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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/03/2011JAMES C. McMAHON Chairman Telephone (631) 765-1283 Ext. 235 Fax (631) 765-9015 Town Hall 53095 Main Road P.O. Box 1179 Southold, New York 11971 Parks, Beaches and Recreation Committee TOWN OF SOUTHOLD MINUTES May3, 2011 6:30 P.M. Town Hall, Conference Room A meeting of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Committee was held Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at the Town Hall, Meeting Room, Main Road, Southold. Present were: James McMahon, Chairman Philip Beltz, Deputy Supervisor Councilman Vincent Orlando, Member Ken Reeves, Member John Betsch, Member Nicholas Deegan, Member Carlos Gonzalez, Member Dan Ross, Guest Pat Moore, Guest Luis, Guest Bill Hayes, Guest Ed Gato, Guest Nancy Foote, Secretary Call to order Chairman Jim McMahon called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. Discussion I. Strawberry Fields Fair~rounds Topic began with report of two adult soccer leagues requesting to use the Strawberry Field Fairgrounds for their Sunday game schedule. Ken Reeves informed the committee that Carlos Gonzalez' league has been using this particular field for 8 years, submitting the required application and proof of insurance to the Recreation Dept. each season. The Gonzalez league has been granted use once again this year. The other adult soccer group being represented by Luis at the meeting would also like to use the field submitting paperwork two weeks ago after the schedules had already been written and posted. Jim McMahon suggested setting up a specific time period with a specific closing date for future application submissions. Scheduling of all athletic teams has always been a challenge for Mr. Reeve and setting policy for priority of use, time allotment and team consideration will set the standard for his job with all athletic programs. Philip Beltz offered that possibly a lottery system may have to be implemented. The committee agreed that a policy needs to be adopted by the Town Board within the next few months. Scheduling presently is tight with soccer, baseball, lacrosse, tennis, softball and football. The Town also hosts Riverhead programs, North Fork Schools and space is limited. Mr. McMahon reported the challenges of turf management for the Department of Public Works and the need to rest the athletic fields in future seasons. John Betsch asked if a compromise could be reached for the adult soccer league. Mr. Luis' group was offered the field at Peconic Community Center temporarily but refused the offer only wanting to play on Strawberry Field. Questions were posed by Pat Moore in regards to the insurance submitted to the town by Gonzalez' group as not having all teams listed on the policy. Dan Ross countered that indeed all paperwork for Gonzalez' league was in order. Further discussion continued between Mr. Gonzalez, Mr. Ross, Ms. Moore and Mr. Luis in regards to handling of injury situations, money, and field time allocation. Philip Beltz interrupted the exchange explaining that the Committee had made a decision about scheduling and other league business was not topic for the Park & Rec Committee meeting. Bill Hayes addressed the committee with concern about the lack of playing space for all sports inthe town. Mr. McMahon informed the group that part of the problem is that preserved land has to be designated either active or passive use. Mr. Hayes suggested a turf field with lights. Mr. Orlando added that the Town is currently looking for property to purchase for active use. Nick Deegan has tried to contact the Laurel Homeowners Association to ask if they would be interested in selling property behind houses along Aldrich Lane as well. Another alternative discussed is the use Field "B" at Strawberry Fields; however it has been the practice in the past to keep the playing fields to one game per site at a time to maintain control of teams, spectators, etc. II. Recreation Survey - Philip Beltz presented to the committee the Recreation Survey. Working with Ken Reeves and Judith McCleery, this survey is a comprehensive plan to survey the public on recreational facilities and programs currently available in the Town of Southold including future ideas and projects. Mr. Beltz is looking for any feedback from the committee before the survey will be available to the public on the website and the announcement is published in the May 5th issue of the Suffolk Times. After reviewing the feedback the survey presents, Mr. Beltz would like to form focus groups of the public and make commitments of resources based on what people are saying. An inventory of Town sites and facilities needs to be updated. Mr. Beltz believes there will be big cry for an indoor sports facility. III. Handicapped Play,round Proposal Jim McMahon reported to the committee that Karly Lucarelli has submitted a list of playground equipment for this project. Mr. McMahon is working on a proposal for the board to consider for Tasker Park using Community Development Funds. Philip Beltz thought the project is a wonderful idea for the Town to consider. IV. Peeonie Community Center - Jim McMahon reported renovations at the PCC are moving along, walls are painted and carpet is to be installed next. Mr. McMahon will be contacting SCWA in reference water hook up and touching base with Construction Consultants this week. John Betsch thought scheduling for this facility would be a challenge but Ken Reeves assured it would be easier since the rooms are separate and individual. V. Storm Damage Update - Jim McMahon reported the clean up at Town Beach has begun. Terry Latham has one more day and Jamie Richter has met with the State contract sand supplier. Mr. Latham may be able to move material from the Cross Sound Ferry yard to the Town Beach. Mr. McMahon is looking into this option. VI. Recycle Bins & Openin~ Parks for the Season Jim McMahon informed the committee that the recycle bins are finished and in place. Ken Reeves asked about windscreens being put up on the tennis courts, Mr. McMahon made a note to have this done. VII. Do~s at Parks, Beaches. Preserves- Jim McMahon would like the committee to draft a policy for dog walking on Town properties to be sent to the board for consideration. VIII. Partners in Parks Jim McMahon would like the committee to develop a list of Town parks and recreation areas that can use donated items such as: flag poles, park benches, trees, etc. with a price list attached. IX. Beach Swimlines Jim McMahon opened discussion on whether or not to install swimlines at the Sound beaches this summer since in the past there has been a problem keeping them in place. Lines are mandated by the Health Department for Bay beaches but not required on Sound beaches. John Betsch believes the lines offer a sense of security to people using the beach and it would be a mistake to take them out. Vinnie Orlando suggested changing the anchors or find another way to secure them. Mr. Orlando agreed with Mr. Betsch in keeping the lines at the Sound beaches this season. The meeting concluded at 8:00 P.M. The committee did not schedule a future meeting at this time. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Foote Parks, Beaches and Recreation Committee Secretary