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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-07-15-REC-min (includes attachments) us MOg ITIS h�G Town of Lexington �w = Recreation Committee s V APRIL I9'" �FXINGION Frederick DeAngelis, Chairman Tel: (781) 698-4800 Lisah Rhodes, Vice Chair Fax: (781) 861-2747 Lisa O'Brien Ruixi (Ray)Yuan Francesca Pfrommer Recreation Committee Minutes of Meeting July 15, 2020 A virtual meeting of the Recreation Committee was held on Wednesday,July 15, 2020 at 6:30pm through the Zoom platform. Members Present: Rick DeAngelis,Lisah Rhodes,Lisa O'Brien, and Francesca Pfrommer 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 Melinda Spencer, Administrative Manager Others Present: Meredith Applegate (42 Reed Street, Lexington), Suzie Barry (Select Board liaison), Ellen Cameron(Council on Aging liaison), Tim Clackson (14 Winthrop Road, Lexington), and Eileen Jay (School Committee liaison) 1. July 1,2020 Minutes Lisa O'Brien moved and Francesca Pfrommer seconded the approval of the minutes from the July 1st meeting. The Recreation Committee voted 4-0 to approve the July 1 minutes. 2. Public Comment—None Meredith Applegate, on behalf of Lexington Little League, expressed her appreciation to the Recreation and Community Programs Department and DPW staff for all of their efforts as the first home softball game was successfully held in Lexington on Tuesday, July 14th Rick DeAngelis, Chairman of the Recreation Committee, shared about an email exchange he had with Lisa Mazzerall,who is the daughter of Bob Farias. Mr. Farias was the boys varsity basketball coach at Lexington High School for over 30 years and he led the Department's Minuteman Boys Hoop summer basketball clinics for many years as well. Mr. Farias passed away last year and the Recreation Committee previously discussed the possibility of approaching the School Committee about having the Lexington High School Gym named the Bob Farias Court at the LHS Gym. The Recreation Committee voted in favor of this,but has not brought it forward to the School Committee yet. Lisa Mazzerall also mentioned the possibility of naming the outdoor basketball courts at the Center Recreation Complex in honor of her father. Eileen Jay, liaison from the School Committee,indicated that she has spoken with Ms. Mazzerall about this request as well. Ms.Jay referenced the Lexington Public School Naming New Facilities Policy (attached to the meeting minutes) and she will look into who,whether it be the Lexington High School principal, Lexington High School athletic director, or the Lexington School Committee, the Recreation Committee should notify about formally submitting this request. 3. Liaison Reports Eileen Jay reported that the last day for public feedback on the Lexington Return-to-School Blueprint was July 15th. Dr. Julie Hackett, Superintendent of the Lexington Public Schools,will 2 present the updated version to the School Committee at its July 21"meeting and the final draft will be presented and voted on during July 28' School Committee meeting. Members of the Recreation Committee expressed their concerns about the transportation challenges that will be presented and questioned if the Committee should advocate and encourage people to utilize such trail systems as Safe Routes to School and ACROSS Lexington to walk to school. Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation and Community Programs,reminded the Committee that ACROSS Lexington is not maintained or cleared and trail use would need to be supported if the Town promotes it. Ms. Jay added that as of now, the school start date is set for September I",but that also has a chance to be pushed back. Suzie Barry, liaison from the Select Board,had nothing new to report. Ellen Cameron, liaison from the Council on Aging, said that things are running well from home. She added that the age- friendly assessment had been completed and the next venture will be sending postcards to neighbors. 4. Recreation, Community Programs, &Parks Report Melissa Battite and Christine Dean, Community Center Director,reviewed the July 15th Recreation and Community Programs Report. A copy of the report is attached with the meeting minutes. Ms. Battite informed the Committee that the portable toilet pilot program that is scheduled to be implemented for the Fall 2020 season will be reviewed in August. Suzie Barry reported that the Library Trustees voted unanimously to keep the Cary Library closed to the public until at least October Ist. Curbside pickup will continue to be available during this time. a. Phased Reopening Discussion and updates Melissa Battite reported that local businesses that are indoor-based and currently cannot reopen to the public have contacted the Economic Development office about supporting outdoor fitness at parks. A recommendation has been created and will be presented to Jim Malloy, Town Manager, and the Select Board in the near future. 5. Goals The Recreation Committee's FY20-FY21 goals will be reviewed at the August 26th meeting. 