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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-04-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 September 4, 2024 A Working Session of the Recreation Committee was held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in person and via Zoom as a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm in the Hudson Room of the Cary Memorial Building. Members Present: Rick DeAngelis, Christian Boutwell, Weiwei Li, and Claire Sheth Members Not Present: Renen Bassik and Carl Fantasia Staff Present: Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation and Community Programs, Peter Coleman, Assistant Director of Recreation and Christine Dean, Community Center Director Others Present: Olga Guttag (273 Emerson Road, Lexington), Doreen Karoll (76 Bloomfield Street, Lexington), Peter Kelley (24 Forest Street, Lexington), Kathleen Lenihan (School Committee liaison), Ali Lynch (10 Bloomfield Street, Lexington), Dawn McKenna (9 Hancock Street, Lexington), Sanjay Padaki (Appropriation Committee liaison), Deepika Sawhney (School Committee liaison), Tom Shiple (18 Phinney Road, Lexington), Longwei Su (29 Parker Street, Lexington), and Ruth Thomas (10 Parker Street) 1. Public Comment Longwei Su, resident of 29 Parker Street, stated that the Gallagher Tennis Courts are located too close to residential property to be used for pickleball and informed the Committee that pickleball play continues at these courts. Currently, there are no signs posted saying that these courts are for tennis only and Mr. Su encouraged the Committee to update signage at the Gallagher Courts to indicate that the courts are for tennis play only. 2.LHS Building Discussion This is a standing item on the Committee’s meeting agenda. Rick DeAngelis, Chair of the Recreation Committee, referenced a letter from Peter Kelley that had been sent to the Recreation Committee, Select Board, and Dr. Julie Hackett, Superintendent of Lexington Public Schools. A copy of Mr. Kelley’s email is attached to the meeting minutes. Peter Kelley, resident of 24 Forest Street, attended the meeting and said that the letter could speak for itself. The Town does not have a piece of land to put a new Lexington High School on and he has asked the various decision makers to consider the plan that he has presented. Mr. Kelley believes that taking the Town’s fields permanently offline would be a disservice for the community. Since there is Article 97 land at the Center Recreation Committee, a two-thirds vote of local Town Meeting would be required, plus the State legislature, and would require like-facilities to be matched. Mr. Kelley emphasized to the Committee that it should send a strong, unanimous message on this th issue. At the June 17 Select Board meeting, three members of the Select Board said that they did not want the fields to be impacted. Mr. Kelley added that the current Lexington High School is located on better land than if the high school is moved to the fields. He questioned why the 2 Town would spend that much money to site the building in a worse location while also ruining and relocating the fields. The connectivity and open space at the Center Recreation Complex are a community treasure. Mr. DeAngelis began his remarks by saying that the spirit of cooperation is what drives members of the Recreation Committee. Article 97 is a tool by which prime land cannot be traded for a swamp, it must be like-kind for like-kind. He stated that the closer you move athletic fields to residential areas on Waltham Street and Worthen Road, residents in that areas will be upset and concerned about the lights and noise associated with the fields. Mr. DeAngelis said that the School Building Committee (SBC) should pause and look at what Mr. Kelley has presented tonight. Mr. Kelley added that one new building option (renovation/addition) was added on the previous day, so there are now six options under consideration. The presentation slides from the th LHS Project Summit Town Boards meeting on August 15 are attached to the meeting minutes. Mr. Kelley would like to meet with SMMA, the architect overseeing the LHS school building project, as this is the most significant thing that has happened in Lexington during his lifetime. Christian Boutwell, Vice Chair of the Recreation Committee, reminded Committee members that the Committee needed to vote during the meeting what its position on the Field House and indoor pool would be. An FAQ’s from Dr. Hackett with more information on the Field House and proposed indoor pool is attached to the meeting minutes. Mr. DeAngelis said that if money, time, and space were not an object, then an indoor pool and new, larger Field House would be great. Claire Sheth stated that if an indoor pool and Field House are constructed LHS school teams have dominion, she would not support it as she believes that these facilities should have different entrances and oversight for school and community use. Mr. Boutwell reported that the position of Lexington Public Schools (LPS) is that a Field House is necessary. A renovation is what LPS supports and a larger Field House and indoor pool is not within the education program. Mr. Boutwell added that the Committee evaluates our capital requests through multiple criteria (“want vs. need”) and that the vast majority of capital requests is to continue to provide services that the Department currently provides. With this in mind, Mr. Boutwell said he would have a hard time supporting expansion of the Field House and building a new pool since the cost of expansion is too high and the benefit to the community is too low. Mr. Boutwell did express his support for a renovated Field House. While Ms. Sheth was in line with Mr. Boutwell’s application of the criteria, she acknowledged that the Town is very short on indoor recreation space and she could see value in an expanded Field House as the demand far exceeds the supply. Christian Boutwell made the following motion: “The Recreation Committee moves to submit to the Select Board and other appropriate boards and committees a memo stating its support for a renovation of the existing Field House at Lexington High School or a renovation and expansion of the existing Field House. The Recreation Committee does not support the construction of a new, larger, stand-alone Field House or an indoor pool.” Weiwei Li seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 4-0 to approve this motion. At this point, the discussion went back to the various school building options being considered and their impact on the athletic fields. Mr. Boutwell stated that of the five options being considered, there are two options that do not touch the fields permanently as these options call for a renovation, phased in place. Mr. Kelley reiterated that an opportunity is being missed and it should be kept open. He believes that the idea of staying on the present campus while also impacting the fields should be challenged. Mr. Kelley stated that 500 geothermal wells are proposed. The reconstruction/renovation of the school building can be phased and it is possible to build a brand-new structure with no impact to the current school building. This opportunity will never come back. Mr. DeAngelis asked why the SBC needs to go from five options to one preferred option within the next few months. Kathleen Lenihan, Chair of the School Building Committee (SBC), replied by saying that there were initially 18 options that have been narrowed 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 3 down to five current options. Only one option can be put into schematic design and be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). Ms. Lenihan said that internally, the SBC narrowed down the new building and build-in-place options. Ms. Lenihan acknowledged that this has been a very challenging process and with how constrained the site is, trying to make so many constituencies happy and please everyone has proven to be difficult. The time is quickly approaching for when the Recreation Committee will need to provide its position on the proposed options. Mr. Boutwell thought it would be beneficial for Committee members to rank the options and form its official position at the next Recreation Committee meeting. The plan is for there to be a vote on the Committee’s official position at the next meeting with the entire committee present. 3. 5-Year Capital Plan – 2026-2030 Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation and Community Programs, presented an overview of the proposed Recreation FY2026-FY2030 5-Year Capital Plan as well as a description of the projects scheduled for FY26. A copy of the summary sheet and FY26 project write-ups is attached to the meeting minutes. For FY26, there are six proposed projects totaling $13,846,360. They include the following: 1. Pine Meadow Equipment ($70,000, Recreation Enterprise Fund) – new greens mower and new utility vehicle 2. Strategic Plan Update ($100,000, free cash) 3. Lincoln Park Parking Lot Reconstruction ($4,056,360, general fund) – full replacement and reconfiguration of the parking lot at Lincoln Park will address safety concerns identified by the Transportation Safety Group (TSG) 4. Park Improvements – Athletic Fields ($2,000,000 general fund and $4,180,000 in CPA funds for a total of $6,180,000) – construction of two new, multi-purpose, lighted fields next to the Harrington School 5. Lincoln Park Field Improvements ($715,000 general fund and $1,235,000 in CPA funds for a total of $1,950,000) – replacement of the playing surface at Lincoln #3 6. Park and Playground Improvements ($1,490,000) – replacement of the Center Playground The current strategic plan was for 2014-2016 and the primary focus was the Community Center. A new version will focus on the challenges and opportunities that the department is now experiencing. The Lincoln Park parking lot project is a new inclusion in the 5-year plan and it would be completed before the LHS school building project begins. This would be the third year of the field improvements at Lincoln Park as the field replacement at Lincoln #1 and lights installment at Lincoln #1 and #3 was approved for FY24 and the field replacement at Lincoln #2 was approved for FY25. The playground projects have been flipped with the Center Playground replacement scheduled for FY26, followed by the Lincoln Park playground replacement in FY27. The Center Playground is requiring more repairs and maintenance in recent years and the fibar safety surfacing washes away after a rainstorm. Installing poured-in-place (PIP) safety surfacing would provide universal access at this site and by moving the project up a year to FY26, it would be completed before the LHS school building project begins. The Center Track and Center Track Field were installed in 2020, so the replacement of both amenities has been scheduled for FY30. Another new inclusion this year is the Aquatics Improvements line item, which is designated for enhancements and upgrades at the Town Pool and Old Reservoir. Members of the Committee acknowledged that the FY26 dollar amount is high and Christian Boutwell asked how much of a deviation is this amount from previous years. Mr. Boutwell said that the new fields at Harrington and the Lincoln Park parking lot are both unique opportunities. 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 4 Claire Sheth wondered who would oversee the management of the new Harrington fields if they were built. Ms. Sheth appreciated the thoughtfulness that staff put into this process each year. Dawn McKenna, resident of 9 Hancock Street, was thrilled to hear about the Lincoln Park parking lot project. She exclaimed that the current parking lot was poorly designed and needs to be bigger. Ms. McKenna offered to do anything to help as she believes it is important to fix the problem. At the end of the conversation, Rick DeAngelis made the following motion: “The Recreation Committee approves to submit the proposed Recreation FY2026-FY2030 5-Year Capital Plan as written and presented tonight.” Christian Boutwell seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 4-0 to approve this motion. 