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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-08-15-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 August 15, 2007 Members Present: Rick DeAngelis, Wendy Rudner, Bob Boudreau, Dick Thuma Staff Present: Karen Simmons, Dave Pinsonneault, and Sheila Butts Others Present: Richard Zeoli, Lynne Wilson, and David Williams AGENDA 1. Citizens and Other Boards There were no non-agenda citizens or other boards present. 2. Meeting Minutes The meeting minutes from the June 21, 2007 and July 18, 2007 were moved and accepted by a vote of 4 – 0. 3. Richard Zeoli – Field Permits Mr. Zeoli addressed the Recreation Committee with his concerns about the charges assessed for “pick-up” soccer games at Lincoln Park. He is a member of a group of residents and non- residents who have been playing soccer three mornings each week for approximately 3 years at Lincoln. This year, for the first time, the group agreed to obtain a field permit and pay a fee for the permit. Mr. Zeoli noted that he had spoken with both Karen Simmons and Sheila Butts about the permit fee, and that the end result was that “they agreed to disagree”. This spring, Sheila Butts and Peter Coleman met with members of the morning soccer group regarding the permitting process. An agreement was reached that the group would be charged $3,000 for thirty weeks of use at Lincoln. This would enable the group to have permitted time from 6:15 to 7:15 a.m. three weekdays and Saturdays. Henry Kon, Greg Sheehan, and Howard Brick, representing the morning soccer players, agreed to accept responsibility for collecting the money and submitting it to the town. Dick Thuma discussed the permit policy and clarified that the written policy covered any regular use, not merely league games or practices. Rick DeAngelis explained to Mr. Zeoli that although the Recreation Department’s goal is to have 100% compliance with the policy, it is impossible for each field to be monitored constantly. Therefore, sometimes users do slip through the cracks. This was obviously the case with the morning soccer group for two years. 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420 Mr. Zeoli told the Committee that he understood, but that in his opinion the “user fee” was discriminatory because it is not enforceable. Karen Simmons told Mr. Zeoli that in 2006 the Recreation Department issued permits for over 50,000 hours of field use. Wendy Rudner also commented that it was her understanding that the Lexington United Soccer Club had offered to pay for the morning soccer permit, but that the morning group declined the offer. Mr. Zeoli told the Committee that he does not mind paying a fee, and has done so, but rather that the assessment of fees for field use is not consistent and not enforceable. He noted that he had come to the meeting to propose an alternative that he believes would be more enforceable: charge for parking. The Committee discussed the pros and cons of Mr. Zeoli’s proposal, and although appreciative of his efforts, the Committee was not currently in favor of such a solution. 4. Lincoln Park Sub Committee Lynne Wilson and David Williams renewed their request to the Recreation Committee that two new members be appointed to the Lincoln Park Sub Committee. Dick Thuma asked who was currently a member. . Lynne Wilson gave the Recreation Committee a brief history of the sub committee and its past (Dick Kirk and Don Chisholm) and present (Chris Burton, Charles Wyman, Parker Hirtle, Lynne Wilson, David Williams, Nell Walker, Don Mahoney) members. She explained that the sub committee is now looking for younger people, who have involvement in youth or adult sports programs, to join the committee. Dick Thuma commented that the actual name is actually not the Lincoln Park Sub Committee (LPSC), but rather the Lincoln Street Committee. Rick DeAngelis commented that he did not think the name was important. Dick Thuma disagreed. He stated that the LPSC is a subcommittee of the Recreation Committee. The Recreation Committee is appointed by the Town Manager with approval of the Board of Selectmen. The past history of the LPSC seems to indicate that membership has no term limits, unlike the Recreation Committee. He further noted that the Recreation Committee does not truly know what the LPSC does and he feels that it is very important that the relationship between the two groups be enhanced through open communication. Both Lynne Wilson and David Williams disagreed with Mr. Thuma’s assessment of the relationship between the LPSC and the Recreation Committee. David Williams noted that the current Recreation Committee liaison, Wendy Rudner, has done an excellent job. Lynne Wilson further explained that years ago the LPSC would go to Town Meeting to report on the business of the committee, and that they have reported to the Recreation Committee and submitted proposals to the committee before proceeding with any work. Currently the committee is working on new signage for the overlook and boardwalk, and is still committed to assisting with the funding for a bathroom facility at Lincoln Park. Rick DeAngelis suggested that one way of insuring that the Recreation Committee and the LPSC continue to work cooperatively is for the LPSC to make more frequent reports