Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-03-21-REC-min Town of Lexington Recreation Committee Frederick DeAngelis, Chairman Tel: (781) 698-4800 Christian Boutwell, Vice Chair Fax: (781) 861-2747 Carl Fantasia Lisa O’Brien Claire Sheth Renen Bassik Weiwei Li Recreation Committee Minutes of Meeting March 21, 2023 A meeting of the Recreation Committee was held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 in person and via Zoom as a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm in Room 237 of the Lexington Community Center. Members Present: Christian Boutwell, Carl Fantasia, Weiwei Li, Lisa O’Brien, and Claire Sheth Members Not present: Rick DeAngelis and Renen Bassik Staff Present: Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation and Community Programs, Peter Coleman, Assistant Director of Recreation, and Christine Dean, Community Center Director, Others Present: John Andrews (22 Kendall Road, Lexington), Cristina Burwell (6 Albemarle Avenue, Lexington), Tim Clackson (14 Winthrop Road, Lexington), Rod Cole (Capital Expenditures Committee liaison), Jim Durant (31 Baskin Road, Lexington), Alex Flack (Lexington Farmers’ Market), Nora Ghillany and Joseph Lehar (33 Parker Street, Lexington), Brian Healy (Brian Healy Architects), Adam Kalai (45 Parker Street, Lexington), Doreen Karoll (76 Bloomfield Street, Lexington), Hal Miller-Jacobs (17 Swan Lane, Lexington), Kathleen Lenihan (School Committee liaison), Naomi Martin (Lexington High School Athletic Director), Eric Pearlman (47 Parker Street, Lexington), Richard Petrasso (39 Parker Street, Lexington), Steve Poltorzycki (Munroe Center for the Arts), Nathaniel Rewey (5 Parker Street, Lexington), Darren Rough (35 Parker Street, Lexington), Longwei Su (29 Parker Street, Lexington), Ruth Thomas (10 Parker Street, Lexington), Leslie Wilcott-Henrie (70 East Street, Lexington), and Norma Wyse (26 Parker Street, Lexington) 1. Public Comment Eric Pearlman, resident of 47 Parker Street, stated that while he is an avid pickleball player, due to the loud, constant noise of the sport and the proximity of the courts to the Parker Street abutters, pickleball should not be allowed at the Gallagher Courts going forward. Richard Petrasso, resident of 39 Parker Street, served as a member on the Tennis & Pickleball Working Group (TPWG) and reiterated that the noise concerns need to be addressed. He encouraged the Committee to engage in a further discussion on this very important topic. Doreen Karoll, resident of 76 Bloomfield Street, also served on the TPWG. She thanked Claire Sheth and Peter Coleman for leading and facilitating the TPWG. A result of the working group has been the creation of the Lexington Pickleball Club (LPC). Ms. Karoll indicated that many people have shown an interest in joining the LPC and LPC will work with staff to see what court time can be reserved for the group this spring. Ms. Karoll also expressed her support for lining six (6) pickleball courts at the Adams and Valley Courts (there are currently four (4) pickleball courts at each site) and stated that the pickleball lines should be a brighter color so they are easier to see. 2 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 2. Meeting Minutes Lisa O’Brien moved to approve the minutes from the February 1st meeting, with edits, and Weiwei Li seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 5-0 to approve this motion. Lisa O’Brien moved to approve the minutes from the February 15th meeting and Weiwei Li seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 5-0 to approve this motion. Lisa O’Brien moved to approve the minutes from the March 1st meeting and Claire Sheth seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 5-0 to approve this motion. 3. Recreation Committee Email Correspondence Claire Sheth provided the Committee with an update on the emails that were received over the past month. There were several emails about the proposed Lincoln Park field improvements project (Article 10i) as well as a dozen emails in opposition of pickleball at the Gallagher Courts due to noise concerns. Other emails received were about the potential bike park, an inquiry requesting an update on a potential cricket field, and a request to form a middle school football team through the Recreation & Community Programs Department. 4. Recreation & Community Programs Report The March Recreation & Community Programs Report is attached to the meeting minutes. Christian Boutwell, Vice Chair of the Recreation Committee, stated that it would be useful for Committee members to be available at Town Meeting on Wednesday, March 29th in case a quorum is needed due to any amendments that may be proposed for Article 10i (Lincoln Part field improvements project). 5. Liaison Report Nothing was submitted ahead of time and Lisa O’Brien, liaison to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), referred to the Munroe Center for the Arts project that was discussed later in the meeting. 