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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-05-17-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 May 17, 2023 A meeting of the Recreation Committee was held on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 in person and via Zoom as a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm in Room 237 of the Lexington Community Center. Members Present: Rick DeAngelis, Christian Boutwell, Carl Fantasia, Weiwei Li, Lisa O’Brien, and Claire Sheth Members Not present: Renen Bassik Staff Present: Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation and Community Programs, Peter Coleman, Assistant Director of Recreation, Christine Dean, Community Center Director, Chris Filadoro, DPW Superintendent of Public Grounds, and Laura Perry, Recreation Supervisor Others Present: Suzie Barry (Select Board liaison), Dongling Chen (39 Parker Street, Lexington), Rod Cole (Capital Expenditures Committee liaison), Dr. Julie Hackett (Superintendent of Lexington Public Schools), Brian Kelley (44 Grant Street, Lexington), Kathleen Lenihan (School Committee liaison), Dawn McKenna (9 Hancock, Street, Lexington), Richard Petrasso (39 Parker Street, Lexington), Barbara Tarrh (47 Liberty Avenue, Lexington), Ruth Thomas (10 Parker Street, Lexington), and Charlie Wyman (66 Harding Road, Lexington) 1. Public Comment Richard Petrasso, resident of 39 Parker Street, made four points about the practice backboards located next to the Gallagher Courts. Mr. Petrasso strongly endorses the project design which calls for cement-based practice boards as it will reduce noise and sound levels, he claimed that it will only be effective if the practice boards are used exclusively for tennis, he believes that signage about tennis use only and hours of use should be displayed, and lastly, he thought it would be important to be included in the orientation of the new practice boards given its close proximity to the abutter property line. Mr. Petrasso thanked the Recreation Committee for their continued service to the community and a copy of his comments are attached to the meeting minutes. 2. Meeting Minutes Lisa O’Brien moved to approve the minutes from the April 19th meeting and Weiwei Li seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 5-0 to approve this motion. 3. Recreation Committee Email Correspondence Claire Sheth indicated that the Recreation Committee email has been quiet over the past month with nothing notable to report. Ms. Sheth added that it had been reported that the bike pump 2 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 track near Kinneens Park has been used vigorously and unlawfully and people had expressed their thanks and appreciation for the extended pickleball access at the outdoor courts along with the new portable rolling nets. 4. Recreation & Community Programs Report The May Recreation & Community Programs Report is attached to the meeting minutes. 5. National Park & Recreation Month Proclamation The memo and the proclamation that would designate July as Park and Recreation Month are attached to the meeting minutes. This item is on the May 22nd Select Board meeting agenda for approval and this year’s theme is “Where Community Grows.” 6. Introduction of Laura Perry – Recreation Supervisor Peter Coleman, Assistant Director of Recreation, introduced Laura Perry, the new Recreation Supervisor, to the Committee. Ms. Perry began working for the Town on May 1st and comes with over 20 years of professional experience in youth programs and after-school programming. Ms. Perry has a passion for outdoor recreation and has earned a master’s degree in recreation management. Ms. Perry commented that she is excited for this opportunity and if the first two- and-a-half weeks are any indication, then Lexington is the right town for her. Members of the Committee welcomed Ms. Perry to the department and expressed that they are looking forward to working with her going forward. 7. Liaison Report Weiwei Li, liaison to the Lincoln Park Sub-Committee (LPSC), had no new updates as the LPSC had not met during the previous month. Rod Cole, Capital Expenditures Committee (CEC) liaison, mentioned the recent joint meeting between the Select Board and School Committee regarding the 173 Bedford Street property. Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation and Community Programs, reminded the Committee that this property was purchased with municipal funds to service as swing space during the construction projects at the Fire Station, Police Station, and Lexington High School. The Lexington Public Schools central administration building is currently located next to the Harrington School (referred to as “old Harrington”). In the Athletic Feasibility Study that was completed in 2022, it noted that if LPS administration moved out of its current location, then there is enough space to potentially convert that space into two multi- purpose rectangle fields and a cricket field. Upon completion of the new Police Station, the decision will need to be made on what to do with this property going forward and it will be important for Recreation to participate in joint conversations in the future. Mr. Cole was struck by how strong the overall sentiment was and the importance of the Town doing the best it can when it comes to field use for Recreation. Kathleen Lenihan, School Committee liaison, added that the one-hour working session was a wide-ranging discussion and timing is of the essence as a decision on this matter will be needed in the near future. It will be critical to know where the LPS central office will be located permanently. Suzie Barry, Select Board liaison, reported that at its May 8th meeting, Joe Pato was voted as Select Board Chair and Suzie Barry was voted as Select Board Vice Chair. 