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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-03-22-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 22, 2000 Members Present: Sandra Shaw, Pam Varrin, Don Chisholm, Rick DeAngelis, Dick Neumeier Staff Present: Karen Simmons, Brian Gilbert, Matthew Casparius Others Present: Shirley Stolz, Capital Expenditures Committee AGENDA: 1. The meeting minutes of February 9, 2000 were approved. 2. Town Meeting – New Articles ARTICLE 8i of 2000- Sutherland Playground It was suggested that we gather archive records as to find when tax levy funds have been used for playground improvements. The tax levy is supposed to support non-revenue generating recreation programs. This policy was set so that the Enterprise Fund did not go bankrupt. Do we need to re-examine this policy? Town Meeting might assume we should always pay for all Recreation Capital projects with Enterprise funds. If we have the funds for improvements available now and ask for tax levy funds, then that puts us in a questionable position because we are ignoring our policy. We have to be careful that we do not create an impression that the fund is more stable than it really is. The Appropriations Committee feels that we should have only 5% of our operating budget left over at the end of the year ($50 –60,000). Karen does not feel that such a small amount gives us enough of a reserve in an emergency, such as if lightning should strike and blow out the irrigation system at athletic fields or at Pine Meadows. The Sutherland area has many young families. Rick DeAngelis feels that the improvements have been put off for too long. The question remains as to whether we want to make an exception to the policy regarding non-revenue generating areas to get the upgrades to the playgrounds. Dick 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420 2 Neumeier is still not persuaded that tax levy funds are not available for next year. Karen suggested that we might want to work with Jeanne Krieger to revisit the whole policy. Matt will find out when tax levy funds were last used for improvements to playgrounds. Sandra feels that we should go in to Town Meeting suggesting that Enterprise funds be used for the Sutherland improvements. Part of Dick’s initial statement will lead into this. We had another great year financially at the golf course because of the good weather this past season, but there is no guarantee that it will always be that way. ARTICLE 11- Pool Don Chisholm suggested that pictures be taken of both the Pool and the Old Res on a sunny day to be used in the report to Town Meeting. Matt will work with Don to develop a Powerpoint presentation. ARTICLE 12- Res Pam Varrin asked whether or not the bathrooms at the Res were made ADA accessible. Karen said that we have looked through the records, but have not been able to find the dates when the work was done. 3. Old Capital Articles HARRINGTON- Article 30 of ’99 Karen will be meeting with representatives from the schools to discuss the building project at Harrington. There has been talk of locating a new school building on one of the soccer fields. Work on this project has paused until the school site is determined. SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS- Article 31 of ’99 Dick would like to revisit the improvements at the schools. Plans have been put on hold for Harrington until other decisions have been made. Dick is still concerned that the Permanent Building Committee and schools have no plan for Article 31 of ’99. Work needs to begin. Dick will call Peter Kelley to discuss a schedule. PINE MEADOWS- Article 29 of ’99 Two bids were received, one of which was disqualified for not submitting all of the required information. The contract was awarded to Lawhorn Irrigation. Jim McLaughlin is supporting the decision to award the contract to this company. They are planning for fall construction, as per John Allen’s request. 4. Lincoln Field Don Chisholm had concerns about the encampment to be held at Lincoln Park for participants in the Battle Road re-enactment. Will there be any compensation to Recreation from the organizers? Brian will work with Skip Hayward, Chair of the Commission 2000 Committee, to work out some plans and get reimbursement for field repairs. It was decided that the Recreation Committee would not meet again until after Town Meeting is over unless there is an issue that needs to be discussed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. 3 NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2000 7:30 P.M. ROOM G-15