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2009-02-04 Recreation Commission Minutes February 4, 2009 RECREA nON COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, February 4, 2009 NEXT MEETING, MARCH 11,2009 The regular meeting of the Town of Wappinger Recreation Commission was held February 4,2009 at Schlathaus Park, 126 All Angels Hill Road, Town of Wappinger, Dutchess C<;mnty, New York. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm by Acting Chairman Gary E. Trudell in Chairman Ralph J. Holt's absence, with the following persons present: Kay Von Reyn, Senior Director, Jaclyn Smith Recreation Director and Commission Members Jim Chappas, Bruce Lustig and Uma Satyendra. The minutes from the December meeting were approved with no corrections. Mr. Trudell began by welcoming Jaclyn Smith to the meeting as our new Recreation Director. OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE 1. In September a letter was sent from Ralph Holt to Senator Steve Saland asking that the Senior Little League Team from the Town of Wappinger be recognized for winning the State Championship and advancing to the Regional Finals. In return Senator Saland sent official commendations in folders to be handed out to each member ofthis championship team. Mr. Holt will have a gathering for these young men, to hand out their commendations, when he returns from vacation in March. 2. Letters and applications for 2009 were sent to 2008 Camp Directors, Counselors and Lifeguards inviting them to return this year. Thus far, we have received 14 applications from returnees as well as 9 applications from new applicants. 3. A memo was sent to Supervisor Colsey and the Town Board from Ralph Holt in regard to the 2009 Quadricentennial. It outlines the wish of the Dutchess Co. Museum Hall of Fame to participate by showcasing their facility and that the only expenses that the Town will be liable for will be in regard to safety issues. All other improvements will be at the Museum's expense. Mr. Trudell indicated that this resolution would be put before the Board at the February 9th meeting. 4. A memo was sent to Supervisor Colsey and the Town Board requesting the hire of Jaclyn Smith as the new Recreation Director, replacing Scott Cheney. 5. A "Thank You" card was sent by Kay VonReyn, Senior Director, to Lori Morris and her 4th grade religion class, thanking them for the beautiful Valentine centerpieces they made for the Senior Center. 6. Letters were sent from the Recreation Office to the bands that will be performing in our Summer Concert Series asking for contracts. Out of the seven bands scheduled to play we have received five responses. 7. A memo was sent to Frederic Awino, Town Comptroller, and copied to Supervisor Colsey, in regard to an auditing recommendation to Recreation. The RECEIVED 1 AUG 1 4 2009 Tt')'MI" CLEP'''' Recreation Commission Minutes February 4, 2009 collection of funds must now be more specific and presented in spreadsheet format. 8. In response to a letter from Protection One, our alarm company, new contacts and codes have been sent for the Barn on Montfort Road. 9. A letter was sent from Kay VonReyn to Dr. Erik Sims thanking him for speaking to the seniors about foot and leg health, a very important part of successful aging. 10. A card was sent to Chris Petty and Junior Girl Scout Troop #67 thanking them for making Valentine placemats, which will be used at the Valentine party to be held at the Villa Borghese on Feb. 18th. 11. A letter from Pete Sanfilippo of the Mid Hudson Road Runners Club was sent to Supervisor Colsey and the Town Board for approval of the "Mom & Pop Senior Race" to be held on July 11 th, 2009. This will also be presented to the Town Board at the February 9th meeting. INCOMING CORRESPONDENCE 1. A letter was sent from the Dutchess Co. Youth Bureau about the availability of 2009 Asset Mini-Grants. The grant theme is "Constructive Use of Time" encouraging youth to exercise decision-making capabilities. Applications must be in by Febru~y 25th. Mrs. Manning will supply a copy to anyone with an interest. 2. A memo was received from Supervisor Colsey outlining the use of vacation time, personal time, sick time and comp time. 3. The agenda for the January 26,2009 Town Board meeting includes a Recreation Director Candidate Review in Executive Session. At that time Jaclyn Smith was interviewed for that position and was approved. 4. An e-mail was received from Angelo Fabrizio of the Hudson Valley National Adult Baseball Assn. (HVNABA) requesting that a "blurb" about his organization be put into our Recreation Guide. Mr. Holt feels that we could do this since this team has used our fields over the last two or three years. Mr. Chapp as stated that the HVNABA is not a Town sponsored program and if we put them in the guide it would open us up for having to do the same for other groups. Upon voting, the Commission decided not to put their information in the Guide. 5. Also received from the HVNABA is their request for use ofthe fields at Robinson Lane. Ifwe approve the use of the fields, Roland Norris will receive a copy of their schedule so that he may note any conflicts in scheduling. The Commission has approved sending this application to Roland Norris for final approval. 6. An e-mail was received from June Ellen Notaro of the D.C. Youth Bureau with a listing of some 2009 summer programs and work opportunities that may be of interest. You will find a copy in your packets. 