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Home My WebLink About2013-11-19-CCAC-min TOWNOFLEXINGTON AdhocCommunityCenterAdvisoryCommittee(AhCCAC) Minutes Date: November 19, 2013 Place and time: Cary Memorial Building, Battin Hall, 7:00 .. PM Members Present: Michelle Ciccolo, Chair; Mary Ellen Alessandro; Betty Borghesani; Harry Forsdick; Laura Hussong; Leslie Zales; Florence Koplow Members Absent: None Liaisons Present:Staff: Linda Vine, Vice Chair of AhCCAC, Town Manager’s Office; Charlotte Rodgers, Human Services; Karen Simmons, Recreation Department; Dave Pinsonneault, substitute for Chris Filadoro, Public Works;Committees: Norm Cohen, Board of Selectmen; Beth Masterman, Capital Expenditures Committee; Jon Himmel, Permanent Building Committee Liaisons Absent (liaisons only attend as-requested and as-available to address relevant agenda items): Staff:Shawn Newell, Public Facilities; Dorinda Goodman, Information Technology; John Wilson, Chief, Fire Department; John Mazerall, Police Department; Koren Stembridge, Library; Committees: Glenn Parker, Appropriation Committee; Jessie Steigerwald, School Committee Consultant Representatives Present from Steffian Bradley Architects (SBA): Teresa Wilson, Richard Berry Also present: 53 attendees, in additional to those listed above, signed in; some attendees did not sign in. Recording Secretary: Sara Arnold The meeting was called to order by Ms. Ciccolo at 7:05 .. PM 1.Opening Comments : After introducing the Committee, Ms. Ciccolo presented a PowerPoint overview of this Committee’s efforts-to-date and the steps that the Town has taken to develop a Community Center at 39 Marrett Road. The process began in earnest in 2011 when the Community Center Task Force (CCTF) was appointed. The CCTF provided the ground work for what is being done by the AhCCAC today. Both Committees visited community centers in other towns and collected data regarding programs and needs. Extensive spreadsheets identifying current Lexington programs and desired programs have been used to identify space needs. Ms. Ciccolo explained the two-phase process that is being pursued. In late January 2014, the Town expects to go out to bid for Phase 1 renovations to the current building. The Human Services Department and the Recreation Department anticipate moving into the new facility in the fall of 2014. Phase 2, if approved by the Board of Selectmen and funded by Town Meeting, will address needs that cannot be met in the current building. Ms. Wilson provided a PowerPoint tour of the mansion, built in 1905, and the addition, built in 2000. She explained that the process to-date included exploring a variety of options for using the space and that she is presenting the AhCCAC’s preferred option for Phase 1. Using floor plans for each level, she reviewed how the areas in the building would be used, noting that there will be adjustments as the plan moves through the design phase. She emphasized that under Phase 1 all of the current Human Services programs currently held at the Muzzey Senior Center will be accommodated at the new facility with some additional space available for expanded/new programs and some Recreation Department needs. 2.Audience participation : The following 10 people, representing a variety of entities and interests, spoke at the meeting; sharing their comments and concerns: Rita Sagalyn Resident Cynthia Reed Special needs advocate Wendy Reasenberg Resident Dorothy Tutko Resident Tim Dugan Community Center Task Force Shirley Stolz Resident Sumner Perlman Resident Michael Alexander Resident Bob Pressman Community Preservation Committee Phil Cunningham Resident A number of people expressed appreciation to the Town for pursuing this opportunity, and some of the speakers expressed their support for the project as presented. Other comments included: The activities for seniors at the new Center should not be operated by the Human Services Department. (Ms. Ciccolo explained that this is outside the purview of this Committee.) Space for special-needs residents would be greatly appreciated; the speaker offered to assist in making this possible. There needs to be space for two pool tables so that Lexington can host pool tournaments, and there should be space for more than one ping-pong table. (Ms. Wilson reported that the layout currently shows space for two ping-pong tables.) There will likely be competition for space, particularly because the multi-use spaces are not dedicated to particular age groups. (Ms. Wilson recommended reading the CCTF report to get a better understanding of how scheduling works at a community center. Committee members added that there is a natural clustering of use by different age groups based on the time of day; natural selection plus a good management system are expected to ensure comfortable use of the spaces.) It is important that Phase 1 incorporates all of the Human Services programs currently provided at the Muzzey Senior Center, but it clearly cannot also incorporate all of the indoor spaces that are used by Recreation, which are currently all over the community; Phase 2 will be necessary to avoid competition for the use of space by Human Services and Recreation in the Community Center. A path through conservation land from the end of Worthen Road to the back of 39 Marrett Road would provide high school students with a direct walking route to the Community Center. With only one elevator, access from parking areas to the basement fitness areas may involve walking a considerable distance unless there is outside access to the basement level. (Ms. Wilson noted that there are security issues associated with opening multiple points of access. This is still being reviewed.) There needs to be a medical support area. (Ms. Wilson said that it is planned to have a nurse’s station.) There were concerns about getting input from youth to determine their needs; there should be a young person on the Committee. Furniture will not be eligible for Community Preservation Act funding; fundraising should be considered. The use of space should not be “set in stone”; it is important to maintain flexibility at least until residents have time to adjust to the new facility and the way it serves the community. Ms. Ciccolo expressed her appreciation for everyone’s attendance and input. 3.Adjourn: A Motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 8:45 .. Vote: 7–0 PM These minutes were approved on December 3, 2013. Materials used at the meeting: Public Meeting Agenda, November 19, 2013, AhCCAC Ad Hoc Community Center Advisory Committee Public Meeting Invitation, Tuesday, November 19, 2013 Lexington Community Center; AhCCAC Public Meeting – November 19, 2013; PowerPoint Presentation 2