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2006-07-19 '" .; AGENDA RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING WEDNESDAY, JULY 19,2006 CALL TO ORDER: PRESENT: RJH, SR, NC, JC, JE, EK, GT, BL, BS MINUTES FOR JUNE MEETING: Not available COMMENTS FROM GUESTS: Cathy VonBurg (Application for Recreation Commission in each packet.) INCOMING CORRESPONDENCE: 1. Letter from Christine Fail requesting refund for payment for one child for Martz Field playground. 2. Estimate from Seal & Stripe for temporary repair of the Tennis Courts at Martz Field. 3. Received from the Building Dept. an approved Building Permit for the Dugout on the 3rd base line at Robinson Lane Holt Field. 4. E-Mail from Ellen Korz stating all seems to be well at Martz Field. She will check field when she returns from vacation. 5. Brochure from June Ellen Notaro from the D.C. Youth Council. The Youth Council serves young men & women ages 15 - 21. It's objectives include: "Make a Positive Change", "Develop Leadership Skill", and Meet New People". Copy given to Skip. If anyone else is interested I will be happy to make copies. 6. Received from the Hudson Valley Renegades a gift certificate for our Halloween Parade. 7. Received from Brandy Vadala a letter outlining what must be done in order for individual playgrounds to have Bar-B-Ques on site. (Copy given to Skip) 8. Memo from Supervisor Ruggiero requesting update on our alarm system. 9. Minutes of Town Board meeting are available. The following Resolutions have been passed in relation to Recreation. a. Use of the pool at Cross Court Tennis Club has been approved b. Use of the WCSD buses have been approved for our use for our Summer Playground Program. OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE 1. Letter from Joe Ennesser to Supervisor Ruggiero outlining the existing problem with the water softener system at Carnwath Farms. 2. Letter from Joe Ennesser Greenway Administrator outlining Cranberry Hills Subdivision Trail. 3. Letter to Hannaford's to thank them for their purchase of a sign for Robinson Lane. (Receipt of payment included.) 4. Letter including $5.00 refund to Hatsari Mahlunge for overpayment toward child's Tennis Program. 5. Three (3) letters from Skip Rottkamp to our Winter Program Directors (Rosemary DiGennaro - Aerobics, Melaine Rottkamp - Baton Twirling and Walter Leczinski- Volleyball) thanking them for their services. 6. Letters from Skip Rottkamp to Todd McDonough ofTranscare and Cathy Dutcavich of the American Red Cross who aided in facilitating our F AlCPR/R TI programs for the Town Playground Directors and Counselors. 7. Letters from Skip Rottkamp to Sheriff "Butch" Anderson and two patrolmen (TJ and Jim) thanking them for a successful "Bike Rodeo" given at our four playgrounds. 8. Letter from Skip Rottkamp to Craig Marsellus thanking him for his assistance in our Summer Basketball Program. 9. Letter from Mr. Rottkamp to Dave Beck of Bowdoin Park thanking him for speaking at our playgrounds. 10. Three letters From Mr. Rottkamp to Don Stein, Ed Hahn and Denise Schirmer for their work at our Carnwath Farms 13 - 15 year old camps. REPORTS: N.C. S.R. J.C. J.E. E.K. (See report in packet) G.T. B.L. B.S. R.J.H. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Revision of Alarm system contacts. 2. Request from the Hudson River Performing Arts Center to use Schlathaus Park this Friday 7/21/06 for a Dance Performance from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. 3. Request from Bill Farrell to have pipe replaced that has been the source of constant leaks at Robinson Lane. 4. Request from Ron Haas of Clinton Comers wishing to set up a "Doggie Boot Camp" (for Obedience & Socializing) for 3 hours on Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm. 5. Bounced check for one child at Quiet Acres Playground (Antonio Arciola) has attended camp 3 or 4 times. Sounds like hardship case. How to proceed? NEXT MEETING: August , 2006. REFRESHMENTS: AUGUST - Nancy Cito Recreation Minutes July 19,2006 RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JULY 19,2006 NEXT MEETING: AUGUST 9, 2006 The regular meeting of the Town of Wappinger Recreation Commission was held on Wednesday, July 19,2006 at 126 All Angels Hill Road, Town of Wappinger, Dutchess County, New York. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairman Ralph 1. Holt with the following persons present: Skip Rottkamp, Recreation Director, Nancy Cito, Senior Center Director, Bob Sheridan, Maintenance Supervisor, and Commission Members Joe Ennesser, Jim Chappas and Gary Trudell. approval. Minutes for the June Commission meeting were not available for COMMENTS FROM GUESTS: CATHY VonBurg (Applicant for Recreation Commission.) Application attached. Mr. Holt began the meeting by having the Commission members that were present introduce themselves to Ms. V onBurg. Mr. Holt continued by explaining the various responsibilities and functions of the Recreation Department. Mr. Ennesser asked Ms. V onBurg where she was a camp counselor and she said that she was employed by the Village of Wappinger and worked at Veteran's Park when she was a teen. Decided to contact us about a position when she saw our table at Camp Registration seeking parents interested in having a say in the decision making process of recreation. Ms. V onBurg explained that she is the mother of two boys, ages 4 and 7, and is a teacher in the Red Hook School District. Her family has raised her to become involved in the community and to do what you can to make your town and its surroundings a better place to live. Her son attended our fishing camp and was very impressed by it. Ms. V onBurg did state that she may not have as much time to contribute as she'd like because of her job, long commute and the activities in which her children are already involved. Mr. Holt explained that most of the responsibilities of the commission members can be accomplished in their own time without a deadline. Mrs. Cito asked Ms. V onBurg, since she has young children, did she have any ideas for programs for children or see a need for something lacking in our community. In reply, Ms. VonBurg stated that while she did not have any specific ideas she tended to be creative when a situation arose or a problem needed to be solved. 1 Recreation Minutes July 19,2006 Mr. Holt thanked Ms. V onBurg for coming in and asked if she would send in a more detailed resume. It would then be reviewed at our next meeting, when all were present and we would be in touch with her. Mr. Holt began by thanking Mr. Ennesser for sitting in for him while he was away. Although there was no Recreation meeting in his absence, he is sure that any problems that arose were taken care of. He informed Mr. Ennesser that he would be able to emcee the Sports Museum at the end of October. A resume was received from Meera Dave, the applicant that was interviewed last month, a copy of which was given to each member of the Recreation Commission. When we have resume from both ladies we will then make our decision and send a recommendation to the Town Board for their approval. INCOMING CORRESPONDENCE: 1. Letter from Christine Fail requesting refund for payment for one child for Martz Field playground. Mrs. Fail explained that the child was not ready, socially speaking, to be put in that kind of environment. She attended only three days of camp and was not happy. The commission voted to refund her money 2. Estimate from Seal & Stripe for temporary repair of the Tennis Courts at Martz Field. Estimate was for $1500.00. This would include filling and cracks and depressions to make the Tennis Courts safe for use. Mr. Holt would also like to get an estimate for a full resurfacing job, which hasn't been done in many years, and suggests that we put it into the budget for next year. 3. Received from the Building Dept. an approved Building Permit for the Dugout on the 3rd base line at Robinson Lane Holt Field. Mr. Holt, Mr. Ennesser and Mr. Sheridan met with Bill Farrell and Roland Norris from Little League and decided where the new dugout would be placed. It will be moved further away from home plate for safety reasons. 4. E-Mail from Ellen KoTZ stating all seems to be well at Martz Field. She will check field when she returns from vacation. 5. Brochure from June Ellen Notaro from the D.C. Youth Council. The Youth Council serves young men & women ages 15 - 21. It's objectives include: "Make a Positive Change", "Develop Leadership Skill", and Meet New People". Copy given to Skip. If anyone else is interested I will be happy to make copies. Mr. Rottkamp attends the first meeting of "Interact" at John Jay H.S. and will give out the brochures there. 6. Received from the Hudson Valley Renegades a gift certificate for our Halloween Parade. 