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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-01-16-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 January 16, 2002 Members Present: Sandra Shaw, Don Chisholm, Pam Varrin, Rick DeAngelis, and Dick Neumeier Staff Present: Karen Simmons, David Pinsonneault, and Sheila Butts Others Present: Mark Callahan, Troop Leader, Doug Foote, Asst. Troop Leader, Representatives of Boy Scout Troop 160 AGENDA: 1. Citizens and other Boards On behalf of Boy Scout Troop 160, Doug Foote presented the Recreation Committee and Recreation Department with a Plaque and Certificate of Appreciation for the support provided to the Boy Scouts this past year. The scouts are very thankful for the use of Willards Woods and the Old Reservoir for various activities. 2. The meeting minutes from the December 19, 2001 Recreation Committee meeting were approved. 3. Skateboard/Inline Skate Park Committee Representatives from the Skateboard/Skate Park Committee were not present due to a Skate Park meeting at the Police Department. Karen Simmons reported that Dave Pinsonneault had given the latest Skate Park design to Eric O’Brien of M.E. O’Brien and Sons. Eric will be presenting Dave with a quote for using Skate Wave products for the construction. 4. Lincoln Park Sub-Committee Don Chisholm reported that the sub-committee has not had contact from Sasaki Associates recently. The Master Plan being developed by Sasaki addresses areas of the park not involving athletic fields. Tony Bonano’s crew has reconditioned the exercise path and fitness stations, and has put down new timbers along the path. This work has been paid for by the Lincoln Park Trust Fund. 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420 2 5. Lincoln Park Fields Report Rick DeAngelis reported to the Committee that meetings between the private citizen group spearheaded by Bob Atchison, and Karen Simmons, Dave Pinsonneault and the Town Manager about the reconstruction of the athletic fields at Lincoln Park were ongoing. This citizens’ committee has requested that a member of the Lincoln Park Fitness/Nature Path Committee attend future meetings. Don Chisholm will be the liaison between the two committees. Karen Simmons showed the Recreation Committee a sample of the “Sofsport” material proposed for the fields. She indicated that the “turf” is durable, does not erode and wear down like natural grass, and can drain approximately 20 inches of water per hour. The warranty is 8 years labor and construction with an estimated life span of 12 years on the actual product. The proposal is based on 300,000 square feet, and Geller Sport has suggested the possibility of adding a fourth field in this space. This addition could possibly involve the relocation of the existing sand volleyball court and proposed new play equipment. She also told Recreation Committee members that we are investigating tying the field project into the upcoming school improvement projects since the Recreation Department will lose two fields at Harrington once construction begins. She has spoken with School Superintendent Joanne Benton, who is in full support of the field reconstruction. The State must approve this. Patrick Maguire of Geller Sport is putting together harder numbers. Rick DeAngelis told the Recreation Committee that the citizens’ committee has appeared before the Board of Selectmen to request $3,200,000 debt exclusion to fund the project. The Board of Selectmen was receptive to the project, and asked for the opinion of the Recreation Committee. Rick DeAngelis told the members that geotechnical work is planned. Haley and Aldrich will be th issuing a report by February 8 dealing with the landfill issue. The Lincoln Park Fields Committee is meeting with the Capital Expenditures Committee during the week of February th 18. Pam Varrin said that although she understands the need for the project and supports the concept of having some turf fields in Lexington, she is concerned about the rubber sub surfacing and packing materials adversely affecting those users who might suffer from latex allergies. Rick DeAngelis said that he would speak with Patrick Maguire about this issue. A motion was then made regarding the Lincoln Park Field Project: The Lexington Recreation Committee endorses the reconstruction of the multi-purpose athletic fields at Lincoln Park utilizing “Synthetic Grass Technology”. The Recreation Committee recommends that Town Meeting and Lexington citizens both support and appropriate funding this project via debt exclusion. The Lincoln Park Project is impor- tant to the overall Recreation goals and programs of the Town of Lexington, especially in light of the loss of fields due to current and future school projects. The motion passed by a vote of 5 – 0. The motion was moved and seconded. 3 6. Capital Budget 2003 Karen Simmons reminded the Committee that Don Chisholm would bring the Pine Meadows Article before Town Meeting. Pat Maguire of Geller Sport has been hired as the architect and he will consult through the Town Meeting process. Dick Neumeier will present the Justin Street Playground Improvement article to Town Meeting. Don Chisholm suggested that the Recreation Committee and Recreation Department speak with the Justin Street neighbors before going before Town Meeting. Committee members agreed with this and notifications will go out to abutters and immediate area residents inviting them to attend the next Recreation Committee meeting to discuss the project. The Public Meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. on February 12 immediately before the monthly Recreation Committee meeting. Dave Pinsonneault will notify the neighbors by distributing flyers. 7. Recreation Report Karen Simmons told the Committee that she had been in contact with the Conservation Administrator, Karen Mullins, who has requested that the Blossom Street land be transferred to the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission. The tentative Warrant Article language was made available to the Recreation Committee. Dick Neumeier asked what would happen if 10 years from now the neighborhood dynamics were to change and new residents requested that a playground be installed. After a brief discussion it was determined that Karen Simmons would revisit the Conservation Commission request with Karen Mullins. The Recreation Committee would consider supporting the Article if the language were changed to allow the Recreation Department to reserve the right to build a tot lot at Blossom Street in the future, should the need arise. Further discussion on this issue was tabled until the February meeting. Karen Simmons reported that the summer planning and hiring process has begun. The School Department, she reported, is still in a state of flux as far as any Recreation Department collaboration with Special Education Summer Services. The FY 2001 Pine Meadows numbers are down by approximately 2%; however, there is every indication that the calendar year numbers for Pine Meadows will be higher. This report will be made available to Committee members at the February meeting. Karen Simmons told the Recreation Committee that she is not recommending any fee increases for the next year at this time. 8. Parks Report Dave Pinsonneault reported that the Pine Meadows Roadway and Storage Area Bid Proposals would be opened on Thursday, January 17. Twenty people took the bid information. The bids will be reviewed and references checked before a decision is made. The infield at the Franklin Park field was skinned for youth softball use. Three new diving boards for the Pool are ordered. Dave said that he has been working with Cheryl Ozolins to determine the necessity for new diving boards. The existing boards are 20 years old and have already been resurfaced once. 4 8. New Business The next Recreation Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 12, 2002 in Room G-15 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:59 p.m.