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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023_07_11 Town Board Minutes o ��9_1_ Town of Mamaroneck 0 Town Board Minutes W f j z Tuesday, July 11, 2023, Senior Center, n 1288 Boston Post Road 7:00 PM FOUNDED 1661 PRESENT: Jaine Elkind Eney, Town Supervisor Abby Katz, Councilwoman Sabrina Fiddelman, Councilwoman Jeffery L. King, Councilman Robin Nichinsky, Councilwoman ABSENT: ALSO PRESENT: Allison May, Town Clerk Meredith S. Robson, Town Administrator Robert P. Wasp, Town Engineer Shyam Pandya, IT Director James Druker, Chairman, Recreation Commission Graham Gutter, Recreation Commission Darren Moss, Recreation Commission William Paonessa, Recreation Commission Susan Sigel, Recreation Commission Brian Welsh, Recreation Commission Jill Fisher, Superintendent of Recreation Vicky Laoutaris, Assistant Superintendent of Recreation 7:00 PM THE TOWN BOARD SPECIAL MEETING WITH THE RECREATION COMMISSION The Special Meeting with the Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:05 P.M. by Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney and Chairman Druker. The Town Board attended this meeting with the Recreation Commission for the purpose of a presentation and review of an engineering study of the Carpino-Steffens Recreation Fields. There were no Town Board decisions made at this meeting and no monies were spent. Please see the attached Minutes from the notetaker of substance for the Recreation Commission, Eileen Puleo. REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING - July 19, 2023 Submitted by Allison May, Town Clerk Town Board July 11, 2023 Attached Minutes TOWN OF MAMARONECK RECREATION COMMISSION Special Joint Recreation Commission/Town Board Meeting MEETING MINUTES July 11,2023 PRESENT: James Druker,Chairman Graham Gutter Darren Moss William Paonessa Susan Sigel Brian Welsh ALSO PRESENT: Jill Fisher, Superintendent of Recreation Vicky Laoutaris,Assistant Superintendent of Recreation Jaine Elkind Eney,Town Supervisor Jeffery King,Town Board Liaison Eileen Puleo, Commission Secretary Abby Katz, Councilwoman Sabrina Fiddelman, Councilwoman Robin Nichinsky, Councilwoman Allison May,Town Clerk Meredith S. Robson,Town Administrator Robert P.Wasp,Town Engineer CALL TO ORDER: The special joint Recreation Commission/Town Board meeting held at the Senior Center 1288 Boston Post Road, Larchmont was called to order at 7:05 P.M. by Chairman Druker. Presentation of Feasibility Assessment of the Carpino-Steffens Fields by Mr.Steve Lauria,Woodard and Curran: Mr. Steve Lauria,Woodard&Curran, reviewed the Feasibility Assessment of the Carpino- Steffens Fields. The first step involved data collection and field investigations including the taking of soil samples to determine if synthetic turf could be used. Mr. Lauria was happy to report that no"red flags"were found during this phase. Mr. Lauria reviewed the Conceptual Layout that included one artificial turf field,one natural grass field,seating,parking, netting,walkways, lighting, utilities,fencing, a scoreboard, restrooms,and a seasonal ice rink. The total summary of costs is estimated at approximately, $5,290,000. Post Presentation Question and Answer Session: Commissioner Sigel inquired about the idea of incorporating a track into the project. Mr. Lauria stated that this was researched but it was determined early on that there was not enough room for a track,as it would extend into the wetlands. Commissioner Gutter inquired about the existing grass field and how it would be amended in this project. Mr. Lauria stated that it would be regraded and rebuilt by a contracted landscaping company. Town Supervisor Elkind Eney asked about the flooding in the area,and how saltwater could affect the turf. Mr. Laurie said the turf would be built up;and is outside of the floodplains,so it will have no affect on the turf. The new design would remove a certain amount of soil and a new fill will be placed under the turf. Commissioner Paonessa asked if the two fields could be used simultaneously. Mr. Lauria said that ball netting would be placed between the two fields,and games could go on simultaneously. Town Board July 11, 2023 Attached Minutes (Cont'd) Town of Mamaroneck Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes July 11, 2023-Page 2 Post Presentation Question and Answer Session Continued: Commissioner Sigel asked about the spectator seating as it doesn't seem like there is too much space around the field for seating. Mr. Lauria