HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-02-16-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
February 16, 2005
Members Present:
Sandra Shaw, Pam Varrin, Rick DeAngelis and Dick Thuma
Staff Present:
Karen Simmons, Sheila Butts, and Dave Pinsonneault
Others Present:
Shirley Stolz, Capital Expenditures Committee
AGENDA:
Citizens and other boards
1.
There were no citizens or other board members present.
Meeting Minutes
2.
The minutes of the December 15, 2004 Recreation Committee meeting were accepted by a
vote of 4-0-1.
Lincoln Park Update
3.
The Recreation Committee discussed the proposed schedule for presentation at Town
Meeting requesting Capital funding for the Lincoln Park Bathroom facility. The committee
was unanimous in asserting that the scope of work for the field reconstruction never
included a bathroom. The Committee discussed the original plans, bid process and
outcome, also reviewed the scaled down plans (from Chatham, Massachusetts) for the
facility. The Lincoln Park Sub-committee, which has indicated a willingness to donate up to
$75,000 to the project, will be given a copy of the “Chatham Plan” to review and approve at
their upcoming meeting.
Rick DeAngelis suggested that the Committee has three options: Go forward with the
motion, pull the motion and ask only for design funds or indefinitely postpone the request.
The Recreation Committee discussed these options. Dick Thuma made the following
motion:
The Recreation Committee requests $200,000 for the design and construction
of a wood frame toilet facility at Lincoln Park similar to the Chatham,
Massachusetts facility, plans for which have been reviewed and approved
by the Recreation Committee and are on file at the Recreation Department office.
$75,000 would come by way of a gift from the Lincoln Park Sub-committee and
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420
$125,000 would come from the Tax Levy.
The Recreation Committee approved the motion
Rick DeAngelis seconded the motion.
by a vote of 4 – 0 – 1.
Capital Articles for 2005 Town Meeting
4.
Karen Simmons informed the Recreation Committee that the Selectmen requested a Capital
Article presentation on Monday, February 28, 2005. She reminded the members of the
Articles they had volunteered to present to Town Meeting:
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Dick Thuma – Pine Meadows
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Don Chisholm – Rindge Playground and Tennis Practice Board
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Rick DeAngelis – Lincoln Park Bathroom Facility
Recreation Fees
5.
Karen Simmons explained to the Recreation Committee that she was initially going to
propose fee increases for some programs. At this juncture, however, the Accounting
Department has not completed its Enterprise Fund review and is not able to give a true
balance in the account. Karen Simmons requested that the Recreation Committee
recommend a policy to determine what is an appropriate reserve fund balance in the
Enterprise Fund. Pam Varrin asked if the Committee should suggest an optimal number to
aim for, rather than a target figure. Karen Simmons suggested that the Committee look at the
“big picture”, which includes Capital expenses, operating expenses, debt and depreciation.
Once the Committee has advised her of their recommendation, a fee increase proposal will be
presented.
Karen Simmons did ask for Committee approval to institute – on a trial basis – a non-resident
daily fee at the Old Reservoir. The recommended charge is $6.00 for non-resident adults or
$4.00 for non-resident children and seniors.
Rick DeAngelis moved that the recommended non-resident fees for the Old Reservoir be
The Recreation Committee
accepted for summer 2005. Dick Thuma seconded the motion.
approved the motion 4 – 0 –1.
Karen Simmons outlined for the Recreation Committee a proposal to alter the manner in
which summer program fees are assigned and advertised. Previously, the Department set a
fee for a program, and if registration were received after a specified date added a “late fee”.
In an effort to promote earlier and timelier registrations for programs, the Department would
like to publicize “early registration fees” for summer activities such as Camp and Tennis.
Because the Department published both a Spring/Summer and Summer Brochure, the early
registration fee would terminate as of May 1, 2005. After that date, all registration fees
would increase by $10.00. The new rates would be published in the Summer Brochure,
which is mailed to all households in Lexington by May 1.
Rick DeAngelis noted that this proposal is an operating/administrative procedure, and should
be determined by the Recreation Department Director and staff. He suggested that the
Recreation Committee should not get involved in micromanaging the day-to-day business of
the Department, and therefore would support the recommendation of the Director. The other
members present also expressed their support.
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Recreation Report
6.
Karen Simmons informed the Recreation Committee of a request received from the Waldorf
School to construct a garden between the existing basketball court and the pond. Sandra Shaw
noted that she also received a letter from the school concerning this. After a brief discussion, the
Committee recommended that the Waldorf School be advised to make a formal presentation to
the Recreation Committee and, if approved, secure the necessary permits from the Conservation
Commission.
Sandra Shaw told Committee members that the Conservation Commission is submitting an
Article at Town Meeting requesting that the entire North Street property be designated as
conservation land. She asked members if they felt the town should continue to control the land
or if it should be regulated by Conservation. Rick DeAngelis noted that if the Article is
approved the Recreation Department would lose all use and control of the site. The other
Committee members agreed in principle with this, indicating that they support the status quo and
believe that changing the designation is unnecessary.
Rick DeAngelis made the following motion:
The Recreation Committee opposes Article # 19 because it is our belief that the Wetlands
Protection Act and the Town’s Conservation Bylaws adequately protect the wetland portions of
the site and the Recreation Committee should manage that Recreation land.
The motion was approved 4 – 0 – 1.
Pam Varrin seconded.
Karen Simmons notified the Recreation Committee that private citizens are proposing to Town
Meeting the adoption of the Community Preservation Act. She noted that information is to be
presented at the upcoming Selectmen’s Meeting. Dick Thuma asked if the Department could
identify previous Capital projects that could have received funding by CPA.
Karen Simmons told the Committee that Susan McWilliams had recently resigned from the
Lincoln Park Sub-committee. The Sub-committee is looking for a new member. She asked that
Committee members contact her if they have any suggestions.
Parks Reports
7.
Dave Pinsonneault had no new Parks updates. He will report to the Committee at the March
meeting.
New Business
8.
The next meeting of the Recreation Committee will be held on Wednesday, March 9
2005 at 7:30 p.m. in Room 218.
The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
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