7. Received from Brandy Vadala a letter outlining what must be done in order for individual playgrounds to have Bar-B-Ques on site. (Copy given to Skip) 8. Memo from Supervisor Ruggiero requesting update on our alarm system. Mrs. Roe and Mrs. Manning have been working on organizing the alarms at four locations. Schlathaus Park, Montfort Road, Airport Park and Robinson Lane. Any other alarms on other properties are not activated with our alarm company, 2 Recreation Minutes July 19,2006 Protection One. All that is needed to complete OUR list is to contact people to notify if the alarms should go off. 9. Minutes of Town Board meeting are available. The following Resolutions have been passed in relation to Recreation. a. Use of the pool at Cross Court Tennis Club has been approved b. Use of the WCSD buses has been approved for our use for our Summer Playground Program. OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE 1. Letter from Joe Ennesser to Supervisor Ruggiero outlining the existing problem with the water softener system at Carnwath Farms. 2. Letter from Joe Ennesser Greenway Administrator outlining Cranberry Hills Subdivision Trail. Mr. Ennesser explained that anything being done by the Town will be looked at by Greenway. 3. Letter to Hannaford's to thank them for their purchase of a sign for Robinson Lane. 4. Letter including $5.00 refund to Hatsari Mahlunge for overpayment toward child's Tennis Program. 5. Three (3) letters from Skip Rottkamp to our Winter Program Directors (Rosemary DiGennaro - Aerobics, Melaine Rottkamp - Baton Twirling and Walter Leczinski- Volleyball) thanking them for their services. 6. Letters from Skip Rottkamp to Todd McDonough of Transcare and Cathy Dutcavich of the American Red Cross who aided in facilitating our FA/CPR/RTI programs for the Town Playground Directors and Counselors. 7. Letters from Skip Rottkamp to Sheriff "Butch" Anderson and two patrolmen (TJ and Jim) thanking them for a successful "Bike Rodeo" given at our four playgrounds. 8. Letter from Skip Rottkamp to Craig Marsellus thanking him for his assistance in our Summer Basketball Program. 9. Letter from Mr. Rottkamp to Dave Beck of Bowdoin Park thanking him for speaking at our playgrounds. 10. Three letters From Mr. Rottkamp to Don Stein, Ed Hahn and Denise Schirmer for their work at our Carnwath Farms 13 - 15 year old camps. SENIOR DIRECTOR'S REPORT Mrs. Cito started by thanking our maintenance crew for the wonderful job they did for Dutchess Co. OF A Picnic which took place this afternoon 225 town seniors attended out of the 320 seniors who signed up for this event, the heat playing a big factor in the diminished numbers. Special guests at the picnic included Bill Steinhaus, Supervisor Ruggiero, Town Clerk Chris Masterson and Councilman Robert Valdati. A speaker came to the Senior Center and spoke about "Relaxation Techniques". Twenty-six seniors attended. Mrs. Cito noted, however, that although 3 Recreation Minutes July 19,2006 they enjoyed the seminar, it was not something that they would be interested in doing on a regular basis. Bocci is doing VERY WELL and is being enjoyed by many Seniors, some playing and some just watching with lemonade in hand, as the cheering section. Mrs. Cito said that the seniors asked if something could be done to re- surface the courts. Mr. Sheridan said he would investigate and find out what kind of mix should be used. Shuffleboard is also becoming very popular with the seniors and an official time will be set up for weekly games. Mrs. Cito pointed out that "Baby Boomers" are now coming of age giving us a more active senior population and the programs available to them need to be adjusted accordingly. RECREATION DIRECTOR'S REPORT Mr. Rottkamp started by announcing the birth of his newest grandson (pictures included). He was very pleased with how registrations went this year for our Summer Camp season. Over 450 children registered. He would like to have a meeting during the winter to prep us for next year's registration. Mr. Rottkamp spoke of our other summer programs. Swim had an all- time high registration with 220 registered. Children were able to re-register for additional sessions were space allowed. Jay Curtis, as Site Director, definitely made for a smooth-running summer. Fishing was an overwhelming success with every session full. Many parents stayed with children on Mondays and helped put together the fishing poles and listen to the safety lecture given to each new class. After extensive feedback from the parents, Mr. Rottkamp is considering having a "Mom & Pop" fishing program next year. Basketball registration numbered a very comfortable 32 registrants. The Carnwath 13 to l5-year-old camps were ALMOST a TOTAL FAILURE, with the exception of Babysitting, with 9 attendees. This program may be considered again in the future. There was no interest shown for the QSY