City of Auburn
Parks & Recreation Commission
William Sherman, Chairperson
Monday, August 06, 2001 Meeting Minutes
Commissioners Present: William Sherman; Joe Leogrande; Barb Spicer; Kiki Impaglia;
Mike Speck; Diane Adams; William Jacobs and Chris Bennett-Collins.
Commissioners Excused: Mary Ellen Perry; Charles Savage
Ex-Officio Members Present: L. Leary; M. Talbot and J. DelFavero.
Invited Guests Present: M. Henty
Call to Order by Chairperson Sherman at 4:40pm
Bill Sherman had large prints of a few of the Recreation Departments website pages mounted and informed them that the website is maintained by Department staff member Sue Corcoran, mostly on her own time.
Bill Sherman then introduced Invited Guest Mike Henty from Champions for Life to give the members an overview of how the summer programs were going. Mike passed out copies of examples of the material handed out to playgrounds. Weekly & Daily Schedules of activities and special events happening in the park. A couple new programs started this year, Success by Six, String Theater, were well attended. A couple new sports camps this summer, camp attendance was good with one exception, Football camp. This was a new camp, only five individuals signed up, Mike received a phone call from the high school football coach and hopes to be able to coordinate this camp with the coach next summer. Baseball camp at the DoubleDays has been excellent, Basketball Camp had double
participation over last year, Soccer Camp, Girls Field Hockey, Lacrosse had level attendance with last year. Golf camp, new this summer, was beginning and was well received already. Each camp attendee received a T-shirt with the City of Auburn Parks & Rec. Logo. Summer Olympics will be done again this summer later in August and will build on last year.
Mike Henty expressed his thoughts on the recent improvements at Hoopes Park and how the new pathways have increased usage of Hoopes Park, during non-event usage times. A discussion followed regarding the paving of the paths. Leslie stated that she has seen wheelchairs in the park, which was not possible with the stone paths and will not be possible again if stoned topping installed. Jerry stated that the stone topping is on hold. He has not received any negative comments regarding the paving. Bill Sherman stated that before the paving it was difficult to push a stroller around the park. He then went on to say that once a week he brings his daughter up and pushes her around in the stroller. He then reminded everyone that the paving would gray in
color with age as the city streets have. Diane asked is skateboarding has increased or become a problem with the paving. Kiki stated that she has not seen an increase in skateboarding. Jerry told of the possibilities of colored sealers.
Inner pathway's discussion occurred. Jerry informed members that improvements and paving of the inner pathways would require extensive time consuming handwork. This work would not be done until next year. Bill Sherman then thanked Mike Henty for coming invited him to stay for the remainder of the meeting and returned to the agenda.
Mike Talbot then informed the commission of the status of the proposed skateboard area at Casey Park. The Blacktop paving has been installed. A public hearing was held to hear public comment and concerns in July. The city has received specifications and proposals from three companies and will take these to formulate specifications to be submitted to public bid. The equipment to be included will be: 5' Mini Half Pipe w/ 12' deck; 2' Quarter Jump; 10' Straight Round Rail; 3' Wedge w/ 8' deck; 3' Wedge/Wedge Long Deck Launch Box; 2' High 3-Sided Pyramid; 5' Corner Qtr and two 5' Quarter w/ 8'deck. All equipment will be made of steel with a rubber powder coating and modular with exception of 10' Straight Round Rail. Area will be surrounded by an 8' fence and
illuminated at night. Users must sign a waiver; area will be monitored by city staff while open to enforce rules and norms. Its operation will be modeled after the City of Cortland Skateboard Park. $50,000 has been budgeted for the purchase of the above listed equipment. Estimated $15,000 for paving, fencing, water and misc. items installed by city DPW crews.
Report of Hoopes Park Sub-Commission.
New lights installed around pond and operational.
New brick pathway installed to bandstand. Excavation and walkway foundation done by city DPW Crews. Brick and installation donated by Dr. Karpinski.
Further discussion regarding the pathway paving and the increased park usage.
Tree trimming has been occurring to improve visibility through park. Jerry informed commission that he would like to have a city wide evaluation of the city parks done to receive use and improvement recommendations
Discussion occurred regarding further tree planting in park
Discussion occurred about two new memorials in park not meeting the specifications recommended by commission.
Discussion occurred about the existing memorial and their cemetery appearance.
Discussion regarding existing tree useable remaining life and replacement occurred
Discussion regarding actions taken by council following their receipt of the commission recommendations regarding Hoopes Park. Bill Sherman said that he and Kiki should follow up as to what action council took after receipt of said recommendations.
Bill Sherman asked for a volunteer to be commission secretary to take notes during meetings to assist in transcribing meeting tape. NO ONE would volunteer.
Commission entered a work session to create a mission statement. The following was agreed on:
“It shall be the mission of the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Commission to act as an advocate for the citizenry of the City of Auburn to ensure a variety of safe recreational activities and park facilities for residents of all ages and abilities.”
Adjournment: Next meeting Monday, September 10, 2001 at 4:30pm, Hoopes Park Clubhouse.
The above minutes have been agreed upon and accepted with the following addition, Monday, September 10, 2001.
Joe Leogrande asked Jerry DelFavero to replace the deteriorated softball field backstops at Herman Playground. Jerry stated he would when possible.
| 
