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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: ?? Dick Thuma – Pine Meadows ?? Don Chisholm – Rindge Playground and Tennis Practice Board ?? 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. 2 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. 3 4