8. Lincoln Park Sub-Committee a. Maintenance Plan – Brian Kelley, Chair of the Lincoln Park Sub-Committee (LPSC), stated the LPSC used two companies to maintain Lincoln Park – Barnard Landscaping and Parterre Ecological. Maintenance practices include invasive species management, keeping the boardwalks and paths clean and safe, a garlic mustard pulling day and Mr. Kelley indicated that maintenance is performed on an ongoing basis. There were some uprooted trees in the Granite Forest and trees along Baskin Road will be cleared out 3 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 going forward. Mr. Kelley emphasized that the LPSC always strives to maintain a good relationship with neighbors in the surrounding area. b. Bench Requests – A photo survey and mapping of bench types at Lincoln Park is attached to the meeting minutes. Mr. Kelley presented three memorial bench requests to the Committee. The first request was in memory of Mark Freitas, a devoted father, husband, brother, and friend. Mr. Kelley has been in communication with Karen Freitas, Mr. Freitas’s widow. The second request was in memory of Peter Vincent Ciampa. Cynthia Ciampa Savage submitted the write-up and the details are being finalized. The third request was in memory of Tiffany Fontanez. A coy of this request is attached to the meeting minutes. All three of these requests have been approved by the LPSC. Mr. Kelley acknowledged that there can be challenges associated with bench installations. Lisa O’Brien made the following motion: “The Recreation Committee moves to approve benches being placed at Lincoln Park in memory of Tiffany Fontanez, Mark Freitas, and Peter Vincent Ciampa as recommended by the Lincoln Park Sub-Committee.” Weiwei Li seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee 5-0 to approve this motion. 9. Lexington Public Schools – Discus/Hammer Cage Installation Dr. Julie Hackett, Superintendent of Lexington Public Schools (LPS), shared her concerns with the Committee about the current location of the discus cage and expressed her desire to move the throwing cage to the Worthen Road practice field. Dr.. Hackett reported that people have been injured this spring and the track coaches are worried about safety. The idea of having the discus cage at the practice field has been discussed previously, back in 2019 when LPS indicated that they would cover the cost of these improvements, but then the pandemic hit and this project did not move forward at that time. In December 2022, Dr. Hackett authorized the purchase of a Gill hammer cage, which cost $67,000. The installation of a concrete slab would be an additional expense that LPS would pay for. This was done with the intent of relocating the discus throwing to the practice field. Prior to installation, approval for this request would be needed by the Recreation Committee and Conservation Commission, given its proximity to wetlands. Dr. Hackett indicated that LPS has been working with Conservation. Epsilon has surveyed the land and determined that placement of the cage would be within to 100’ buffer zone. The filing date of May 23rd would be for the June 12th Conservation Commission meeting. Dr. Hackett acknowledged that reluctantly, the installation timeline is not what LPS was hoping for. The existing discus cage would remain in its current location and DPW would continue its regular and routine maintenance at the Center Recreation Complex. The Gill hammer cage can be relocated, which will prove beneficial with the Lexington High School construction project on the horizon. Dr. Hackett stated that in speaking with LPS counsel, it is their belief that the placement of the equipment is a decision that falls under the purview of the School Committee. Rick DeAngelis, Chair of the Recreation Committee, stated that the permitting aspects and requirements of the Conservation Commission are no different than what the private and public sectors go through with construction projects and that this is a standard, routine process. This process will determine if a Notice of Intent (NOI) is required and Mr. DeAngelis said that it was unfortunate that this process did not begin back in January or February. Kathleen Lenihan recognized that it is a lengthy process and stated that the School Committee is looking forward to getting this done as soon as possible. Lisa O’Brien referred to the onsite meeting held with LPS staff and Town staff and committee members. James Hall, LHS boys track coach, spoke very passionately about the program and his concerns around safety. Ms. O’Brien expressed a larger concern about the unique relationship between LPS and Recreation and would welcome thoughts on how to work together more cohesively. Ms. O’Brien said it would be beneficial to receive regular updates on how LHS Athletics are using the athletic fields and facilities. From the permitting side of things, Mr. DeAngelis exclaimed that the department and Recreation 4 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 Committee support field improvements for all sports and since LPS and Recreation are on the same team, it is important to make sure the improvements are implemented correctly. Melissa Battite stated that when questions about the Center Track and Field project have been asked over the past 4-5 years, staff has always made sure to have all of the necessary information. There was a misunderstanding that the 2019 sketch provided by Activitas was a construction plan, which is attached to the meeting minutes. This sketch was a concept plan in nature rather than an actual design and construction plan. Ms. Battite stated that prior to the past month, there has been limited communication about the Worthen Road practice field. She added that communication needs to improve and identifying who the communicators will be is essential to avoid issues going forward. This would be the first step in improving communication between LPS and Town staff. Dr. Hackett stated that she has heard concerns from Town and LPS staff and that while she is hoping to move this project forward, she is not looking to debate or have controversy. LPS is a willing partner and Dr. Hackett was hopeful that LPS and the Town could work together to accomplish this. Dawn McKenna, resident of 9 Hancock Street, appreciated listening to the conversation and LPS for taking responsibility to address this concern that was first mentioned four years ago. She also agreed that something is not working with the working relationship between the Recreation and Community Programs Department and LHS Athletics and wondered if the model in which Recreation is funded should be revisited. In light of this, Mr. DeAngelis proposed the possibility of forming a working group to begin addressing these issues. Dr. Hackett believed that a working group could be a good first step as long as it has a clear purpose and as long as what