6. Policy Discussion a. Outdoor Lighting Policy This policy was last updated officially back in October 2008. Rick DeAngelis recommended moving the shut off time at the Center Recreation Complex of 10:30pm back fifteen minutes to 10:45pm. Melissa Battite indicated that while the new track lights are operational, that is a cost that can't be recovered through permit or user fees and that there may be different usage on weeknights and weekends. This policy will be voted on at the August 26th Recreation Committee meeting. b. Playing Field&Related Facility Permit Policy i. Heat Index Protocol The heat index protocol is still be revised and finalized. One recommended change in the policy is to change the term Lexington-based sports organization to Lexington-based organization. This revision would capture the ability of local businesses to use a facility like the Center Recreation Complex or Lincoln Park,which was discussed previously during the meeting. Suzie Barry stated that the Select Board discussed this topic during its July 13th meeting and the Board supports all local businesses and hopes the Recreation Committee will do so as well. Francesca Pfrommer stated that compliance with additional guidelines, should they occur, should also be incorporated into the policy. After a brief discussion, Francesca Pfrommer made the following motion: "The 39 MARRETT ROAD,LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02421 3 Recreation Committee recommends adoption of the Playing Field&Related Facility Permit Policy while incorporating the proposed edits made by Melissa Battite and Francesca Pfrommer. In the document, Lexington-based sports organizations will be replaced with Lexington-based organizations and language pertaining to field permit holders being in compliance with additional guidelines should they occur(COVID-19) will be added. These edits will be included in the ongoing discussions between the Director of Recreation and Community Programs, Town Manager, and Lexington Retailers'Association." Rick DeAngelis seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 4-0 to approve this motion. 7. Committee Membership Melissa Battite and Rick DeAngelis interviewed four candidates for the vacancy on the Committee. A recommendation has been made to the Town Manager and it will be brought forward at the Select Board meeting on July 27th. The intent is for the new member to join the Recreation Committee meeting on August 12th. Rick DeAngelis brought up the idea of expanding the size of the Committee. Mr. DeAngelis stated that the Committee is evolving as there are more discussions with staff outside of the Committee meeting and the workload is increasing. He added that skills that are necessary include health and wellness as well as capital and operating budgeting. Melissa Battite noted that while the charge of the Committee can be changed, the membership requirement would need to be voted on at Town Meeting. Members of the Committee were intrigued by this idea and being able to bring more skill sets to the table. Increasing the membership of the Committee would also increase the quorum requirement and it was recommended that if the Committee is interested in expansion,it should be voted on at the Special Town Meeting this fall. Before the meeting ended, Rick DeAngelis commended staff for the completion of the Center Track and Field renovation project,which culminated with the ribbon cutting ceremony on July 15th. The next virtual meeting of the Recreation Committee is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, August 12"at 6:30pm through the Zoom platform. The July 15th, 2020 meeting of the Recreation Committee adjourned at 8:26pm. Respectfully submitted, Peter Coleman Assistant Director of Recreation The following documents distributed at the meeting are attached: • Lexington Public Schools Naming New Facilities Policy • July 15"Recreation & Community Programs Report 39 MARRETT ROAD,LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02421 Lexington-Online Policy Manu< O SCHOOL COMMITTEE POLIC' Q File:FF-NAMING NEW FACILITIES O ► SECTION A-FOUNDATIONS Naming a school is an important matter that deserves thoughtful attention. Personal prejudice or favoritism,political pressure,or temporary popularity should not be an influence in choosing a school name. A name with an historical or O ► SECTION B-BOARD GOVERI educational significance or inspiration should be chosen that will lend dignity and stature to the school.No interior O ► SECTION C-GENERAL SCHt space shall be named after a current employee. O ► SECTION D-FISCAL MANAC The Superintendent will prepare for the approval of the Committee a procedure to follow in recommending names for school buildings. Whenever possible,the wishes of the community,including parents and students,should be O ► SECTION E-SUPPORT SERB considered in naming new facilities. O - SECTION F FACILITIES DE\ It is expected that an orderly,announced procedure will lessen the community or factional pressures that so quickly O File:FA-FACILITIES DEVE build up when the selection is delayed or seems uncertain. A prompt decision will reduce disappointments and O File:FCB-RETIREMENT 0 advance community solidarity. Much confusion in accounts,files,and records can be avoided if a new school can be identified by name before the planning starts. O 1 File:FF-NAMING NEW FA O ► SECTION G-PERSONNEL O ► SECTION H-NEGOTIATIONc O ► SECTION I-INSTRUCTION O ► SECTION J-STUDENTS O ► SECTION K-COMMUNITY R O ► SECTION L-EDUCATION AG eeAAdss�, Lexington RECREATION&COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Town