Committee Report - Youth - 1-27-16 — File 200652

Youth Services Committee Page 1 of 3 Printed 1/28/2016 January 27, 2016 REPORT OF THE YOUTH SERVICES COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Matthew McLaughlin Chair Present Mary Jo Rossetti Vice Chair Present Katjana Ballantyne Ward Seven Alderman Present Others present: Sonja Darai - Commissions, Jill Lathan - Recreation, Charles Sillari - Clerk of Committees The meeting took place in the Aldermen’s Chamber and was called to order at 6:00 PM by Alderman McLaughlin and adjourned at 7:10 PM. Document List: • Participation stats (with 198743) • 2015 Rec. Dept. year end report Approval of the September 8, 2015 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 199661: That the Women's Commission teen PeaceKeepers Program update this Board on its objectives. Ms. Darai discussed teen and tween rape and dating abuse, noting that 1 in 3 boys and 1 in 4 girls are likely to be victims of dating abuse. She said that the abuse could be verbal, emotional, sexual and/or physical in nature. Alderman Rossetti asked about the 9 individuals studied over the summer and their work with the PeaceKeepers. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197259: That the Director of Purchasing and the Recreation Superintendent submit a monthly recreation equipment purchase report for all equipment purchased. Ms. Lathan reported that the Recreation and Youth Department spent $26,630 on equipment for its soccer, football and lacrosse programs. Alderman Rossetti questioned the spring and fall reports and

Youth Services Committee Page 2 of 3 Printed 1/28/2016 Alderman Ballantyne inquired if other youth organizations would be allowed to use the equipment. The Recreation Department will provide equipment reports and updates in the spring and fall. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197291: That the Administration add two youth outreach positions to the Recreation Department, and that both positions be filled after the new Superintendent of Recreation is hired and that at least one of the positions should require skills and experience in women's leadership. Ms. Lathan spoke on this item. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198571: That the Director of Recreation report to this Board on the playing fields for youth sports activities and efforts to develop new fields. Ms. Lathan discussed field usage and scheduling, pointing out that Somerville organizations use Dilboy Field 45% of the time. Flag football, intramural soccer and boxing were among the programs discussed. Alderman McLaughlin asked about turning the ice rink into a turf field that could be used for youth leagues, parties and the like, bringing in additional revenue in billable hours. Alderman Ballantyne inquired about programs with the schools and the 11% of outside organizations that serve Somerville. Alderman Ballantyne also expressed concern over meetings with consultants not being publicized by the city. Alderman Ballantyne's motion that the Administration communicate with the Board of Aldermen regarding the open space meetings scheduled in March, was approved. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198742: That the Director of Recreation update this Board’s Committee on Youth Services on the 100 day plan. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 198743: That the Director of Recreation provide this Board with the number girls and boys served for FY15, and the outreach effort for each. Ms. Lathan provided the requested data and spoke about participation by girls and also about a program with Attorney General Maura Healy. Alderman Ballantyne asked that the data be broken down to 18 year olds and under. Ms. Latham will provide information on indoor and outdoor programs for the summer of 2014 vs. the summer of 2015. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199887: That the Director of Recreation submit a detailed cost analysis of the

Youth Services Committee Page 3 of 3 Printed 1/28/2016 Commonwealth Youth Football League. Ms. Lathan gave a summary of the cost and will submit a detailed report. Alderman Rossetti questioned the fees for EMT services and was informed that they were paid by Charlestown. Vans were used to transport the players to Charlestown. Ms. Lathan informed the members that the football league has been dissolved and will be replaced by a flag football program. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 200530: That the Director of the Recreation report to this Board on the rationale for starting a new lacrosse program this year when the city’s playing fields are already overused and in poor condition. Ms. Lathan stated that lacrosse is currently the fastest growing sport and she is trying to be innovative and creative in dealing with it. Alderman Ballantyne asked how the determination was made that the city's fields could support a new sport. Chairman McLaughlin would like to see more use made of Tuft's fields, however, Ms. Lathan said that would be difficult since those fields are used quite often and do not have lights. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED