RECREATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
October 16, 2006
Present: Susie Collins, Noah Eckhouse, Cathy Long, Dan Pereira, Ingrid Neri, Jane Tatlock (minutes)
Minutes: The September 2006 minutes were approved.
Recreation Calendar: Add to the calendar for September: “Have annual review of policies and procedures with regard to the summer camp and the pool.” There should be a check list and a working operation manual for how to maintain the equipment at the pool.
Strategic Goal Setting: The following issues were discussed and prioritized, with everyone having different priorities.
l. New playing fields. With a declining school population, it’s hard to make a case for new field acquisition. Because of school recess, it’s hard to maintain quality fields.
2. Email communication with our users and
3. Getting “transactional” so people can sign up and pay online. It is possible to have PDF downloads and PR for specific events. At this point, the cost of on line payment is prohibitive.
4. The importance of becoming a Park & Rec. Department vs. just Recreation
5. Staff succession planning (i.e. leadership of camp and pool)
6. Our relationship with the schools. The selectmen, the schools and the recreation department need to sit down and determine recreation’s and the schools’ areas of responsibility. Where does one start and the other end?
7. 4th of July fireworks. Ingrid, Cathy and Dan are The 4th of July Committee.
8. Community center/pod usage. At this point, one pod is multi-use (recreation and early child hood education), one pod is LEAP and one pod is empty but the school is going to use it for storage of Hanscom stuff. Is this the best use of town facilities?
9. Capital planning. As of now, there is a new field for next year on the long range planning list. After that, nothing has been planned.
10. Meaningful participation on other town committees. Our time is limited. We do the best we can.
11. Budget models. Our participation is soft. The budget is steady. Do we watch or plan?
12. Skateboard park.
13. Tennis court management
14. Friends of Recreation.
15. Special Events.
Finances: September’s General Fund numbers aren’t available yet. August’s numbers were low because money went into 2005’s fiscal year. Also, enrollments are down. The pool’s expenses are higher. The numbers are also down with the camp but the staffing remains the same. How do we reduce the ratios? The department will plan to make more regular weekly deposits.
Facilities Update:
The Tot Lot needs to be completed this fall so March’s Town Meeting can see the result. It’s a November project. Conservation can do the site work and prep if the DPW can’t.
Rubbish Removal: It’s a problem. There are several barrels not under anybody’s jurisdiction. Should we think about “no barrels - Carry in/carry out”? Dan will craft a coverage plan plus signage saying “take trash out”.
Programming Update: A handout was made available of Fall Class Availability and numbers.
The Mighty Ducks, a private swim program with paid coaches, has asked to have a relationship with Lincoln Recreation. Options are for Rec to do advertising and registration. The committee adopted the policy of not endorsing programs which conflict with Rec’s offerings.
Capital Planning Request: $14,000 is being requested for major field repair. Dan and Noah will submit the project October 21.
Other: Winter Carnival will be held January 27-28.
November 20 is our next meeting and December 18th will be the holiday party
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