HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019_08_06 Recreation Commission Minutes TOWN OF MAMARONECK RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
August 6, 2019
PRESENT: James Druker, Chairman
William Paonessa
Rita Plansky
Terry Rainaldi
Susan Sigel
Brian Welsh
EXCUSED: Nathalie Orans
ALSO PRESENT: Jill Fisher, Superintendent of Recreation
Stephen Altieri, Town Administrator
Jaine Elkind Eney, Town Board Liaison
Vicky Laoutaris, Recreation Supervisor
Eileen Puleo, Commission Secretary
Maria Ellin, Camp Monroe Director
Pam Triano, Camp Rockingstone Director
TJ Ostruzka, Hommocks Camp Director
This special meeting, held at Vintage 1891 Kitchen, 2098 Boston Post Road, Larchmont was
called to order at 6:15 P.M. by Chairman Druker.
ACCEPTANCE OF MEETING MINUTES:
On a motion by Commissioner Paonessa, seconded by Commissioner Sigel, the Meeting
Minutes of June 11, 2019 were unanimously approved as amended.
SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE:
Ms. Fisher reported the following:
1. An application for the use of the Carpino-Steffens Fields has been approved for Ms. Bari
Suman, Mamaroneck School District.
2. A copy of an email from Ms. Adrienne De Mita was enclosed regarding the new hourly
pool rate schedule. The current rate of$177.95/hour, will be increasing to
$179.55/hour effective July 1, 2019.
3. A copy of an email from Mrs. Melissa Horlick was enclosed regarding additional time for
the Freestyle Skating program. Mrs. Horlick has been notified that the additional
Monday Freestyle time will not be re-instated. However, an additional ice time slot has
been opened on Friday mornings beginning October 4'from 6:30—8:00 am.
4. A copy of an email from the Recreation Department to the Hommocks Camp parents
was enclosed regarding an incident that happened during an outing to Playland.
5. The Youth Kayaking classes will resume the week of August 19t"
6. Due to inclement weather, the July 22nd outdoor concert was postponed until Monday,
August 5t". This concludes our concert series for this summer.
7. The 2019 - 2020 Fall-Winter Recreation Department brochure was mailed out to
residents. Program registration is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, August 27t". Many
fall programs will start the week of September 16t"
Town of Mamaroneck Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
August 6, 2019 - Page 2
SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE CONTINUED:
8. The Hommocks and Pre-School Camps conclude on Friday, August 9t". This year's
enrollment numbers are as follows:
Hommocks Camp—448 Camp Rockingstone—53
Breakfast Club— 191 Camp Monroe—93
Extended Day— 142
Teen Travel Camp—73
9. Our summer swim lessons had 71 participants enrolled and our Competitive Swim Team
had an enrollment of 117.
10. Our late summer sports camps have a current enrollment of 80. This includes First Play
Golf, Golf Squirts, First Play Tennis, Multi Sports and Sport Squirts.
11. We will be hosting another Outdoor Movie in the Park on Friday, September 6th. We
will be showing "North by Northwest" on the big screen.
12. Our 3rd Annual Food Truck Festival is scheduled to be held on Saturday, October 5'
from 12:00—4:00 pm at Memorial Park. This event is in cooperation with the Town of
Mamaroneck Fire Department. We hope that you can all attend.
13. The Summer Sizzler fitness program had 16 participants.
14. The Summer Golf programs had an enrollment of 41 participants.
15. The 6th Annual Invitational Swim Meet was held on Friday,July 12th. It was a well-
attended evening with lots of families enjoying the activities.
16. The summer Tennis Lessons will finish up next week. The fall session of lessons is
scheduled to begin the week of September 16t"
17. Our Chess Camp, Brick Kids and Mad Science Workshops scheduled for the last two
weeks of August have 30 participants currently enrolled.
18. Work has begun preparing the 2020 budget. We have been asked to work within a 2%
increase over last year's budget.
19. The pool will be opening to the public at 11:00 am as of Monday, August 12th since
camps have ended. Labor Day hours will be: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am —8:40 pm
and Monday 10:00 am —6:40 pm. The pool will be closed for post summer cleaning,
September 3rd—8th
20. Landtek is scheduled for Monday, August 26'to aerate, overseed, topdress and fertilize
the Carpino-Steffens Fields.
21. The first ice rental at the Hommocks Park Ice Rink is scheduled for Monday, August 19th
Rob Lunde and Mike Gibson have been busy removing the floor covering for our first
rental. Public skating will begin on Saturday, September 28t"
22. New Hommocks Park Ice Rink signs were installed on July 24t". A new planter box will be
built around the sign.
23. Improvements to the rink/concession will start after Labor Day. This schedule will
include: new flooring, wall tiles, paint, lighting, menu boards and concession
equipment.
24. New electric car charging stations are being installed at the Town Center, Hommocks
Park Ice Rink and Memorial Park.
25. The office at the ice rink has been expanded to create additional work space for our new
full-time employee, Michelle Ballantyne.
26. Jennifer Pollak will return to work on Monday, August 12th from maternity leave.
27. New locker room drawings were enclosed showing the latest rendering of the proposed
Hommocks Park Ice Rink locker room/shower project. The plan provides for a total of 6
locker rooms. They will all have access to at least one toilet, sink and shower. Ms. Fisher
will keep the Board updated on this matter.