6. Lincoln Park Sub-Committee Reappointments and Bench Donations Weiwei Li, liaison to the Lincoln Park Sub-Committee (LPSC), reported that the LPSC met on Wednesday, March 15th. There were several items discussed at the meeting. The first was the reappointment of Committee members. Brian Kelley will serve as the Chair, Joanne Shorter will serve as the Vice Chair, and David Williams will serve at the Treasurer. A memo regarding these LPSC memberships is attached to the meeting minutes. There are currently two vacancies on the LPSC. The LPSC also reviewed a request for a memorial bench in honor of Tiffany Fontanez. The annual maintenance restrictions were reviewed. Currently, two companies work with DPW to maintain the park at a cost of approximately $42,000 each year and the LPSC is looking to reduce that to one company. The LPSC inquired about having a sign with a QR code at Lincoln Park to indicate that it is looking for new members. This is something that the Recreation Committee could approve at a future meeting. The LPSC does not have the budget to replace/repair the fitness stations and is looking for Town support. Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation and Community Programs, indicated that replacing the fitness stations is in the 5-year capital plan and is also part of the Lincoln Park Master Plan discussion. At the end of the conversation, Weiwei Li made the following motion: “The Recreation Committee approves the Lincoln Park Sub-Committee (LPSC) member terms for Brian Kelley (Chair), Joanne Shorter (Vice Chair), and David Williams (Treasurer). Mr. Kelley and Ms. Shorter’s terms will expire on December 30, 2024 and Mr. Williams’s term will expire on December 30, 2025.” Claire Sheth seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 5-0 to approve this motion. The requests to place memorial benches at Lincoln Park will be moved to a future meeting. 3 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 7. Bike-Ped Stakeholders Group – Member Participation Melissa Battite informed the Committee that the Town has established a bicycle/pedestrian strategic plan working group. The group consists of both Town staff and volunteers and Ms. Battite asked the Committee if someone would be willing to serve on this group. This effort is being led through the Planning Department and is anticipated to last approximately six months. Carl Fantasia agreed to be the liaison from the Committee. 8. Munroe Center for the Arts Cristina Burwell, Executive Director of the Munroe Center for the Arts, was joined by Steve Poltorzycki from Munroe and Brian Healy of Brian Healy Architects. Ms. Burwell stated that the focus of the project is to make the building accessible and to update the HVAC system. This will impact the parking and park space at Munroe. Two potential designs have been reviewed with Dave Pinsonneault, DPW Director, and Tim Flaherty, Assistant Fire Chief, and a copy of the site analysis has been attached to the meeting minutes. The two designs have different orientations – one is east/west and one is north/south. Brian Healy explained that in his opinion, while more open space is lost in the north/south orientation, the amenities it features outweighs the space that is lost. Mr. Healy stated that drainage improvements and field restoration will be included in this project. The north/south orientation also allows for a stronger connection between the annex and landscaping. Ms. Burwell indicated that Assistant Chief Flaherty is in favor of the north/south orientation because it results in not having to cross traffic and the turning radius is large enough for a fire truck to maneuver. Lisa O’Brien, liaison to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), abstained from the vote when this was presented to the CPC. Over $1,000,000 was allocated for Recreation in this project initially and she wanted the Committee to have a chance to review the two proposed designs. Through the elaborate cost estimate process, Mr. Healy reported that approximately $273,000 would go towards drainage and field improvements. Christian Boutwell emphasized that such factors as size, orientation, loss of space, and what maintains flexibility for future use all need to be taken into consideration and led him to lean towards the east/west orientation as the more appealing option for future field use. Melissa Battite reminded the Committee that Munroe was looked at as part of the Athletic Fields Feasibility Study and pointed out that the drainage associated with the field is separate from drainage for the building and parking lot. Installing sod would be the preferred choice as compared to grass seed. The swing set would be relocated, which would cost approximately $20,000. Ms. O’Brien asked about the timeline for this project. Ms. Burwell said that if approved, the construction documents would be finalized in May and then the project would go out to bid. It is anticipated that construction would start in Fall 2023 and continue into Summer 2024. Ms. Burwell stated that her preference is the north/south orientation due to ensuring the safety of the children and stage parking during construction. Munroe will be open as the construction is taking place. Ms. Battite added that Recreation’s priorities will need to be included in the bid specs. The amphitheater will be a great new addition to the site and will provide a much-needed space for community events. Christian Boutwell concluded by emphasizing the importance of having a liaison from the Committee involved with the Facilities Department and throughout the planning process to make sure the field renovation includes everything that is needed. Mr. Boutwell then made the following motion: “The Recreation Committee moves to support the accessibility project at the Munroe Center for the Arts with the request to continue to be involved in the planning and development, specifically regarding the Recreation space and amenities. Lisa O’Brien, liaison to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), will report the Recreation Committee’s support for this project to the CPC and Town Meeting.” Claire Sheth seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee 5-0 to approve this motion. 