is at the heart of the tension can be identified. There is inherent conflict based on how the Town and LPS are structured and operate. Claire Sheth countered by saying that it may be premature to put a working group together since the problem is process in this case. While this project has been a source of frustration and tension, Ms. Sheth asked whether this is the exception or the norm. Christian Boutwell, Vice Chair of the Recreation Committee, questioned where communication is breaking down between the School Committee, Recreation Committee, LHS Athletics, and the Recreation and Community Programs Department and asked what the appropriate lines of communication are. Mr. Boutwell thought that a small group could identify issues quickly and productively and the members of the group could identify why friction is existing and address it. Melissa Battite believed that this would open up a bigger conversation about the larger relationship between LPS and the Town. In her opinion, it comes down to communication and what level is expected and needed to prevent breakdowns from occurring. Ms. Battite believes that this is solvable and preventable. Suzie Barry reiterated that everyone involved is on the same team and recommended having a facilitator come in and lead a discussion regarding the communication issues with three representatives from Recreation and three representatives from LPS. Everyone involved will need to commit to working on the LPS/Town relationship and enter a potential meeting with humility and act in good faith. Ms. Barry added that someone who is neutral would need to come in and facilitate the conversations and it will be critical to move forward tougher with the upcoming capital improvement projects over the next several years. Mr. Boutwell and Ms. Sheth indicated that they are interested in being involved in this process. 10. Discussion on Trees in Lexington – Charlie Wyman Charlie Wyman, resident of 66 Harding Road, and Barbara Tarrh, resident of 47 Liberty Avenue, expressed their concerns and frustration on how trees are being taken for granted in Lexington and questioned what more can the Town do for trees. Mr. Wyman stated that climate change is here and getting worse. He added that trees are the best defense against climate change as they provide lower ambient temperatures and studies show that it is 4-10 degrees warmer than suburbs with trees. Mr. Wyman explained a graphic on what trees do, including absorb pollution, promote stormwater infiltration, provide wildlife habitat, increase property values, improve our 5 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 mental health and well-being, cool our neighborhoods, absorb carbon, and shade buildings in the summer. In his opinion, the Town’s tree by-law is not strong enough and the Forestry Division needs more resources. Mr. Wyman asked the Committee for their thoughts, concerns, and issues and stated that approximately 1,000 people and 24 organizations have signed a statement that advocates to advance the cause of trees in Lexington. Ms. Tarrh added that 40 people attended an informational meeting on this topic back in March where people were able to share their personal experiences and brainstorm potential solutions. Christian Boutwell stated that on a committee level, when it comes to tree replanting, the question of native vs. ornamental comes into play and is fast growing always the best. On a personal level, Mr. Boutwell acknowledged the unnatural age distribution in the Town’s oldest trees. Rick DeAngelis questioned how to combat invasive species and Ms. Tarrh said that there is a recommended list of species to plant on the Town website. Mr. Wyman concluded his remarks by saying that old trees continue to outpace younger trees. An informational handout about trees is attached to the meeting minutes. 11. Tennis/Pickleball Next Steps Discussion Peter Coleman and Claire Sheth provided an overview of what improvements have been implemented since the Tennis/Pickleball Working Group (TPWG) report was presented to the Committee at its March meeting. Mr. Coleman reported that the Lexington Pickleball Club (LPC) formed this spring and had approximately 62 members during the spring season. LPC worked with department staff to create a schedule of the days/times when the Adams and Clarke Courts would be designated for pickleball play only. As far as equipment enhancements are concerned, ten portable pickleball nets on wheels were installed this spring (6 at Clarke and 4 at Adams). Longer-term considerations include the inclusion of drop-in pickleball, re-lining existing tennis courts to accommodate additional pickleball courts and creating “temporary” pickleball courts in underutilized hard-top surface such as school parking lots. Members of the Committee thanked Ms. Sheth and Mr. Coleman for their continued work on this. Christian Boutwell agreed that the formation of the LPC was hugely helpful. In terms of the Gallagher Courts reconstruction project, it was stated that the decision about whether or not to line the courts for pickleball should be made by September at the latest. While people may not be accustomed to playing pickleball at Gallagher, Melissa Battite stated that pickleball is included in the Lexington High School physical education curriculum and that will need to be a factor in the decision. At the end of the conversation, the Committee agreed that it would be best to make a decision on the Gallagher lines at its July meeting. The next meeting of the Recreation Committee is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 21st at 6:30pm. The May 17th, 2023 meeting of the Recreation Committee adjourned at 8:53pm. Respectfully submitted, Peter Coleman Assistant Director of Recreation 6 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 The following documents distributed at the meeting are attached: • Email with the comments made by Richard Petrasso • May 2023 Recreation & Community Programs Report • Northeast Regional Inclusion Summit Flyer • National Park and Recreation Month Proclamation • Lincoln Park Photo Survey and Mapping of Bench Types • Request for a Bench at Lincoln Park in memory of Tiffany Fontanez • Activitas Sketch of Hammer/Discus Throwing Area at the Worthen Road Practice Field • Informational Flyer about Trees Board – Eagle Project Presentation Slides