HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-11-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
Robert Boudreau
Richard Thuma
RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
April 11, 2006
Members Present: Sandra Shaw, Bob Boudreau, Dick Thuma, and Rick DeAngelis
Staff Present: Karen Simmons, Sheila Butts and Dave Pinsonneault
Others Present: Hank Manz, Board of Selectmen
AGENDA
1. Citizens and Other Boards
2. Meeting Minutes
The minutes of the March 15, 2006 meeting were approved 4 – 0.
3. Lincoln Park Update/ Overlook Dedication
Sandra Shaw passed out copies of the CLC Newsletter, which included an article by Nell
Walker questioning the “wet areas” created by the park project. Karen Simmons reported
that Lisa Baci had again raised the issue at the TMMA meeting that the drainage and bike
path problems were created by the construction of the Lincoln Fields. In 2003 the
Recreation Committee walked with members of the Conservation Commission to review
Lisa’s concerns and at that time it was agreed that these were pre-existing conditions. Last
summer the Department of Public Works addressed a blocked drain in the lower Hayden land
that was creating some flooding issues along the boardwalk. DPW will continue to monitor
and maintain the pipe to insure that it is functioning properly. Dick Thuma also reminded the
Committee that the Lincoln Park Project used a qualified Engineering Firm, a qualified
Landscape Architect, and a qualified general contractor.
Karen Simmons reported that work on the Lincoln Park Overlook was complete and that the
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dedication will be held on May 6 at 1:30 p.m. She commended the Lincoln Park Sub-
committee for their hard work on the project.
4. 2007 Budget
Karen Simmons reported that the Town Manager removed all Town Enterprise Fund
operating budgets from the General Town Operating Budget. The Recreation Enterprise
Fund operating budget is Article 18C. Dick Thuma asked how much money was currently in
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420
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the Enterprise Fund. Karen Simmons reported that the retained earnings balance as of
February was approximately $400,000.
5. Town Meeting Articles
Dick Thuma will present all of the Recreation Capital Articles at Town Meeting. He
reviewed his planned presentation with the Recreation Committee.
6. Recreation Report
Discovery Day is Saturday, May 27. Karen Simmons asked members of the Recreation
Committee to consider assisting at the Recreation table for part of the day.
The Recreation Department received a proposal to install lighting at the Lexington High
School Football Field. Karen Simmons distributed copies of the proposal. The proponents –
Lexington High School Booster Club - will make a formal presentation to the Recreation
Committee in May or June. Rick DeAngelis and Dick Thuma outlined some of the
geotechnical issues that could arise with this proposal. Dick Thuma asked for a copy of the
Photometric Study of the area.
The Recreation Committee was apprised of recent vandalism at the Skate Park. The fencing
along Worthen Road was damaged. Dave Pinsonneault and Sheila Butts met with a fence
contractor to get a quote for replacing the existing fence along the Worthen Road stretch of
. After discussion the following motion was made
the Skate Park with new fencing fabric
by Dick Thuma, seconded by Sandra Shaw and approved by the Recreation Committee
4 - 0
The Recreation Committee recommends replacing the Worthen Road section of the Skate
Park fence with four foot black fencing.
Karen Simmons reported that Sandra Shaw had received a call from Bob McNamara
regarding Lexington Little League fields. Dave Pinsonneault noted that there are issues at
both Fiske and Harrington due to construction. The Harrington soccer field, which was
installed by the contractor after the school was completed, is awful and must be rebuilt.
Neither the Recreation Department nor the Parks Department was consulted about the field.
Hank Manz commented that the Fiske fields face similar issues. There were no plans from
the beginning of the Harrington or Fiske School construction project to deal with the
promised field placement and construction. Mr. Manz told the Recreation Committee that he
will speak with the Town Manager and thinks it is important for the Recreation Committee to
meet with the School Committee.
Sandra Shaw questioned the $309,000 figure listed in the Recreation Enterprise Fund Budget
as “indirect transfers”. Karen Simmons explained that she would clarify this figure with the
Town Manager, but believes it included the Capital Projects.
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Karen Simmons reported that the Pine Meadows Golf Course opened on March 17 and that
to date rounds played are above 2005 figures.
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7. Parks Report
Dave Pinsonneault reported that the swings at Rindge, Sutherland and Lincoln Park that were
removed because of a recall by the manufacturer, have not been replaced yet. The Parks
Department is still waiting for a retrofit kit from the company and will reinstall the swings
once the retrofit is completed.
Four proposals for the Hydrology Study at Pine Meadows Golf Course have been received
and will be reviewed in the next few weeks.
Hank Manz mentioned the neighborhood conflict on Oxbow Road. Karen Simmons reported
on her meeting with one of the residents, who wanted to convert a parcel of town owned land
into a space for roller hockey and basketball, but is not an appropriate area for this use.
8. New Business
Sandra Shaw reported that she would like to step down as Chair of the Recreation Committee
following the 2006 Town Meeting.
The next Recreation Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at 7:30
p.m. in Room 111 of the Town Office Building.
The Recreation Committee meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.