4 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 9. Storage & Banners: a. Request to move 5 storage containers to alternate locations at Center – an update is included in the monthly Recreation & Community Programs Report. b. Request from LUSC to place storage container at Center – John Andrews, resident of 22 Kendall Road and President of the Lexington United Soccer Club (LUSC), presented a request to have one storage container at the Center Recreation Complex. This would allow LUSC to store some small equipment onsite. Mr. Andrews indicated that the container would be similar in size to what is currently onsite at Lincoln Park and a picture of that storage container is attached to the meeting minutes. The main storage trailer for LUSC is located at Diamond with a smaller container at Lincoln and the proposed unit for the Center. Storage at the parks, specifically the Center Recreation Complex, is a concern. Christian Boutwell recognized the need for storage onsite at the fields, but worried that this would be precedent-setting/perpetual. All storage at the Center Recreation Complex is temporary and a storage policy will be prioritized upon the completion of the Center restrooms renovation and Gallagher/Farias Courts reconstruction project later this year. Mr. Andrews indicated that LUSC is willing to work with the Town on this. After a brief conversation, Lisa O’Brien made the following motion: “The Recreation Committee approves the request from the Lexington United Soccer Club (LUSC) to place a temporary storage container at the Center Recreation Complex, working with DPW and Recreation & Community Programs staff to determine the exact location.” Weiwei Li seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 5-0 to approve this motion. c. LPS request to hang banners – On behalf of the spring sports teams, Naomi Martin, Lexington High School Athletic Director, presented a request to hang banners at the Center Recreation Complex and Lincoln Park. This would include banners at the Center #1 baseball field and Center #2 softball field as well as banners recognizing senior student-athletes at both locations. This would be very similar in nature to what was displayed at the fields in 2022. Claire Sheth made the following motion: “The Recreation Committee approves the request from the Lexington High School Athletics Department to hang banners for the LHS baseball and softball teams at the Center #1 baseball field and Center #2 softball field, respectively, for the duration of the spring season and to allow banners recognizing senior students-athletes at the Center Recreation Complex and Lincoln Park in a manner not to exceed prior application.” Weiwei Li seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 5-0 to approve this motion. 10. Lincoln #2 – Athletic Lighting – 2023 Request Peter Coleman, Assistant Director of Recreation, presented the request to extend the hours of athletic lighting at Lincoln #2 and a copy of the request is attached to the meeting minutes. The request called for the athletic lighting to remain on for up to an additional 30 minutes, from 8:30pm to 9:00pm for the field lights and from 8:45pm to 9:15pm for the parking lot lights, on weeknights during the 2023 field season, which was anticipated to last from April 3rd-November 24th. Melissa Battite informed the Committee that abutters within 500’ of Lincoln Park were notified that the light extension request was going to be presented during the meeting. Jim Durant, resident of 31 Baskin Road, expressed his concerns about privacy, noise, and light pollution. These concerns were first raised back in December 2015, but Mr. Durant said that they never went anywhere. Rather than extend the light time, Mr. Durant’s preference is to address the noise and privacy concerns first. Mr. Durant stated that he needs to keep the windows and shades in his home closed during the summer months due to the noise from the park sounding like a busy city street. Mr. Durant supported the goal, but requested to address the privacy and noise concerns first. He also wondered if someone could talk to the landscaping company that 5 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 maintains the Conservation land. Ms. Battite referenced that Brian Kelley is the Chair of the LPSC and there is a Contact Us option on the Recreation website. Members of the Committee then discussed this issue. Christian Boutwell thought it would be beneficial to make it as targeted as possible while also acknowledging that it is necessary due to the later school start time at Lexington High School. Claire Sheth believed that what was offered in the fall worked well. One of the main issues was if the request was approved as is, the number of nights this could impact the abutters throughout the season. The Committee asked for a more refined request at the April 19th meeting. At the same time, the Committee recognized the operational impacts this would have on the youth sports organizations so Christian Boutwell modified the request so it read “to extend the current access to the athletic lights at Lincoln #2 for up to 30 additional minutes, from 8:30pm to 9:00pm for the field lights and from 8:45pm to 9:15pm for the parking lot lights, on weeknights from April 3rd-April 21st on an as-needed basis to accommodate potential overruns of LHS athletics games.” Claire Sheth moved that the Recreation Committee approve the request as amended and Lisa O’Brien seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 5-0 to approve this motion. 