2003-05-06
AGENDA RECREATION COMM. MEETING
MAY 6, 2003
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
PRESENT: R.J.H., K.D., S.R., J.C., lE., R.F., E.K.
APPROVE MINUTES: March 11,2003 Approved
Corrections:
Seconded
April 1,2003
Corrections:
Approved
Seconded
COMMENTS FROM GUESTS:
CORRESPONDENCE
1. Request from Girl Scouts of Dutchess County to use Schlathaus Park on 4/12/03
from 7-8 for a rally for our troops. Was approved by Supervisior.
2. Letter of resignation from the Commission from Steve Miller.
3. Memo from Michael Bufi of Cerniglia & Swartz stating that the contractors have
finished work for Martz Field Bathrooms and are new doing the punch list. And that
vandals have already removed wooden lattice material from building.
4. Application from Arlington Cobras to use Robinson Lane from 4/1/03 - 10/31/03.
Also received check for $150.00
5. Accident report for Frank McKinney
6. Letter from D. C. Health Department with variance for Day Camp program.
7. Letter from Paggi's office regarding schedule for bids for playground equipment for
Martz Field. Advertise bids 4/23, Plans available 4/24, Bid Opening 5/22 @ 11 a.m.
8. Letter from Jennifer Simmons W.C.S. confirming request to use senior league fields
at the Robinson Lane complex. A schedule was included for VanWyck and
Wappinger Jr. High School
9. Water system field compliance report from D. C. Health Dept. regarding Robinson
Lane. "Facility has replaced old pressure tank without prior notification"
10.2003 safety report for Spook Hill playground
11. Letter from Sloper Willen stating Jeff Secor will act as Health Director for Summer
Camps but will end upon sale of Sloper to Alamo.
12. Certificate ofInsurance and schedule was received from New Hackensack Fire Co.
13. Letter was received from Hudson Valley Council stating that they agre to perform at
Community Day September 7th.
14. Mark Garcia called. Bill Farrell said to call us about working on fields at Rob. Lane
15. Thank you note from Tyler Petty for easter basket.
16. Request from Bradford King of Randolph School- Wants to hold a rocket launch and
have a picnic at a recreation site. 70 kids and families possibly 150 people. May 22nd
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17. Call from Peter Antonelli of28 Old Route 9. Would the Town be interested in
becoming a partner with a skate park. Supervisor referred this to us.
REPORTS
K.D.
R.F.
S.R.
E.K.
lC.
RJ.H.
lE.
OLD BUSINESS-
Tick Spraying for recreation areas May 27 and 28
Report on Special Olympics
Comments on Easter program
Frozen Ropes
NEW BUSINESS - Rebecca Cole replaced John Farrara at Robinson Lane
MEETING ADJOURNED
NEXT MEETING
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RECREA nON COMM. MINUTES
MAY 6, 2003
NEXT MEETING JUNE 3, 2003 AT SCHLATHAUS PARK AT 7:00 P.M.
The regular meeting of the Town of Wappinger Recreation Comm. was
held on May 6,2003 at Schlathaus Park, 126 All Angels Hill Road, Town of Wappinger,
Dutchess County, New York.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Ralph J. Holt.
Others present were: Kathi Delisa, Senior Citizen Director
Skip Rottkamp, Recreation Director
Comm. Members:
Joseph Ennesser
Ronald Friedman
Ellen Korz
The March 11, 2003 and the April 1, 2003 minutes were approved on a
motion by Mr. Friedman seconded by Mr. Ennesser.
CORRESPONDENCE
An application was received from the Girl Scouts of Dutchess County, Inc.
to use Schlathaus Park on April 12, 2003 from 7-8 for a rally.
A letter of resignation was received from Stephen Miller effective May 1,
2003. The commission accepted with regret this letter.
A letter was received from Cerniglia and Swartz regarding the Martz Field
Bath house project. The letter mentioned that the Contractors has finished work for the
project and are now doing the punch list work to complete the project. He also noted in
his letter that vandalism has occurred at the site with some of the wooden lattice material
removed. He mentioned that the contractor will be replacing the missing lattice as a favor
to the Town, however, he cannot be held responsible for any further damages at that site.
Mr. Bufi, recommended that security patrols be resumed in the area as there appears to be
a problem as evidenced by the broken glass bottles which litter the building proximity.
An Application for use of facilities was received from Brian Powers of the
Arlington Cobras. A check was received in April for $150.00 for the fees due but we
don't have a Certificate of Insurance.
