MINUTES
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKS,
3:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Chair: V. Pinto. Members: B. Spreckman; W. Ryan;
G. Latimer.
BOL & STAFF: Legislator G. Oros; B. Dodds, C. Ryer-Secretary.
ALSO PRESENT: Roger Abbate, Michael Benevento (Granite Signs-Golf Course Advertising); Stan Motley-Commissioner, Dan McBride (WC/Parks Dept.); Bill Randolph (CE’s ofc.); Jo Brill, Al, Joseph, and Jay Jensen (Blue Mt. Music Camp).
DISCUSSION:
The meeting was called to order at 3:05 p.m., by Chair Pinto, with a review of the February 26th minutes. The minutes were approved as amended on the motion of Legislator Ryan, seconded by Legislator Spreckman, with a vote of 3-0 (G. Latimer was out for the vote.)
Chair Pinto introduced Roger Abbate, who was invited to share his concept of advertising on County golf courses with the aid of granite markers. Mr. Abbate expressed that he wants to bring granite to the golf course for its beauty and design attraction. He distributed sketches of different ideas and styles of art, which could be used for advertising purposes (copy in SPRC files). The artwork is hand-etched onto the granite, or in some cases, hand-drawn then etched by a machine. Mr. Abbate then introduced his associate, Mike Benevento, to explain the advertising concept. Mr. Benevento explained that one of the important factors of using granite for advertising is that it is practically maintenance-free. Signs made of wood have to be repainted or touched-up due to age and weather-related occurrences. Granite can be used as entrance markers and/or tee-hole markers with retail advertising, and it is long lasting. The advertising cost would be paid to
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the County for advertising on their sign on the course, in hopes that the money will pay for the cost of the sign and put money into the County budget, over the years. The sign can be cast in aluminum and/or bronze, depending on the advertiser and the logo, and the signs are durable and also interchangeable.
Chair Pinto was impressed with the presentation, but expressed that the purpose of today’s meeting is to screen the concept to see if it should be referred to the full Parks Board for consideration. Overall, the committee members were interested in the concept and felt that it may be a good advertising tool for the golf courses. Legislator Ryan expressed that the history and/or layout of the course could be expressed through the artwork, which would draw attention. Chair noted that he would forward a letter to the Parks Board and enclose a copy of the design concepts, with a request to arrange to meet at a later date. A copy of the full set of design sketches will be distributed to the Committee members, also.
Chair Pinto thanked the gentlemen for their presentation, and continued the meeting. With focus on the Blue Mountain Music Camp, Chair Pinto introduced Jo Brill and her sons, Al, Joseph and Jay. Ms. Brill expressed that, although she has been aware that the camp is funded from a trust account, she had not been given prior or any communication, before the decision was made to close the camp, that there had been on-going problems with funding. Chair Pinto, noted that he spoke with County Executive Spano, with regard to the need for the Music Camp and the importance of the funding. Chair added, that due to the loss of revenue at Blue Mountain, as a follow-up he looked into a music camp at the County Center, which is available to County residents. Legislator Oros mentioned that in the Peekskill area, the Paramount Center (also financially burdened) might be an alternative approach to working together with the Blue Mountain Music Camp, and others, to provide the needed funding for programs.
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Commissioner Motley agreed that a “partnership” approach within the community might be a viable solution. All agreed that the key to the success of the music programs had been its connection to the school system. Mr. McBride further explained some of the problems the music camp suffered, such as; the resignation of the long-time director, faculty members leaving, and the fact that the program expanded, but the lack of staff and low pay caused the program’s demise. Commissioner Motley stated that he would try to get help from the local school districts, as well as solicit partnerships for winter camps, holiday camps (when schools are closed on seasonal breaks). Ms. Brill suggested soliciting corporate/foundation sponsors to assist the program. Legislator Oros also expressed that he would like to work with the Parks Department and Ms. Brill to find a solution to improve funding efforts for the camp.
Lastly, with regard to soccer/playing fields, Legislator Ryan asked for an update from the Parks Department on the progress being made to develop additional soccer fields in White Plains. Parks’ Deputy Commissioner Chip Matthews has noted that the Bronx River Parkway site is not recommended for such use, and that alternatives to consider include Glen Island and Saxon Woods Parks. Legislator Ryan also noted that soccer leagues are rapidly approaching the 2001 playing season, and that new fields are needed by late April, even if they are temporary fields.
With no further business to discuss, on the motion of Legislator Latimer, seconded by Legislator Ryan, the meeting adjourned at 4:05 p.m.