11. Farmers’ Market 2023 Leslie Wilcott-Henrie, resident of 70 East Street, reviewed the Farmers’ Market special event permit for 2023 and a copy of the permit request is attached to the meeting minutes. This will mark the third year that the Farmers’ Market will be at the Worthen Road practice field. A concern had been raised regarding the ADA-accessible parking that is available. Ms. Wilcott- Henrie recently met with Melissa Battite, Dave Pinsonneault, and the Commission on Disability onsite to review the site and two additional ADA-accessible parking spots will be added by the outfield fence of the Center #1 baseball field. Christian Boutwell expressed his appreciation for the proactive approach that the Farmers’ Market has taken to address field damage. Christian Boutwell made the following motion: “The Recreation Committee approves the 2023 Special Event Permit for the Lexington Farmers’ Market to use the Worthen Road Practice Field as indicated in their special event permit application.” Lisa O’Brien seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 5-0 to approve this motion. 12. Tennis Pickleball Working Group Recommendations The Tennis & Pickleball Working Group (TPWG) report and presentation slides are attached to the meeting minutes. Claire Sheth served as the liaison to and facilitator of the TPWG and she provided a comprehensive overview of the working group and its final report. The TPWG met six times between July 2022-February 2023. While many thoughts and ideas were discussed, the overarching theme is there is interest demand for additional and more authentic pickleball opportunities in Lexington while also being mindful of and raising awareness of noise concerns and the negative impact that poor siting of pickleball courts can cause. The end result of the TPWG was to provide reasonable guidance to staff and the Committee. Ms. Sheth reviewed the short-term and long-term considerations that were discussed as well as the existing conditions, which consist of 17 tennis courts and 18 pickleball courts, although none of the pickleball courts are designated stand-alone, pickleball-only courts. The group acknowledged that tennis and pickleball are two completely different sports when it comes to noise and due to the socialization element, the desired pickleball format is drop-in/open play as compared to having to standard court reservation. Ms. Sheth gave and overview of the existing supply and demand conditions and discussed some barriers as well. The TPWG report contains both short-term and long-term recommendations. Potential short-term action items include pickleball advocates organizing an independent league where court time could be coordinated with staff to promote drop-in/open play, relining the pickleball courts at 6 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 Adams and Valley to increase the number of courts from four to six, use under-utilized parking lots, expand program offerings at Diamond and other indoor spaces, and pursue using quieter equipment. For the long-term, it is recommended to prioritize and commit to pickleball dedicated courts. Ms. Sheth outlined the site selection challenges and reviewed the selection criteria that the TPWG established. The selection criteria is a resource that will be referred to when determining the feasibility of pickleball play at a specific location in the future. The members of the Committee thanked Ms. Sheth for all of the time, energy, and effort that she put into leading this endeavor as well as the members of the TPWG for their commitment to the cause as well. All of the information and data provided in the final report will serve as a valuable framework going forward and TPWG members were encouraged to stay apprised of future meeting agendas. The final report will be posted on the Department’s website and the recommendations will be discussed more fully at the May Recreation Committee meeting. Those in the audience reiterated that noise is a critical factor as well the importance of taking the noise concerns into consideration and they also commended Ms. Sheth on the excellent presentation. The next meeting of the Recreation Committee is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, March 29th at 6:00pm. The March 21st, 2023 meeting of the Recreation Committee adjourned at 9:35pm. Respectfully submitted, Peter Coleman Assistant Director of Recreation The following documents distributed at the meeting are attached:  March 2023 Recreation & Community Programs Report  Memo on Lincoln Park Sub-Committee (LPSC) Memberships  Request for a Memorial Bench at Lincoln Park  Munroe Park Site Analysis  Picture of Lexington United Soccer Club (LUSC) Storage Container at Lincoln Park  Request for Extended Hours of Athletic Lighting at Lincoln #2  Lexington Farmers’ Market 2023 Special Event Permit Request  Tennis & Pickleball Working Group (TPWG) Report and Presentation Slides