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2008-10-01 Recreation Commission Minutes October 2008 RECREATION COMMISSON MEETING October 1, 2008 NEXT MEETING, NOVEMBER 5, 2008 The regular meeting of the Town of Wappinger Recreatiion Commission was held October 1,2008 at Schlathaus Park, 126 All Angels Hill Road, Town of Wappinger, Dutchess County, New York. The meeting was called to order at 7:25 by Chairman Ralph J. Holt with the following persons present: Kay Von Reyn, Senior Director and Commission Members Bruce Lustig, Gary Trudell and Meera Dave(left at 8:30 pm) Max Dao (arrived at 7:40). The minutes of the September 2008 meeting were approved with no corrections. INCOMING CORRRESPONDENCE: 1. A request was received from Michael Paino and the NYS Teachers Retirement System with paperwork to buy back his time as an employee of the Town. This was passed along to the Bookkeeper for processing. 2. At the September 8, 2008 Town Board meeting resolution # 2008-250 was passed. It outlined the final dates of work for our Summer Maintenance emrloyees. Al Ford and Theresa DeRose will finish for the summer by October 15t . Maricelle Diaz, who takes care of Robinson Lane, will continue until Nov. 1 st. 3. Also at the Sept. 8,2008 Town Board meeting the improvements to the Robinson Lane water System was tabled. Not because it will not happen but because of the water problem that is being experienced by the Town. We have a capacity of 1,600,000 gallons of water, we use 1,300,000 gallons a day. Two system are not being used, the one at Rockingham and the one at White's Comer. Both of these will give you 350 gallons a minute. The one at Rockingham, iftumed on might create a big plumbing problem with the pipes not being able to handle it. In the meantime, a special fluid will be run through those pipes and coat the insides of the pipes so that if we should ever have to use them we can. 4. A discussion was held at the Town Board meeting in regards to the dog park and is available to anyone wishing to read it. See Eileen Manning. 5. An e-mail was received from June Ellen Notaro to inform us that grants are available from Readers' Digest based on human interest stories and others that "Make It Matter". Copies will be forwarded to anyone interested. 6. A Certificate of Compliance was received from the Building Dept. stating that the stairways to the upper and lower parking lot at Camwath have been completed and approved. Our Maintenance Dept. went down and sanded and finished off the railings. They should be fine for a long while to come. 1 Recreation Commission Minutes October 2008 7. An e-mail was received from Bruce Lustig with some suggestions for the 2009 budget. This e-mail was forwarded to Ralph Holt for his consideration. 8. A fax was received from Hoselton Automail quoting prices for the two trucks that Bob Sheridan would like for the Recreation Maintenance Dept. The total cost for each would be $12,835.50. These smaller trucks would save considerably on gas costs and serve our purpose well. 9. An e-mail was received from June Ellen Notaro stating that the Youth Bureau has not yet decided on the grant allowances for 2009. That information will be forwarded to the Town as soon as that decision is made. 10. A memo was received from the Supervisor's Office addressing the procedure to follow if an employee finds they are in a situation where a resident becomes belligerent or aggressive. We have permission to call a manager or even 911 if no person in authority is available. Mr. Holt stated that any kind of abuse, whether over the phone or in person is not to be tolerated and to take whatever steps are necessary to remove yourself from the situation. 11. The summary for the September 22, 2008 Town Board Meeting was received. Included for consideration are resolutions to: a. Authorizing Engineering Services for Robinson Lane Water System Improvements, and b. Authorizing revision of a Purchase Order for Recreation Department Maintenance Equipment. 12. An e-mail was received from Supervisor Colsey noting the following: a. The Oct. 13th Town Board Meeting has been moved to Oct. 15th due to the Columbus Day Holiday. b. All purchases are to be made by October 1 S\ 2008. c. A town car is now available to be used for employees use. It is primarily assigned for the Assessor's use, but if an errand must be run and the car is available please see Inez for the key. 13. A revised resume and Dutchess County application have been submitted by Jaclyn Smith for the Recreation Director's position. Mr. Holt stated that the hiring of a Recreation Director is the foremost thing on his mind. He has yet to meet with the representative from Civil Service to find out how we must proceed to bring on someone who will fill our needs to replace Scott Cheney. 