Below is a summarized version of the Recreation Committee meeting, organized by timestamps and speakers, focusing on key points raised during the discussion in Reading, Massachusetts. This summary condenses the discussion into major themes, speaker contributions, and decisions, avoiding excessive detail while retaining the essence of the conversation. Timestamps correspond to the video linked at the bottom.
Contents
Meeting Overview
Meeting Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Start Time: 6:35PM
Format: Hybrid (in-person and Zoom)
Key Participants:
- Richard Hand: Vice-Chair
- Members: Eric Boemer, Michael Coltman, Catherine Kaminer, and Laura Noonan
- Associate Members: Kevin Leete, Giuseppe Fodera, and John Federico
- James Sullivan: (Recreation Administrator)
Opening and Roll Call (5:36 – 6:18)
- Speaker: Rich
- Details: Rich opens the meeting, noting he’s substituting for Eric, who is unwell. A roll call is conducted: Eric, John, Mike, Kevin, and Rich are present. The meeting is called to order at 6:35 PM.
- Outcome: Meeting begins with quorum established.
Approval of Minutes
(6:18 – 9:29)
- Speakers: Rich, Mike, Laura, Eric
- Details: Discussion of minutes from the February 18, 2025, meeting. Mike motions to accept, Laura N. seconds, noting a typo in her name (“Lauran” to “Laura”). All in favor: Mike, Laura, Cate, Eric, Rich.
- Outcome: Minutes approved unanimously with typo correction.
Elevation of Kevin to Full Membership
(7:51 – 8:53)
- Speakers: Rich, unspecified members
- Details: Proposal to elevate Kevin to full membership. Motion made and seconded, but initially lacks enough members for a quorum (needs 5). Cate joins, resetting the process.
- Outcome: Deferred until quorum confirmed later.
Public Comment
(9:35 – 10:25)
- Speaker: Rich
- Details: No public comments. Angela’s raised hand was a misunderstanding (not intentional).
- Outcome: No action taken.
Amplified Sound Request
(10:25 – 12:08)
- Speakers: Rich, unspecified member
- Details: Request from Reading Lions Club for amplified sound on June 14, 2025, at Birch Meadow Complex (10:30 AM – 3:00 PM) for Family and Friends Day, coinciding with fireworks. Motion to accept, seconded, and approved by all (Mike, Laura, Cate, Eric, Rich).
- Outcome: Request approved unanimously.
Temporary Lights for Soccer
(12:08 – 21:45)
- Speakers: Rich, Pete Coumounduros,(United Soccer Club representative), Laura, others
- Details: United Soccer Club requests portable lights at Coolidge Middle School for spring 2025 (April-May, max 9:30 PM cutoff). Preference for solar-powered lights; concerns from neighbor Laura Ryan about diesel fumes and light direction. Motion to approve with solar as first choice, mixed solar/gas second, all gas third, and lights directed away from homes. Approved by all (Mike, Laura, Cate, Eric, Rich).
- Outcome: Approved with conditions; club to confirm solar availability and update committee.
Birch Meadow Phase 2 and Pickleball Updates
(23:07 – 1:06:34)
- Speaker: Jim
- Details:
- Birch Meadow Phase 2 (23:07 – 44:09): Public forum held February 25, 2025. Plan includes updated pathways, basketball courts (converted from pickleball), Tot Lot redo, and concrete pad at baseball field. Parking reduced after public feedback (cost prohibitive at $50K/spot). Playground equipment for ages 2-12, natural design with swings. Construction starts July 7, 2025, aiming for November completion. Neighbors supportive with communication emphasized.
- Pickleball Courts (44:33 – 1:06:34): Select Board reviewed $1.89M proposal for 7 lighted courts (BH+A presentation). Concerns about cost (previously estimated $800K-$1M). Post-tension concrete preferred for durability. Hard costs ($1.5M) and soft costs ($390K) to be detailed. Pickleball community fundraising ($200K+). Goal to reduce to ~$1.5M.
- Outcome: Birch Meadow Phase 2 moving forward with community input; pickleball costs under review, revised numbers expected soon.
Staff Updates
(1:07:40 – 1:27:12)
- Speakers: Jim, Edward Shambo
- Details:
- Jim: Tennis nets up by Friday for high school season (starting Monday). Barrows fencing delayed due to project manager resignation. Little League and softball projects (fencing, dugouts) in progress, some funded by youth groups. New basketball backboards at Memorial Park ($6K). MRPA conference next week.
- Ed: Summer programs launched today. Hiring staff (29/35 returning counselors). Inter-generational event Thursday (80 attendees). Adaptive recreation planning with inclusion sports (track/field) and YMCA collaboration.
- Outcome: Projects on track; staff hiring and adaptive programs advancing.
Closing
(1:27:53 – 1:29:11)
- Speaker: Rich
- Details: Motion to adjourn at 7:55 PM, seconded, approved by all (Laura, Cate, Eric, Rich).
- Outcome: Meeting adjourned.
Key Outcomes
- Minutes Approved: February 18 minutes approved with typo fix.
- Membership Elevation: Kevin’s elevation deferred, later implicitly approved with quorum.
- Amplified Sound: Approved for June 14, 2025.
- Temporary Lights: Approved for soccer with solar priority and directional conditions.
- Birch Meadow Phase 2: Construction set for July-November 2025, parking reduced, community input incorporated.
- Pickleball: $1.89M cost under scrutiny; revised plan expected.
- Staff Updates: Multiple projects and programs advancing, including adaptive recreation.
