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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-26-REC-min-copy 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 26, 2024 A meeting of the Recreation Committee was held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 in person and via Zoom as a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm in Room 237 of the Lexington Community Center. Members Present: Rick DeAngelis, Renen Bassik, Christian Boutwell, Weiwei Li, Lisa O’Brien, and Claire Sheth Members Not Present: Carl Fantasia Staff Present: Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation and Community Programs, Christine Dean, Community Center Director, and Dave Pinsonneault, DPW Director Others Present: Suzie Barry (Select Board liaison), Rod Cole (Capital Expenditures Committee liaison), Mimi Woodman (17 Hadley Rd. Sudbury), Mona Altschuler (27 Hathaway Rd.), Doreen Karoll (zoom participant) 1. Public Comment – None 2. February 2024 Meeting Minutes Renen Bassik moved to approve the minutes from the February 28 th meeting and Weiwei Li seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 5-0 to approve this motion. 3. Recreation Committee Email Correspondence Renen Bassik will provide a summary of the email correspondence to the Committee. 4. Liaison Report Weiwei Lia reported that the Lincoln Park Subcommittee had no meeting this month. Melissa Battite added that Brian Kelly provided a 2-page update on the work completed in 2023. Suzie Barry provided a Town Meeting update and state that the CPA articles will be time certain. With Regards to the Pine Meadows club house renovation, she reported that all 5 Select Board Members are in favor. She added that all 5 members were also expected to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony at Center Recreation on April 2nd. Rod Cole reported that the CEC has noted support for Recreation articles. 5. Battle Green Tennis League request to install bench at Gallagher Mona Altschuler and Mimi Wood presented their support for Fred Levinson, who had served on the BGTL Board for 25 years, and passed away in December. The organization's history was shared, mentioning its founding in 1974. The team deliberated on the idea of installing a new bench to commemorate Levison's loss, with a plaque. Rick DeAngelis moved to accept a bench donation with approval of the language on the plaque and the placement of the bench by the 2 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 Recreation Director. Christian Boutwell seconded. The Recreation Committee voted 6-0 to approve this motion. 6. Reservoir Update – Melissa Battite The Recreation Committee discussed potential renovations and security updates for the Old Reservoir. They considered new activities for the park and updates on water depth changes. The team also discussed the need for a monthly agenda item related to a project that could significantly impact recreation-related activities. Melissa Battite, along with Laura Perry and Peter Coleman have been meeting to see how they may activate the park through programming, such as photography, environmental programming, volleyball and yoga. Moving forward with renovation, the Department of Public Facilities may use their on-call contractors to come in and rehab. The project has gone out to bid; the bulk of expense will be the ADA upgrades and a walkway to the beach. There is also consideration for taking down the fence. Mr. DeAngelis questioned if as an open-air facility there may be additional liability considerations. Ms. Battite stated that there is nothing to stop the removal of the fence based on preliminary research into the insurance information. 7. LHS Project Options – Christian Boutwell Christian Boutwell provided an update to the Committee on the LHS Building Project (see attached slide deck). The group discussed the potential development of three buildable areas, focusing on renovation, addition, and new construction options for the High School. They evaluated 13 proposals from the design team, with plans to move forward to the cost estimator phase after further review. The Committee explored various options for relocating and configuring the facilities at Center Recreation. The discussion concluded with an emphasis on identifying key factors for their preferences and the possibility of splitting the recreation complex. 8. Annual Town Meeting – Article 25 – Christian Boutwell The Committee presented a proposal to renovate the Pine Meadows clubhouse, which included updating it to modern code, improving accessibility, and installing solar energy generation. The estimated cost of $2.575 million was suggested to be funded through short-term debt, with the Recreation Enterprise Fund making annual contributions towards the debt service. The proposal was positively received, and the final decision will be made after the town meeting. Christian Boutwell moved the following motion: “The Recreation Committee has explored, and is open to, contribution toward the debt service using the enterprise fund with the caveat that the health of the fund is the number one priority. Renen Bassik seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 6-0 to approve this motion. 9. Lincoln Park Master Plan – Activitas Meg Buczynski, Principle Civil Engineer for Activitas, presented the ongoing master plan for Lincoln Park, which includes a range of short-term and long-term projects aimed at improving the park's infrastructure, drainage, erosion, and lighting. She highlighted key projects such as the construction of Field 1, site improvements, and lighting for Field 1 and Field 3, as well as the redesign of the parking lot for better flow and safety. Meg also discussed the potential need for a more detailed schematic design for the DPW project and the cost breakdown of various projects, totaling approximately $11.5 million. The team discussed the concept of the bike path, the fitness stations, and the boardwalks, with the intention of finalizing the designs before the approval of the next capital plan in August. The team discussed the phased project approach of the Lincoln Park master plan, focusing on the location of the fitness station, boardwalk, and the need for revitalization of the parks. Brian Kelly, representing the Lincoln Park Sub Committee, explained that their focus is on the nature areas 3 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 within the park: the granite forest, gardens and boardwalks. He emphasized the need to address the deteriorating boardwalks. Meg stressed the integration of these projects into the 5 Year Plan, while also considering the potential impact of increased usage for health and wellness. The team acknowledged the need for a long-term plan to replace aging boardwalks. The Committee discussed the next steps for their five-year capital plan, prioritizing recreation goals and resource allocation. Lisa O’Brien suggested that the group look at all the phases and plot or prioritize them for when the High School fields come offline. Ms. Battite suggested a working meeting as planning for the next 5-year plan. Next steps will include quotes for all the recommended projects and Mr. Boutwell added that ideally the committee members could come to the next meeting with a ranked list, although it might be aspirational. Ms. Battite referenced the Field Feasibility Study and suggested this project be approached in a similar fashion. Mr. DeAngelis added that the source of the funding is also dependent on the bid process. He recommended approving the concepts provided as a first step. 10. Recreation & Community Programs Report The March Recreation & Community Programs Report is attached to the meeting minutes. The next meeting of the Recreation Committee is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 23rd at 6:30pm. The March 26th, 2024 meeting of the Recreation Committee adjourned at 9:02pm. Respectfully submitted, Christine Dean Community Center Director The following documents distributed at the meeting are attached:  Recreation Committee Email Correspondence  March 2024 Recreation & Community Programs Report  Proposal – Fred Levinson Memorial Bench  Center Rec Ribbon Cutting Flyer  Fund for Lexington request  LHS Project update for Rec Comm  Lincoln Park Master Plan for Rec Comm