2005-07-12
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AGENDA
RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
July 12,2005
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
PRESENT: RJH, NC, SR, JC, JE, RF, EK, GT
APPROVE MINUTES: Not available.
COMMENTS FROM GUESTS:
INCOMING CORRESPONDANCE:
1. Letter from Marilyn Diesing to cancel Camp and Tennis for Amanda.
2. Letter from Brenda Lee to cancel Fishing and Golf for son, Oliver.
3. Letter from Wendy Gomez to cancel Summer basketball for Emily.
OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE:
1. To Supervisor Ruggiero outlining grant for gates at Camwath.
2. Letter to Laerdal requesting use of property for Community Day.
3. Letter to WCSD requesting use of property for Community Day.
4. Letter to Lt. Colarusso as thank you for Memorial Day speech.
5. Letter to Noel Slocum as thank you for Memorial Day speech.
6. Letters from Nancy Cito to thank the following for various events:
Meg Boyce - Alzheimer's Assn. Maggie O'Keefe - Healthcare
Bette Lee Meci - Certified Laughter Leader
Stephanie Speer - Mental Health Mr. R. Memmoli - WCSD
Mr. Zito - Donation
7. Letter to BJ's putting Nancy Cito on account.
REPORTS:
NC
RF
SR
EK - Report in packet
JC
GT
JE
RJH
(over)
,
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS: Comm. Members Sign Vouchers. Field usage for Sybil Miller &
Linda Palladino (see enclosed notes in file) and fees for them.
MEETING ADJOURNED
NEXT MEETING: AUGUST 2ND, 2005
Refresjments
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"1.
RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
JULY 12/14,2005
NEXT MEETING AUGUST 9, 2005 AT 7:00 PM AT SCHLATHAUS PARK
The regular meeting of the Town of Wappinger Recreation Comm. was
held on July 12, 2005 at Schlathaus Park, 126 All Angels Hill Rd, Town of Wappinger,
Dutchess County, New York.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Ralph J. Holt
with the following persons present: Nancy Cito, Senior Citizen Director, Skip
Rottkamp, Recreation Director, Comm. Members Ron Friedman, and Gary Trudell.
The meeting was dismissed at 7:40 p.m. because no quorum was met.
The regular meeting of the Town of Wappinger Recreation Comm. was
held on July 14, 2005 at Schlathaus Park, 126 All Angels Hill Rd, Town of Wappinger,
Dutchess County, New York.
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Chairman Ralph J. Holt
with the following persons present: Skip Rottkamp, Recreation Director,
Comm. Members Jim Chappas, Joe Ennesser, Ron Friedman. Gary Trudell arrived late.
The meeting continued since we now had a quorum.
The minutes for the June meeting were not yet available to be approved.
CORRESPONDANCE
INCOMING CORRESPONDENCE
A letter was received from Marilyn Diesing requesting a refund for Camp
and Tennis for Amanda Diesing. She had to attend summer school and did not attend
either activity.
A letter was received from Brenda Lee requesting a refund for Fishing and
Golf for her son, Oliver Lee. He broke his arm and will not be able to attend either
program.
A letter was received from Wendy Gomez requesting a refund for
basketball for her daughter, Emily Gomez. Her request was made before the program
began and asked to cancel due to a family conflict.
We received a phone call from Jim Hammond of the Empire State Games
informing us that they would be using the Chealsea Yacht Club and Boat Ramp for their
Regatta from July 28 - 30,2005. The Town was requested to post signs stating that the
boat ramp would be closed to the general public during that time.
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Recreation Comm. Meeting
July 14, 2005
Mr. Holt received a letter from Linda Palladino and Nicholas LaBianco
requesting the use ofSchlathaus Park for their wedding on September 10th.
A letter was received from "Heart & Soul" indicating their new address.
Last years check was sent to an old address.
Mr. Ennesser submitted a newspaper article detailing the upcoming hours
for the Sports Museum.
OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE
A letter was sent to Supervisor Ruggiero from Joseph Ennesser outlining
Greenway Grant #C000358 for 15 picnic tables and 15 benches for Carnwath Farms.
Price quotation from Jamestown Advance Products Corp. under NYS Contract #PC6170
of$10,376.40. The Town commitment would be $5,188.20.
A letter was sent to Laerdal Medical Corp., c/o Terje Gran outlining a
request for use of their ~roperty on Myers Comers Road as a the site for the parade line-
up on Sunday, Sept. 18t for the Community Day Parade.
A letter was also sent to the WCSD making the same request for our
Community Day Parade.
