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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-04-25-REC-min Town of Lexington Recreation Committee Frederick DeAngelis, Chairman Tel: (781) 862-0500 x262 Richard Thuma, Vice Chairman Fax: (781) 861-2747 Robert Boudreau Wendy Rudner Sandra Shaw RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING April 25, 2007 Members Present: Sandra Shaw, Bob Boudreau, Dick Thuma, and Wendy Rudner Staff Present: Karen Simmons and Sheila Butts Others Present: Tim Carruthers, President Lexington United Soccer Club AGENDA 1. Citizens and Other Boards Tim Carruthers, President of LUSC, revisited the problem of illegal or non-permitted use of the fields. He is particularly concerned about Clarke and Lincoln. He suggested that signage be installed at the fields indicating that a permit is required for organized use. Bob Boudreau asked if signs should include “Police Take Notice”. Karen Simmons explained that the police could not enforce this policy unless it is a Town By Law. Dick Thuma noted that using the fields without a permit is not illegal. He suggested that the signs should reflect a more positive attitude, and suggested the following: “Organized use of the field requires a permit. For information and to obtain a permit contact the Recreation Department.” Karen Simmons reported that the Recreation Department had recently received a number of complaints from citizens about individuals approaching groups on fields and requesting that they vacate the fields. Citizens believe that Recreation staff is forcing alleged non-permitted users off fields. This is not the case. Dick Thuma noted that even though representatives of LUSC may be well intentioned, they should be very careful when approaching field users. He suggested that signs would be a buffer and an alternative to approaching non-permitted users of fields. Karen Simmons will speak with Dave Pinsonneault about the potential costs of the signs, and explained to the Recreation Committee that this is an unbudgeted item. Tim Carruthers offered to fund the signs through LUSC. 2. Meeting Minutes The minutes of the March 29, 2007 meeting were approved 4 – 0. 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420 3. Don Chisholm Memorial Sandra Shaw passed out a draft statement for the proposed plaque honoring Don Chisholm. Dick Thuma expressed his approval of the draft, and asked if it would be possible to add even more information. The Recreation Committee discussed how to move forward. Sandra Shaw has spoken with Jeanne Krieger who thought the proposal was appropriate. Sandra will meet with Marcia Chisholm to review the proposed language and also to discuss the location for the memorial at Pine Meadows. The Recreation Committee is proposing that the memorial, a natural boulder with a plaque embedded into it, be located on the grass between the first and third tees. 4. Recreation Report Karen Simmons reported that the Department of Public Works Water Division pumped water out of the Old Reservoir several days the previous week. The weir and gatehouse are still not functioning properly. The Engineering Department met with the Conservation Commission to request permission to relocate the inner workings of the gatehouse to dry land. This would allow them easier access, should a problem arise. Dick Thuma asked if the potential upcoming repairs would be funded by the Recreation Department or by DPW. Karen Simmons indicated that there had yet to be a conversation with the Town Manager on this issue. She also noted that Dave Pinsonneault was looking at the possibility of CPC funding. Minuteman Tech has requested permission to use the Pine Meadows Golf Club in the fall. In exchange for free golf, the horticulture program will provide a service to the golf course that is mutually agreed upon by the Town and Minuteman Tech. Minuteman Tech is responsible for providing the materials for the project, not to exceed $1,300 in material cost. Karen expressed her concern that they failed to complete their project from last year. The Athletic Director is fairly new and started about two years ago. Karen will meet with him to discuss the agreement and expectations of Minuteman Tech if they wish to continue the collaboration. Dick Thuma suggested that the Recreation Department should definitely work to revive the relationship with Minuteman Tech. The Recreation Committee supports the request contingent upon a 2006 project being completed and a 2007 project completed. rd Karen Simmons reported that on Thursday, May 3 the Recreation Department and the Social Services Department were facilitating another Middle School Early Release Day Program. The trip will be to Kimball Farm in Westford. She mentioned that if any member of the Recreation Committee wished to chaperone it would be appreciated. Wendy Rudner handed out copies of the most recent Lincoln Park Subcommittee reports. 5. Parks Report Dave Pinsonneault was not present at the meeting and no report was issued. 6. New Business The next meeting of the Recreation Committee will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 in Room G15 of the Town Office Building. The April 2007 Recreation Committee meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.