stated that a 200-spectator bench seating area is on the plans overlooking the turf field. There are some available areas of grass where spectators could set up chairs. The location has not been addressed. However, there would be player's benches. There are no plans for spectator seating for the grass field. Commissioner Moss inquired about the life span of the turf field. Mr. Lauria stated if maintained properly, the life span is fifteen years. This would include grooming of the infill, replacement of any infill, and sweeping with a magnetic sweeper quarterly. Councilman King brought up the discussion of the tests that were conducted in April, and the stability of the ground after a rain event. Councilman King shared specific concerns after reviewing the Test Boring results, specifically with regards to Borings#3 and #4, as the ground water can rise three feet or more. Mr. Lauria stated that a shock pad is key and is confident that ground water will not pose a problem before, during, or after construction. Chairman Druker inquired about the"Cool Play"turf system, and if it is cooler, and a better system to use. Mr. Lauria responded that this is a more expensive system that will take a lot more maintenance and care. It is also not a natural material. Chairman Druker also inquired about the number and type of injuries on artificial turf vs. grass fields. Mr. Lauria stated that grass field conditions can vary, so that makes it hard to compare the two. One is not necessarily safer than the other. A turf field has a shock pad to absorb the force of a fall; grass does not. Councilwoman Katz inquired about the wood pellets that would be used on the turf field and how are they treated. Mr. Lauria stated the wood pellets are not chemically treated and are placed in a kiln and cooked to kill off bacteria, and to develop a consistent shape. Councilwoman Katz also inquired about the space and seating for the grass field,and if spectators can sit between the two fields. Mr. Lauria advised that the plans have no spectator seating between the fields, since there needs to be run off room of at least ten feet, and a mesh net would be between the fields. Councilman King inquired about the outdoor ice rink that is on the proposed plans and would like to see some additional information regarding this, and expressed concerns about the added weight, and the maintenance required after the rink is taken down. Mr. Lauria stated that the ice rink set up would be contracted out to a third party. It would require water, and other utilities. This feature would need to be discussed with the 3rd party vendor during the planning stage, as this is just a presentation model. Commissioner Moss raised the issue of the traffic flow and parking. Mr. Lauria explained that this would be planned for in the design phase. The existing tree line will not be impacted. Commissioner Welsh asked Mr. Lauria in his experience, what issues could we see if we broke ground at this time. Mrs. Lauria explained that this feasibly study is to aid in preventing things from happening, and to reduce surprises that may happen.A thorough investigation and knowing what is under the ground aids in preventing mishaps. Questions and Comments from the Audience: Heather Mahland, Field for Kids expressed her excitement for this plan and gratitude to be working with the Town of Mamaroneck. A member of the audience inquired about the end of life and what the plan is for the removal and disposal of the field material in 15 years, considering it is not recyclable and would be placed in a landfill or the ocean. Mr. Lauria stated he would not recommend any type of turf system that is not 100% recyclable both with the infill fiber and the backing material. Mr. Lauria said they are researching Greenfields which have 100% recyclable products. Town Board July 11, 2023 Attached Minutes (Cont'd) Town of Mamaroneck Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes July 11,2023-Page 3 Questions and Comments from the Audience Continued: Other items mentioned that should be taken into consideration; include the leaching of microplastics into the Sound, new plantings, and having some student involvement and input. Town Supervisor Elkind Eney thanked everyone for coming, and stated the next steps for this project would be the design phase. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Commission,on a motion by Chairman Druker, seconded by Commissioner Gutter, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 P.M.