14. A flyer was received from GameTime Playground equipment announcing a grant program. Six-million dollars in grant money is available to help subsidize the purchase of this equipment. 15. Town Clerk Chris Masterson has forwarded and e-mail from Pattern for Progress with information on how municipalities can save on heating costs for the upcoming winter season. 16. An e-mail was received from Joe Incoronato asking for input for Cablevision's public access site. (Announcements for upcoming events). Mrs. Manning forwarded the information about our two upcoming trips and our Halloween festivities. 17. A letter was sent from Doug LePerche, Pres. Of the WUSC to Supervisor Colsey informing him of his intended use of the Rockingham Soccer Fields. A copy of this letter was distributed to each member of the Commission. Mr. Holt pointed 2 Recreation Commission Minutes October 2008 out that the Supervisor has had this letter for twelve days and has not given Recreation the approval allowing the use of the fields. The reason that nothing further has been done is that the letter is from Mr. LaPerche alone with no signatures from the WUSC Board of Directors. 18. A copy of a letter was sent to Ralph Holt in regard to the payment of a voucher for the Klassics music group that performed for our Summer Concert series. The check was not made out to Joe Vaccarino and could not be cashed by him. Additional verification will be necessary for him to receive payment. 19. A phone call was received from David Martinson seeking an Eagle Scout Project to work on. He is looking to us for suggestions for a project. Mr. Holt indicated that there are three cemeteries within the boundaries ofthe Town. He would love to see them worked on and cleaned up, straightening stones, etc. Also suggested was help for Gary and Marion Trudell with their work on the trail at Carnwath. Mr. Martinson will be called with these suggestions. 20. The Recreation Office received two copies of letters sent by Al Roberts, town attorney, respectively to Supervisor Colsey and Douglas Goodfriend of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliff with regard to the purchase ofthe two smaller Recreation trucks versus one larger one. Copies to Ralph Holt. This legal work, Mr. Holt explained, was necessary to change the resolution from one larger truck to two smaller trucks which would be more energy efficient and serve our purposes much better. As a side note the tractor that we have been waiting for has been ordered. 21. A call was received from Chris Petty of the Girl Scouts requesting the use of Schlathaus Park for October 18th for about 2 hours (2 to 4 PM). Twenty scouts and ten parents - Certificate of insurance available. Pumpkin painting and activities. (Phone # 896-7011) The commission approved the use ofthe park by the scout troop. 22. A letter was copied to Ralph Holt from Al Roberts (Original sent to Vincent Bettina) about the proposed Dog Park. In essence it said that a dog park was not feasible without a fence and information was included in a bulletin from the Assn. of Pet Trainers outlining the qualities that make up a "good" dog park. The commission discussed the drawbacks ofthe Dog Park at Carnwath, the most important of these being the distance and the uneven terrain from the parking lot to the dog area. An unfenced area would not be prudent. Mr. Holt mentioned that Florence Graffput an editorial in the Southern Dutchess News expressing her concerns about the Dog Park and especially with the lack of a fence. She had an opportunity to speak to Supervisor Colsey about her concerns and he assured her that the Town Board has not yet approved the set-up of the Dog Park anywhere in the Town. 23. Brooke Fedigan a local parent would like to hold a "Carnival" charity fund raiser at Schlathaus Park. She is trying to raise money and get a grant for a pediatric emergency room at Vassar Brothers Hospital. If the hospital accepts her proposal they would be able to supply us with a certificate of insurance. She simply needs to know if we would allow her to use the property. It was agreed that we needed more information. Mrs. Manning will call her and ask for her to keep us informed 3 . . Recreation Commission Minutes October 2008 as to further developments and the Commission would revisit her proposal when more information is available. OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE 1. A letter was sent from Kay V onReyn to Regina Pace of the DC Office of the Aging returning Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupon books. This program will be offered again next year. Ms. VonReyn will expect a better response with announcing your program in the Senior Newsletter. 