4. Special Town Meeting Article – Design Funds for Harrington Fields Melissa Battite stated that at the 2024 Special Town Meeting this fall, a funding request for the schematic design associated with the proposed new athletic fields next to the Harrington School will be presented. The design funds will come out of the Recreation Enterprise Fund and a solar study will be completed at the site as part of the design process. Ms. Battite indicated that the design would be valid if the project moves forward within the next 2-3 years. Christian Boutwell made the following motion: “The Recreation Committee approves submitting an appropriation request for design funds associated with the proposed Harrington fields project at the 2024 Special Town Meeting this fall.” Claire Sheth seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 4-0 to approve this motion. Tom Shiple, resident of 18 Phinney Road, asked if there is a preferred design or if multiple options will be taken into consideration. Ms. Battite replied by saying that Harrington School – Proposed B from the 2021-2022 Comprehensive Study of Athletic & Outdoor Recreation Facilities is the option that will be looked at. Mr. Shiple expressed that it would be valuable to see different price points for this project, such as natural grass vs. synthetic turf and lights vs. no lights. 5. Annual Report Submission A copy of the Recreation Committee FY2024 Annual Report is attached to the meeting minutes. The Committee reviewed the report and then Rick DeAngelis made the following motion: “The Recreation Committee approves the Recreation Committee’s FY2024 Annual Report as written.” Weiwei Li seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 4-0 to approve this motion. 6. Lincoln Park Master Plan – Melissa Battite A copy of the Lincoln Park Master Plan is attached to the meeting minutes. Melissa Battite expressed her satisfaction with the plan. While it took a little longer to complete than anticipated, she was very pleased with how the final product turned out. Members of the Committee also expressed their appreciation for the depth and comprehensiveness of the plan. After a brief discussion, Rick DeAngelis made the following motion: “The Recreation Committee approves and adopts the Lincoln Park Master Plan, dated August 2024.” Christian Boutwell seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 4-0 to approve this motion. 7. Policy Updates – Peter Coleman a. Outdoor Facility Policy Peter Coleman, Assistant Director of Recreation, reviewed the updated outdoor facility policy and athletic lighting policy. A redlined version of the Athletic Field and Court Use Policy is attached to the meeting minutes. The revised policy has reduced some redundancies that appeared in the previous version and consolidated information that appeared in multiple sections. Mr. Coleman reported that the most significant change was in regards to the tier definitions. The modified tier definitions went into effect as of July 1, 2024. Under the revised tiers, Tier 3 consists of at least 75% Lexington residents, Tier 4 consists of 50-74% Lexington residents, and Tier 5 is private, for-profit camps/clinics/tournaments or groups that 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 5 have less than 50% Lexington residents. Previously, Tier 3 was at least 60% Lexington residents, Tier 4 was less than 60% Lexington residents, and Tier 5 was private camps/clinics/tournaments. The thresholds for these tiers have been increased to prioritize the field use of Lexington-based organizations with the impending LHS school building project. Members of the Committee acknowledged that with the shortages of athletic fields, field fees have increased substantially in recent year. The Committee thought it would be beneficial to solicit some information and explore the field fee structures that are in place in surrounding communities. Committee members will provide feedback on this draft policy between now and the next meeting and then will take a vote on the policy. b. Athletic Lighting Policy The revised Outdoor Recreation Area Lighting Policy is attached to the meeting minutes. The policy was initially presented at the July Recreation Committee meeting. Since that meeting, the document has been edited so there are separate sections with regulations and guidelines about permanent lighting and temporary lighting. The revised version does not have any substantive changes. Dawn McKenna thought it would be valuable to add clarity about the end time for the lights and allow for an extension. An example of when the lights went out while a game was still taking place in the spring due to the pre-game senior night ceremony lasting longer than anticipated was mentioned. It was suggested to have a checklist on the website so permit holders would know how to contact the Recreation and Community Programs Department if extending the lights was necessary. After a brief discussion, Rick DeAngelis made the following motion: “The Recreation Committee approves the Town of Lexington Outdoor Recreation Area Lighting Policy as written.” Weiwei Li seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 4-0 to approve this motion. 8. Meeting Minutes – June and July 2024 th Rick DeAngelis moved to approve the minutes from the June 26 meeting and Claire Sheth seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 4-0 to approve this motion. Rick th DeAngelis moved to approve the minutes from the July 17 meeting and Christian Boutwell seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 4-0 to approve this motion. 9. Recreation Committee Email Correspondence The Recreation Committee email correspondence from the past month is attached to the meeting minutes. 10.Liaison Report Christian Boutwell, liaison to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), had nothing new to report and indicated that the CPC will resume meeting in the fall. Weiwei Li, liaison to the Lincoln Park Sub-Committee (LPSC), also had nothing new to report. The next meeting of the Recreation Committee is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, th September 18 at 5:30pm. th The September 4, 2024 meeting of the Recreation Committee adjourned at 8:55pm. Respectfully submitted, 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 6 Peter Coleman Assistant Director of Recreation The following documents distributed at the meeting are attached:  Email from Peter Kelley about the LHS School Building Project  LHS Project Summit Town Boards Meeting – 8/15/24 Presentation Slides  FAQs from Dr. Julie Hackett about the Field House and Swimming Pool, dated 8/17/24  Draft of FY2026-FY2030 Capital Plan Summary Sheet and FY26 Project Descriptions  Recreation Committee FY2024 Annual Report  Lincoln Park Master Plan  Draft of Athletic Field and Court Use Policy – draft  Outdoor Recreation Area Lighting Policy  Recreation Committee Email Correspondence  September 2024 Recreation & Community Programs Report 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421