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Home My WebLink About2003-06-18-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 June 18, 2003 Members Present: Sandra Shaw, Dick Neumeier, Pam Varrin, Rick DeAngelis, Don Chisholm Staff Present: Sheila Butts Others Present: David Williams and Parker Hirtle, Lincoln Park Sub-Committee AGENDA 1. Recreation Meeting Minutes th After a brief discussion about the wording of the April 14 motion to allocate Recreation Enterprise Funds for fencing and landscaping at the Skate Park, Rick DeAngelis moved, and Don Chisholm seconded that the minutes of the April 14, The minutes were accepted by a vote of 4 2003 Recreation Committee be accepted. th –0. Sandra Shaw moved that the minutes of the May 28 Recreation Committee The minutes of the May meeting be accepted. Don Chisholm seconded the motion. 28, 2003 were accepted by a vote of 4-0. 2. Skate Park Update There were no members of the Skate Park Committee present at the meeting. Sheila Butts apprised the Recreation Committee of the recent equipment problems, providing details and photographs of the failed welds holding the ramp safety rails in place. She explained that DPW had closed off the ramps with caution tape and signage. Bob McConnell, Chair of the Skate Park Committee, Olga Guttag, committee member, and Tom Noble, contractor, have been notified. Tom Noble will come to the skate park within 48 hours to examine and repair the welds. Steve Frederickson, Building Commissioner, will go to the site to inspect the existing welds and will re-inspect them once the repairs have been made. Rick DeAngelis recommended that the entire park be closed until further notice. However, since the skate park fencing is not in place it was pointed out that closing the entire park would not be possible. Don Chisholm suggested that only the events with welds that are questionable be closed. Pam Varrin agreed with this suggestion. 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420 Rick DeAngelis then made the following motion: All Skate Park events that have welds will be closed and not reopened until such time as repairs – as recommended – are made, reviewed, and accepted in the judgment of the Building Commissioner. Equipment placed out of service should be posted with signs and closed off with caution tape. The motion was approved by a vote of 4 – 0. Don Chisholm seconded the motion. Don Chisholm noted that several times he had noticed children riding scooters on the skate park events. He asked if they were allowed. Sheila Butts explained that scooters are not allowed on the ramps, but children could ride them on the open part of the cement slab closest to the track. This is an open area, with few other obstructions. However, she noted that the Recreation Department has requested that the permanent signs being ordered by the Skate Park Committee state that scooters are not acceptable in the Skate Park. Pam Varrin said that she hopes that the Skate Park Committee will provide additional instructional signs in the near future. Sandra Shaw suggested that the Recreation Committee should schedule a meeting with the Skate Park Committee at the end of the summer. 3. Lincoln Park Fields Update Sheila Butts reported to the Recreation Committee that the project is moving along. th Work laying the binder coat on the parking lot will start June 19. Because of constant complaints to DEP by Lisa Baci the cost of the project has increase by approximately $100,000 and the department expects that this figure could increase. Sandra Shaw reviewed the letter she received from the Friends of Lincoln Park detailing their concerns, and told the Recreation Committee members about the meeting, on site, with Joyce Miller, Pat Maguire, and Karen Simmons discussing the reported erosion and drainage issues on the paths and in the meadow. 4. Capital Project Update The specifications for sewer work at Pine Meadows have been sent out. Quotes for th the project are due on Friday, June 20. The contract for the work should be awarded by the following Monday. There is an existing sewer line in the road to the right of the third fairway for connection. 5. Recreation Report Sheila Butts reported that the starting date for the first session of swim lessons was changed due to the late public school closing. The morning lessons will begin on st Saturday, June 21. Participants will be notified of the change. Evening lessons will rd begin on June 23, as originally scheduled. th Camp for All, Teddy Bear and Tennis orientations will be held Thursday, June 26. th Programs begin on Monday, June 30. 2 6. Parks Report Dave Pinsonneault is unable to attend the Recreation Committee meeting. Sheila Butts reviewed Dave’s memo regarding the Parks report with the Committee. th. ??Plantings at the Old Res parking lot should be finished by June 20 ??The prices given to the Recreation Committee for replacement of the tennis bang board are for materials only. Dave suggests that $4,000 be added for labor and disposal costs. ??The Harrington softball field is still on schedule for reconstruction in late August/early September. Dave is obtaining price quotes to install a fence along the property line in response to neighbor complaints. The school contractor has begun installing his fence, which means the soccer fields will be out of service. ??The basketball court at Marvin Playground was recently repaved. ??The washout along the bike path at Lincoln Park has been temporarily repaired, but work is ongoing to plan for a long term solution. ??The contractor should finish Justin Park by early July. th ??The drinking fountain at Sutherland Park will be completed by June 20, weather permitting. st ??The lining program will be discontinued on July 1. Dave suggests the need to meet with all user groups to plan a course of action for the fall sports season. ??“We are working on securing dugout roofs and bullpen areas at Center 1 through a donation from Carol Nazarian. We should have a finalized plan next week.” Rick DeAngelis discussed the Nazarian donation with the Recreation Committee briefly. He noted that George Spartichino would most likely be installing the fencing for the bullpens and dugouts. 7. Sign Policy Dick Neumeier raised the possibility of placing a sign on the Gallagher Tennis Courts celebrating the recent success of the Lexington High School Boys Tennis Team. He explained to the Committee that a few years ago when the issue was brought before the Selectmen, they were not comfortable adopting a sign policy for municipal land. The Recreation Committee discussed raising the sign policy issue with the Selectmen again in the near future. Dick Neumeier indicated that he would be happy to take the lead. The Committee suggested that a possible compromise could be reached without having to go to the Selectmen. Sheila Butts suggested that it might be possible to put a sign on the fence at Court #5 reading “Welcome to the Gallagher Tennis Courts, Home of the 2001 Girls State Tennis Champs and 2003 Boys Eastern Massachusetts Tennis Champs” The sign would have to be designed in such a way as to allow for future championships. Money for the sign would have to be raised, and the High School Athletic Department must be involved. 3 8. New Business th The next meeting of the Recreation Committee will be held on July 16, 6:00 P.M., at the Pine Meadows Golf Course. Dinner will be served, followed by a tour of the course. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 P.M. 4