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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-04-14-REC-min Town of Lexington Recreation Committee Sandra Shaw, Chairman Tel: (781) 862-0500 x262 Pamela Varrin, Vice Chairman Fax: (781) 861-2747 Frederick DeAngelis Donald A. Chisholm Richard Thuma RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING April 14, 2003 Members Present: Sandra Shaw, Pam Varrin, Rick DeAngelis, Dick Neumeier, and Don Chisholm Staff Present: Karen Simmons, Sheila Butts, and Dave Pinsonneault Others Present: David Williams, Bob McConnell, Olga Guttag, Jack Cuhna, and Andy Friedlich AGENDA: 1. Minutes Dick Neumeier moved that the minutes of the Recreation Committee meetings on March 11 and March 26, 2003 be accepted. Don Chisholm seconded the motion. The minutes were adopted by a vote of 4 – 0. 2. Skate Park Update and Private Citizen Article Sandra Shaw recognized Olga Guttag of the Skate Park Committee. Ms. Guttag reviewed with the Recreation Committee the Private Citizen Article that will be discussed at Town Meeting. She noted that the Skate Park Committee presentation would include a history of the project including the funding sources thus far, and a request for an unspecified amount of money from the Recreation Enterprise Fund. Don Chisholm asked if other communities with Skate Parks have Enterprise Funds. Ms. Guttag responded that she did not know, but some communities financed parks from the tax levy and others, such as Arlington, are using Community Betterment Funds. Sandra Shaw questioned the dollar figures the skate park committee is using as total monies raised. She commented that these figures included in-kind donations and not actual dollars raised for the project. Don Chisholm noted that the Skate Park Committee must sort out the total cost of the project. Ms. Guttag reviewed her ideas about fencing around the park. She told the Recreation Committee that she got a quote from a fence company for $17,000. She believes that it is possible to pick up the fencing materials wholesale and ask people to donate installation services. 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420 Karen Simmons explained that she, as Recreation Director, has a responsibility to the Town. She does not recommend bid splitting or asking volunteers to install the fencing as it raises the level of liability. The Recreation Committee discussed the state and local requirements of getting price quotations and formal bid necessities. Don Chisholm suggested that the committee get clarification from John Ryan and Rick White in on this issue. Rick DeAngelis asked the Recreation Committee for their thoughts about private entity requesting money from the Enterprise Fund. Sandra Shaw noted that the Capital Expenditures Committee informally voted not to support taking money from the Enterprise Fund to pay for completion of the Skate Park. Rick DeAngelis asked members of the Skate Park Committee the amount of money they were looking for. Olga Guttag said that $60,000 was needed to complete the park. Mr. DeAngelis asked what amount of money was needed to open the park. Ms. Guttag indicated that if the ½ pipe were removed from the design they would need about $35,000. Pam Varrin asked if the installation of the street course would make the park usable. She believes it is important to do what is needed to open the park. Dick Neumeier said that he hated to give up on the Private Citizen Article requesting $60,000 from the Tax Levy. He suggested that if that were defeated then the Private Citizens Committee could move for reconsideration and submit a request for $30,000 to $35,000. Sandra Shaw indicated that the only thing truly needed is fencing. She believes that $25,000 would cover the cost of purchasing and installing fencing around the park. Don Chisholm agreed and indicated that he was comfortable supporting a maximum request of $25,000 to $30,000 from the Enterprise Fund. Rick DeAngelis said that he would support $30,000 from the Enterprise Fund to be used specifically for fencing and landscaping. He added that the fencing must be purchased and installed according to the specifications of the Town. Karen Simmons said that the materials, supplies, and installation would be bid out as one item. The Recreation Committee expressed concern about the precedent being set by this request from a Private Citizens Group to take money from the Enterprise Fund to complete a private project. Rick DeAngelis then made the following motion: “The Recreation Committee supports an appropriation from the Enterprise Fund in the amount of $30,000 to be utilized for labor and materials regarding installation of fencing and landscaping around the Skate Park in accordance with Town standards and requirements. Provided that Town Counsel deems or determines it lega,l the bidding of the fencing materials and labor can be done separately with the labor component to be performed by donated labor, with any money saved by donated labor to be utilized for Skate Park events.” Don Chisholm seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee approved the motion 5 – 0. 2 3. Lincoln Park Update Karen Simmons gave the Recreation Committee a brief update on the progress of the Lincoln Park project. She told the Committee that the contractor was beginning to work on Saturdays to make up time. Quirk Construction had asked for an extension to complete the project, but the request was denied. Karen Simmons told the Committee that the Town was looking into hiring a project manager to oversee the day-to-day operation of the Lincoln Park project. She believes this will be a good investment. Don Chisholm told the Committee that he had spoken with Bill Brenchick, abutter to Lincoln Park about the proposal to move part of the fitness path closer to his property line. Mr. Brenchick agreed to that and expressed his appreciation for being included in the discussion. Karen Simmons also reported that the Conservation Commission was requesting that David Sandra Shaw Langseth replace Lisa Baci as the liaison to the Lincoln Park Sub-committee. moved to accept this appointment. Rick DeAngelis seconded. The Recreation Committee approved the appointment of David Langseth to the Lincoln Park Sub-committee 5 – 0. 3. Capital Projects th Karen Simmons reported that Pine Meadows was scheduled to open Saturday, April 19. The th contractor will start work on the parking lot binder coat on April 16 (weather permitting). The project will take 2 – 3 days to complete, but the golf course cannot open without the binder coat being put down. Don Chisholm asked if the utilities were in place. Karen Simmons reported that they were. 4. Recreation Report Sandra Shaw addressed the letter received regarding the North Street Development Project. She believes it is important for the Recreation Committee to take a position on the proposed development, and is personally a proponent of a partnership with the Conservation Department regarding this. Don Chisholm stated that his preference is in line with the Council on Aging that North Street be used as a fallback location if the Senior Center project does not go forward at 201 Bedford Street. Karen Simmons told the Recreation Committee that the Conservation Administrator has issued an emergency certificate to clean up the grease spill at Bow Street. The grease went across the bike path and into Bow Street Park. 5. New Business Wednesday, May 28 at 7:30 The next meeting of the Recreation Committee will be held on P.M. in Town hall Room G15. The meeting adjourned at 7:51 P.M. 3