Amateur Radio Club, however, the gentlemen involved were happy to give Skip a "crash course". Theater Camp was not an option because a suitable instructor could not be found. Doug Haan's Playground Status Reports have been given out to all members of the Recreation Commission, so that all those responsible for each playground can monitor the corrections and repairs as they are made. Between Mr. Haan, our maintenance crew and feedback from our commission members the parks are in extremely good shape. Our Summer Concert Series has been successful to date will very large crowds for Johnny Dell and Hot Rod. 4 Recreation Minutes July 19, 2006 Chris Iverson returned as our nature guide at Reese Park and Carnwath. Both counselors and campers alike agree that the Sports Museum was the highlight of the Carnwath trip. Mr. Rottkamp has expressed a need for a new TV NCRlDVD for Schlathaus Park. Extensive logistical problems arose when directors and counselors were being trained by Transcare and the Red Cross. There are no DVD capabilities at Schlathaus and the TV is so old it doesn't have the proper connections. It was suggested that the cost be included in next year's budget request. Mr. Rottkamp stated that because of the austerity budget in the WCSD, we may have to plan our budget allocation accordingly. Use of the gymnasium will be $12.00 and hour for youth groups. His concern is that we might have to pass this cost along to the participants. It was a general consensus that since our prices for the fall sessions were already in our Rec. Guide that we would have to stick with the prices as they are. Mrs. Manning pointed out that we never received a bill for usage of WCSD facilities for the school calendar year of 2005-2006. Our 2006 budget showed $1000 for custodial services. It is important for us to find our what our financial responsibility will be and budget accordingly. (A-711OA05). Mr. Rottkamp asked for escorts for two of our town trip, "Top of the Rock" and "The Big E". A discussion was raised seeking an explanation as to why some bills were taking so long to be paid. Mr. Holt shared his talk with Supervisor Ruggiero in general terms, outlining the financial state as best he could. It was the paperwork that was more of the problem than the financial status of the Town. The new Comptroller is working toward straightening out the finances - concentrating on Recreation. The "Playground Idol" is being planned and rehearsed for and the prizes are being collected. The playground "Misters" are in full operation and have been VERY welcome on these terrifically hot days. Thanks again to Mr. Ennesser for his part in getting them all in place for the beginning of our camp season. Playground Bar-B-Cues have been very successful thus far. Guidelines for these cookouts have been supplies to each camp director from the Dept. of Health and have been strictly adhered to. The town trip to NYC to see "Spamalot" was a rousing success. All tickets were sold and thank you to Eileen Manning for escorting. Our "Family Fun Night" for July 14th featured Bob Martinson and the movie "Because of Wynn Dixie". The was enthusiastic but small. We are still looking forward to "Arts & Crafts" night and "Playground Idol" 5 Recreation Minutes July 19, 2006 JIM CHAPPAS'S REPORT Mr. Chappas, our liaison with the WUSC, was contacted by Jim Purdy, president of the WUSC, with a list of upcoming dates for tournaments and special events. Mr. Holt commented on Mr. Purdy's excellent presentation at the Town Board meeting in regards to the expansion of the soccer field at Airport Park. His organization is willing to put $140,000 toward the new artificial turf soccer field planned for Airport Park. Although the project has not yet been voted on, it is being given serious consideration. Another source offunds may be the Town ofFishkill, since 200 children from Fishkill use our Soccer Program as they do not have one of their own. Mr. Chappas stated that Regency Drive (Rockingham) soccer field are in excellent shape. Mr. Holt mentioned stopping by the field one evening to find a large group of men playing on the field. He was concerned that they had not had permission nor coverage of insurance. It was determined that they were the "WUSC over 35" players and were covered by WUSC insurance. JOE ENNESSER'S REPORT In regard to Robinson Lane, Mr. Ennesser informed us of the following: The timer for the lights has been replaced and is now working properly. The lamps for the roadway lights have been ordered and will be installed by Chris Bar upon