7. Also received from the D.C. Youth Bureau were applications for the Youth Excellence Awards (YEA). Catagories include Professional Youth Worker, Professional Teacher and the Dorothy O. Lasday Award. Copies were given to Ralph Holt and Gary Trudell and Jaclyn Smith. Copies available 8. A resolution will appear on the Feb. 9,2009 agenda for approval of the July 11, 2009 "Mom & Pop Walk / Run" sponsored by the Wappinger Knights of Columbus Council # 1646. 9. A phone call was received from Chris Schoen on 1/29/09 and Gary Mensching on 2/4/09, both of Little League, requesting permission to put an extension on the 2 Recreation Commission Minutes February 4, 2009 equipment storage building at Robinson Lane next to the concession stand. The addition would extend 11 feet from the right side of the building and be of the same depth as the existing building. Little League would also like to lay a concrete slab between fields SL-l and SB-2 to be able to store and cover the beam clay before it is used on the fields. RECREATION DIRECTOR'S REPORT Ms. Smith indicated that she was happy to be on board. She and Mr. Trudell have been at work interviewing prospective coaches for our Winter Basketball Program. More interviews will take place tomorrow night (February 5th). The applicants show promise and we must select someone immediately as our program begins on Saturday, Feb.th. A list of interested participants has been collected in the Recreation Office and those people will be called to sign up on the first day of the program. Ms. Smith and Vma Satyendra with do the registration. The Recreation Office will send a press release to the Southern Dutchess News announcing that the program has started and that registration will still be accepted on February 14th. Mr. Trudell will put information on the sign at Schlathaus about the registration. Ms. Smith is excited about the use of Carnwath for different events and suggested the possibility of a "Teen Dance" to be held there on a Friday Night. There would be a charge to cover expenses and we could ask parents to volunteer as chaperones. She also said that the same can be done for an adult "50's Party". She wondered what would be necessary to get something like this started. Mr. Trudell said that the Sports Museum was taking over the Chapel for the Quadricentennial, but plans like that could be made before or after the summer. Mr. Chapp as suggested the possibility of having the County Players come down and do a show or their Summer Review. Mr. Trudell said that all ideas would be welcome and any help in gathering the information for their ideas would be considered by the commission. Ms. Smith has contacted Cathy Dutcavitch of the American Red Cross to set up First Aid and RTE classes for our counselors and directors for 2009. She will meet with her soon. SENIOR DIRECTOR'S REPORT Ms. V onReyn began by saying that the average daily attendance is up to 31 seniors per day over last year despite the bad weather. In January we had four (4) scheduled closings for New Year's Day and Jan. 2nd the floating as well as Martin Luther King's Birthday and Diner Day which was our out-of-center event for the month. The center had two additional weather closings and two 2-hour delayed openings. We held two lunches during the month: a combined Dec.lJan. Bithday Soup Day and a Pizza Bingo Friday. We sent out four get-well and condolence cards this month. The Senior Center's first bus trip is a St. Patrick's Day celebration set for Friday, March 13th at The Brownstone in No. Haledon, NJ. We are currently updating the trip list that will appear in the Recreation Guide. 3 Recreation Commission Minutes February 4,2009 JIM CHAPPAS'S REPORT Mr. Chapp as had no report at this time. UMA SATYENDRA'S REPORT Ms. Satyendra had no report at this time. BRUCE LUSTIG'S REPORT Mr. Lustic said that Soccer is now playing indoors and State Cup Games have been scheduled as early as March 28th. It is not certain whether the fields will be ready for play that early in the season. If they are not we might have to use the fields in Carmel which have artificial turf. The WUSC is hoping to start it's season the weekend of April 6th and tho The league has looked into having Tru-Green work on the fields to get them ready by fertilizing, aerating and grub control. Tru-Green's estimate is higher than it was last year. The subject of Porta-Johns came up and Mrs. Manning said that letters were sent out to five (5) companies for bids and as soon as we get back three we will be able to go to the Town Board for approval. Mr. Lustig stated that he feels that the Commission should go on record to urge the Supervisor and Town Board to consider staffing Recreation to its prior level should a stimulus package be received from the government. ACTING CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Mr. Trudell began by stating that the Winterfest, by all accounts, was a complete success. It is estimated that between 250 and 300 people showed up for the event. Supervisor Colsey was so impressed with the event that he asked for a list of all volunteers so that he might send a letter of thanks to each one. The Rotary Club was there selling hot dogs and they sold out completely. Fifteen dozen donuts were ordered and all were gone by the end of the event. Hot cider and hot chocolate were also available. We did not charge for the donuts and beverages but asked for donations. $132.75 was collected. It needs to be determined how that money will be allocated. The bill for the donuts and cider came to about $118. It is suggested that we use this money to pay for the refreshments. During Winterfest the