2009-08-13
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Recreation Committee Minutes
August 2009
RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, August 13, 2009
NEXT MEETING, SEPTEMBER 16, 2009
The regular meeting of the Town of Wappinger Recreation Committee was held
Thursday, August 13,2009 at Schlathaus Park, 126 All Angels Hill Road, Town of
Wappinger, Dutchess County, New York.
The meeting was called to order at 7: 1 0 pm by Vice - Chairman Gary Trudell,
with the following persons present: Kay V onReyn, Senior Director, J ac1yn Smith,
Recreation Director and Committee Members Bruce Lustig and Uma Satyendra.
The minutes from the June 2009 meeting were approved with no corrections.
OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Letters were sent from Ralph Holt to the Rotary Club ofWappingers Falls, Signal
Graphics, Mental Health of Dutchess County, Morris Associates, the Ladies
Auxiliary of the K ofC #1646 and the Orange County Dept. of Social Services,
thanking them for making it possible for fourteen (14) town children to attend our
Summer Camp Program.
2. A letter was sent to Nicole Roylance from Kay V onReyn, on behalf of the "On
the Road Again" seniors, thanking her for an excellent tour of the artwork at the
Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College.
3. A letter was sent from Ralph Holt outlining the excellent job that Sean Morris did
for Recreation during his 20 hours of community service dictated by a court in
upstate New York. Because his college year was nearing completion he requested
that he be able to complete his community service in his home town of
Wappingers Falls. Mr. Holt and the maintenance crew were so impressed with
his work that he was asked if he would consider working for us in the future.
4. Letters from Ralph Holt were sent to Hannaford's, ShopRite and Stop & Shop
requesting donations for our Playground End-of-Summer Picnic. Donations in
response to our letters were as follows: ShopRite - $20.00 gift card
Stop & Shop - $100 gift card
Hannaford - 225 hot dogs and rolls
3 cases of water
300 bags of chips
5. A memo was sent to Supervisor Colsey outlining the vandalism that took place at
Martz Field. The bathroom and shed were broken into but nothing was stolen.
6. A memo was sent to Supervisor Colsey asking that Vice-Chairman Gary Trudell
be allowed to sit in for Ralph Holt during his vacation from August 13 to
September 8, 2009
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Recreation Committee Minutes
August 2009
INCOMING CORRESPONDENCE
1. A letter was received from Village Mayor, Matt Alexander, complimenting the
condition of our tennis courts at Pye Lane. A copy was forwarded to Bob
Sheridan and the Maintenance men. As a response, Supervisor Colsey thanked
Mr. Alexander explaining that, soon, out courts will be re-done and will be in
even better shape next season.
2. A copy of Resolution # 2009-239 was received approving the grant application
from the Youth Bureau for our "Learn to Swim" program and guaranteeing that
all aspects of the grant will be adhered to.
3. An updated status report was received detailing those repairs completed as stated
in the Building Inspector's Quarterly Safety and Inspection for the Town of
Wappinger Town Hall dated 4/4/09.
4. A memo was received from Camo Pollution Control addressing the water
shortage problem at Martz Field. In essence, the water line is only %" copper and
needs to travel 300' from Long Court. When water is being run for the sprinkler
or other needs there is not enough pressure or water in the tank to flush the toilets.
This memo includes long term and short term solutions.
5. A phone call was received from Mary Bish of the WCSD asking permission to
use Schlathaus for a "Night of Jazz" and annual presentation done by the school
district. She is planning the event for June 1,2010 and expects between 100 and
200 people to attend. Mrs. Manning was asked for some specifics. She explained
that it was a program that they have done for several years and would be
monitored by school personnel. Mr. Lustig asked if Schlathaus Park could be
used by an outside organization and did it fall under the "Passive Recreation"
heading. The commission agreed that a decision would be made after the town
attorney is consulted but would like to see the WCSD be able to use the property
for their event.
6. An e-mail was received from Karl Saliter asking if we would need his services
again this year for Halloween. The members agreed that he has done an
exceptional job in the past and would like to see him return again this year.
7. Also received, was a flyer from "Mad Science" advertising their Halloween
presentations. Copy given to Jackie Smith. It was suggested that this information
be kept for future years.
8. A copy of the agenda for the August 10th meeting was received. Resolution 2009-
253 will be presented asking for approval for the laying of the safety surface
under the new Fleetwood playground equipment. Because the amount was over
$1250 it was necessary to get one more verbal quote from another company even
though we asked that the installer of the equipment be allowed to do the complete
job. The bid from Game Time was $3305.91, which was less than Miracle
Recreation's bid of$4621.33, the installer of the equipment.
9. Recreation received a re~uest from Betty White to use Castle Point Pavilion for a
family party on Sept. 20t from 12 - 5 pm. Ifwe approve her use it will depend
on her supplying us with a certificate of insurance which she will be able to
supply. The members agreed to allow her to use the park.
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Recreation Committee Minutes
August 2009
BRUCE LUSTIG'S REPORT
Mr. Lustig began by stating that Soccer is in trouble. Airport Park is a complete
washout. With the construction on the neighboring properties, which are all elevated, the
water is now washing back onto the fields and unable to drain. Therefore, we will be
closing down Airport Park completely in order to rehabilitate it. Instead we will be using
Rockingham heavily, pending the weather, and Quiet Acres for some practices. Doug
LaPerche, the president of the WUSC, spoke to Supervisor Colsey and received
permission to open up Quiet Acres for use. Mr. Lustig said he would stay in contact with
the Recreation Office should the Porta-johns need to be moved.
He continued by saying that the land that Mr. Byakowski donated are wet lands
and although Jay Paggi thought that the property could be worked with, it has always
been a drainage problem. We were supposed to receive a lot of land fill when the county
was putting in the new water line to serve IBM but we never received it.
