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Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
Monday, December 2, 2002
Held at Clifford Field Monk Curtin Clubhouse.
Commissioners present: J. Leogrande (Chair), C. Bennett-Collins, J. Donovan, K. Impaglia, W. Jacobs, Z. LaDouce, M. Perry, M. Locastro, D. McCarthy, C. Savage, B. Speck and M. Speck.
A quorum being present, the meeting was called to order with introductory remarks by J. Leogrande.
Minutes of the prior meeting were accepted on a motion by C. Bennett-Collins, seconded by W. Jacobs.
The meeting agenda was accepted by voice vote.
Reports:
1) K. Impaglia reports that plans for the Hoopes Park Christmas Festival are proceeding scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, December 21 and 22, from 1 to 4 PM at the park. Horse drawn wagon/sleigh rides will be available. A santa will be in the clubhouse with refreshments available. Skating would be possible weather permitting.
2) No current update on the downtown winterfest plans.
3) Fish stocking - The permit application process is in progress. A Clark Street site is being considered for fishing if an access path could be constructed.
4) Z. LaDouce reported on his contact with several municipalities concerning skateboarding. Officer Doug Bowman of the Ithaca Police forwarded a copy of that city's ordinances. Also investigated was a large park in Edmond, OK. This $360,000 facility was constructed with private, state and federal grant money including funding from the Tony Hawk Foundation. The Edmond park does not require liability insurance coverage under Oklahoma law; all participation is at one's own risk.
Funding might be available to upgrade the Casey Park skateboard facility. Senator Nozzolio should be contacted along with Bernadette Castro (NYS Parks and Recreation) to investigate grant availability.
The skateboard subcommittee (W. Jacobs, D. McCarthy, Z. LaDouce, M. Locastro) working with M. Talbot and the Corporation Counsel will draft the ordinances. Following commission approval and City Council action, booklets outling the regulations will be distributed in schools.
Concern and frustration was voiced regarding the failure of the local judicial system to back up the arrest of skateboarders who repeatedly violate the law with confiscation of their boards. Both Ithaca and especially Edmund, OK vigorously enforce their ordinances.
5) A skateboard competition with prize awards is anticipated for Spring at the Casey Park facility in order to promote its use.
6) No new report on the downtown directory sign anticipated to be placed adjacent to Crosman
Old Business:
1) A treasure hunt is planned for summer in the city parks to promote their use.
2) City sponsored movie night will not commence until January at the earliest.
3) Figure skating synchronized team and individual performance will be arranged for public skating time on a Saturday afternoon after 4 PM (end of hockey team play).
Public Hearing:
Mr. Walt Aikman of Grow Auburn's Trees (volunteer urban foresting organization) reported on efforts to establish a nursery for tree propagation in an attempt to revitalize Auburn's tree populations. This informative presentation included discussion of the rapid decline in tree numbers and health in the community. A long term plan and vision for reforestation is needed in the immediate future. Several areas of the presentation are summarized below:
1) Storm damage, disease, utility company pruning, and the maturity of many trees has resulted in a very rapid loss of urban forest.
2) The urban “renewal” policies of the 1970's devastated much of Auburn's urban forest population.
3) While trees have been and continue to be replaced, different varieties would be suited to the urban environment. Silver, sugar and Norway maples now predominate, replacing the elms and oaks that had been planted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These maples do not adapt well to this city's needs.
4) New plantings of red oak and tulip poplar are better suited to this city's needs. The National Tree Trust will make 280 seedlings available to Grow Auburn's Trees next year. These could be grown at a nursery (probably at the water filtration plant where the grounds are protected by fences).
5) Long term plans (perhaps over 25 years) would incorporate a utility-friendly planting scheme including shorter trees below power lines on city streets, midsized trees in front yards and large specimens in back yards.
My Aikman requests that the Parks and Recreation Commission help to arrange for volunteers to assist in the identification of the tree specimens in the parks. He has obtained detailed photos taken by aircraft that show tree locations throughout the city. Their identification will assist in the formulation of urban forest maintenance plans. Perhaps summer playground staff could be recruited for this purpose.
Old Business:
1) The Commission supports the purchase and installation of additional playground equipment at Melone Village Playground. This might be done in partnership with the Auburn Housing Authority. An emphasis on Village resident responsibility to prevent vandalism should be stressed.
2) Several Commissioners whose terms have not officially expired to not attend meetings. Investigation of their continued interest should be undertaken.
3) Next meeting - Monday, January 6, 2003, 4:30 PM at Casey Park
Respectfully submitted,
Michael J. Speck DDS, JD
Auburn Parks and Recreation Commission
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