A letter was received from the Dutchess County Department of Health
enclosing a variance to allow the operation of a day camp with a modification to the camp
Recreation Commission Minutes
May 6, 2003
medical requirements (i.e. maintenance of a current confidential medical history on file
for each camper, without a record of immunization history.)
A letter was received from Joseph Stankavage of Paggi Martin & DelBene
regarding the proposed Martz Field Play Unit. They stated that the design of the play
unit was complete and their activity schedule for this contract is as follows:
Advertisement for Bids.................................ApriI23, 2003
Plans Available..............................................ApriI24, 2003
Bid Opening...................................................May 22,2003 @ 11 :00 a.m.
It will be placed on the May 27th Town Board Agenda.
A letter was received from Jennifer Simmons, Coordinator Health, PE and
CALS of the Wappinger School District confirming her request for the use of the senior
league fields at the Robinson Lane complex. The Van Wyck and Wappinger Junior High
Schools modified baseball team would like to use the field every day from 3 - 4:30 for
practice and until 6:15 on game days. A schedule was included with this letter. The
insurance certificate has already been received. This information was forwarded to Mr.
Farrell and Mr. Chappas.
A water system field compliance report was received from the Health
Department on the Robinson Lane facility. It was noted that the old pressure tank has
been replaced without prior notification or approval from the Health Department. Mrs.
Roe called and spoke with Brandy our contact and she just said that anything we do on
the water system must be approved by the Health Department.
A memo was received from Mr. Friedman including the 2003 safety report
for Spook Hill and a memo concerning the batting cages at Robinson Lane. These will
be given to Mr. Tompkins for follow up.
A letter was received from Frank Gildea, Executive Director of Sloper
Willen stating that Jeff Secor, EMT-P, Sloper Willen Operations Supervisor, will be
filling the position of Health Director for the 2003 summer program. He also noted that
Paramedic Secor's responsibilities will end on the sale of Sloper to Alamo Ambulance
Service.
The application, schedule and certificate of insurance were received for the
New Hackensack Fire Company to use Robinson Lane Senior League Field (#10) on
Friday nights at 6:00 p.m.
A letter was received from Althea Richards, Band Manager for the Hudson
Valley Council Band agreeing to perform at the annual Town of Wappinger Community
Day on September 7th. The fee will be $300.00. She also mentioned that the Band
would love to run a beverage booth at the Greystone Open House and also at Community
day.
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May 6, 2003
Mark Garcia called and mentioned that Mr. Farrell had sent him down to
apply for the job at Robinson Lane working on fields. We will set up an interview.
won.
A thank you note was received from Tyler Petty for the Easter basket he
A request was received from Bradford King of the Randolph School to use
our recreation area to hold a rocket launch and picnic on May 22nd. There will be
possibly 70 kids and families. We will have to follow up on insurance etc. It was moved
by Mr. Friedman to table this request until we have the proper insurance etc.
The Supervisor's office received a call from Peter Antonelli of28 Old
Route 9 stating that he would be interested in becoming a partner with the Town for a
skate park. Mr. Friedman suggested that this is something we should look into since we
have a partnership with Little League. Mr. Rottkamp said that he has spoken with Mr.
Green of East Fishkill and he has been having some problems with their skate park. It
was suggested that we invite Mr. Antonelli to our next meeting. Mr. Rottkamp said that
there is definitely a population out there but we really need to discuss the issues first
maybe even invite Mr. Green to one of our meetings.
OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE - April 2003
1. Letter to Supervisor with signed copy of Little League contract and 2 discs including
names on rosters.
2. Letter to Peter Mack requesting a variance for medical history for summer camp.
3. Letters to Enviro-clean, Jones Septic and M & O. Sanitation thanking them for
submitting a bid for porta johns for 2003 season.
4. Letter to Town Board requesting permission to obtain a P.O. payable to Bracaden
Construction for $1,575.00 to replace roof on building at Spook Hill.
5. Letter to Town Board requesting to accept bid from Adams for purchase of a new
mower. Bid was $17,489.00
6. Letter to Town Board with bids for Tick Spraying for recreation parks and request to
accept bid of $4,495.00 from Waverly Pest Control for each spraying of the fields.
May, July and September.
7. Letter to Commander Chase enclosing a voucher in the amount of$600.00 for their
portion by Town Law to the American Legion Post 427.
8. Letter to Supervisor and Town Board to re-appoint Ron Friedman to another term on
the Commission.
9. Letter to Supervisor and Town Board to appoint Mr. James Kennedy and Mrs. Nancy
Cito to the Commission to replace Mr. Miller and Mrs. Vazquez.
