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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024_03_12 Recreation Commission Minutes TOWN OF MAMARONECK RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES March 12, 2024 PRESENT: James Druker, Chairman Graham Gutter Darren Moss William Paonessa Susan Sigel Brian Welsh Joyce Callahan ALSO PRESENT: Jill Fisher, Superintendent of Recreation Vicky Laoutaris, Assistant Superintendent of Recreation Jeffery King, Town Board Liaison Eileen Puleo, Commission Secretary Jaine Elkind Eney, Town Supervisor Meredith Robson, Town Administrator Sabrina Fiddelman, Town Councilwoman Anant Nambiar, Town Councilman Robin Nichinsky, Town Councilwoman Allison May, Town Clerk 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 7:00 P.M. by Chairman Druker. ACCEPTANCE OF MEETING MINUTES: On a motion by Chairman Druker, seconded by Commissioner Sigel, the Meeting Minutes of February 6, 2024, were unanimously approved as amended. SPECIAL JOINT MEETING WITH THE TOWN BOARD TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL HOMMOCKS OUTDOOR POOL IMPROVEMENTS AND ADDITIONAL SHADE OPTIONS AT MEMORIAL PARK: Hommocks Outdoor Pool Complex: Town Administrator, Meredith Robson, explained the purpose of this meeting was to ask both the Commission and the Town Board to voice what they would like to see in this renovation of the pool complex and get input and guidance while in the early planning stages. Ms. Robson provided an overview of the two state grants that were awarded to the Town of Mamaroneck for renovations of the pool complex. Each grant is in the amount of $250,000. One grant would go towards the Master Plan/Design Development costs and the other towards actual construction costs. Recreation Superintendent, Jill Fisher provided a brief overview of the current outdoor complex and some of the issues and constraints of the facility. Robert Wasp, Town Engineer presented a PowerPoint presentation of the history of the outdoor pool complex. The current outdoor pool complex was built in 1996. The current site provides challenges such as space constraints, storm sewer pipes running under it, bad soil, and is built on landfill material. The complex has served its purpose but is now outdated and in need of repairs and updating to serve the community better. Town of Mamaroneck Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes March 12, 2024 — Page 2 SPECIAL JOINT MEETING WITH THE TOWN BOARD TO DISCUSS HOMMOCKS POOL AND SHADING AT MEMORIAL PARK CONTINUED: A Request for Proposal was sent out in January. The Town received five proposals and three are currently being reviewed for consideration. The hired consultant will provide a variety of design concept layouts including associated costs for review. Councilman Nambiar raised the concern if there was enough demand for a renovated outdoor pool complex and if this is the best use of funds. Commissioner Sigel expressed her concerns that the complex is worn, and residents are supporting other pool complexes because ours has little to offer. Commissioner Sigel expressed that all Town facilities should be great and the best they can provide. Members of both groups expressed interest in doing more regarding information gathering and data collection regarding what the community wants before committing to this project. It was recommended that a Market Needs Survey be conducted to provide additional information. Commissioner Moss recommended considering approaching OCRA to conduct a study. Members of the Commission inquired about ways to better use the existing property such as expanding upwards or outwards. The discussion concluded with the recommendation to move forward with conducting some form of survey and to get together again for further discussions. Memorial Park Shade: Ms. Robson began the discussion that as a result of the comments received regarding the lack of shade in the playground, she has instructed staff members to provide a few options for review. These options included various types of shade structures and landscaping ideas. Mr. Wasp reviewed proposed design and landscape plans that would provide some shade to the various areas surrounding the playground. A new red maple tree has been planted on the field side and a second maple will be planted at the far end of the playground towards the tunnels. However, even with the addition of these 2 new trees, the park still needs additional shade provided. Two options to provide additional shade at the playground included a pergola structure along the sidewalk or shade sail. A pergola structure would be a permanent structure in the park and the shade sails would be removable during the off season and in severe weather. Shade projections were provided for both structures. Both structures would require significant footings. Councilman