2. A thank you was sent by Kay VonReyn to Johnny Dell for his help with the audio system at Community Day. 3. A press release was sent by Eileen Manning announcing the Town's next two trips, one to Radio City for the Christmas Spectacular and the other for our NYC Shopping Spree. 4. A thank you letter was sent from Ms. V onReyn to Norman Greene, president of the IBM Retirees, not only for inviting the "Golden Tone Singers" to perform at your monthly meeting but for their generous donation to the Senior Center. 5. A memo was sent from Ralph Holt to Supervisor Colsey explaining our plans for ordering two smaller trucks for Recreation Maintenance rather than one larger one. These would better serve our needs and be more energy efficient. 6. Letters and money orders in the amount of$577.00 were sent to Scout Crew #2609 and Scout Troop #56 as their portion of the sale oftickets for the inflatable rides at Community Day. 7. An additional bill was received from Roy C. Ketcham H.S. for for fees incurred for custodial services by Joanne Fenton's Theater program. This bill was forwarded to her for payment. 8. A letter and refund check for the AARP Defensive Driving Course was sent by Ms. V onReyn to Marie Magarelli. NEW BUSINESS 1. All employees and appointees ofthe town are being required to carry ill cards. Pictures will be taken for photo ill's on Thursday morning, October 9th, 2008 between 9:00 AM and 12:00 noon. Time slots will be appointed to all. This will be our opportunity to have the identification we have talked about. Mr. Dao had expressed a concern at a previous meeting indicating that each Commission member should have ill so that if they were questioned while inspecting the playgrounds, ill could be shown. Mr. Holt asks that everyone make themselves available to have their pictures taken. 2. Elks' Parties have been set for Wed., December 3rd and Thurs., December 11 tho Sign-up for these parties will be on Thursday, Nov. 6th at the Town Hall starting at 9:30 AM. Donations are not as forthcoming as they have been in previous years and some adjustment may have to be made to the number of Seniors attending. Mr. Holt has stated that, if necessary, he may send an additional letter to those who have contributed in past years, with a "Please, we need your help" notation. 4 Recreation Commission Minutes October 2008 BRUCE LUSTIG'S REPORT Mr. Lustig had no report to present. SENIOR DIRECTOR'S REPORT Ms. V onReyn began by stating that the new chairs that were ordered for the Senior Center arrived today. The senior's Annual Craft Fair is coming up on October 17th and will be advertised on the radio and in the newspapers. The Senior Center Christmas Party at the Villa Borghese will be held on December 18th. The Elk's party, mentioned above, is sponsored by Recreation and offered to all Town Senior's at no cost. The party held at the Villa Borghese is for registered Senior Center members at a discounted price offset by their dues. Ms. V onReyn also added that tomorrow (Oct. 2nd) she and Mrs. Manning would start interviewing nine (9) candidates for the shared Senior/Recreation Full time position. Based on our interviews we will then have Mr. Holt interview the two or three candidates that Ms. VonReyn and Mrs. Manning select as the best of the bunch. MAX DAO'S REPORT Mr. Dao escorted the Town bus trip to Mohegan Sun. Everything went well with the exception of one couple who complained about the noise level of the DVD's being shown. Mr. Dao will also escort the Town trip to Radio City Music Hall in November. Uma Satyendra will be the escort on the second bus for that trip. MEERA DA VB'S REPORT Mrs. Dave asked the Commission members to take letters of introduction to area businesses for Halloween donations. Mrs. Manning suggested making a list so that we didn't duplicate our efforts. Mr. Holt said he would go to Stop & Shop and Mrs. Manning said she