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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024_12_10 Recreation Commission Minutes TOWN OF MAMARONECK RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES December 10, 2024 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 ABSENT: Joyce Callahan Jeffery King, Town Board Liaison Eileen Puleo, Commission Secretary CALL TO ORDER: The meeting held at the Hommocks Ice Rink, 140 Hommocks Road 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 Paonessa, the Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2024, were unanimously approved as submitted. SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE: Ms. Fisher reported the following: 1. A request from Hommocks Middle School Principal Chris Borsari was received regarding use of a section of the Hommocks Fields off of the playing surface for recess this winter. The request outlined the same space and established parameters as last year with an understanding that it cannot be used in inclement weather. This request was approved pending further discussion with the Recreation Commission. 2. As of December 5th, 180 children are registered in the House Hockey program. Last year at this time we had an enrollment of 168. 3. Session 2 of Skating School concludes on December 20th with 326 participants. Last year, session 2 had 318 enrolled. Registration for Session 3 begins on Tuesday, December 17th 4. Our fall programs are concluding, and the winter session programs begin in January. 5. The December Newsletter is enclosed highlighting our upcoming programs. 6. The first annual Tree Lighting event took place at the Hommocks Park Ice Rink facility on Thursday, December 5th. The event was a success despite it being a cold and windy night. Some of the activities were moved inside due to the weather conditions. Special thanks go out to all Recreation Department staff for all their hard work with hosting this event. The event was well received and appreciated by those in attendance. 7. The Lighting of the Menorah is scheduled to take place on Thursday, December 26th at the Hommocks Park Ice Rink facility. Town of Mamaroneck Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes December 10, 2024 — Page 2 SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE CONTINUED: 8. The ice rink was very busy over the long Thanksgiving weekend. The total number of admissions was 1,788 with a revenue of $21 ,030. Although admission numbers were higher compared to 2023, revenue was approximately $400 less which can be attributed to the different admission types. 9. Enclosed is a copy of the November 2024 Rink General Admission attendance numbers. 10.As of today, we have 67 registered for Breakfast with Santa, which is taking place on Saturday, December 14th. Skating with Santa follows this event. 11.There is a total of 21 enrolled in the new winter session of Tennis with Sportime. Enrollment is ongoing for the second session. 12.The Carpino-Steffens Fields were seeded and fertilized on November 18th The fields are now closed except for the area set aside for school recess. Final invoices will be sent out to all three user groups — Mamaroneck School District, Larchmont Jr. Soccer League, and Larchmont Youth Lacrosse for reimbursement for their share of the annual field maintenance cost. 13.There is no update to report on the status of the NYSERDA grant that will be used towards the renovation of the Senior Center. Rob Wasp, Town Engineer is expecting a response on the report within the next week or two. 14.Due to good weather this fall, the courts at Memorial Park remained open throughout November. The courts were closed the first week of December and the building has now been winterized. 15.Meetings are currently being scheduled with engineers to conduct an evaluation of the existing ice making equipment at the Hormocks Park Ice Rink. The focus will be centered on how to plan for future equipment replacement and how to ensure operating efficiency. We are being proactive with this review because any upgrades or maintenance required will be timely and costly. DEVELOPMENT: Memorial Park Shade: The Request for Proposals for Consultant Services for Playground Shade Evaluation and Design Development was reposted on November 26th with a deadline for submission of December 18th. We are hoping that we receive submissions this time. Chairman Druker inquired about any available options if no one submits a bid again. Ms. Fisher will inquire about any alternatives. Concerns were raised over time being of the essence and wanting to get the work completed and ready for the summer 2025. Ms. Fisher will provide an update on the RFP results at the next meeting. Hommocks Outdoor Pool Complex: The Town is considering entering into an agreement with a company called Zencity. Zencity is a platform that would provide government officials with clear, comprehensive, and an inclusive understanding of what residents want and need. We would utilize Zencity to aid with