MINUTES
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKS,
3:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Chair: V. Pinto. Members: B. Ryan.
STAFF: B. Dodds, C. Ryer-Secretary.
ALSO PRESENT: Joe Stout-Deputy Commissioner, (WC/Parks Dept.); Bill Randolph, (CE’s ofc.).
DISCUSSION:
The meeting was called to order at 3:20 p.m., by Chair Pinto, noting that Roger Abbate will attend the March 12th meeting.
The agenda items were reviewed next. There are three remaining items from the past year – item #16-00 (Parkland Designation) is still on hold, and remains an issue on the Legislation Committee agenda. With regard to item #26-00 (Automated Tee-time Reservation), Mr. Stout assured that the new automated software system is being installed at this time (02/26). He added that the new software has random-release time; the first 2-hours of every day are “sleep in the car – walk-up reservations” made over the telephone; the next 3-hours are “random-released”. This system was created to allow everyone a fair chance of obtaining and early tee-time, on a random basis. The Bond Act Amendment for Croton Point Ball Fields-II, was signed out of Committee on February 23rd, by Board Chairman Latimer and Legislator Pinto, due to its time sensitivity to have prepared for the next Board meeting.
Chair
Pinto referred to item #4 (Music Camp at Blue Mountain), and the correspondence
with the request to continue the Music Camp.
Deputy Commissioner Stout clarified that because the program had been
supported by estate funds, the camp has lost revenue over the years, and cannot
continue to operate. Chair Pinto added,
that the
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County Center provides a similar music camp program, which has space availability. He also mentioned that the County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Board meet regularly, every third Thursday of the month, a schedule can be provided.
Legislator Ryan mentioned that he would like to have Chip Matthews attend another committee meeting to update the Committee on the Parks Department’s progress on creating soccer fields in the City of White Plains and elsewhere in the County. Deputy Commissioner Stout commented that there is more than enough space at Saxon Woods Park, and Glen Island Park is another possibility to consider. Chair Pinto added, that the Committee will also follow up on the old railroad trail in the Lincoln Park area of Yonkers for use as a suitable bike trial.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m.