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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-02-12-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 February 12, 2002 Members Present: Sandra Shaw, Don Chisholm, Pam Varrin and Dick Neumeier Staff Present: Karen Simmons and Sheila Butts Others Present: Sujata Kajale, Shekhar Kshusagar, Peter Bass, John Recce, Anne Riccio, Michelle Weisberg, Mark Pardes, Amber Pardes, Diane Bailey-Boulet, Denise MacKenzie from the Justin Street neighborhood AGENDA 1. Public Information Meeting for Justin Park The Recreation Committee welcomed the residents in attendance from the Justin Street neighborhood. Karen Simmons explained the background of the proposed improvements to the Justin Street Playground, noting the commitment on the part of the Recreation Committee and Department to upgrade playgrounds throughout the town through the capital budget process. Don Chisholm inquired about the ages of the children in the neighborhood. The neighbors explained that there is a high turnover in the area, but currently there are numerous children who have yet to start kindergarten in addition to a fair number of middle school and high school boys. The Committee asked the residents what issues they currently had at the site and what equipment they would like to see if funding is approved. A majority of those in attendance requested that the natural setting of the play area be preserved. They would like to have the entrance to the area improved, and some equipment for children ages 2 – 5 installed. While they agree that a ½ basketball court would be used, if installed, there was concern about the loss of open space and noise. Karen Simmons explained that any new equipment would be installed within the area, as close as possible to the existing play apparatus. The entrance to the site would be improved and the new equipment would be accessible. The Parks Division will replace the existing bench this spring. th Town Meeting is scheduled to begin on March 25. If the $30,000 Capital item is approved, the funds would be available July 1, 2002. The Recreation Committee explained that once the monies are approved another meeting would be held with the neighborhood to obtain more input and review equipment design. 2 2. The meeting minutes from January 16, 2002 were accepted. 3. Skateboard/Inline Skate Park Report – no one was present from the Skateboard Committee. 4. Lincoln Park Sub Committee Report Don Chisholm announced that the Subcommittee was scheduled to meet with Sasaki th Associates on Thursday, February 14. The Subcommittee was supposed to get a report from Sasaki prior to the meeting, but it had not arrived yet. He told the Recreation Committee that there had been no communication with Sasaki for four months. Karen Simmons asked Dick Neumeier what, if anything, could be done relative to the partial payments made to Sasaki. Don Chisholm told the Recreation Committee that the contract with Sasaki was made outside of the Town purchasing process between the Lincoln Park Subcommittee, Trustees of the Public Trust and Sasaki. He is unaware of how much money has been paid to date. Dick Neumeier suggested that a letter should be sent to Sasaki regarding the process and expectations of the Subcommittee. He volunteered to assist in drafting this document. 5. Lincoln Fields Report Karen Simmons explained that Rick DeAngelis was out of town and unable to attend the meeting. Patrick Maguire of Geller Sports was hired to present the Lincoln Park Field plan to Town Meeting. He has a preliminary schematic for Town Meeting. Additionally, a representative from Haley and Aldrich, the firm that prepared the original plans for the area in the 1980’s, will be available for Town Meeting. Patrick Maguire has a breakdown of the cost of the “Infill Synthetic Turf” versus grass over a ten-year period. The savings are significant. Don Chisholm asked if it were possible to incorporate the Lincoln Field Project into the Elementary School Project. Karen Simmons responded that the schools are at the upper cap limit of reimbursement, and it would not be feasible. The initial request was $3,200,000. The Warrant Article requests $3,400,000. The increase relates to improvements to the existing parking lot and inclusion of additional parking spots closer to the far field to allow accessibility. This Citizen Article, being led by Bob Atchinson, is part of the Special Town Meeting on March 25, 2002. If Town Meeting votes to support this, the Recreation Department cannot fund any aspect of the process. If the citizens approve the Debt Exclusion, the Department can get involved and will manage the project. Karen Simmons told the Recreation th Committee members that there would be a “Ballot Question Seminar” on March 7 from 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. She handed out information relative to the seminar. 6. Recreation Gift Catalogue Dick Neumeier passed out samples of a Gift Catalogue used by the Recreation Department in the early 1980’s. He is interested in the possibility of updating the catalogue and using it in the future. Karen Simmons told the Committee that she had spoken with Sandy Alexander about the project. Sandy remembers the effort. It was not as successful as had originally 3 been hoped for. Lynne Wilson was the chairperson of the Recreation Committee at the time. Don Chisholm volunteered to speak with Mrs. Wilson and report back. 7. Recreation Report Karen Simmons reported that Bill Harrison was unable to attend the meeting and will report on Pine Meadows at the March meeting. She gave members of the Committee revenue and expense comparison, and a comparison of the fiscal year versus calendar year attendance and revenue numbers for Pine Meadows. She told the Recreation Committee that she was asked to give the Appropriations Committee a detail of every expense in an effort to explain the cost increases from FY00. She also noted that the Family golfing program saw a 100% increase last year. The Recreation Committee also received a copy of the “Scorecard” detailing the Recreation Enterprise Fund incomes, expenditures and attendance. Dick Neumeier expressed concern that the Recreation Department is not charging enough for non-Lexington residents to use our fields. Karen Simmons reviewed the current charges and also explained that money spent by DPW on the fields is not noted on the “Scorecard”. The Recreation Department pays DPW $75,000 per year for work done on revenue generating facilities (i.e. aquatics, tennis, Pine Meadows). Dick is concerned that we are actually subsidizing adult groups who receive permits. He suggests increasing field use fees for adults. This was tabled for a future meeting. 8. Parks Report Dave Pinsonneault was not available to attend the meeting so Karen Simmons reported in his place. The Blossom Street land will remain under the joint jurisdiction of the Recreation Department and Conservation Committee. It will, however, be maintained as Conservation Land. The pre-construction meeting for Pine Meadows was held on February 12th. ARGUS Construction was the low bidder. They will begin work this week. Don Chisholm asked how many trees were to be removed. Karen Simmons said that at the present time only two trees along the roadway were slated for removal. She reviewed the plans for the Pine Meadows improvements with the Committee, and noted that there is a new ladies’ tee at the fourth hole and work is ongoing at the first and second tees as well. 9. New Business th The next Recreation Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 25, 7:00 p.m. at the Natural Heritage Museum. The meeting will immediately precede the Special Town Meeting.