10. Thank you letters to Peter Stefonowich and Michael Paino for their work on the Boys
and Girls Basketball Program during the winter.
11. Thank you letters to Meredyth Settle, Brian Moy, Adian Hickey, and Lizzie Hupcey
for help on the Easter Program.
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Recreation Commission Minutes
May 6, 2003
SENIOR CITIZEN REPORT
Mrs. Delisa handed out a report on the senior activities for the month of
April. This report is attached to these minutes.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Mr. Rottkamp mentioned that the Easter egg hunt went very well.
Although the attendance was not large those who attended enjoyed themselves.
Mr. Rottkamp said that he has received a call from Guy Mauro of Frozen
Ropes and he would like us to advertise his camps in our recreation column. He was told
that we couldn't do that or we would be doing advertising for everyone.
He mentioned that he had received a call from a Jim Scofield and he
would be able to get the Town 50 tickets to the Mets/Yankees evening game on June 22nd
at Shea Stadium. It was suggested that he look into this further. We thought that we
would be able to sell these tickets.
The Sunday trip to Ellis Island was a very successful trip with 40 people
going. The trip to Mohegan Sun on April 6th went well also with a full bus.
The baton twirling lessons are going very well. The director is having 2
extra hour sessions she has formed a competition team. The parents are going to finance
anything needed for this team. All the parents are very pleased with the program.
For the third session of dance classes only 3 couples signed up the first
week. We will have to evaluate this program because maybe this isn't the right time of
year to have classes especially when the weather is nice.
The gymnastics and aerobics classes will be ending this week. Both were
very successful classes this winter.
Mr. Rottkamp spoke with Kathleen Welcome a grant writer for "Kids
Affected by Disabilities Group" a nonprofit organization. She mentioned that there are
292 kids ages 5-20 in Wappingers that are physically handicapped. This group donates
a piece of equipment to a site. She felt our need was good but Mr. Rottkamp said that at
the end of the conversation she mentioned that the City/Town of Poughkeepsie had a
greater need than we do so they might get that piece this year. He will be speaking with
her again.
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May 6, 2003
On April 23rd, Mr. Rottkamp met with 9 other recreation directors from
various local towns at Easy Street in Hyde Park and they were able to discuss pros and
cons on similar recreation programs. He said it was a very good meeting and they are
planning another one on May 21 st in Union Vale. He received many compliments on our
recreation guide.
Mr. Rottkamp mentioned that his trip to the NYSPRS conference was very
good and he got lots of information.
Over the weekend of April 25th ,26th ,27th someone wrote on the message
board at Schlathaus Park with a black marker changing the 2:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. Mr.
Rottkamp is very upset about someone defacing the property. He has had to cover it with
blank plaques.
Just a reminder that registration will be held again on May 9th and 10th. If
you can help we will be glad to have you.
DOCKS
Mr. Ennesser mentioned that the docks are in and are really being used.
REESE PARK
The general clean up took place at Reese Park on April 27th under the
direction of Chris Iverson. There is still some stuff there to be removed. We will contact
maintenance to do this.
Mr. Ennesser mentioned that the area across the street along the lower
creeks edge is our property. For the distance of the park along Creek road we own both
sides of the road. He said that he found a couple of 4 wheelers Geeps) on the sand bank
and said that if they get caught when the tide comes in they will not be too happy. Mr.
Ennesser suggests that we ask Mr. Tompkins to put stones there so they can't go down
The fence at Reese Park has been re-done and the bill had been submitted.
Now he is hearing from the other neighbors questioning why we did this.
Mr. Ennesser is meeting with Al Roberts, Attorney to the Town to discuss
the right of way (easement) at Reese.
ROCKINGHAM PARK
Mr. Ennesser mentioned that he has reviewed the work with Jason Price
(scout) regarding the trail work at Rockingham. He will take it to the Scout Leaders to
get approval and then hopefully will get to work in a few weeks. He is cleaning out the
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May 6, 2003
area and he has a commitment with Trap Rock to bring in some stuff to lay down paths.
This is for his Eagle Scout badge.
VILLAGE RECREA nON
Mr. Ennesser mentioned that he had a chat with Cal Lawrence, Mayor of
the Village at one of his Greenway meetings and Mr. Lawrence mentioned that he would
like to sit down with Mr. Holt and Mr. Rottkamp to discuss recreation. The Village has
turned Temple Field into a soccer field and is used on Sunday's. Mr. Ennesser mentioned
that they would like to share their facilities. Mr. Rottkamp mentioned that he had
spoken with Jennifer Simmons of the WCSD and she was telling him that they are talking
about making a field on the old "salt field" at Ketcham. They are now talking to either
Pepsi or Coke and they are putting up funds to make an artificial field. Mr. Rottkamp felt
that the Town should be part of this venture. This should be a partnership venture. Mr.