their arrival. The second lamppost has been ordered from Quality Lighting and will be put up by Chris Bar upon it's arrival. The lights on RIO field that would not go out was repaired. The problem was caused by a loose wire and was easily fixed. The Chelsea boat ramp is in excellent condition and is being cleaned on a regular basis, thanks to our maintenance crew. There have been no complaints and Mr. Ennesser felt that because things were running so smoothly the presence of the Sheriff s Dept. was not needed for the July 4111 weekend. Mr. Ennesser ordered stencils for "Town of Wappinger Recreation" to mark recreation supplies and equipment. Mr. Ennesser investigated the complaint by several town residents regarding dumping of garbage and vehicles on the easement at Spook Hill on Nancyaleen Dr. Now that a cleanup has been done, he suggests that a security gate, like the ones we have at Camwath, be ordered and placed so that dumping and vehicles passing through can be prevented. He will check pricing with Mid-Hudson Fence. Carnwath Farms finally has phone service in three locations. The numbers are as follows: The Sports Museum - 298-9700 Third floor Record Retention - 298-1719 Basement Maintenance room - 298-1918 6 Recreation Minutes July 19,2006 The phones in the Administration Building will follow shortly. New water softeners should be completely installed by Friday. Salt will be added to tanb and timer set. Mr. Ennesser has asked All-Star to put together a maintenance package for servicing the units and will be sent to the Town Board for approval. Mr. Ennesser wrote and submitted a grant to Lowe's for $5000 for shrubs at Carnwath. He estimates that we will have their decision in about six weeks. Recreation has found another bucket truck that looks in good shape. The asking price for this truck was $12,000, but because we are a municipality the price was lowered to $9500. It is a GMC truck with air brakes and uses diesel fuel. Some safety equipment (like harnesses) will have to be purchased so that the truck can be used safely. Truck has a two battery system, both of which should be replaced. Community day trophies have been ordered by Mr. Ennesser and should be in by August 21 st. The kiosk for Camwath has been ordered for $8000 on a SO/50 grant match. Kit will be delivered unassembled and will be stored in the carriage house until we find time to put it together. Mr. Ennesser will work with Frasier to develop a map for the kiosk which will be located on the main entry road so that it can be easily read from a car. Matting samples have been received of special ADA approved ground treatment to be placed over pea gravel or sand to make the area handicapped accessible. Each piece is 82~ long and comes in varying widths ranging in price from $2700 to $6000. Mr. Holt suggests that a budget allotment be made for one length of this material so that we may see how best it suits our needs. Mr. Ennesser will be meeting with Supervisor Ruggiero, Jay Paggi, John Anderson and ADT this Friday concerning the specifics of the new Security System for the Town. A grant will be developed to defray the cost of the system for the Town. Estimated costs will be about $24,000. GARY TRUDELL'S REPORT Mr. Trudell received a call from Bill Farrell about another leak in the line at Robinson Lane that has been repaired in other places by Maintenance. It was agreed by all that the line should be replaced when possible. Mr. Holt said that the cost of replacing the entire system at Robinson Lane will probably not happen for a while but Jay Paggi has been asked to consider the cost of an additional well to allow the watering of fields near the back of the property. When not watered the clay dries up and blows away. A well in that area would be to our advantage. 7 Recreation Minutes July 19,2006 The complete new system for Robinson Lane would cost about $90,000 including recessing sprinklers, as are available at R. C. Ketcham H.S, and all new plumbing and well to replace pipes that may be 30-years-old. Mr. Trudell visited Quiet Acres on July 3rd. All repairs required by Doug Haan, Town Safety Inspector, were completed and the camp was in good condition. Mr. Ennesser inserted that Spook Hill was compromised a few days before camp began. As in other locations the bathrooms were hit. All repairs were made so that the camp was able to open as scheduled. MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR'S REPORT Mr. Sheridan began by giving a breakdown of everything that had to be done in order for the playgrounds to open