King suggested that a combination of the pergola and sails are needed to provide an adequate amount of shade coverage in order to provide respite from the sun. Installing a covered picnic area with picnic tables is being recommended on the adjacent grass to provide an additional option for those seeking shade. Additional trees can be planted in this area at a later date. Consideration is also being recommended to provide shade over some of the park benches within the area. Chairman Druker expressed his concern that whatever is decided, it is imperative that it is completed by this summer due to the heat and sun. There was a consensus that shade was needed, and the picnic area would be helpful. Town of Mamaroneck Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes March 12, 2024 — Page 3 SPECIAL JOINT MEETING WITH THE TOWN BOARD TO DISCUSS HOMMOCKS POOL AND SHADING AT MEMORIAL PARK CONTINUED: Members of both boards agree that conceptual renderings are needed, and that the overall aesthetics should be attractive and cohesive. Additional information and concept drawings will need to be provided at a future meeting before a final decision can be made. Landscaping: The proposed landscaping plan was approved as submitted. New shrubs will be planted in front of the tennis courts along the fence line. This work will commence upon completion of the Town's purchasing procedures. SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE: 1. Staff members are preparing a wide variety of spring and summer program offerings. The Spring/Summer Brochure is now available to view on our website. 2. On Tuesday, March 5th, resident registration started for Camp Rockingstone and Hommocks Camp. 3. Both sessions of the Teen Travel Camp are fully enrolled with 40 participants in each session. 4. The March newsletter was enclosed for review. 5. In preparation for the season, 2024 Tennis Membership Renewal forms will be emailed out to all 2023 members. Tennis programs are set to begin on April 8th 6. Enclosed for your review are the February ice rink general admission attendance numbers. 7. The pool is scheduled to be closed for annual maintenance and cleaning during the spring recess, March 23rd —April 1st. Pool closure reminders have been posted. 8. The Hommocks Park Ice Rink general public attendance numbers are enclosed for review. 9. Our Annual 5K Run and Lil' Bunny Hop is scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 14th 10. The Recreation House Hockey program is scheduled to conclude on March 9th with a total of 111 players. We will be offering additional youth hockey programs this spring. 11 . The spring Lifeguarding program has an enrollment of 7. 12. The 2024 Ice Breaker Hockey Tournament is scheduled to be held April 25th — 28th 13. Registration for Session 5 of Skating School begins on March 13th. We will also be hosting a new Figure Skating Competition on Sunday, April 14th 14. The Senior Center will be hosting a Scam Prevention Presentation on April 4th by the Larchmont Police Department. LMC-TV will be on site to film this presentation and it will be available on our website for anyone to view. 15. The ice rink will host "Skate with the Easter Bunny" on Saturday, March 23rd 16. The Mamaroneck High School Hockey season has concluded. Ms. Fisher will prepare a report on the revenue and expenses for hosting home hockey games for the Commission to review. 17.Facility requests for use of the Carpino-Steffens Fields were submitted from, Mr. Simon McCarthy, Larchmont/Mamaroneck Football Club, Ms. Wickliffe Miesner, Larchmont/Mamaroneck Youth Lacrosse, and Ms. Bari Suman, Mamaroneck UFSD. Town of Mamaroneck Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes March 12, 2024 — Page 4 SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE CONTINUED: DEVELOPMENT: 1 . LandTek is scheduled to perform the annual maintenance on the fields. The fields are scheduled to open on April 1st, weather permitting. 2. The Memorial Park Tennis Courts are scheduled to open April 1st, weather permitting. As soon as conditions allow, we will start preparing this facility for opening day. 3. On Friday, March 1st, the school district installed temporary fencing on the Hommocks Fields for recess use. A photo for review was provided. 4. On Wednesday, March 13th, the Hommocks Park Ice Rink HVAC project is scheduled to begin. The estimated completion date is June 10th 5. Our newly hired Senior Office Assistant, Joyce Mackler, is no longer with us. The department is actively recruiting to fill this position. 6. Stephanie Hart, Senior Center Director will be returning from maternity leave on Monday, March 25tn ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Commission, on a motion by Chairman Druker, seconded by Commissioner Sigel, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 P.M.