HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/21/2012JAMES 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
MINUTES August 21,2012 Meeting
6:30 P.M. in the Conference Room, Town Hall
Present were: Chairman, James McMahon and Members: Jeffrey Standish, Vincent Orlando, Arthur
Leudesdorf, Jesse Johnson, John Betsch, Councilman Chris Talbot, Philip Beltz, Nicholas Deegan,
Ken Reeves, Marie Bratchie, Nancy Foote
Call to order: Chairman Jim McMahon called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. Below are
discussion items:
ADA Playqround -The committee discussed the $10,000 donation and approaching the Town Board
for additional monies that may be needed to finish the ADA playground. Jim McMahon reported that
he will be meeting with the rep from Game Time on Friday to discuss the different pieces of
equipment and possible rebates of up to 50% for purchased pieces. Discussion continued with
possible equipment: sand table, swings, picnic table. John Betsch thought that maintenance issues
of the equipment need to be taken into account. Vinnie Orlando distributed three equipment and
installation quotes for the committee's review. Jim suggested appointing someone to chair a special
committee for this project. Jim thought Karly Lucarelli, a Special Education teacher would be a good
candidate for the special committee. Councilman Al Krupski has a contact with an ADA firm that
could lend legal expertise. Jim suggested a trip to an ADA playground in Islip already in use could be
helpful as well. Discussion continued with different ideas on the layout of the playground and use of
footings to help keep costs down. Philip Beltz suggested approaching the Town Board with a "phase
one" recommendation. John thought to start at $37,000 and go from there. Jim added the Parks &
Rec account has funds. Additional equipment could be added on at a later date. Vinnie will ask to be
put on the agenda for the next Town Board meeting.
Doqs - Jim presented Southampton's policies for dogs on public properties. They allow dogs on
Town owned properties & beaches between Oct 1 and April 1. There have been complaints here in
Southold on both sides of the issue, dogs on the beaches and dog not allowed on the beaches. All
swimming beaches in have had "No Dogs on Beach" signs installed but Jeff Standish reported that
they are often ripped down. He also reported weed whacking can't be done at the dog park due to
excessive dog poop being left behind. Presently Town codes on picking up after your dog is not
enforced and until it's enforced, it won't happen. Residents are encouraged to call the police if they
see someone not picking up but most are reluctant to make the call. Nick Deegan thought it would
be okay to let dogs on the beach October to April. Chris added possibly using road ends for dog use
during specific hours.
Athletic Fields - Jim distributed a list of Town property beaches and parks. There is still an interest
for more acreage to use for athletics. Cocoran Park will have 4-5 groups using the park next year
plus travel teams that will put a lot of wear and tear on the property. Chris Talbot spoke with Land
Preservation about purchasing more property and they are not interested. Possibly bond money
could be used. Jim informed the committee that the Town could use CPS funds for this purpose with
a resolution to buy property with language added for "active" use of properties. Chris reported that
the Bissett property is still for sale. Philip Beltz questioned the committee to what happened with
moving forward with sharing fields with the school districts? Some agreement could be made with
schools to use their fields in the summer when they are not in use. It would be a big project but both
sides need to meet with a list of inventory. Vinnie Orlando offered to help Ken Reeves with
scheduling. Maintenance of shared fields in the summer is an issue. Teams enjoy well groomed
Town facilities year round while the schools do not keep up with their fields in the summer. Nick
Deegan added that the schools thought the Town could maintain their fields during the summer
months if we were to use them. Al thought one of the main topics of the project should be the
maintenance of said fields. Chris suggested getting in touch with the schools and ask what inventory
they are willing to offer. John Betsch read a letter about Sound View Dunes preserve and the misuse
of the property. Jim suggested posting no campfire signs and ask the PD if the police could monitor
the area more closely. Jeff Standish said there are no posting at present at the property line and
these areas are hard to police.
Chairperson vote - Vinnie Orlando offered chair the Parks and Recreation Committee. The
committee accepted his offer.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM. The next committee meeting was not scheduled at this time.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Foote
Committee Secretary