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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-05-19-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 May 19, 2004 Members Present: Sandra Shaw, Pam Varrin, Rick DeAngelis, Dick Thuma, and Don Chisholm Staff Present: Karen Simmons, Sheila Butts and Dave Pinsonneault Others Present: Bob McConnell AGENDA: 1. Citizens and Other Boards 2. Minutes Pam Varrin made a motion to accept the minutes of the April Recreation Committee meeting. The minutes of the April 21, 2004 Recreation Don Chisholm seconded the motion. Committee meeting were approved 3 - 0 – 2. 3. Lincoln Park Update Karen Simmons gave the Recreation Committee an update on the most recent DEP requirements for Lincoln Park. She explained that DEP is requiring four (4) wind driven rotary ventilation structures within the park. These vents will be seven feet high. Their purpose is to vent any methane gases that may have accumulated. Karen Simmons further explained to the Committee that DEP would not allow the sewer line to be connected until the vents are installed. The Recreation Committee discussed the DEP requirements, and questioned why the locations were chosen. Haley and Aldrich proposed the locations for the vents, explained Karen Simmons. Dick Thuma noted that sewer gases would be vented in addition to any methane gas. Karen Simmons told the Committee that members of the Lincoln Park Sub-Committee had seen the plans for the ventilation structures. David Williams had reviewed the plans and signed off on them, and Lynne Wilson had also been advised of the DEP requirements. Don Chisholm asked if additional underground drains would have to be installed to handle any excess water run-off near the fitness path. Karen Simmons told him that the drainage lines are in. The final step will be for Forte Construction to tie these lines into the pipes. 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420 Karen Simmons and Sandra Shaw raised the question of adding members to the Lincoln Park Sub-Committee. She indicated that Pam Varrin is currently the Recreation Committee liaison. They asked the Recreation Committee to consider appointing additional members who represent all aspects of the park (active and passive). Don Chisholm commented that this would run counter to the current make-up of the Sub-Committee. Dick Thuma asked for clarification of the official charge of the LPSC. Originally established as the Lincoln Street Subcommittee, the LPSC was, according to Town Clerk Donna Hooper, to “prepare a layout and landscape design for the Lincoln Street Playground.” Pam Varrin suggested that over the years the LPSC has come together as a committee to promote the fitness and nature paths. The group has unofficially evolved from its 1987 charge. Sandra Shaw suggested that a task force be put together to develop written guidelines and goals for the LPSC. Rick DeAngelis said that the Recreation Committee should be the one to do that. Pam Varrin suggested that she, Sandra Shaw and Lynne Wilson begin a dialogue about the future of the LPSC and Lincoln Park. Karen Simmons told the Committee that she and Dave Pinsonneault met with Bill Erickson regarding the design changes Parker Hirtle has recommended for the Lincoln Park building. Bill Erickson does not think that the changes Mr. Hirtle recommended would reduce the overall cost significantly. The Recreation Committee discussed the building plans briefly and concluded that it would be in the best interests of the Town if members of the LPSC, Recreation Committee and Bill Erickson sat together to strategize and review plan changes. 4. Little League Bob McConnell, President of Lexington Little League, reported to the Recreation Committee on the status of the Little League Field at Lincoln. He indicated that the sod was being installed. Dave Pinsonneault told the Committee that Little League was paying for the sod. Lexington Recreation Department is contributing over $11,500 towards rebuilding the field. The Town had offered to seed the area, but since play would not have been possible until the fall, Little League chose to pay for sod so that the field would be playable this spring. Bob McConnell also requested that the Lexington Little League be granted permission for the following improvements to the Lincoln Park Little League Field: ?? Install a 4-foot black outfield fence two hundred feet from home plate ?? Install a warning track inside the fence ?? Repair and replace the existing backstop ?? Install irrigation Bob McConnell explained to the Committee that Little League plans on repairing the backstop this spring. The outfield fence and irrigation would not be done until the fall. Rick DeAngelis suggested that a 5-foot fence might be better. Bob McConnell indicated that the reason for requesting a four-foot fence was to have it in line with the existing fence heights at the facility. 2 Dick Thuma asked if other uses of the area would be curtailed when the fence was installed. He said that this area is used as practice space by youth soccer, and fears that fencing would have a negative impact on the soccer groups. The Recreation Committee discussed the issues that Dick Thuma raised at length. Bob McConnell noted that it was the hope of Lexington Little League to have two or three excellent fields for Little League. Installing an outfield fence and irrigation would certainly help achieve this goal. Rick DeAngelis suggested that Little League investigate a temporary fence similar to that used at Belmont High School. Rick DeAngelis made a motion to permit Lexington Little League permission to 1) install a 4 or 5 foot outfield fence at the Lincoln Park Little League Field; 2) install an irrigation system at the field; 3) refurbish the existing backstop, including painting the existing posts black and installing powder coated black chain link; and 4) research the possibility of installing permanent fencing around the perimeter of the Lincoln Park Little League field. The Recreation Committee approved the motion 5 – 0. Don Chisholm seconded the motion. 5. Skate Park Update Bob McConnell, Dave Pinsonneault and Sheila Butts gave an update to the Recreation Committee on the Lexington Skate Park. Tom Noble was scheduled to inspect the park in early May. Bob McConnell noted that he had spoken with Tom Noble who said he had, in fact, done th an inspection on May 13. Dave Pinsonneault and Sheila Butts noted that they had been at the park numerous times that day and had never seen Mr. Noble or any of his workers. Bob McConnell said he would contact Tom Noble again and arrange for a second visit to make necessary repairs. He will also ask for a written copy of the inspection report. 4. Recreation Report Karen Simmons reviewed the Discovery Day schedule with member of the committee. Pam th Varrin, Don Chisholm and Dick Thuma volunteered to work on May 29. 5. Parks Report Dave Pinsonneault reported to the Recreation Committee that the new backstop at the Harrington field was in place. The field will be rebuilt in the fall. He is meeting with Dana Ham, School Department, to discuss other school projects. The new drain line at Clarke is in, and final grading, loaming and seeding is ongoing. Each year volunteers from Temple Isaiah work on a project with DPW. The volunteers are scheduled to clean the beach at the old Res on May 23. Recently, a Community Service volunteer planted trees along the Center track next to the Skate Park. 6. New Business Wednesday, June 23 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 9:45 P.M. 3