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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-12-15-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 December 15, 2004 Members Present: Sandra Shaw, Pam Varrin, Don Chisholm, Rick DeAngelis and Dick Thuma Staff Present: Karen Simmons, Sheila Butts, and Dave Pinsonneault Others Present: Marshall Derby, LexHAB AGENDA: Citizens and other boards 1. There were no citizens or other board members present. Meeting Minutes 2. The minutes of the October Recreation Committee meeting were re amended and accepted by a vote of 4-0-1. The November Recreation Committee meeting minutes were reviewed and amended and accepted by a vote of 4-0-1. (Amended meeting minutes attached) Marshall Derby – LexHAB presentation 3. Mr. Derby presented a review of the proposal for housing construction at the North Street site. (Preliminary plans by Geller Associates are attached.) He explained to members of the Recreation Committee that the proposed housing would be for residents over 55, and while LexHAB has not directed “over 55” housing communities, many in Lexington would be eligible. Responding to a question about the Met State project, Mr. Derby indicated that LexHAB had not considered the impact that would have on the North Street project. The proposal would also retain and improve some of the passive recreation available at the North Street location. Dick Thuma asked if there were other recreation activities proposed at the site besides walking trails. Marshall Derby responded that he contemplates a passive recreation area with trails, not a fitness path similar to Lincoln Park. Don Chisholm pointed out that there is an existing path all around the site. Mr. Derby noted that the architect thought it might present many problems if the entire path were revitalized. Dick Thuma and Don Chisholm expressed a concern that the public parking proposal might be too limited. 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420 The plan shows 3 - 4 parallel parking spots, which could pose a problem for residents of the housing facility. Sandra Shaw asked if thought was being given to sharing the location with a new Senior Center. Marshall Derby responded that if this location were selected for a Senior Center, LexHAB would not compete with that proposal. Don Chisholm suggested that the site did not appear to have enough developable land to allow for both proposals. Dick Thuma noted that the development of LexHAB housing and the revitalizing of the passive recreation space would be a win for the community. Marshall Derby noted that Town Meeting would have to approve any proposal and that he would continue to keep the Recreation Committee informed throughout the long process. Lincoln Park Subcommittee 4. Pam Varrin told the Recreation Committee that there were no current updates on the LPSC overlook at Lincoln Park. Karen Simmons reported that she, Dave Pinsonneault, Linda Vine, Karen Mullins and members of the LPSC had walked the “lower park” to view the water build up. They discovered that the pipe leading into the basin is blocked underground. Short term, the leaves and brush that had backed up in front of the concrete basin were cleared so water could get in around the pipe. Long term, Dave Pinsonneault and Wayne Brooks will try to find the blocked pipe to permanently solve this problem. 5. Five Year Capital Plan Karen Simmons presented the Recreation Committee with the Capital Plan she had submitted to the Town. She asked for volunteers to present the Capital Articles at Town Meeting. ?? Dick Thuma – Pine Meadows ?? Don Chisholm – Rindge Playground and Tennis Practice Board ?? Rick DeAngelis – Lincoln Park Bathroom Facility Dick Thuma indicated that he would ask Mark Barons to attend the January Recreation Committee meeting to discuss the Lincoln Park bathrooms. Mr. Thuma also told the Committee that Steve Kraemer, Haley & Aldrich, had spoken with the hydrologist about Pine Meadows. The current cost estimate for a study of the dam, cart path and other hydrology in thnd the area (behind 4 green down past the 2 tee box), is $30,000 plus additional funds for permitting and meetings. 6. Recreation Report st Karen Simmons reported that the RFP closed on December 1 for the management contract for Pine Meadows Golf Club. There was one bidder – New England Golf Corporation. Eleven packets were initially sent out. Two other companies requested bid packets, and one company attended the pre-bid meeting. The Pine Meadows RFP Evaluation Team will review the proposal submitted and a recommendation will be made to the Town Manager. Karen Simmons and Sandra Shaw attended a recent Executive Board meeting of TMMA to speak about the Lincoln Park project. Karen Simmons also reported the use at Lincoln Park is up. During the fall of 2002, we permitted about 1,800 hours on natural grass. During the same time period in 2004, we permitted over 3,500 hours on the infill synthetic turf. 2 7. Parks Report Dave Pinsonneault reported that the timbers are being installed at Lincoln Park next to fields 1 and 2. This is in preparation for the walkway paving. If weather permits the paving will begin very soon. Dick Thuma asked about fencing at Lincoln Park. He also suggested that a note be sent to the Athletic Department and the youth groups asking that they check all nets on goals the groups are responsible for, and reminding them to refrain from securing the goals and nets on paths because they block pedestrian access. Dave Pinsonneault told the Recreation Committee that the contractor is on board to renovate the field at Harrington. The design shows the field pushed back as far as possible. The backstops and fencing are done. The work on the field will begin as soon as the school is completed. 8. New Business The next meeting of the Recreation Committee will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. in Room G15. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. 3