A letter was sent to Lt. Col. Mike Colarusso of the USMA at West Point
to thank him for speaking at our Memorial Day Ceremony on May 30, 2005 at Schlathaus
Park.
A letter was sent to Veteran Army Sgt. Noel T. Slocum to thank him for
speaking at our Memorial Day Ceremony on May 30, 2005 at Schlathaus Park.
A letter was sent to BJ's Wholesale Club requesting that Senior Citizen
Director, Nancy Cito be added to the BJ's account
A letter was sent frm Nancy Cito to Meg Boyce of the Alzheimer's Assn.
thanking her for speaking at the Senior Center on "Understanding Memory Loss".
A letter was sent from Nancy Cito to Maggie O'Keefe, Healthcare
Educator, thanking her for speaking at the Senior Center on "Empowerment: Being In
Control of Your Life".
A letter was sent from Nancy Cito to Betty Lee Meci, Certified Laughter
Leader, thanking her for speaking at the Senior Citizen Center on :Laughter 101:
Permission to Laugh Again".
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Recreation Comm. Meeting
July 14, 2005
A letter was sent From Nancy Cito to Stephanie Speer of the Mental
Health Assn. thanking her for speaking at the Senior Center on "Stress Reduction".
A letter was sent from Nancy Cito to Robert Memmoli, Principal WCSD
at Myers Comers School thanking him and the Character Education Comm. for the
Senior breakfast given at the school.
A letter was sent from Nancy Cito to Mr. Zito, thanking him for the
donation of a walker, crutches and a cane to the Senior Center.
A memo was sent to Supervisor Ruggiero, Ralph Holt and Steve
Tompkins from Linda Yankowski outlining a vandalism complaint at Spook Hill
Playground on June 17,2005. Report ofa fire burning under the playground equipment
resulted in a part of the slide being melted by the heat. Additional complaints included
owners of dogs not picking up after their dogs. Residents suggested that the Town Patrol
should make more frequent visits to the park and that signs should be posted notifying
trespassers that they will be fined.
SENIOR CITIZEN REPORT
report.
Mrs. Cito was not present and was not able to supply us with a monthly
RECREATION DIRECTORS REPORT
Mr. Rottkamp started out by handing out two lists indicating the number
of registrants we have had so far in our camp and swim programs. (See attached #1).
Thus far we have adequate coverage to insure safety at the pool, however, he would hope
that next year, instead of 5 lifeguards, he would have 4 lifeguards + one adult to
supervise..
Mr. Rottkamp stated that the traffic situation at Cross Court Tennis Club
(CCTC) is horrible. The tennis club's program and ours are requiring similar arrival
times and is causing a severe back-up in traffic.
Some parents and Ron Young of CCTC have complained that during free
swim time from 11 :30 to 12:30 the lifeguards have been caught "lounging" by the pool.
Mr. Rottkamp immediately called a meeting to explain the proper procedure. That they
must be alert at all times and spread around the pool to keep aware of all that is
happening.
During a meeting held this afternoon with all swim personnel at CCTC a
bat flew down and landed in the middle of where they were sitting. It is suspected that
the bam at CCTC is full of bats. This problem will be addressed.
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Recreation Comm. Minutes
July 14, 2005
Mr. Rottkamp stated that the CCTC has not yet been paid but is not
concerned because there is a good relationship there and that the Town and CCTC will
come to an agreement shortly. Mr. Holt suggested a meeting for the following day.
Ron Friedman suggested that because we are saving over $5000 dollars on
bus transportation that we should enter into a 3 year contract with CCTC, increasing our
payment each year by $1000 with a maximum of$II,OOO dollars. Cross Court is VERY
happy to be working with us because their pool only brings in about $600 a year from
their members. Mr. Friedman suggested that we change the time of our swim sessions so
as to eliminate the traffic problem. Mr. Rottkamp said that it was too far into the
program to make that change now but would definitely pursue that next year.
Mr. Rottkamp then called our attention to the camp registration numbers.
(See attached #2) The last registration on June 24, 2005 brought in 3 times as many
registrants as we expected. Two parents were turned away because they arrived after we
had closed down. Many people called the Recreation Office after the last signup and a list
was compiled. Supervisor Ruggiero asked Eileen Manning to send out a letter and form
to those people, giving them a deadline by which to apply.
Ralph Holt asked Mr. Rottkamp the status of the immunization forms that
were required for each camper before they attended camp. Mr. Rottkamp stated that as of
6/24/05 we had 76% of the required immunization forms in.