safely on June 26th. Most importantly, the slide was replaced at Martz Field after Mr. Haan discovered that a weld was broken making the slide unsafe. In general, the following was done at all camps as needed. Grass mowed, trees trimmed or cut down, pea gravel spread, equipment replaced or repaired, bleachers brought up to spec, garbage removed, vandalism repaired, water leaks repaired, boat dock cleared regularly and painting done. Castle Point building was broken into and had graffiti painted all over it. This building needed immediate painting. It is suspected that the park damage is consistent enough with other towns experiencing vandalism that the same people may be involved in our Town's vandalism. The donated trees, a blue spruce and a cherry tree, plus other trees for along the All Angels Hills Road side of Schlathaus Park have been planted. Carnwath has been cleared of weeds and unwanted shrubs. Mr. Holt is hoping that we will soon be able to plant some ground cover on the slopes that can not be mowed of maintained easily. Thank you to Marion Trudell for planting two flats of flowers at the Memorial on Robinson Lane. The upper area of Carnwath has been mowed and cleared for the QSY Amateur Radio Club weekend from June 23rd to the 25th. This event had to be cancelled due to an electrical storm. Mr. Sheridan and crew has used the rainy weather to work on repairing and tuning-up maintenance machinery and vehicles. Last Sunday Mr. Sheridan was at Carnwath and found the generator runmng. There must have been a power outage, but when the power returned the 8 Recreation Minutes July 19,2006 generator did not turn off. This is why Mr. Sheridan is so emphatic that Carnwath be checked on a regular basis. RECREATION CHAIRMAN'S REPORT As of Friday, Mr. Steve Tompkins will no longer be an employee of the Town of Wappinger's Maintenance Dept. All of his personal belongings have been returned to him by Mr. Holt, as per Mr. Tompkins list. Mr. Sheridan found some additional things at the Barn that were not included on Mr. Tompkins' list. To the best of our knowledge all keys have been returned to us. Mr. Tompkins signed an affidavit acknowledging what we returned to him and what he returned to us. Mr. Holt is concerned about an area just to the right, inside the gate at Robinson Lane that is being used to dump appliances, tires, etc. This has taken place over a long period of time. The area was surveyed by Jay Paggi. It was determined that 99% of the dump area was on Town property. Graham Foster will go with a dumpster and front loader to remove the debris on this section of land. The Playground "End of Summer Picnic" is planned for August 8th. Approximately 240 children have signed up. At this point the Commission discussed the quantities and variety of food items which we would request from Super Stop & Shop. Mr. Holt asked for any other volunteers for Community Day especially for the parade route. Evidently the basement at Schlathaus Park has stored a large number outdated computers. With Supervisor Ruggiero's permission we will be inventorying them and taking them to Royal Carting for discarding. We have been informed that all hard drives have been erased. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Revision of Alarm system contacts. Final list of contacts are now in place. 2. Request from the Hudson River Performing Arts Center to use Schlathaus Park this Friday 7/21/06 for a Dance Performance from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. This request came in only yesterday. The Commission will allow the use of the park as long as all paperwork, money and certificate of insurance is in on time. 3. Request from Bill Farrell to have pipe replaced that has been the source of constant leaks at Robinson Lane. Previously discussed. 4. Request from Ron Haas of Clinton Comers wishing to set up a "Doggie Boot Camp" (for Obedience & Socializing) for 3 hours on Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm at Schlathaus Park. Mr. Holt feels that an organization from Clinton Comers should work closer to home and fears that the park might be left in a less than perfect state. His request has been denied. 5. Bounced check for one child at Quiet Acres Playground (Antonio Arciola) has attended camp 3 or 4 times. Sounds like hardship case. How to proceed? The 9 Recreation Minutes July 19, 2006 commission and Mr. Rottkamp agree that this child should be able to attend the camp and that the cost should be waived. MEETING ADJOURNED - 9:30 pm Eileen Manning Recreation Secretary 10