to the Committee. Bob Boudreau inquired as to the “original charter” for the Lincoln Park Subcommittee. Rick DeAngelis suggested that perhaps the Recreation Committee should frame a modern day “charge” for the subcommittee. Lynne Wilson said that the current issue is that the LPSC wants to add two younger residents to its current membership – Jonathan Eddy and Brian Kelly. Bob Boudreau said that he had no problem with the appointments. Rick DeAngelis said that he would like to interview the candidates, although he has no issue with the 2 appointment of two new members. He reiterated his desire to frame a current charge for the subcommittee that relates to the present day, and to see that the name of the subcommittee is changed officially from the Lincoln Street Committee to the Lincoln Park Subcommittee. Dick Thuma agreed and added that within the new subcommittee “charge” term limits be designated. He suggested that the old Lincoln Street Committee be dissolved and a new committee formed, complete with updated membership guidelines, terms of office and committee charge. David Williams offered to draft the changes suggested. Karen Simmons will speak with the Town Clerk about the Recreation Committee’s proposal. 5. Five Year Capital Plan Karen Simmons reviewed the proposed Five Year Capital Plan with the Recreation Committee in preparation for their vote. She noted the changes that had been made in the proposed plan since the July meeting, most notably moving the renovation of the Bridge fields to FY09 and the Basketball and Tennis Court lighting project to FY10. Karen Simmons explained to the Committee that the lighting project might have to include the Town Pool lighting. Bob Boudreau asked if the projects paid for through the Enterprise Fund would require borrowing. Dick Thuma asked what the $50,000 Capital Project at the Old Reservoir entailed. In response to these questions, Karen Simmons explained that money would be borrowed in accordance with Town Fiscal policy for larger Capital projects unless the Finance Director and Town Manager recommend an alternative. She also told the Committee that the money for the Old Reservoir would be for replacement of the gatehouse to a site out of the water and for renovations to the weir. She further noted that these two items would hopefully fall under the Community Preservation Act. Rick DeAngelis moved that the Recreation Committee approve the present Five Year Summary of Capital Improvement Projects. Bob Boudreau seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted in favor of the motion 4 – 0. 6. Recreation Report ?? Karen Simmons distributed a “history” of the Tennis Practice Board replacement process. Dick Thuma moved to place the report in the official minutes of the August th 15 Recreation Committee Meeting. Rick DeAngelis seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 4 – 0 in favor. The Tennis Practice Board History is attached. ?? Karen Simmons reported that the Old Reservoir Water Quality Study is underway. The cost of the project is approximately $29,000. She informed the Committee that the Board of Health has requested additional testing, and that the Chairperson Wendy Bernays of the Board of Health continues to raise issues about the quality of the water at the Old Reservoir. The Chair has concerns and questions about the RFP for the project. Dr. Bernward Hay of the Louis Berger Group, Inc., who is currently conducting the Water Quality Study, has answered each of her questions to date and is willing to meet with her. ?? The West Lexington Greenway Master Plan RFP was sent out on August 15, 2007 and closes on September 12, 2007. This is a Recreation and Conservation project that the CPA is funding. 3 ?? The bid specifications for the Valley Tennis Courts and Center Basketball Court reconstruction should be completed within the next few weeks. The goal is to have construction begin in October and be completed by November. 7. Parks Report ?? Dave Pinsonneault reported that work at the Harrington Soccer field is in process. He hopes that the field will be playable by Spring 2008. He has not heard from the School Department or the Permanent Building Committee (PBC) about the funding source for the reconstruction of the infield and outfields of the Little League field closest to the school. ?? Additionally, Dave Pinsonneault told the Recreation Committee that he is still waiting for direction from the PBC regarding the possible school construction at Bowman. If a new school is to be constructed on the existing field site, he will work with the school and with Little League on an alternative plan. Lexington Little League is on board for a renovation and relocation of the existing Little League field at Bowman. 8. New Business Wendy Rudner reported on the history of World War II veterans for the proposal received in June regarding the renaming of the Rindge Playground. Rick DeAngelis suggested that the Recreation Committee consider recommending to the Board of Selectmen that the Rindge Playground be dedicated in honor of all of the Lexington World War II veterans. The next meeting of the Recreation Committee will be held on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in Room G15 of the Town Office Building. The meeting was adjourned at 9:28 p.m. 4