Mr. Rottkamp proceeded by thanking Eileen Manning and Linda
Yankowski for doing a great job during the 14 hours of camp registration
Doug Haan, our Safety Inspector, examined our 4 playgrounds and found
only these problems. Sun-up Construction was called out to correct the position of 2 bars
on the playground equipment. We also had to have our maintenance team rerake the
ground cover under the swings and slides to maintain a 12" depth for safety.
Mr. Rottkamp stated that he would not be able to escort the Town trip to
Yankee Stadium/Intrepid Air & Space Museum and asked if anyone else was interested.
Joe Ennesser said that we could pencil his name in.
A discussion arose concerning the proposition put forth to the Town Board
to allow out-of- town residents to attend our trips and to take part in our other activities.
Eileen Manning said that the Town Board did approve the proposition but questioned
what account the additional revenue was to be deposited. Mr. Holt suggested asking
Jerry Terwillliger.
Last month the Hunt Club asked if they could use our bleachers from
Schlathaus Park for an event they were sponsoring. In return they promised to paint them
and return them in very good condition. They did a GREAT JOB!!
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Recreation Comm. Meeting
July 14, 2005
Mr. Rottkamp has been in touch with the "Make-A-Wish Foundation" to
try to raise money for this worthwhile cause in conjunction with our Summer Camp
Program. Town lawyer, Al Roberts said we could not proceed with this program as the
town was not allowed to raise funds for charities.
Mr. Rottkamp expressed concern over the fact that the "Chilly Willy" Ice
Cream Man, Paul DeMarco, showed up in Hyde Park at Roller Magic while our camps
had a bus trip there. His concern was that Mr. DeMarco passed himself off as a part of
the Wappingers group, but was not.
A big THANK YOU to Nancy Cito for calling to our attention the
impending situation at Spook Hill Playground on the first day of camp. The traffic
situation has been notoriously bad the first week of camp. Two police officers were there
for the first four days to help ease the traffic situation. After the first week traffic
problems subside - Average attendance Castle Point = 33, Martz Field = 115,
Quiet Acres = 75 and Spook Hill = 100. Signage was put in place by Graham Foster to
call attention to drivers that there are children in the area.
The trip to NYC to see "The Producers" was a big success.
The Fishing Camp is going very well. After the initial day at Robinson
Lane the rest ofthe week is spent fishing at Amerling Park with the permission of East
Fishkill Recreation. The property is beautiful. There was a misunderstanding with
Dick's Sporting Goods on the fishing pole order. It was not ready for us when we were
ready to start our program. Our contact at the store had to scramble to get us the quantity
needed.
The Basketball Clinic is going very well. We tried to set up two sessions,
AM for younger kids and PM for older kids, but only two older kids signed up. They
were moved to the AM session and we cancelled the Pm session.
We have had two playground complaints. At the Cross Court Swim
Program a 12-year -old girl changed from her bathing suit to her street clothes by the side
of the pool. She is a foreign child and it was concluded that she didn't think anything of
it. Her mother was spoken to when she came to pick her daughter up and this has not
happened again. The second problem took place on the trip to Fun Central. Upon
departure one bus had one too many children on it and left while the second bus was one
child short and it was thought the child was lost. The counselors checked everywhere
and then decided to call the other bus, only to fmd out that the child was safely on his
way home. Steps will be taken to prevent this from happening in the future.
Kim Leone and Clare Curtis, our Summer Playground Directors are doing
a GREAT JOB, as always.
Mr Rottkamp is working with Bill Green of East Fishkill Recreation to set
up a joint concert at Van Wyck J.R.S. on Oct. 16th. We had attempted a similar concert
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Recreation Comm. Meeting
July 14, 2005
two years ago, but it didn't work out. This year Johnny Dell will be one of the headliners
but Skip could not remember the name of the second group. He will keep us posted with
updates.
Plans are in the works for our Family Fun Night "Playground Idol" to be
held at Schlathaus Park on July 22nd. Mr. Rottkamp intends to go to the mall to solicit
prizes for this event. He still needs some judges for this event.
Mr. Rottkamp was very disturbed by the handling of the first paycheck
period for our Summer Camp Counselors. A large number of counselors did not receive
their checks. Mr. Holt and Supervisor Ruggiero worked to clarify the situation.
Mr. Rottkamp was also upset by the amount of graffiti at Spook Hill
Playground. The mural on the wall has been so messed up Mr. Holt said to paint it over.