generating a survey regarding proposed improvements to the Hommocks outdoor pool complex. This process would provide the residents with an opportunity to weigh in on their thoughts and opinions on future renovations at the pool complex. If the Town proceeds, a survey could conceivably be designed and distributed to residents by February 2025. Rob Wasp, Town Engineer has requested an updated proposal from Western & Sampson to establish a Master Plan for the entire outdoor pool complex. The plan would outline the understanding that any construction proposed would be focused on Phase 1 only, which is converting the Mushroom pool area into a Splash Pad. One $250,000 grant would be used towards the cost of design services and the other $250,000 grant would be used towards construction costs associated with Phase 1 . Ms. Fisher will continue to provide updates on this matter. Town of Mamaroneck Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes December 10, 2024 — Page 3 DEVELOPMENT UPDATE CONTINUED: Hommocks Fields: Landtek has been given approval to perform a series of soil analysis test pits at a cost of $4,500. A total of six test pits, 2' by 2' will be dug that will provide an analysis of the soil and root zone material. The expected turnaround time for this work is two weeks. The purpose is to provide as much information as possible to determine what the fields maintenance needs are. Commissioner Moss inquired about the Town budget meeting where it was mentioned that there was $800,000 being earmarked for these fields. Ms. Fisher explained a budget meeting had taken place and there was some discussion about using $800,000 as a place holder for 2025 for renovating and rehabilitating the fields. This was based on an estimate provided by Landtek that would only extend the usage in their opinion for an additional 2-3 years. In light of this information, Landtek was asked to provide a recommendation to help improve conditions for the 2025 season. Ms. Fisher and Rob Wasp, Town Engineer have been in communication with Landtek asking them to provide an idea as to what they would need to do, to improve current conditions for one more year while long-term decisions are being considered. Plans in 2025 call for additional treatments throughout the year. EMAIL REQUEST FROM MS. JENNIFER SCHIDLOW: An email was received and reviewed from Ms. Jennifer Schidlow. Ms. Schidlow is working with the PTAs from all four Mamaroneck Elementary schools incoming Fifth Graders. She would like to host a Team Building day on June 16th from 11:30AM — 2:30PM on the Hommocks Field. The goals for the event were shared in her email. Ms. Schidlow is aware that weather conditions may prohibit use. After further discussion, on a motion by Chairman Druker, seconded by Commissioner Paonessa, the Commission unanimously approved the field usage for the Fifth Grade Team Building Day. 2025 RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING DATES: On a motion by Chairman Druker, seconded by Commissioner Sigel, the Commission unanimously adopted the following meeting dates for 2025: January 14th February 11th March 11th April 8th May 13th June 10th July 8th August 12th September 16th October 14th November 18th December 9th* * At the Hommocks Park Ice Rink All meetings will begin at 7:00 P.M. at the Senior Center, 1288 Boston Post Road in Larchmont, except where noted. Town of Mamaroneck Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes December 10, 2024 — Page 4 SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE: The subcommittee has not had a chance to talk but thanked Ms. Fisher for her previous responses. There were a couple of follow up questions: 1. What is the date on which the grant was implemented? What is the date of expiration of both grants? Ms. Fisher stated that she can request this information from the Town Administrator or Comptroller. 2. Is there anything in writing regarding what the plans are regarding the locker-room renovations by the school district? Ms. Fisher explained we have received no information or seen plans with regards to this work. 3. A question was asked if Jeff King has contacted the Town Supervisor? In his absence, no one was able to answer. 4. Would it be helpful if a representative from the Board of Education is invited to our January meeting to have an open discussion to work out how we can communicate better? 5. Can we get a list of approved vendors for the playground? Can the company that did the playground come in? Ms. Fisher explained that there is no list of approved vendors to provide. Ms. Fisher also reminded the Commission that we already received proposals for shade from the company that we purchased the playground equipment from which we purchased the playground equipment. They designed the various shade sail options, individual umbrella suggestions and the separate shaded picnic area. All their proposals were rejected by the Commission for various reasons. 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 8:05 P.M.