HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-03-27-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 MEETING
March 27, 2001
Members Present: Sandra Shaw, Pam Varrin, Don Chisholm, Rick DeAngelis,
Dick Neumeier
Staff Present: Karen Simmons, David Pinsonneault, Matthew Casparius, Steve Baran
Others Present: Barbara Barrows of the Enablement Committee; John Fedorochko;
Dick Lakutis
AGENDA:
1. The meeting minutes of February 15, 2001 were approved.
2. Enablement Committee
Steven Baran, Human Services Coordinator, and Barbara Barrows of the Enablement Committee
were approached by a disabled patron who wanted to use the pool. Since this customer is on a
fixed income, he/she felt it was unfair that there is a senior rate but no discounted rate for a
disabled person. The Enablement Committee feels that a disabled/handicapped patron should get
at least the same rate as seniors.
Pam Varrin stated that anyone could apply for a scholarship. The Enablement Committee feels
that it is difficult to apply for a scholarship and that it is embarrassing. Pam said that this would
be a philosophical discussion of whether we should assume that all disabled persons have income
difficulties. Currently all scholarship applications are handled by Karen Simmons who reviews
and approves the applications. In six years she has denied only one applicant. Last year 26
families applied for scholarships. Anyone uncomfortable with this process could go to Steve
Baran and then he and Karen could review the application.
Pam stated that Recreation hopes that all our programs are accessible, but it is not always perfect.
On the registration form patrons are asked to identify any needs that they might have, which
could include economic needs. If a person is a senior it is identified by date of birth. There is a
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420
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wide range of disabilities. Pam volunteered to attend the Enablement Committee’s next meeting
to further discuss the issue. No vote was taken.
3. Dick Lakutis- Pine Meadows improvements
Dick Lakutis handed out a fact sheet on the proposed renovations at Pine Meadows, explaining
why the work on the entry road is being proposed to be done first. The road takes between three
and four weeks to complete, which is best done in the early fall or spring. The actual laying of
the asphalt takes only one day. Until the new maintenance building is ready, the old one can’t be
moved out of the parking lot. Of the total of $230,000, the service area is expected to cost
$12,000 - $15,000. This service area will be enclosed by a 6-foot wall and will also have a 6
inch high concrete spill basis surrounding the gas tanks.
Some Town Meeting members expressed concern with the road width during the bus tour and
they suggested reducing the width of the new road from 22 feet to 18 feet. By doing so, the cost
of the project would be reduced by approximately $20,000 - $30,000. There are two trees at the
top of the road that will have to come down even if this capital project is not granted. The first
tree is a 42-inch maple that is diseased, and the second is a pine tree that was damaged during the
last storm. By taking these two trees down, visibility for patrons who are crossing from the third
hole over to the fourth hole is also increased.
The Recreation Committee voted unanimously to reduce the width of the road from 22 feet to 18
feet.
4. John Fedorochko- Senior Golf Rate
John Fedorochko submitted a request for a Senior Resident Golf Rate/Pass to be valid Monday
through Thursday, from the opening time until 3:00 p.m. He proposed a fee of $250.00 to be
paid before April 1st. He estimates that senior residents number approximately 5.2 - 5.4% of the
participants, some of them on fixed incomes. Objectively golf provides a health benefit for the
seniors since most of them walk and do not use golf carts. This would be a good will gesture to
Lexington Seniors. They would have to play 24 rounds or more to break even. John has a
petition with 108 signatures endorsing this recommendation, 80% of them seniors.
Karen reported that Bill Harrison of New England Golf does not support a pass system. He does
have it at one other course. He is sympathetic to the request and would recommend a golf punch
card, to be purchased at a discounted rate.
Dick Neumeier asked if John thought more seniors would golf if a membership were offered.
John felt they would and that we should try it on a trial basis. Dick feels that a lot of 62 year olds
are active and would like to see the age minimum raised, to age 70 or 75, if adopted. Many
people are still working at age 62 and would not be available during the day. Sandra reminded
the committee that we have had this debate several times over the senior golf rate. Last year a
senior single cart rate was instituted at the request of seniors. Karen feels that since we have a
contract with New England Golf Corporation to manage the course, the language in the contract
would have to be reviewed to determine if it is feasible. She will check with the Town Counsel.
Based on past projections the Enterprise could lose up to $100,000 if this is passed.
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No vote was taken. The Recreation Committee would like more information from Bill Harrison.
5. Minuteman Tech Golf Team
Steve Graham, Director of Athletics, has requested the use of Pine Meadows Golf Course for the
Golf Team at Minuteman Regional. In the meantime Recreation’s request for the use of soccer
field space this spring was denied because all the fields have been rented to Boston Ski and
Sports Club. Although the Horticulture Club provides some benefit at the golf course, we felt
that the use of the soccer fields was part of the partnership. Parks and Recreation have initially
invested about $9,000 at Minuteman by putting in a water line, leaving a water cannon and doing
field maintenance. Last year Minuteman played 366 rounds of golf and Lexington High about
160 rounds.
Karen listed three options to the request for use of the golf course:
1. Approve the request as always, waiving the fee.
2. Approve with the junior rate, charging $11.00 per round, approximately $4000.
3. Approve at the league rate, charging $17.00 per round, approximately $6220.
This year the fields have been rented to Boston Ski and Sports Club so we need to find soccer
field space for about 200 children. Don feels we should discuss the issue with the
Superintendent at Minuteman since they accepted a better offer without discussing it with us
first. The Recreation Committee voted to charge the league rate unless the Superintendent could
assist us and honor the partnership, in which case the fee would be waived. Don and Pam will
attend the meeting along with Karen and Dave.
6. Article 31 of 1999
The cost of the project came in much higher than expected. The architect priced the project
based on the geotech reports and using the “best” techniques. Also the bleachers and ADA
requirements drove up the costs. The bleachers alone came in at approximately $500,000. Karen
spoke with Robin DiGiammarino of the School Committee and requested one of the following:
1. Reduce bleachers to 1500 seats.
2. Eliminate press box and ADA ramp to it.
3. Or contribute funding to the bleachers.
Karen met with John Moynihan and Joanne Benton and it was agreed that the bleachers could be
scaled down to seat 1500 people, saving about $100,000. The fence around the field would be
changed from the current height of 8 feet to 6 feet. The changes were approved by Joanne
Benton, Acting School Superintendent, and John Moynihan, School Facilities Director. Athletic
Director Brian McNally supports the changes. Karen is still waiting for a clearer and more
specific projected dollar amount to come in before proceeding.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
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NEXT MEETING
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2001
7:30 P.M.
ROOM G - 15