Mr. Ennesser said that there was also graffiti behind the partitions at Martz Field. It is
Mr. Holts intention to write a letter to the newspaper asking citizens to please help us by
calling the Town Patrol if they spot anyone defacing Town property.
Mr. Holt pointed out that the defacing of our properties seems to be on the
upswing again. He feels that when children are out of school and have nothing to keep
them occupied (jobs, etc.) they "get into trouble". He took this time to inform the
Commission about the orange spray painting of the word "Nigger" in two places at
Camwath. They also defaced the Sports Museum sign. Area residents painted over the
offensive words themselves. The sheriffs dept. & the police dept. have been notified and
will make rounds every 20 minutes for awhile. Mr. Holt is anxious to catch whoever is
doing this, and the one that we do catch "is going to pay".
In his letter Mr. Holt also intends to include the problem of "dog crap".
Spook Hill Playground counselors find it necessary to clean up the park each morning
before the children arrive. There are no signs at any of our properties to "Clean up after
your dog". Mr. Ennesser will check to see ifthere is a Town ordinance that deals with
this problem. It is the general consensus of the Committee that we need signs at all our
properties.
Mr. Rottkamp also is concerned about the amount of glass found at our
playgrounds each morning. Mr. Holt said that there are two workers hired to clean up the
parks before camp each day. He would find out why they are not sweeping up the glass.
We also need more garbage cans at Schlathaus Park and Spook Hill. Mr. Holt will see to
it.
Mr. Ennesser will be purchasing six 8 foot tables for the playgrounds.
The "Misters" for the playground (intended to cool off the kids on a hot
day) have been designed by Don Swartz and we now need someone to install them. It
seems that no one wants to take this small ajob. John Ossenkop was suggested.
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Recreation Comm. Meeting
July 14, 2005
There is a report of a tick problem at Castle Point playground. Mr. Holt
said that all playgrounds have been sprayed twice and at $5,000 each time and a third
spraying coming up we can't afford any more.
And last, but not least, Mr. Rottkamp said that the 7 C.I.T.'s we brought in
are working out GREAT!!!
JIM CHAPP AS
Nothing new to add.
REPORT FROM JOSEPH ENNESSER
Mr. Ennesser stated that more bumps were added out at Robinson Lane.
Contact was made with Bill and Carol Farrell about having them added. Mr. Farrell
called to set that up. Although many speed bumps were added to the property they were
not placed in the specific area intended. This situation has been corrected and the speed
bumps are in place.
The bathroom at Reese Park should be in by next Tuesday. He had a
problem with getting the unit delivered, but it is now available. Mr. Ennesser stated that
he will not recommend that Easi-Set (A division of Modem Precast Concrete) be used
agam.
There has been a lot of A TV activity at Reese Park and Carnwath this
month. This has been reported to the Sheriff s Dept. and Mr. Ennesser recommends that
they sit down with the Supervisor and plan a "Sting Operation". The grounds have been
tom up badly.
The docks in Chelsea have been Ym busy and parking, as always, is an
issue. An additional concern is for the traffic flow at the Empire State Games.
Mr. Ennesser requested that the grass be mowed around the excavation
site at Reese Park and is pleased to say that the area has been re-seeded and is looking
very neat. The CTC group is working actively to correct the stair problem and clear the
overgrown areas.
Mr. Ennesser is still waiting for approval from the Town Board on his
letter of June 6th, to order tables and benches for Carnwath per State Grant #C000358.
Estimated cost = $10,000, $5000 of which will be paid by the Town.
The paperwork has been finalized on a grant for the Town to be
reimbursed for our beautification signage. Cost of project = $12,000, $6,000 of which
will be paid by the Town.
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Recreation Comm. Meeting
July 14, 2005
Mr. Ennesser received a note from Bob Sheridan of our Maintenance
Dept. stating that our old pick-up truck need extensive work totaling about $2,000. Bob
needs decision as the truck is needed. Gina has been notified.
success.
Mr. Ennesser is happy to say rhat the Hudson River Paddle was a great
REPORT FROM THE CHAIRMAN
(The following report is based on my notes as the audio tape from this potion of the
meeting is not available)
Mr. Holt states that a company called Amtek has been hired by the Town
to re-evaluate employees salaries. The interviews are set to begin on July 15th.
Mr. Holt has asked Mrs. Manning to be sure to get the letters to local
businesses by the end of August for donations for the Senior Elks parties. Mr. Holt will
send a letter to Stop & Shop for the children's playground End-of-Summer Picnic.
Lane.