Town of Mamaroneck Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
August 6, 2019 - Page 3
SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE CONTINUED:
REQUEST FROM MR. HUGUES O'CSAY, FRENCH AMERICAN SCHOOL:
A letter of request was received from Mr. Hugues O'csay, French American School asking for
approval to continue with shared access to the pool during Town operated public swim time on
Monday's and Wednesdays during the months of November through February. Mr. O'csay is
also requesting additional pool time on either Thursdays or Fridays at 7:45—8:45 pm. Ms.
Fisher stated that the Monday and Wednesday times have worked out well and recommends
continuing with this arrangement. However, due to Town programs we do not have any space
to provide them on Thursdays. Since the Town doesn't use the pool on Fridays, Ms. Fisher
suggested that Mr. O'csay reach out to the school district for Friday usage. After a brief
discussion, on a motion by Chairman Druker, seconded by Commissioner Sigel, the Commission
has approved continuing their usage on the Mondays and Wednesdays for the months of
November through February.
EVALUATION OF 2019 CAMP SEASON:
Camp Monroe: Mrs. Maria Ellin
Mrs. Maria Ellin, Director of Camp Monroe, stated that her 93 campers are having a wonderful
time this summer.
The camp day is broken into 7 periods each day. Daily activity rotation includes: specialists,
snack time, arts & crafts, water table play/sprinklers and lunch. Special Guests included: visits
by the Town of Mamaroneck Police Department, Fire Department and the Volunteer
Ambulance Corps. Special Events consisted of Crazy Hair Day,Treasure Hunt Day, Summer
Birthday Party, Field Day, Ice Cream Sundae Party, Pizza Friday, Ice Pop Day and the end of
camp Art Show.
Parent Comments:
• "My son loves Camp Monroe. He feels comfortable and confident there."
• "Wonderful experience at Camp Monroe, great administration and positive attitude all
around."
• "Thank you to all! I know it's a long day and everyone is smiling and happy at drop off
and pick up. Thank you!"
• "My kids leave for camp excited and come home with smiles every day. I have a 6-year-
old and 4-year-old and they are so happy. It's been a pleasure. The counselors and staff
are wonderful with the kids."
Thank you to:
• Jill Fisher—"For always making an appearance on Opening Day to see how we are all
doing or if we need anything".
• Vicky—"Thank you for all your kindness, encouragement and support".
• Office Staff—"Michelle and Eileen, thank you for all the hard work you do every day".
• Michael Orchanian— "For keeping the facility clean".
• My Staff and my assistant, Monica —"For all you do to make this camp run so well".
Final Comments:
"It has been a great camp season. I would like to thank all of you for giving me the opportunity
to work at Camp Monroe. I look forward to another camp year in 2020".
Town of Mamaroneck Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
August 6, 2019 - Page 4
EVALUATION OF 2019 CAMP SEASON CONTINUED:
Camp Rockingstone: Ms. Pam Triano
Ms. Pam Triano, Director of Camp Rockingstone informed the Commission that campers
enjoyed another successful summer.
The camp day is divided into 30 minute periods. Daily activities include: water play tables/
sprinklers, music, arts & crafts, field, snack time and gym activities. Special Guests included
visits from: the Town of Mamaroneck Police Department, Fire Department, and the Volunteer
Ambulance Corps. Special Events included: Crazy Hat Day, Ice Pop Day, Carnival Day and the
end of camp Sing-A-Long.
Parent Comments:
• "Children enjoyed art, nature and entertainers."
• "More flexibility with days and weeks for camp."
• "Very happy with the program."
Ms. Triano was happy to have had another safe and successful summer and looks forward to
another camp year in 2020.
Hommocks Camp: Mr.TJ Ostruzka
Mr. TJ Ostruzka, Director of the Hommocks Camp stated that he and his staff were given the
responsibility of keeping 448 campers safe and active.
The camp day was comprised of six, 45 minute blocks. Activities included: arts & crafts, dance,
sports, swimming, game area, black top, field time and rink time. These activities changed
depending on the day.
Special offerings included: Trips to Playland, Sportime and My 3 Sons. Special activities and
events included: Crazy Hat Day, Mad Science, Magician,Team Jersey Day, Superhero Day,
Hawaiian Shirt Day, Tie Die Day, Pajama Day, Ice Cream Wednesdays,Treasure Hunt, Ice Pop
Day, Pizza Fridays, Camp Field Day, Carnival Day, Camp BBQ/Western Day, Talent Show,
Halloween in July and DJ Bruno.
The Hommocks Camp was also visited by the Town of Mamaroneck Police Department, Fire
Department, and the Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
Parent Comments:
• "We have loved every summer at Hommocks—5 summers between both children."
• "The camp offerings are wonderful. When the 1st and 2'graders were delayed on their
trip, it was impressed to see the cold waters waiting for the kids as they got off the bus.
Thank you for a great camp experience."
• "As a parent and a teacher I was impressed by the organization of the camp, very
impressed by the dismissal! Safe and efficient! Great counselors too! Thanks
everyone."
Town of Mamaroneck Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
August 6, 2019 - Page 5
EVALUATION OF 2019 CAMP SEASON CONTINUED:
Thank you to:
• "Vicky—thank you for words of encouragement and always being there to listen".
• "Bruno, for another wonderful summer that would not have been possible without your
help."
Final Thought:
"I am proud of the direction that the Hommocks Camp is moving toward. We have
incorporated new activities and made the camp experience more diverse and engaging for the
campers. Although we have made changes, I am proud to say that we have not strayed from
our goal of sending home campers safe, dirty and tired. I cannot wait for 2020."
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the Commission, on a motion by Chairman
Druker, seconded by Commissioner Plansky, the meeting adjourned at 7:15 P.M.