Dutchess County Sports Museum was open to visitors. Joe Ennesser mentioned that in the past year the museum had about 100 people visit. On this one day alone more that 50 people visited the facility. The Sports Museum was thrilled with the exposure they received. The Hughsonville Fire Co. was there with trucks and firemen. Although Recreation did their best with one man to clear the ice and snow from the previous Wednesday, it was Glen Cramer from Hughsonville that suggested to the Supervisor that he have Graham Foster come to clear and sand the parking areas. It made an enormous 4 . Recreation Commission Minutes February 4, 2009 difference. It was great having Hughsonville there as they allowed the children to climb on and sit in the fire trucks. Mr. Trudell said that toward the end of the festivities Councilman Bill Beale expressed his pleasure with how successful the day was and would like to meet to discuss ways of improving this event for next year as well as other events that will bring people to Camwath. Mr. Trudell asked the Commission to give some thought to any ideas they may have for events at Carnwath. Jim Chapp as spoke of a Christmas event that was held in a town in Connecticut with several different forms of entertainment, Santa, a decorated fire truck parade and fireworks. This celebration was held actually in the town so that there were restaurants and displays as well as the activities above. It was questioned whether this would work at Camwath. The commission discussed some small incidents that took place because ofthe ice and slippery conditions. A report was made up by Florence Graff outlining her suggestions for next year. A copy was forwarded to Ralph Holt and Gary Trudell. Mr. Lustig asked if Easter could be held at Carnwath again this year. It was decided at the last meeting to use Carnwath for Easter. If the weather permits we will do the Egg Hunt outside and have the refreshments in the chapel. Mr. Lustig also suggested holding some of our Camp activities there. Mrs. Manning related a phone conversation she had that afternoon with Kate Palumbo of the WCSD. She is in charge of sports facility usage (gyms, etc.) For the month of March our programs are not going to be able to use the gymnasiums in their various schools as they are setting up special equipment for a new program being introduced. Some will be moved to the cafeterias, other like Volleyball have to cancel their sessions. Ms. Palumbo indicated that the scheduling for next year is in question, the ramification of how this will affect our programs is uncertain at this time. Mr. Chapp as indicated that he was ofthe impression that there was a reciprocal understanding trading the usage of the fields at Robinson Lane for the usage of the gymnasiums in their various schools. Has this changed? Mr. Trudell asked for an update on the Recreation Guide. Mrs. Manning stated that all revisions that have been received have been forwarded to Scott Cheney for input into the Recreation Guide Program. All bands have been set for the Summer Concert Series and both the Town and Senior Trips are close to being completed pending pricing from Ernie Bruno of Hudson River Valley Tours. Mr. Cheney has spoken to Dick Wambach, the gentleman that does the design of the guide, and it was decided to keep our expenses down we would use a heavy but non-gloss paper, eliminate many of the photos and some of the pages. It has not yet been decided whether we will keep the center full color page with the map and photos of the four camps. Mr. Trudell told the commission that it seemed we were in good shape for the Easter Egg Hunt. The candy and eggs have been ordered, Linda Leopardi, ofthe RCK home economics department, has been asked to have her students bake cookies for this event as they have in the past. We supply the ingredients for the cookies and lemonade to go with them.. Max Dao will be the bunny. We still need to purchase and/or get donations for raffle prizes. 5 . Recreation Commission Minutes February 4,2009 Mr. Trudell informed the commission that Little League is requesting some upgrades to Robinson Lane. They would like to add eleven feet, or a third bay, to the already existing two bay equipment building. The addition will house a new piece of equipment purchased by Little League and would be no deeper than the original building. Little League is intending to pay for this improvement and are asking for Recreation's permission to proceed with plans to the Town Board. The commission voted and unanimously agreed to allow the extension to be added to the equipment building. The second part ofthe project would be to lay a concrete slab, or clay pad, on which to store the beam clay used on the fields during the year. The clay is currently stored by the road that runs between fields Rl and R2. Little League would like to locate the Clay Pad outside the right field fence of SLl. It could then be covered with a tarp to preserve its condition and be ready for use when needed. Where the clay is now stored, uncovered, it attracts wasps and the clay piles attract children. Children have been stung because of this. The concrete slab, in the new location, should eliminate this problem. Little League will also be responsible for the cost incurred by this project. The commission voted and agreed to allow the concrete slab to be put in place with the condition that it does not interfere with the eventual construction ofthe Challenger field. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM. Eileen Manning Recreation Secretary 6