portable classrooms. Don would like to work on a layout that would show the option that Brian and Karen are exploring. Brian will assist Don and get a map of Harrington for him to prepare this article. When Shirley asked if the committee were comfortable with the funds coming out of the enterprise for this article, the members responded no. Karen will be meeting with Rick White and John Ryan to discuss the enterprise 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420 2 fund. The unreserved retained earnings are approximately $240,000. One option is to bond the field at Harrington and pay it over three years. The committee feels that the option of bonding for Article 30 for the short term is a good option, pending the results of Karen’s meeting with Rick White and John Ryan. Article 31 Athletic Field Improvements- Dick Neumeier Dick still has not received a fax from Rick White that would show the numbers and how this project could be funded through the tax levy. Dick also expects that the information he needs from John Moynihan will be in tomorrow. Dick stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee explained that there is no money available in the tax levy and that Article 31 should be funded out of the enterprise fund. Sandra stated that the Recreation Committee should make it clear that we cannot fund this article our of the enterprise fund. Dick asked Karen to get the information he needs from Rick White tomorrow. Dick agrees with Sandra and feels the article would do better as an item funded out of the tax levy. Karen feels the committee should be prepared to come up with another plan if Article 31 is broken up with some parts funded by the tax levy and some by the enterprise fund. Her recommendation is to request enterprise funds for the tennis courts and tax levy for the non-revenue generating items. Dick will continue working on this article. 3. Little League fees Dick feels the committee should address this issue because the increases from the youth leagues could allow options further down the road to cover Recreation Capital projects. At the meeting of February 22, 1999 the Board of Selectmen voted the change to a $5.00 fee for Little League during this calendar year. This approved item regarding Little League fields only should be argued by the committee. The committee feels there is enough to make a case to the new Board of Selectmen. Karen will go back to the Board of Selectmen after TMMA and request the $8.00 rate. 4. Brian’s Report Brian stated that the DPW budget is taking deep cuts this year. He does not see anyone advocating for the Parks Department. He also see future strains as the development of the recreation infrastructure increases along with the expectation of his services while his budget and staff are being cut. He would like to see an advocacy group for the Parks Department similar to the Recreation Committee. The Parks Department is currently prepping the fields for spring. In the spring one field will be out of use at Lincoln and two at Harrington. Center #1 and 2 will be out in August. The Adams and Muzzey fields will be back in use this spring. Sandra would like a listing of fields showing how they are rotated year to year to show how the maintenance program works. Karen suggested taking slides of a field just brought back after care and then after use, like a before and after picture showing the damage that constant use causes. Karen feels it is important to educate people with these demonstrations. Pam agrees and says this would be a great advocacy for Brian’s department. When Shirley asked how long it would take to build the field at Harrington if it passes, Brian replied two years. 3 5. Karen’s Report The Recreation Department is currently interviewing for summer positions. The location for Camp for All is still not finalized. The cost of busing campers to the Res for the summer will be $3000.00. Jim Nicoloro would like a response from the committee regarding splitting costs on carts at Pine Meadows and a membership fee for seniors. Karen will get a survey done on golf cart fees and have Bill Harrison complete this information. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. NEXT MEETING: MARCH 29, 1999