of Lexington Recreation and Community Programs Melissa Battite,CPRP Tel: 781-698-4800 Director of Recreation and Community Programs Fax: 781-861-2747 Recreation & Community Programs July 15, 2020 Report ------------------------------------------NN--------------NN----N-------------- News& Updates: • In person programming began on Monday,July 61h with two sessions of archery (10 per session) and Navigator Club met at Lincoln Park for an hour long scavenger hunt. Staff, participants and families are having a lot of fun and following the Daily Health Screenings and state guidelines. • Center Recreation Complex—The construction fencing is down and the park is open for use. There are a few punch-list items to be addressed in the coming week. • Fall 2020 planning is beginning and staff are developing opportunities to continue virtual, offer outside and possibly new programs. It is unknown at this time what indoor space and activities will be allowed come September— December. The phases will continue to be monitored and communications with the School District will be a crucial piece in determining what may be feasible. Summer 2020 Take 2: The week of July 13th Staff and Parent Orientations will take place for our camp and tennis clinics. Thank you to the Lexington Health Department staff who have guided and supported our efforts to meet guidelines. Health agents will also participate in both orientations. Budget &Capital: • FY2020 Capital: o The Adams tennis/basketball court resurfacing project is now complete and both have reopened to the public as of July 11, 2020. o The contractor will be mobilizing and begin work on the Diamond field renovation project this week. o The Community Needs Assessment surveys are complete. Facility Assessments have been analyzed and initial findings are being shared by PROS Consulting. Results will be shared with staff on July 27, the Steering Committee on August 4, and the Recreation Committee during the August 12 meeting. www.lexingtonma.gov/recreation recdept@lexingtonma.gov 39 MARRETT ROAD,LEXINGTON,MA 02421(office) 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE,LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02420(mail) LexRec Reopen has been a great resource to the community for finding information on what facilities and spaces are open and or closed. The plan will be reviewed during the July 15' meeting to reflect updates during this and future phases. • Residents have shared some concerns about tennis permitting which staff is monitoring. At this time there is not a recommendation to reduce the number of courts open. • Phase 3, step 1 was announced and began on Monday,July 6th. Hayato and Peter have been working with permit holders in preparation for game play to begin on Monday, July 13th, only if organizations are able to meet the guidelines. DPW has been working to confirm the fields are ready for game play in addition to the practice play it has had in recent weeks. Players will be at the fields for longer periods of time during games without access to restrooms (permanent or temporary). This will need to be monitored in the coming weeks as the Pilot Program for Portable Restrooms was scheduled to begin this September 2020. • Local business owners are interested in offering fitness classes outdoors as the Phase 3, step 1 guidelines are difficult to meet indoors. This is something staff is working on with Economic Development. Permit holders would be Tier 5 and required to meet all guidelines and permit regulations. • The Town buildings remain closed to the public. An Industrial Hygienist has been hired and upon receiving the report the Town will prepare to have staff return to work full time followed by opening to the public. The Community Center is beginning to look at ways to open safely sometime in September. Pine Meadows: • Golf continues to be a popular activity for the community. Regular tee times have returned in Phase 3. The water jugs and club rentals remain unavailable for use as it would be too difficult to sanitize as regularly as needed. • The replacement tractor is currently being built and is expected to arrive sometime later this month. Parks, Fields, & Playgrounds Report • The Center Complex synthetic field was sanitized during the week of July 6th • Closure signs continue to be taken down as amenities within the park system are reopened. Virtual Programs&Services • All virtual offerings can be found at https://www.lexingtonma.gov/recreation-community-programs/virtual-programs. • There are over 240 participants in the Adult Health &Wellness virtual classes being offered through the Community Center this summer. Recreation Division: Programming: • S.O.A.R. (Summer Outdoor Adventure Recreation) and the tennis program will begin on July 20th. S.O.A.R. is scheduled to run for four weeks and will take place at the Center � Recreation Complex and Lexington High School. ~ The Therapeutic Recreation division is offering Navigator Club, a social group for teens with disabilities.The group meets at a local park and engages in physically distant games and activities. CommunitV Center: Bui|dingbk Facility: ~ Human Services isoffering their first curbside service onJuly l4. Pre-registered participants will pull up to the building and receive on ice cream sundae. `