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Frederick DeAngelis, Chairman
Lisah Rhodes, Vice Chair
Christian Boutwell
Carl Fantasia
Lisa O'Brien
Claire Sheth
Town of Lexington
Recreation Committee
2022 05 May, 5 airti
TOWN CLERK
Tel: (781) 698-4800
Fax: (781) 861-2747
Recreation Committee
Minutes of Meeting
April 12, 2022
A virtual meeting of the Recreation Committee was held on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at 7:OOpm through
the Zoom platform.
Members Present: Rick DeAngelis, Lisah Rhodes, Christian Boutwell, Carl Fantasia, Lisa O'Brien,
and Claire Sheth
Staff Present: Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation and Community Programs, Mike Cronin,
Public Facilities Director, Christine Dean, Community Center Director,
Others Present: None
1. Annual Town Meeting Capital Articles
Melissa Battite gave a brief update of the status of Annual Town Meeting and the capital articles
that were not part of the consent agenda. She explained that it is unclear at this point whether the
2 articles, I Oe and l Of, will be up for reconsideration.
Lisah Rhodes suggested that the Committee talk about their votes for both of the pro] ects and
certify that they are needs, established as part of the 5 year capital plan; they are part of our core
values. She added, that as a group, they need to affirm their vote.
Rick DeAngelis offered that that he is a long time user of the facilities and with respect to the
bathrooms, they are at the end of their usable life. The Town has done a goodJob at keeping
them fit for human use, but when asked by other users where the bathrooms are, he suggests other
facilities offsite. He added that a new high school will be a while still and this is a worthwhile
investment for now. It is a matter of comfort and safety. Mr. DeAngelis stated that the courts are
also assets that need to be maintained. He suggested that both pro]ects are not big asks and they
need to be done.
Clair Sheth expressed concern that the community is confusing "closer" to getting a new high
school with "close." She believes that the Town is still a good 5 years away from construction
and worries about delaying the pro]ects given the importance of the Center. She added that there
are other constituents in the community that use and depend on the resources to be safe and
reliable and that the High School is not the only thing that is happening for the next 5 —10 years.
Christian Boutwell stated that he remains fully committed to both of these pro]ects. Ms. Rhodes
continued that they part of our core values and she stands with her votes. Lisa O'Brien expressed
that it is theJob of the Recreation Committee to advocate for safe facilities for all ages and
abilities. Both pro]ects have been on the horizon for quite some time and she stands by her vote.
Carl Fantasia said that Ms. Sheth summed it up well, the high school is not right around the
corner and we need to do something for the now.
Christian Boutwell moved and Lisah Rhodes seconded the following motion: The Recreation
Committee reaffirms its support for funding as requested under article 10e. The Recreation
Committee voted 6 — 0 to approve this motion.
Christian Boutwell moved and Lisah Rhodes seconded the following motion: The Recreation
Committee reaffirms its support for funding as requested under article ]Of.. The Recreation
Committee voted 6 — 0 to approve this motion.
The next meeting of the Recreation Committee is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 20"
at 7:OOpm.
The April 12`" 2022 meeting of the Recreation Committee adjourned at 7: 22pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Christine Dean
Community Center Director
39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421