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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-15-REC-min.pdfSRN 1775 Cv a 9 3� i APRIL 19' FXINGS A Frederick DeAngelis, Chairman Claire Sheth, Vice Chair Renen Bassik Sean Bridgeo Carl Fantasia Andrea Jackson Weiwei Li Call to Order Town of Lexington Recreation Committee Town of Lexington Recreation Committee Minutes of Meeting July 15th, 2026 Tel: (781) 698-4800 Fax: (781) 861-2747 Chair Claire Sheth called the virtual meeting to order at 7:19 p.m. after a quorum was established. Members Present • Claire Sheth • Renen Bassik • Andrea Jackson • Weiwei Li Members Absent • Rick DeAngelis • Sean Bridgeo • Carl Fantasia Staff Present • Melissa Battite • Peter Coleman • Christine Dean Public Present Bob Adams, Cristina Burwell, Rodney Cole, Doug Lucente, Doug McDonald, Sanjay Padaki, Karyn Zhao, Mona Roy, and other members of the public participating virtually. 2 Outdoor Recreation Field and Court Use Policy Peter Coleman presented a proposed amendment to the Athletic Field and Court Use Policy. The revision clarifies that when multiple organizations request the same fields or courts, Recreation and Community Programs staff will consider both an organization's residency tier and the total number of participants when allocating field permits. Committee members discussed balancing residency percentages with overall participation and the need to maintain flexibility when allocating limited field space. Public comment was received from Sanjay Padaki regarding the proposed language. Motion: Claire Sheth made the following motion: "The Recreation Committee approves the updated Athletic Field and Court Use Policy as presented this evening." Renen Bassik seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0, motion approved. Munroe Center for the Arts Presentation Cristina Burwell and Bob Adams presented the Munroe Center for the Arts' proposal for a permanent outdoor performance stage and seasonal canopy. The presentation reviewed the project design, accessibility improvements, anticipated programming, lighting and sound controls, parking, and neighborhood outreach efforts. Committee members discussed the project's operations, accessibility, event scheduling, neighborhood impacts, and future approval process. The presentation was received for informational purposes only, and no action was taken. Department Strategic Plan and Pine Meadows Golf Course Master Plan Melissa Battite introduced upcoming work on a departmental Strategic Plan and a Pine Meadows Golf Course Master Plan. Funding has been appropriated for both projects. Melissa invited Recreation Committee members to participate in reviewing consultant scopes of work and proposals during the procurement process. Interested members will be identified at a future meeting. Select Board Goals 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 3 Select Board liaison Doug Lucente reviewed the Select Board's current two-year goals: • Lexington High School Project • Clean, Healthy and Resilient Lexington • Economic and Community Vibrancy • Fiscal Stability • Livable Community Doug discussed how Recreation and Community Programs support these priorities through recreation programming, facilities, accessibility, sustainability, and capital planning. Committee members discussed aligning future Recreation Committee goals with the Select Board's priorities. Lexington Education Foundation — Little Free Library Request Karyn Zhao presented a request on behalf of the Lexington Education Foundation to install a Little Free Library at the Center Recreation Complex. LEF will be responsible for installation and ongoing maintenance. Committee members discussed possible locations, maintenance responsibilities, and coordination with Recreation Department staff. Motion: Claire Sheth made the following motion: "The Recreation Committee approves the request from the Lexington Education Foundation to install a Little Free Library at the Center Recreation Complex, specific location to be determined in coordination with Recreation and Community Programs Department staff." Andrea Jackson seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0, motion approved. Public Comment Doug McDonald, an abutter to the Munroe Center for the Arts, expressed concerns regarding the proposed outdoor performance venue and requested continued use of the rear lawn for summer camp programming Chair Claire Sheth noted that the Recreation Committee was receiving the presentation as informational only and would not be acting on the proposal. Lexington High School Building Project Update 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 4 Peter Coleman reported that project mobilization began on July 6. Construction trailers have been installed, vehicle access has been modified, and pedestrian access has been maintained. Summer camps and Recreation Department operations have adapted successfully to the construction -related changes. Approval of June 17, 2026, Meeting Minutes Motion: Claire Sheth moved to approve the minutes of the June 17, 2026, Recreation Committee meeting. Andrea Jackson seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0, motion approved. Liaison Reports and Committee Emails Renen Bassik summarized recent committee correspondence, including concerns regarding pickleball activity at Adams Park outside of permitted hours. Committee members discussed park operating hours, permitted versus non -permitted use, signage, and enforcement limitations. Mona Roy asked for clarification regarding a recent Hub Softball incident. Peter Coleman confirmed that the incident involved adult participants only and did not involve Lexington Public Schools students or staff. He also reported that the league received written notice that discriminatory behavior would not be tolerated and that future violations could result in permit revocation. 2026 Aquatics Memberships Melissa Battite reported that due to exceptionally high demand and ongoing lifeguard staffing shortages, the department implemented a resident waitlist for aquatics memberships beginning July 1. The decision was made to ensure safe swimmer -to -lifeguard ratios and maintain service levels. Membership policies and enrollment timelines will be evaluated prior to the 2027 season. Recreation and Community Programs Report Melissa Battite provided departmental updates, including: • Preparation of the FY2026 Annual Report. • Recognition of July as National Park and Recreation Month. 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 5 • Successful operation of summer camps despite construction and weather challenges. • Installation of new playground equipment at the Center Playground, with opening anticipated by the end of July. • Upcoming Community Center flooring replacement project. • Delivery of new Community Center lobby furniture. • Preparation for fall program registration. Adj ournment Renen Bassik moved to adjourn the meeting. Weiwei Li seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0, motion approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Melinda Spencer Administrative Manager 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421