TOWN OF SHARON

 

RAC Minutes

 

 

 

POSTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF M.G.L. CHAPTER 39 SECTION 23A AS AMENDED.

 

 

Recreation Advisory Committee

 

LOCATION OF MEETING: Sharon Community Center

 

DATE & TIME: February 21, 2013 

 

Recreation Advisory Board             Minutes 2/21/13

 

Present:

Gary Bluestein Chairman, Steve Lesco, Rick Shantz, Neil Grossman,

Margaret Marder, Mike Goldstein, Mitch Blaustein, Steve Ferrara

Amanda Deni, Recreation Director, Christine Kasparian Asst. Recreation Director,Ben Puritz, Town Administrator

 

 

   7:05pm Meeting called to order

 

1)     Introduced Christine Kasparian as Assistant Recreation Director.  Began work a week ago.

·         Christine presented new social media presence on Facebook and Twitter and new flyer with new programs.  Discussed marketing across media and using collaborations with local businesses.

·         Introduced Sharon Rec department logo contest

2)     Gene Kim, President and Colin Barbera, Board Member, presented for Sharon Lacrosse. 

·         Program growing each year.   Still need to work on recruiting younger girls. Tryout teams for boys but not girls.  Talking to other towns with low girl numbers to see if can combine groups.

·         Currently offering indoor practices for winter season.

·         Talking to Pop Warner about starting up the snack shack at the Middle School again.

·         Biggest challenge Is lack of field space.  Discussed field size, condition and potential for development of a field at Sacred Heart site. 

·         Discussed coaches’ training and concussion education.

·         Amanda will look into potentially offering a free or reduced baseline concussion evaluation in conjunction with other youth sports to be offered throughout rec sports players.

3)     Tabled approval of December meeting minutes until next meeting.

4)     Amanda Deni presented Director’s report:

·         Motion by Steve F. to accept new shed to be installed by SYBSA at Ames Street Fields.  Will now go to DPW for approval.  Second by Margaret M. Motion passed.

·         Amanda explained new Dooty Calls contract for beaches.  Service will provide barrels, mitts and dispenser and empty 1 x week or as needed. 

·         Huge thank you to Dave Clifton for taking on the youngest Rec Basketball program. 

·         Talked about geese problems at beach.  Dori poles investigated but too expensive.  Border collie program probably best deal. 

·         Amanda met with Camp Everwood principals, Selectman Bill Heitin, Town Administrator Ben Puritz to discuss potential indoor/covered pool at camp site.  Would be built by Everwood but during non-camp season, would be operated for the benefit of Sharon residents.  Ben Puritz added that it is still a discussion in process. 

·         Sharon Rec hosted the highest attended South Shore Rec Professionals meeting at Community Center.  Very successful and informational.

·         Presented proposed rates for beach passes.  Working on a process to sell online for this summer.  Ultimately hope to have kiosks at beaches to allow people to buy day passes.  Ben Puritz confirmed potential.

·         Motion by Steve L. to have two colors for passes – one for senior pass and one for regular.  Second by Steve F.  Motion passed.

·         If a non-senior uses a pass, the user will be given a warning and told to buy a regular pass.  The tag number will be noted by gate guard and reported to Rec. Dept.

·         Beach building renovation is potentially larger than thought.  Waiting for final estimate.  Work is ongoing. 

·         Steve F. asked Ben if town would accept donation of electrical work or supplies.  Ben said probably.

5)     Mitch B., RAC representative on Sacred Heart Reuse Committee reported that current discussion is on whether to build a fenced in regulation sized multi-use field or an open space junior playing field.  Next meeting next week.

6)     Motion by Margaret M. to accept Rec Advisory Committee purpose statement.  Second by Rick S. Motion passed.

7)     Old Business:

·         Amanda and Gary attended Open Space Master Plan meeting.  Group discussed all rec sites within town, including trails and more.  2015 will renew Open Spaces report.  Rec Department needs to update plan for recreation properties.  Ben P. will provide consultants proposal done several years ago for RAC review.  Sub- committee will be formed to work on updated plan.

·         Steve F. asked if there were any safety plans in place similar to the school department’s upgrade plan in light of recent mass shootings.  Ben and Amanda will meet with Police Chief to discuss potential need for a plan.

·         Steve L. stated that RAC members should have been notified when new assistant director was hired.  Felt that this communication has been lacking and is disrespectful of committee.

o   Alternative for ADA ramp/access for wheelchairs to get onto the beach.  Amanda said they are considering a couple of options.

o   .

 

9:30pm Motion to adjourn by Rick Schantz.  Second by Steve Lesco.  Passed.

 

Submitted: Margaret Marder acting recording Clerk