DiPiet Fence has been asked to enclose the power boxes at Robinson
Mr. Holt will be on vacation from August 13th to September 8th, 2005. He
is requesting that suggestions be made to him before he leaves for any expenditures that
can be included in next years budget. Mr. Rottkamp suggests re-surfacing the Tennis
Courts at Martz Field.
Mr. Friedman called to our attention that the posts at the basketball courts
are not off-set and should be cushioned. We will look into that.
The foul poles for Robinson Lane will come to $300 more than is in the
budget line for that item. Mrs. Manning was asked to speak to Gerry Terwilliger about
the adjustment of funds to cover this project.
Frank Porash of the Maintenance Dept. is retiring. A small gathering of
the Recreation Dept's employees is planned to say good-bye.
Police Dept. backing has been received and will be a presence at the
Empire State Games for July 28, 29, & 30.
The three offices at Carnwath for Skip, Ralph and Joe E. are close to
completion. Weare still waiting for the computers. Planning is still in the works for the
caretaker's apartment in the administration building.
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Recreation Comm. Meeting
July 14, 2005
Mr. Holt is planning a dedication ceremony at Reese Park for the shelter.
He plans to hold this in August before he goes on vacation pending Mr. O'Donnell's
availability.
GARY TRUDELL'S REPORT
Visited Quiet Acres Playground and everything seems to be running
smoothly. However the Porta - John should be pumped out VERY soon. Mrs. Manning
said it would be taken care of.
REPORT OF ELLEN KORZ
See attached.
Eileen Manning
Secretary
. 'Cross Court Tennis Club's Pool Reeistration: :iiI
2005
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(31 days of FREE Swim Lessons)
. Session 1
48
~eaters:
o
· Session 2
21
,'-'
. Session 3
31
28
· Session 4 15
. Session 5 39
· Session 6 8
· Session 7 3
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165
The Monday of the first day of each session (except
July 5) parents can sign up their children for other sessions
(as long as there is available space). They do not have to fill-
out a form. Any new children must fill-out a registration
form. No swim lessons on July 1, 4, August 9, 12. Only
playground registered kids can attend the Picnic (Aug. 9).
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Reeistration Numbers:
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Camp (5 year ave. '97-'01) 2001:..... .~2002: .. .2003: . . .2004:
2005:
Castle Point: 88 49 63. 62 47
(38)
Martz: 183 151 191 227 224
(90)
Quiet Acres: 158 117 104 .103 90
(62)
fuJook Hill: 130 155 181 220 207
(56)
Total: 559 472 539 612 568
43% of 2003 registration numbers (539) attended that summer;
49% of 2004 registration numbers (612) attended that summer;
Cross Court: 165
Castle Point: Martz: Ouiet Acres: Spook Hill:
April 22 9 51 24 52 - 136
23 2 43 8 21 - 74
11 94 32 73 - 210
May 6 8 16 16 30 - 70
7 4 19 7 30 - 60
12 35 23 60 = 130
June 10 14 27 10 26 - 77
11 6 44 22 22 - 94
24 4 24 3 26 - 57
24 95 35 74 - 228
14 hours Re2is. ~7 224 90 207 = 5681
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July 5, 2005
Recreation Report on Martz Field:
After my visit to the playground I spoke to Jason, the director, and all
was going well for the fIrst few days. They had 170 children the frrst day.
They need board games and they are low on supplies. The swings need
attention as I had reported at the last meeting. Also there is no water hook-
up, so if they receive a Mister they won't be able to hook it up any way.
They would appreciate something being done about the water situation.
They also found a lot of baseball equipment that was out and accessible to
the children. He just wanted to know who it belonged to and where it should
be stored.
I will be gone for two weeks and I told him to call the town, Skip, or
Kim if necessary. He is very competent and knows what it takes to run a
successful program.
Tennis:
I will call Barry before I leave, but if there is a problem he will call
the town.
Good to have you back Ralph. See you next time.
Ellen
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Newspaper Article
SPQrts..Mu~evm Schedule
The Sports Museum of Dutchess County has established
their new home at Carnwath Farms located off Wheeler
Hill Rd in the Town of Wappinger. The summer schedule
operation is as follows;
Saturdays llam - 4pm
Sundays Ipm - 4pm
Special dates -July 4th, 27, 28, 29 Ipm - 4pm
July 12th Ipm - 6pm
Closed - Dutchess County Fair weekend
Aug. 27th and 28th
Any special days or group request can be arranged by
calling..museum board chairman Bill Ponte on 473 - 0903.
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