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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-08-13-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 RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING August 13, 2003 Members Present: Sandra Shaw, Pam Varrin, Don Chisholm Staff Present: Karen Simmons, Sheila Butts, Dave Pinsonneault Others Present: Timothy Heitz, Margaret Heitz, Joyce Hals, Nell Walker, Lynne Wilson, Lisa Baci, Ione Garing AGENDA 1. Citizens and other boards Sandra Shaw recognized Margaret Heitz of the Friends of Lincoln Park. Ms. Heitz thanked Recreation Committee for allowing her to make a statement and ask questions about the Lincoln Park Project. She asked what the park, as a whole, would look like upon completion, and commented that although she initially voted for the project she has reservations now about the scope of the project. Additionally, citing the Newton model of the early 1990’s, she questioned why the Recreation Department and the local youth sports organizations were not in a partnership aimed at revitalizing fields in Lexington. Lisa Baci, Friends of Lincoln Park member, asked why she had yet to receive a response to her email. Sandra Shaw stated that she responded to Lisa’s email soon after it was received. Karen Simmons noted that construction is still ongoing and some of the issues raised by Ms. Baci will be addressed as part of the construction. Other issues raised such as the broken pipes and washed out area of the bike path near the brook are pre-existing conditions that public works has been working on for the past few years and were not caused by the field renovations. Ms. Baci and Ms. Heitz asked if the Friends of Lincoln Park could be on future Recreation Committee agendas. Sandra Shaw indicated that this could be done, and suggested that they contact the Recreation Department office to be added to the agenda. 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420 Pam Varrin commented that she is confused about the mission of the two groups – Friends of Lincoln Park and Lincoln Park Sub-committee – and asked for clarification. The Friends of Lincoln Park are a citizen group recently formed and are not associated officially or unofficially with the LPSC or the Recreation Committee. The Lincoln Park Sub-Committee is formal appointed committee that helps manage Lincoln Park and reports to the Recreation Committee. It was recommended that the Friends of Lincoln Park meet with the Lincoln Park Sub-Committee. 2. Recreation Meeting Minutes th Don Chisholm moved to accept the minutes of the June 18 Recreation Committee The minutes were accepted by a vote meeting. Pam Varrin seconded the motion. of 3–0. 3. Skate Park Update Karen Simmons updated the Recreation Committee on the status of the Skate Park. Town Meeting appropriated $30,000 from the Recreation Enterprise Fund for fencing and landscaping, with leftover funds to be earmarked for additional events. The Skate Park Committee believes that the majority of the appropriated funds should be used for events. Karen Simmons has spent many hours dealing with two selectmen and Olga Guttag on this issue. The Recreation Committee has been asked to compromise on the height of the fencing and leave the existing 4-foot fence on Worthen Road. The Recreation Committee has invested a great deal of time and money improving the center recreation complex and feels it would be doing a disservice to the community by not installing a 6 foot safety fence around the skate park as it was presented and voted by Town Meeting. After a lengthy discussion, they agreed to comply with the request of two selectmen by installing a 6-foot fence around 3 sides of the park and leaving the existing 4-foot fence on Worthen Road. If problems arise, the Recreation Committee will request that Parks and Recreation use the balance of the money to install a 6-foot fence on Worthen Road. This will be monitored until next summer. 4. Lincoln Park Update Karen Simmons told the Committee that there was both good news and bad news. The amount of rain this summer has delayed some of the work. However, two fields th will be ready for the start of the High School pre-season on August 25. The High School will play both soccer and field hockey at Lincoln Park in the fall. The Recreation Department and the Lincoln Park Sub-committee are partnering on the fitness path and stations. All the stations will be replaced and the path re-graded, with new stone dust laid. Lynne Wilson told the Recreation Committee what issues the LPSC is addressing with regards to the fitness path. Don Chisholm asked who the equipment manufacturer is. Karen Simmons told him that Columbia Cascade is the vendor. The fitness stations and path will be accessible. Lisa Baci inquired as to the starting line for cross-country. Karen Simmons explained that Tony Porter, LHS Athletic Director, had looked at the site during the summer, 2 and is in the process of making a decision. Lisa was referred to Tony Porter, the High School Athletic Director. 5. Capital Projects Update th ?? Pine Meadows Golf Course – the new sewer system should be done by August 15. Monies from the operating budget are being used to complete this. The capital project at the golf course is completed except for punch list items. Don Chisholm inquired as to the status of tree plantings. Karen Simmons indicated that price quotes came in too high and the planting was removed. Dave Pinsonneault will be working with New England Golf Corporation to install the trees and shrubs using operating money. ?? Justin Park – Dave Pinsonneault reported that the playground structure is in. The Parks Department has one day of work remaining at the site to complete the accessible pathway, and regarding of exterior areas. The park should be completed by mid-September. ?? Article 31 – Karen Simmons reported that the Article 31 project is 98% complete. There are a few punch list items remaining: irrigation at Clarke and minor concerns at the Clarke Tennis Courts. These issues should be resolved in early September. 6. Recreation and Parks Report Dave Pinsonneault reported that tree removal at the Harrington Field has begun. Once the tree work is completed the preliminary grading will commence. Engineering has reviewed the plans and Dave is beginning the process of obtaining quotes for the final work. Karen Simmons reported on the status of summer programs and facilities. Operations at the Town Pool have been smooth. The Old Res was closed periodically in July due to water testing results. The Health Department received grant monies this summer to offer skin cancer education to children. Participants at Teddy Bear Picnic and Camp for All took part in this program at the Old Res. Monies from the “sun grant” were also earmarked for the purchase of a sunshade for the beach at the Res. Dave Pinsonneault reported to the Recreation Committee that the Parks Department had received two quotes for the field-lining contract. Meetings are ongoing with the youth athletic groups, adult groups, Recreation and the School Department regarding the costs and scheduling. Karen Simmons asked the Recreation Committee if they would like to have a ribbon cutting ceremony at Lincoln Park if the work is completed on schedule. A ceremony is th tentatively scheduled for October 4, but Karen will finalize this at the next Recreation Committee meeting. 7. New Business September 17, 2003 at The next meeting of the Recreation Committee is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Room G15The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 P.M . 3