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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020_12_16 Recreation Commission Minutes TOWN OF MAMARONECK RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES December 16, 2020 PRESENT: James Druker, Chairman William Paonessa Rita Plansky Susan Sigel ALSO PRESENT: Jill Fisher, Superintendent of Recreation Vicky Laoutaris, Recreation Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney, Town Board Liaison Eileen Puleo, Commission Secretary CALL TO ORDER: The special meeting to discuss the issues revolving around the closing and reopening of the Hommocks Park Ice Rink held via Zoom was called to order at 12:00 P.M. by Chairman Druker. DISCUSSION: Chairman Druker opened the meeting by stating that he wanted the Commission to weigh in on the matter of discussing the issues revolving around the temporary closing of the Hommocks Park Ice Rink due to safety reasons and the decision to reopen the ice rink. The Hommocks Park Ice Rink had been operating on a limited schedule with protocols and safety measures in place by the Town of Mamaroneck. The Town closed the Hommocks Park Ice Rink on a temporary basis due to the concern relating to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the community and new information regarding how COVID-19 may thrive in an ice rink environment. The Town wanted to use this pause to research ways to improve the air quality of the rink in order to provide a safer environment for all users and its employees. Chairman Druker asked that the risks and rewards be weighed, and careful consideration be given. The Mamaroneck Youth Hockey Association provided a presentation to the Commission on the benefits of playing hockey and the protocols that are currently in place at the rink which they feel are adequate for the safety of their players and coaches, and that hockey should be resumed. Commissioner Plansky expressed her concerns for the safety of the employees who work at the Hommocks Park Ice Rink. She asked what protocols are in place. Superintendent Fisher explained to the Commission that social distancing is enforced, capacity is limited within the rink, sanitizing stations are set up, everyone and anyone entering the Hommocks Park Ice Rink must fill out a contact form and masks must be worn at all times by anyone in the facility including while on the ice. Chairman Druker shared Commissioner Welsh’s concerns for how Town personnel felt, but is in favor of reopening to enable Mamaroneck Youth Hockey Association to use the facilities as long as they agree to abide by the protocols that are in place. It was also recommended that temperatures be checked upon entrance. Superintendent Fisher stated this protocol could be easily added. Superintendent Fisher expressed Administrator Altieri’s concerns of the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases, and the virus living five to six feet above the ice. Commissioner Paonessa stated that he feels that the policies need to stay in place, and hockey should be practice only with no travel. Figure skating can be allowed if they follow all protocols. Public skating should not yet resume because public skating would be harder to control. Commissioner Sigel agreed that we should proceed with youth hockey and figure skating but with protocols in place and with caution. Chairman Druker agreed that hockey and figure skating programs can proceed bearing in mind that things may change. Chairman Druker stated that he is against offering public skating due to the heightened risk level. The concern of the Commission is how many children reside outside of the community. Currently, 15% of Mamaroneck Youth Hockey Association participants reside outside the community. The Commission is asking the Mamaroneck Youth Hockey Association to not travel, and only allow their players to play exclusively at the Hommocks Park Ice Rink to lower the chance of infection. Greenwich Skating Club and Rye Skating will also be able to continue to rent ice time if following the protocols. The Commission would like the Hommocks Park Ice Rink to reopen as soon as December 23rd. Ms. Fisher informed the Commission that the part-time staff would be contacted and that they would re-open the rink as soon as it was possible. All the cleaning protocols will stay in place. After further discussion, Chairman Druker, made a motion that at the earliest possible opportunity, the ice rink be reopened on a limited basis to Mamaroneck Youth Hockey Association, Recreation House Hockey, Figure Skating Programs, Greenwich Skating Club, Rye Figure Skating Club, and several private users under the discretion of Jill and Rob with the existing protocols in place. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Commission, on a motion by Chairman Druker, seconded by Commissioner Paonessa, the meeting was adjourned at 12:25 P.M.