would go to Shop Rite. Mr. Holt took this opportunity to sum up Halloween. He asked Mrs. Manning if the entertainment was set and she said yes, the same performer as last year, Karl Saliter who was enjoyed by all. The witches/judges will be Sylvia Holt, Kathi DeLisa and Pat Lustig. Mr. Holt asked if Hilde Droge would be able to help Eileen Ennesser register the children. The maintenance men will set up the stage with the decorations. The cider, donuts and apples, along with pumpkins and com stalks, will be ordered from Meadowbrook Farms. Mrs. Manning stated that that has already been taken care of. Little League and Soccer will donate some form of goodie for the treat bags. Mr. Holt will be contacting Gary Mensching, acting president of Little League, for Little League's donation. 5 Recreation Commission Minutes October 2008 GARY TRUDELL'S REPORT Mr. Trudell stated that after coaxing all summer he finally got Ralph Ferrusi to visit the Carnwath property to walk the new trail that Mr. Trudell is in the process of setting up. Mr. Ferrusi writes the "Hike of the Week" column which appears every Thursday in the poughkeepsie Journal. He was very impressed with the property in general and took many pictures of the buildings as well as pictures of the trail. He had a lot of suggestions for what could be done and for changes to Gary's original plan with explanations to backup his ideas. Mr. Ferrusi said that he would send out e-mails to the organizations that would be interested in this trail like Scenic Hudson and the Appalachian Trail. Mr. Trudell said that Mr. Ferrusi would like to generate awareness and try to get people who can help complete what Mr. Trudell has started. Mr. Holt said that he received a telephone call from, and will be meeting with, the Chairman ofthe Board of the Bardavon Theater. They regularly get involved with looking at sites for use as concert sites. Bob Gray will be setting up the meeting. Mr. Holt asked Mr. Trudell to join him for this meeting. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT At the last meeting, Mr. Holt asked for budget input from the Commission with suggestions for future projects. A request was received from our accountant to have a preliminary budget ready by Monday, Sept. 29th. Mr. Holt then met with Kay V onReyn and Bob Sheridan for their input for 2009. Mr. Holt stated that we still need and want the two smaller trucks for Recreation. A new resolution must be created for the two smaller trucks to replace the one larger one previously requested. Veteran's Day is being planned for. We have a singer but we still need to call the minister from the Grace Bible Church as well as arranging for a guest speaker. Mr. Holt asked for suggestions if any of the Commission members could recommend a veteran to speak. Recreation is still looking for a Director of Recreation. Richard Bishop has not yet been approved because of the Civil Service description of that job. We also received a resume from Jac1yn Smith who is our Summer Director. We will be needing someone soon as we have our Recreation Guide that needs to be put together and advanced planning for the 2009 starts soon. Supervisor Colsey has given us permission to bring Scott Cheney in to work on the Recreation Guide if no other Recreation Director has been appointed. Mr. Holt informed the Commission of Bill Farrell's retirement from Little League. Gary Mensching will be acting president until the November meeting to elect the Board Members for 2009. Mr. Holt's biggest concern is having someone who will 6 . . Recreation Commission Minutes October 2008 keep us informed as to the status of the property on a regular basis, reporting the needs and problems for Robinson Lane. Mr. Holt spoke about the request that was received from Doug LePerche seeking use of the portion of Rockingham Park that was vandalized earlier in the year and has since been leveled and re-seeded. It was previously agreed that a full year would be needed to allow the fields to regenerate and be strong enough to withstand the type of abuse a Soccer field takes. The letter sent by Mr. LePerche did not bear the signatures of other WUSC board members as requested. Mr. Holt wishes to stand by the original decision to wait the full year. It was suggested that they could use Quiet Acres or Castle Point for practices. OLD BUSINESS 1. Decision on how to prevent unauthorized use of fields at Robinson Lane. (Tabled) Eileen Manning Recreation Secretary 7