HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-13-REC-min
Town of Lexington
Recreation Committee
Frederick DeAngelis, Chairman Tel: (781) 862-0500 x262
Richard Thuma, Vice Chairman Fax: (781) 861-2747
Sandra Shaw
Robert Boudreau
RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
September 13, 2006
Room 111, Town Office Building
Members Present:
Sandra Shaw, Robert Boudreau, Rick DeAngelis
Staff Present:
Karen Simmons, Sheila Butts, David Pinsonneault,
Andy Dreyer
Others Present:
Hank Manz, Board of Selectmen; Tim Carruthers, Vice President
LUSC; Dan Stone, Betty Maddox, Keith McHugh
AGENDA:
1. Citizens and Other Boards
Tim Carruthers, Vice President of Lexington United Soccer Club, addressed the
Committee with concerns about playing field use by non-permitted groups. He told the
Committee that he had seen and spoken to numerous adult soccer groups using fields at
Clarke, Center, Diamond, Adams and Lincoln without permits. He expressed concern
about the possible damage to these fields by excessive or unknown use, and suggested
that the Recreation Committee and Recreation Department consider erecting signs
stating, “Permit is required for organized use”. He told the committee that many
surrounding communities (Waltham, Belmont, Newton, etc.) have adopted this policy.
Rick DeAngelis noted that this was a good suggestion and complimented Mr. Carruthers
on his commitment to maintaining good field conditions. Bob Boudreau suggested that if
such signs were installed on Lexington fields they should also say: “Police take Notice”.
Karen Simmons told Mr. Carruthers and the Recreation Committee that she and Dave
Pinsonneault would investigate this further. She indicated that before any signage
requiring Police enforcement were put up, she would have to speak with the Town
Manager, Chief of Police, and perhaps be required to have the approval of the Board of
Selectmen.
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420
2. Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes
Sandra Shaw suggested that all committee minutes should indicate the location of the
meeting. The minutes of the June and July 2006 Recreation Committee Meetings were
reviewed and accepted, as noted above, by a vote of 3 – 0.
3. Battle Green Tennis League
Karen Simmons introduced and welcomed Dan Stone and Betty Maddox, representatives
of the Battle Green Tennis League. Mr. Stone gave the Committee a brief history of the
League and requested on behalf of the 60 – 70 members that they be allowed to purchase
and install a bench in front of the Gallagher Courts 3 and 4 in honor of long time Battle
Green coordinator, Alvin Glick, who passed away in 2005. Mr. Stone read the proposed
wording of the plaque to be secured on the bench (wording attached). After a brief
discussion of location and town guidelines for memorials, Sandra Shaw made a motion to
approve the donation of a bench in honor of Alvin Glick, with the submitted wording.
Bob Boudreau seconded the motion.
The Recreation Committee approved the project 3 – 0.
4. Keith McHugh – Proposed Eagle Scout Project
Karen Simmons introduced Keith McHugh, Eagle Scout candidate. Keith explained the
process of attaining the level of Eagle Scout, and presented the Recreation Committee
with his proposal to plan, build and erect two new information signs at the Old Reservoir
(plans attached). He suggested placing one sign at the entrance to the path leading down
to the Old Reservoir from the Marrett Road parking lot and the second sign just past the
gate on the access road behind the Bridge School. Karen Simmons noted that this project
would be a great benefit to the Town and the patrons of the Old Reservoir. After a brief
discussion, Rick DeAngelis moved that the Keith McHugh Eagle Scout Project proposal
be approved. Sandra Shaw seconded the motion.
The Recreation Committee approved the project 3 – 0.
5. Fiske School Construction
Hank Manz addressed the Committee regarding the status of the Fiske School
Construction Project. He indicated that he has had somewhat negative attitudes regarding
the placement of the athletic fields at the new school. He has advocated strongly not only
for the proper placement of the fields, but also for the need to include “all players” in
discussions about field relocation, placement and construction.
Dave Pinsonneault noted that we were first shown the revised plans for the fields on
August 15. Karen Simmons informed the committee that the revisions addressed some
issues, but that the Recreation Department was never really included as a part of the
process. We have to move forward and put systems in place to ensure that Parks and
Recreation are at the table in the design process.
Rick DeAngelis inquired as to exactly what the process is and asked if the Public
Building Committee had a manual for assuring that what needs to be done actually gets
accomplished.
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The Recreation Committee discussed sending a letter to the Town Manager and/or the
PBC expressing their disappointment over the Harrington and Fiske School construction
projects. Rick will draft a letter.
6. Five Year Capital Plan
The Recreation Committee was presented with a draft copy of the FY08 Recreation
Department Five Year Capital Plan. Karen Simmons explained that the Recreation
Committee is responsible for prioritizing, recommending and presenting the
Department’s Capital Projects. The Plan must be submitted by September 15, 2006. The
Committee reviewed and discussed the Capital Plan, as it currently exists. They agreed
with the placement of the Center Basketball Court Renovation in FY08. The Committee
recommended moving the Valley Tennis Court Project from 2009 to 2008 and shifting
the proposed Pine Meadows improvements to FY09. Dave Pinsonneault reviewed the
progression of the Field Improvement Article. Bowman School is slated for FY08,
followed by the Center Complex fields, Bridge and Hastings in FY09, 10 & 11. Further
discussion about the Five Year Capital Plan included a debate over the timeframe for the
Center Playground Restroom renovation. Bob Boudreau suggested moving the project up
to FY09.
Karen Simmons raised Dick Thuma’s concerns about the health of the Enterprise Fund.
She indicated that Dick strongly believed that if the Recreation Department must deplete
retained earnings in order to finance a Capital Project he does not support any FY08
proposed capital improvements.
Bob Boudreau suggested that the Committee must pick a level (dollar amount) under
which we cannot go. Sandra Shaw asked when the Recreation Committee should address
these concerns with town government. Hank Manz said that the concerns should be
addressed before the Capital Plan goes forward to committees and the Board of
Selectmen. He suggested that Rick DeAngelis schedule a meeting with the Town
Manager and Finance Director to discuss concerns. Karen Simmons informed the
Committee that she would investigate an appropriate meeting date and time.
The Recreation Committee voted 3 – 0 to approve the changes to the Five Year
Capital Plan as discussed and noted.
(Rick DeAngelis moved; Robert Boudreau,
seconded.)
7. Naming of Facilities and Placement of Memorials
The Recreation Committee recommended submitting Rick DeAngelis’s comments to the
Board of Selectmen. “Approval of the Board of Selectmen regarding memorials,
monuments etc. under Section 4 of the Policy NOT BE LIMITED TO the placement or
location but should be broadened to include the right of the Board of Selectmen to review
and approve the size, type of materials and all design features of the proposed monument
or memorial.”
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Pine Meadows
8.
Dave Pinsonneault and Karen Simmons met with Bill Harrison at Pine Meadows
recently. They discussed issues that New England Golf Corporation has not dealt with
this season. Mr. Harrison is going to develop a timeline for completing projects that
should already have been finished. Karen Simmons told the Committee that the Town
would hold N.E. Golf accountable for the contract. She and Dave are concerned that Pine
Meadows has not received the same level of service as in past seasons. Rick DeAngelis
commended both Karen and Dave for their level of commitment to the golf course.
Hank Manz told the Committee that he is planning to go to the course with Lexington
Cable. He hopes to film while walking around the course to let residents know what a
gem the facility is.
9. Lincoln Park Update
Karen Simmons informed the Recreation Committee that the new “Outlook” had been
vandalized three times in the past month. 193 of the side posts were kicked out. Hank
Manz noted that the boardwalk at Lincoln had also been vandalized, and Tim Carruthers
told the committee that all of the corner flags had been snapped and nets slit on the soccer
field at Lincoln.
Karen has spoken with the Chief of Police and has requested directed patrol to the area.
10. Recreation Report
Karen Simmons reported the Town had received over 40 applications for the Recreation
Supervisor job. Interviews will be held within the next few weeks.
11. Parks Report
Dave Pinsonneault reported that the Center Playground should be installed by the end of
October. The equipment has been ordered, and a company contracted with to demolish
and remove the existing structure.
12. New Business
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The next meeting of the Recreation Committee will be held on October 18 at 7:30 P.M.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:58 p.m.
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