RECREATION DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Mrs. Smith-!mm began by saying that the "end-of-summer picnic" on Tuesday,
August 11 th went very well. She thanks all the volunteers who helped out. The Summer
Basketball Program, headed up by Ryan Leone, went very well, as did the Fishing
Program with Ken Lynne and Dennis Skora as the instructors. In both cases, I received
high praises from both the Basketball and Fishing instructors. Our next trip sign-up to
Mohegan Sun will sign-up on September 15th.
The Summer Concert Series went very well with the exception of the Steve
Schultz Band. A lot of complaints were received from our regular concert goers so we
will not be asking them back again next year. The Johnny Dell concert was cancelled
because ofrain and will finish off our concert series next week on August 20th.
Mr. Trudell noted that this years picnic seemed more organized and that more of
the children stayed involved with activities. The DJ, Dominic Picolo, kept the children
involved with interactive music and dances.
UMA SATYENDRA'S REPORT
Ms. Satyendra, one of the helpers at the picnic, thought that it went very smoothly
and was pleased that we had some vegetarian burgers for the children who requested
them. Last year several had only the bread, drinks, candy and watermelon to eat. Of
course, because we were prepared for that this year, no one requested a vegetarian burger.
MAX DAO'S REPORT
Mr. Dao had no report at this time.
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Recreation Committee Minutes
August 2009
SENIOR DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Ms. vonReyn indicated that the attendance at the Senior Center was up in the
month of July, which surprised her. The programs are going very well. The economy
does not seem to be affecting the Seniors as much as I thought it would. Ms. vonReyn
gave thanks to Gary Trudell and Jackie Smith-Imm for keeping up with the information
boards at Schlathaus. They really helped to get the word out about coming events for
both the Seniors and the Town.
Ms. vonReyn noted that both Fishkill and East Fishkill had articles in the
newspapers thanking their summer staffs. Mrs. Smith-Imm said that she will take the
time to do the same.
VICE-CHAIRMAN'S REPORT (FROM THE CHAIRMAN)
Mr. Holt told vice-chairman Trudell that he met an engineer down at Carnwath to
look at the front porch on the Administration Building. We have not as yet received a
plan or cost for this project. The building cannot be used at this time because of the
condition of it. The donation from Alex Reese of $35,000 will just about cover this
expenditure. Therefore we may have to forgo the renovations to the room below the
chapel. Originally it was hoped that the $35,000 would cover both projects.
Mr. Holt also stated that we were in good shape for the upcoming Community
Day. We are however, still waiting to hear from the Fire Companies and Color Guards.
VICE-CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Mr. Trudell noted that there was an item on the agenda for the August 10th Town
Board meeting addressing the roofrepair at Carnwath. However, before the meeting, that
item was removed from the agenda because all the reports had not yet been received. Mr.
Lustig asked ifthere was any further word on the Pye Lane Tennis Courts. Mrs.
Manning explained that because of the cost of the project it would have to go out to
formal bid.
The first base dugout on SL2 at Robinson Lane is now being worked on. The
walls are in and the roof has been framed.
Mr. Trudell mentioned at the last meeting that he was approached at Carnwath by
Phil Pitner about spending his own money to build an observatory at that location. Since
then he and his family have met with Mr. Trudell and Mr. Holt to discuss his vision for
this project. One week ago Saturday we all met with Supervisor Colsey and Town Clerk
Chris Masterson to present the idea. It was decided that Town Attorney Al Roberts
would have to be consulted as to the legality of the project. All present liked the idea and
hoped that it would move forward. It was suggested that the observatory could be used,
for instance, for the meteor showers that take place at the end of August. Since it was
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Recreation Committee Minutes
August 2009
obvious that a formal observatory would not be put in place in so short a time, Mr.
Trudell suggested that a meteor shower viewing be hosted by the Pitner's on the upper
ridge at Camwath. Mr. Trudell stated that he would put an item in his column
announcing the event. There was a good turnout and everyone enjoyed themselves.
Coming up on the weekend of August 15-16, Mr. Trudell and Chris Masterson
have set up a "geo-cacheing" event. They expect 150 people but anyone can attend.
People use their GPS' s to find the "Cache". When found, they put their name in the book
provided so that others know who was there ahead of them.
Mr. Lustig suggested that if we are going to use Camwath so regularly wouldn't it
be advisable for us to spray for ticks. Mrs. Manning explained that tick spraying is
expensive and should be done three times a year in each location. It might be considered
for next year's budget.
Mr. Lustig asked about the progress on the Greenway trail. Mr. Trudell said that
the last segment completed was the one done by the scouts and it looks beautiful. Mr.
Dao asked ifthere was any patrol going through the park in case anyone had a problem of
is it a "go at your own risk" status. Mr. Trudell said that there was no patrol and a buddy
system is advised but he mentioned that since the area has been designated as a park there
seems to be many more walkers and visitors to the park.
Mr. Holt asked Mr. Trudell to start considering "Winterfest 2". He asked the
members for any suggestions to improve the event. Besides the obvious outdoor events,
it was suggested that some "kid friendly" activities be set up inside along with the food.
Mrs. Trudell has suggested maple syrup on snow to make a New England treat. Mr.
Trudell suggested horse drawn sleigh rides, or in the absence of snow a tractor pulled hay
ride.
Halloween is just around the comer and Mrs. Manning asked for volunteers to
help on October 25th. Meera Dave has in the past helped with collected prize donations
for Halloween. She will be contacted to see if she will be able to do the same this year.
It was suggested that we again send letters to the three stores that helped us for the
Summer Picnic.
Eileen Manning
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