Holt mentioned that Mr. Rottkamp should mention to her that we should work together.
MASTER PLAN
Mr. Ennesser mentioned that the wish list will be presented to the Master
Plan committee and he will be putting on his list land acquisition next to the Robinson
Lane complex. He mentioned that it would be a good thing to eliminate the single access
to the park. Develop this area as a true recreation center with a building similar to Cross
Court and be a minimum size of 5,000 sq ft. This would allow for the Town to have its
own indoor facility and not be at the mercy of the School District.
FOLLOW UP
Mr. Friedman mentioned that we have $6,000. in the budget for fence
guard and he would like to see that used and in place early in the year. There are still a
lot of areas that need to be done.
Mr. Friedman also questioned the status on the pay phones.
TENNIS
Mrs. Korz mentioned that she has called Mrs. Perlman regarding Alison
doing the tennis instruction for this summer. She thought that she would be doing it but
she will give the office a call soon to confirm. Mrs. Roe mentioned that she also had an
application from someone who wanted the position so if Alison is unable to take the
position, she will contact this other person. Mrs. Korz also requested a P.O. to purchase
the tennis balls for the clinics. She mentioned that the courts are always busy. Mr.
Ennesser asked about the surface and Mr. Holt said that the 4 courts will need to be
resurfaced soon. We have done some spot repair but they are quickly deteriorating.
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Recreation Commission Minutes
May 6, 2003
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Mr. Holt mentioned the following:
Lights at Robinson Lane are progressing. They are digging the holes for
the poles and all the wiring is in. There will be 14 holes 5' wide 17'deep. The poles are
going to be 60'. There will be a dedication night when it is done. There will be a band
and dignitaries. Supervisor Ruggiero would like to have fireworks. Initially they thought
the middle of May but we feel it will be more like first week in June.
We hired a new person to do the cleaning at Robinson Lane and he had to
leave because his hours changed at his regular job. We now have hired a new person for
Robinson Lane, the wife of the person who has been doing Castle Point for a few years.
She started on Sunday. She works in the Beacon school system.
We have just about completed the schedule for Memorial Day.
We have already started working on Community Day. Luckily we have
the ground work from last year.
We have been in contact with a Donald Stein who is an amateur radio buff
and who wants to use the Greystone Property for a weekend in June. There will be
several local groups in the area participating. On June 28th a lot of the radio buffs in the
world will be on the air. They will be placed on a site away from the building on one of
the higher areas.
The Martz Field playground unit will go out to bid. Once the bids are in
the equipment will be installed in 3 days. If we have to move the kids for a day we will.
We received the new truck. We still have to have John Youngman,
Joseph Ennesser and Ralph to do the Defensive driving. Anyone who is going to drive a
Town vehicle should have the course.
We hired a young man to do the field at Robinson Lane. This year we
have this gentleman and he needs to take direction from Mr. Tompkins and not Mr.
Farrell. We want this person to do weed whacking around the fields.
The Friday night before Little League opening day at Robinson Lane the
30 gallon water tank went. Little League was able to find someone who could obtain a
new 50 gallon tank and installed it within an hour. The charge was $400.00 ($300. for
the tank and the balance for the 2 guys who helped to install it
The Empire Games will be coming to our Town and they will be
requesting the use of fields. Mr. Jim Hammond has already come out to Robinson Lane.
He will be looking to see how we can help him. We will probably be meeting with Little
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May 6, 2003
League about this. Supervisor Ruggiero has volunteered Greystone to them. It will
probably be in the late summer of 2004.
We feel that we need a person to be involved with Robinson Lane
especially with the addition of the lights. We have been working with Roland Norris to
get prices and sizes for signs to be placed on the fence which would generate some
revenue based on their size. We would have to remove the current fence and install a
higher fence. The current one could be placed at Castle Point. There is still a lot of
brainstorming to do with how this will be set up. Mr. Friedman mentioned a couple of
names to be considered for a position of scheduling etc at Robinson Lane along with the
one we already have in mind.
Mr. Rottkamp wanted to compliment Chris Iverson for his presentation on
the registration days. He did a great job and having the artifacts on the table was just
great.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Ennesser
seconded by Mr. Friedman.
Peggy Roe
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