HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015_08_11 Recreation Commission Minutes TOWN OF MAMARONECK RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
August 11, 2015
PRESENT: James Druker, Chairman
Robert Morello
William Paonessa
Susan Sigel
EXCUSED: Nathalie Orans
Rita Plansky
Terry Rainaldi
Eileen Puleo, Commission Secretary
ALSO PRESENT: Jill Fisher, Superintendent of Recreation
Stephen Altieri, Town Administrator
Jaine Elkind Eney, Town Board Liaison
Joanne Aquilino, Recreation Supervisor
Maria Ellin, Camp Monroe Director
Pam Triano, Camp Central Director
TJ Ostruzka, Hommocks Playground Director
Bruno Duarte, Hommocks Playground Assistant Director
This special meeting, held at Vintage 1891 Kitchen, 2098 Boston Post Road, Larchmont was
called to order at 6:20 P.M. by Chairman Druker.
ACCEPTANCE OF MEETING MINUTES:
On a motion by Chairman Druker, seconded by Commissioner Morello, the Meeting Minutes of
June 9, 2015 were unanimously approved as submitted.
SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE:
Ms. Fisher reported the following:
1. Due to inclement weather, the July 27th outdoor concert was postponed until Monday,
August 3rd. Sponsorships this year for the concerts totaled $7,350.
2. Our Kayaking and Paddle Boarding class will begin again at the end of August.
3. The 2015/2016 Fall-Winter Recreation Brochure has gone to the printer and is
scheduled to be out to residents the week of August 10th. Program registration is
scheduled to begin on Monday, August 24t"
4. The Hommock Playground and Pre-School Camps conclude on Friday, August 14t"
Hommocks Playground Camp—409 Pre School Camp— 103
Breakfast Club— 159 Pre School Extended Day—29
Extended Day—73 Camp Monroe—98
Hommocks On The Go - 20
5. The pool will be opening to the public at 11:00 am starting Monday, August 17th since
camps have ended. Beginning September 1st, we will need to resume our School Year
Schedule of evening hours of 6:00—9:10 pm. Labor Day hours will be: Saturday &
Sunday 10:00 am —8:40 pm & Monday 10:00 am - 6:40 pm.
6. Our swim lessons had 67 participants and our Competitive Swim Team had 101
swimmers enrolled.
7. Our Multi Sport camps that are held at the end of the summer for 2 weeks had 63
enrolled and the Sport Squirts program had 18 enrolled.
8. The Summer Sizzler fitness program had 20 adults enrolled.
Town of Mamaroneck Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
August 11, 2015 - Page 2
SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE CONTINUED:
9. Aqua Jog &Aqua Zumba programs had 31 participants enrolled.
10. Our Adult Paint Night was held on July 26t"
11. The new Golf Squirts and First Play Golf programs were a success this summer with 38
enrolled.
12. The Brick Kids program held at the end of August had 17 enrolled.
13. The invitations for Camp Monroe's Annual Young Artists Show and Camp Central's Sing-
Along were enclosed and all are invited to attend.
14. Our Golf instructional programs were very successful with 46 enrolled.
15. First Play Lacrosse and Field Hockey Clinics were successful again this summer with 42
enrolled.
16. The 2'Annual Invitational Swim Meet was a huge success. New 12 was on hand and
covered the event.
17. Adult tennis lessons for both Youth and Adults just finished this week. The fall series of
lessons are scheduled to begin the week of September 14t"
18. The Hommocks Park Ice rink was voted the best Ice Rink in Westchester by Westchester
Family Magazine. The article is enclosed for review.
19. Work has begun on the 2016 budget. Budget discussions will most likely be held at the
September 29th commission meeting.
20. The pool will be closed September 8'— 13'for post summer cleaning.
21. Landtek is scheduled for Monday, August 31st to aerate, overseed, topdress and fertilize.
The tent is scheduled to come down on Friday, August 14t"
22. The first ice rental at the Hommocks Park Ice Rink is scheduled for Monday, August 24t"
Opening earlier this year for ice rentals, will generate an additional $15,000 - $20,000 in
ice rental revenue. Public skating sessions begin on October 1st
23. As of June 1st, we have sold the following Non-Resident Pool Permits for a total of
$13,280:
• Family-4
• Individual— 10
• Senior Citizens - 6
24. The dasher board replacement project at the rink went according to schedule. The new
Event Deck flooring went down quickly over the ice in one day. However, we needed to
add an additional layer of insulation to prevent moisture building up on the floor
surface. Unfortunately, the Event Deck flooring had to be removed and the insulation
installed and the floor re-laid.
25. New LED exterior rink building lights were installed thanks to the help of the Town
Highway Department.
26. New fencing in the back of the rink is scheduled to be replaced over the next few weeks.
This will conclude our cosmetic improvements to the property.
EVALUATION OF 2015 CAMP SEASON:
Camp Monroe:
Mrs. Maria Ellin, Director of Camp Monroe, stated that her 96 campers had a wonderful time
this summer.
The camp day is broken into seven, 30 minute periods. Daily activities include: arts & crafts,
sprinkler, snacks, playground and lunch. Special events included: visits by the Town of
Mamaroneck Police and Fire Departments and the Volunteer Ambulance Corps, as well as
Parent Visiting Day, Crazy Hair Day,Treasure Hunt Day, Summer Birthday Party, Field Day, Art
Show and the end of camp Ice Cream Social.
