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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-06-14-REC-min Town of Lexington Recreation Committee Frederick DeAngelis, Chairman Richard Thuma, Vice Chairman Sandra Shaw Tel: (781) 862-0500 x262 Pamela Varrin Fax: (781) 861-2747 Robert Boudreau RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING June 14, 2006 Members Present: Sandra Shaw, Richard Thuma, Bob Boudreau and Rick DeAngelis Staff Present: Karen Simmons, Sheila Butts, David Pinsonneault Others Present: Verna Thayer- resident; John Taylor, M.E. O’Brien and Sons AGENDA 1. Citizens and other Boards Verna Thayer, member of the new Senior Advocate Committee, introduced herself to the Committee. She was in attendance at the Recreation Committee meeting to gather general information. Senior Advocates will be attending a variety of Lexington committee meetings in the future. 2. Recreation Meeting Minutes The minutes of the May 10, 2006 Recreation Committee meeting were accepted by a vote of 3 – 0. 3. Reorganization of the Recreation Committee Dick Thuma congratulated and complimented Sandra Shaw for her past leadership of the Recreation Committee. He nominated Rick DeAngelis as the new chairman effective June 15, 2006. Bob Boudreau seconded the nomination. The Recreation Committee voted 3 – 0 – 1 to name Rick DeAngelis as Chairman. Rick DeAngelis accepted the position and spoke of Sandra Shaw’s commitment and hard work, noting, “no mere mortal can replace her”. Dick Thuma asked about the status of Pam Varrin. Sandra Shaw said that Pam had expressed her intention to resign from the Recreation Committee due to an increase in her work responsibilities. Sandra has tried to contact Pam, as has Karen Simmons. Sandra Shaw nominated Dick Thuma to be the Vice Chairman of the Recreation Committee effective June 15, 2006. Rick DeAngelis seconded the motion and the Committee voted 3 – 0 – 1 in favor of his nomination. 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420 4. Lincoln Park Update Karen Simmons reported that despite the weather the fields at Lincoln had been heavily used this spring. She noted that Lexington High School was fortunate not to have had to cancel games. Lexington has had some requests to host MIAA tournament games at Lincoln. Dick Thuma asked if we would charge MIAA for use of Lincoln. If MIAA pays to rent indoor space for winter tournaments, then it would not be out of line for Lexington Recreation to charge an additional fee to MIAA for use of the Lincoln fields. Karen Simmons also informed the Committee that portions of the MYSA Spring tournament would be held at Lincoln Park again this year. The Lincoln Park Subcommittee donated new trash barrels and benches to the park. McLaughlin Construction will complete the sewer connection within two to three weeks. Karen Simmons reported that there is no new information regarding the toilet facility at Lincoln Park. Dick Thuma noted that Semoon Oh, outgoing Lexington United Soccer Club treasurer, indicated that there was money in the LUSC account. Dick Thuma suggested that LUSC could be approached for a donation to the toilet facility project. 5. Pine Meadows Karen Simmons distributed copies of the USGA Turf Advisory Report to members of the Recreation Committee. She noted that the USGA evaluates the turf at Pine Meadows twice a year. Karen Simmons also handed out the recently completed analysis of the golf course, which she asked the committee members to review for discussion at the July Recreation Committee meeting. Dave Pinsonneault explained that Bill Harrison wanted to proceed with getting a plan of action done for Pine Meadows, which is why the Department went forward with this review and analysis. Karen Simmons distributed a copy of a letter (attached) from Paul Joseph suggesting that Pine Meadows host a Golf Tournament. She indicated that normally there are no golf tournaments at Pine Meadows, with the exception of the annual Employee Golf Outing. The committee discussed the pros and cons of the request and did not believe a 9 hole municipal course would be the best facility for the types of tournaments that Mr. Joseph is recommending. Karen Simmons told the committee that she would discuss this with Bill Harrison and report back to the Recreation Committee. 6. Recreation Report Karen Simmons reported that Cheryl Ozolins, Recreation Supervisor, had resigned her position, effective June 23. She indicated that Katie Boudreau would pick up some of Cheryl’s league responsibilities this summer. Sheila and Karen would cover the balance of the responsibilities until the vacancy is filled. The Aquatics facilities opened on June 3. Heather Modoono is the new Aquatics Manager. The water level at the Old Reservoir is very high due to the most recent 2 rain. Dick Thuma noted that he was very concerned about the water level there and hoped that it would not rise enough to get into the building. He is concerned that mold will take over the building. Karen will meet with Conservation, DPW and the Fire Department to look at pumping options. Karen Simmons reported that due to the weather revenues were down at both Aquatics facilities and Pine Meadows. The Committee discussed the need for upgrading the bathroom facilities at the Center Playground. Rick DeAngelis and Dick Thuma support improving conditions in this building. Rick DeAngelis also suggested that the Committee revisit the idea of a field assessment analysis. With the Lion’s Club Carnival scheduled to take place at the beginning of July, Rick DeAngelis is concerned again about the potential damage done to the Center fields. 7. Parks Report Dave Pinsonneault reported that prior to this evening’s Recreation Committee meeting, John Taylor of M.E. O’Brien and Sons, was available to answer any questions the general public might have about the new playground project design for the Center Playground. Members of the Recreation Committee did attend, and Mr. Taylor will be incorporating their suggestions into the final design. The Recreation Department hopes to place the order for the equipment in July, with a September installation. Rick DeAngelis asked how Pine Meadows had withstood the recent rain. Dave Pinsonneault and Karen Simmons reported that the course had held up fairly well. Dick Thuma asked about the status of the Hydrology Report. The Town Engineering Department is still reviewing the proposals and we are waiting for their recommendation. 8. New Business The next meeting of the Recreation Committee will be held on July 12th, 5:30 P.M., at the Pine Meadows Golf Course. Dinner will be served, followed by a tour of the course. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 P.M. 3