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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011_10_11 Recreation Commission Minutes TOWN OF MAMARONECK RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES October 11 , 2011 PRESENT: James Druker, Chairman Robert Morello Rita Plansky Amy Siskind EXCUSED: Beth Boyle William Paonessa Terry Rainaldi ALSO PRESENT: Jill Fisher, Superintendent of Recreation Ernie Odierna, Town Board Liaison Stephen V.Altieri, Town Administrator Mary Ellen Faulkner, Commission Secretary CALL TO ORDER: The meeting held in the V.F.W. Lodge, 1288 Boston Post Road, Larchmont was called to order at 7:30 P.M. by Chairman Druker. ACCEPTANCE OF MEETING MINUTES: On a motion by Commissioner Plansky, seconded by Commissioner Morello, the Meeting Minutes of September 13, 2011 were unanimously approved as corrected. SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE: Ms. Fisher reported the following: 1. A letter from Robert I. Shaps, Superintendent of Schools, has been received regarding the outstanding bills for the Hommocks Pool. Ms. Fisher had requested an explanation of the custodial charges on past invoices. Dr. Shaps' reply does not adequately answer all of her questions and a meeting for more information will be scheduled with all parties involved. 2. The Hommocks Park Ice Rink opened for public skating on Saturday, October 1st and the website has been updated. It now has a coupon that skaters can download and print from home. 3. Registration for Session 1 of Skating School began on September 19th 4. As of October 13th, all tennis programs will have concluded. 5. Currently, there are 77 children enrolled in Swim Lessons. Last year at this time 74 swimmers were registered. 6. The House League Youth Hockey Program will begin on November 5th 7. The fall Kayak Program is fully enrolled with 8 participants. Currently the department is borrowing kayaks from the Village of Mamaroneck, but we will be purchasing 12 for future use. 8. Rob Lunde and the Rink staff have installed new lighting fixtures and a fresh coat of paint in the restrooms at the ice rink. These inexpensive improvements make a huge difference. 9. The Cut Hut will begin their third season at the ice rink. Skate sharpening services will be provided 2 weekdays and weekends and will cost $7.00 per pair of skates or a discount card for 10 sharpenings for $65.00 will be available for purchase. 10.The pool lawn was seeded, fertilized and aerated on September 28th Town of Mamaroneck Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes October 11, 2011 - Page 2 SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE CONTINUED: 11.A camera will be installed on the computer at the ice rink so patrons may purchase permits on the premises, as well as in the Recreation Office. 12.The possibility of offering Wi-Fi access (for a fee) at the Hommocks Park Ice Rink is being investigated. This service has been requested by rink patrons. 13.The Town has received approval from the County of Westchester Department of Civil Service to move forward on the hiring of a new full-time employee to replace the shared clerical position that has been vacant since the end of the summer. The title will be Recreation Leader and will provide the Department with more flexibility in covering responsibilities. This individual will assist with clerical duties, as well as help with programming. Interviews from the current list should begin within the next few weeks. REQUEST FROM RESIDENT MARK BARBERO: Mr. Mark Barbero has requested that the Recreation Department flood the tennis courts at Memorial Park for ice skating this winter. Since the water will probably not cause any damage to the courts, but would most certainly cause damage to the tennis court coating, on a motion by Chairman Druker, seconded by Commissioner Plansky, the Commission unanimously decided to deny Mr. Barbero's request. REQUEST FROM RESIDENT MARLENE KOLBERT: Mrs. Marlene Kolbert has requested that the Recreation Commission restrict swimming at the Hommocks Pool weekdays, during the summer, from 12:00 to 12:30 P.M. to adults only. After a brief discussion, the Commission unanimously decided that the Hommocks Pool will be open to all residents, but unavailable to campers, two days per week during the summer season from 12:00 to 12:30 P.M. on a trial basis. Days will be decided by Ms. Fisher. DAY CAMP SURVEY RESULTS: Pre-School surveys were sent to the parents of children registered in Camp Monroe and Camp Chatsworth soliciting their views on camp ages, hours and fees. Most felt that the hours and ages were appropriate and camp fees were reasonable. Some would like to have the option of sending their 6 year old to Camp Monroe. Some Camp Chatsworth parents want an extended day. Chairman Druker is concerned that the decrease in the participation at the local pre- school camp is due to the increase in the fee. He is also concerned that this survey never reached those who did not register; therefore their feedback on camp fees is unknown. Further discussion regarding possible options will be held when camp fees are discussed at a future meeting. Town of Mamaroneck Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes October 11, 2011 - Page 3 2012 RECREATION DEPARTMENT BUDGET: Mr. Altieri informed the Commission that all Department Heads were instructed to reduce their budget by 3% for 2012. He commended Ms. Fisher for "the good job" she did reducing the day to day expenses of the Recreation Department. Mr. Altieri distributed and reviewed 2 handouts with the Commission that included a Property Tax Cap Formula for Determining Tax Levy Limit and 2012 Recreation Budget Summary. Changes the Commission could consider: • Charge higher program fees. • Change facility hours of operation (such as closing the Hommocks Pool on days when attendance is low). This would require details on the pool invoicing, so that additional dollars could be saved on the pool bill. Ms. Fisher suggested that an early registration discount might be considered. NOT ON THE AGENDA: Ms. Fisher informed the Commission that due to the low current borrowing rates, the Town is considering breaking the renovations to the Hommocks Park Ice Rink in 3 phases, which hopefully will eliminate the need to close the rink for any extended period of time. Phase 1 would start in the fall of 2012 and include: replacing the dehumidification system, new lighting and ventilation, work on the ceiling and sensors. Phase 2 would begin in the spring of 2013 and include the floors and dasherboards. Phase 3 would be the mechanical system. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Commission, on a motion by Commissioner Plansky, seconded by Commissioner Morello, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 P.M.'