Town of Mamaroneck Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
August 11, 2015 - Page 3
EVALUATION OF 2015 CAMP SEASON CONTINUED:
Parent Comments:
• Earlier drop off option for parents who work in the city.
• Longer day maybe for 5 & 6 year olds.
• More pizza days or camp bbq's.
• Adding yoga.
• Stagger pick up time.
• It would be good to have more spaces with air conditioning for super-hot days.
• Maria is awesome! I feel totally safe having her in charge of my son. Counselors and
staff were great with such caring and strong leadership as is demonstrated by Maria!
Mrs. Ellin recommended that:
• The basement rooms get a fresh coat of bright paint.
Thank you to:
• Joanne Aquilino for always being there for us.
• Jill Fisher for moral support on "Opening Day."
• My staff and my assistant Haydee for all they do to make this camp run so well.
• Recreation Commission Members for their support throughout the year which has made
a difference on the new outlook at Camp Monroe.
• Michael Orchanian for making sure that the facility is clean and safe.
• Office staff for typing newsletters and the final report and setting up the text messaging
system. Sheldrake Staff—Amy Bisgnani, for always being helpful and kind.
Final Comments:
Mrs. Ellin thanked Haydee Colon for all of the help given this year. She also thanked the Unit
Leaders and Counselors for all their hard work. "It has been a pleasure working for the Town of
Mamaroneck Recreation Department".
Camp Central:
Ms. Pam Triano, Director of Camp Central informed the Commission that Camp Central enjoyed
another successful summer. The Central School site was a wonderful location this year.
The camp day is divided into 25 minute periods. Daily activities include: fitness, music, arts &
crafts, water play, playground, snack time and story time. Special events included: visits from
the Town of Mamaroneck Police and Fire Departments and the Volunteer Ambulance Corps, as
well as Special Fridays (Crazy Hat Day, Ice Pop Day, Carnival Day and the end of Camp Sing-A-
Long).
Parent Comments:
Pros
• Parent's liked the drop off and pick up.
• Loved the specials on Wednesdays. Bring back Crazy Hair Day, Sports Day and Hat Day.
Town of Mamaroneck Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
August 11, 2015 - Page 4
EVALUATION OF 2015 CAMP SEASON CONTINUED:
Cons
• No juice, different snacks.
• Start earlier.
• Lunch Bunch curbside pick-up.
• Add trips.
• Longer lunch time and longer camp hours.
Thank you to:
• Joanne Aquilino for always being there. She's the best!
• Jill Fisher for visiting camp and checking to see if anything was needed.
• My Staff and my assistant Charlene for all they do to make this camp run so well.
• The office staff for all their help.
Ms. Triano was happy to have had another safe and successful summer and looks forward to
another camp year in 2016.
Hommocks Playground:
Mr. TJ Ostruzka, Director of the Hommocks Playground and Hommocks on the Go stated that
he and his staff were given the responsibility of keeping 430 campers safe and active.
The camp day was comprised of six, 45 minute blocks. Activities include: arts & crafts, dance,
sports, swimming, game area, black top, field time, tent, sprinklers/slip and slide, cafeteria and
gym. These activities change depending on the day.
Special events included: Playland trip, Sportime trip, Maritime Aquarium trip, Crazy Hat Day,
Day Rock,Treasure Hunt, Ice Pop Day, Pizza Day Friday's, Camp Olympics, Carnival Day, Camp
Bar-B-Q/Western Day,Talent Show, Halloween in July, and DJ Bruno.
Hommocks Playground was also visited by the Town of Mamaroneck Police and Fire
Departments and the Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
Parent Comments:
• The younger staff clearly was well trained and worked hard—especially regarding
safety.
• Couldn't be nicer! From the top of the chain down, everyone is fun, engaged and ready
to go. Thanks for another great summer!
• Drop off and pick up is organized and safe. The line of cars flows smoothly and safely.
• My son had a great time and that is what was important to me.
Recommendation:
• Incorporate a formal swim instruction in the daily swim block.
• Parents loved the "Remind Me" text messages.
• The possibility of making the first and second grade groups coed.
• Tables around the rink for lunch.
Town of Mamaroneck Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
August 11, 2015 - Page 5
EVALUATION OF 2015 CAMP SEASON CONTINUED:
Thank you to:
• Joanne Aquilino for another season in the books and once again we have been lucky to
have you to guide us and motivate us to always become better. Thank you for all of
your help.
• Bruno, another wonderful summer that would not have been possible without your
help.
• Thank you to the office staff at the Recreation Department. Thank you for all the hard
work you do every day to keep our camp going.
Hommocks on the Go:
Recommendations:
• Would pay more for better seats at shows and sporting events.
• Didn't like the small bus.
• Excellent experience, can't wait for next year.
• Would like one more trip day per week.
• Missed the video game room at camp.
• Had a great time, loved the staff, trips and Remind—text messaging system.
• Excellent program.
• Looking forward to next year.
Final Thought:
The Hommocks Playground camp continues to grow and improve. I am excited to say that we
have accomplished our personal goal of sending campers home safe and tired. I look forward
to another successful summer in 2016.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the Commission, on a motion by Chairman
Druker, seconded by Commissioner Paonessa, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M.