Recreation Commission

City of Saratoga Springs Derrick LeGall Recreation Commission Chair RECREATION COMMISSION Alphonse Lambert 15 Vanderbilt Avenue, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 Amy Smith Robert Manasier 518-587-3550 x2300 Fax 518-584-1748 Cheryl Smith John Dowd www.SaratogaRec.com Michelle Merola Recreation Commission Meeting April 28, 2020 6:30 pm Virtual Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/91914679864?pwd=d1lNZElwOU9SSzZpSXpEZGRQNzlFUT09 Meeting ID: 919 1467 9864 Password: 873758 Attendance 1. Update on Summer Programs 2. Update on Facilities 3. Update on Finances 4. Accept donations from Friends of Rec, 6 $50 gift cards for Rec. Bingo and soccer balls. 5. Accept donation from Saratoga Springs Rotary Club - $915.00 6. Accept donation from Stewart’s Holiday Match - $5,500.00 7. Accept donation from Soroptimist International of Saratoga County - $599.00 Adjournment - Next Meeting – Tuesday, May 26, 2020 6:30 PM - 6:30 pm at the Zoom Virtual Meeting Please submit questions via email to John.Hirliman@saratoga-springs.org. Thank you. 2020 Meeting dates: Tuesday, June 30, 2020 6:30 PM, Budget Workshop Tuesday, July 21, 2020 6:30 PM, Tuesday, July 28, 2020 6:30 PM, No August Meeting, Tuesday, September 29, 2020 6:30 PM, Tuesday, October 27, 2020 6:30 PM, *3rd Tuesday* Tuesday, November 17, 2020 6:30PM, and, *2nd Tuesday* Tuesday, December 08, 2020 6:30 PM. 2020-04-28 Saratoga Springs Recreation Commission Minutes Page 1 of 5  City of Saratoga Springs Derrick LeGall Recreation Commission Chair RECREATION COMMISSION Alphonse Lambert 15 Vanderbilt Avenue, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 Amy Smith Robert Manasier 518-587-3550 x2300 Fax 518-584-1748 Cheryl Smith John Dowd www.SaratogaRec.com Michelle Merola Recreation Commission Meeting April 28, 2020 6:30 pm Virtual Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/91914679864?pwd=d1lNZElwOU9SSzZpSXpEZGRQNzlFUT09 Meeting ID: 919 1467 9864 Password: 873758 The Saratoga Springs Recreation Commission was called to order at 6:39 p.m. by Derrick Legall, Chairman. Attendance- John Dowd, Derrick Legall, Amy Smith, Alphonse Lambert, Douglas June and John Hirliman. Robert Manasier was on the way to the hospital. Alphonse Lambert’s coaching friend, Ron Jones, 51, Hoosick Falls Coach, and Sister-in-law died by COVID-19. 1. Update on Summer Programs John Hirliman updated the Recreation Commission on the Summer Programs. The Department was required to save 10%. As long as there was no loss, the Camp can run. The Commissioner did not recommend renting facilities. The Director was looking to cut $13,000.00 in expenses. The Recreation Center may be ready. The hope was the facility will be open for June 29, 2020. Half the Accounts Department was moving back and the Police Officers had moved to City Hall. There were files and Departments who needed to pack up. DPW were the movers. Derrick Legall asked if John Hirliman had heard back from Michael Veitch. He had not yet. The City was optimistic that the Recreation Center will be ready for Camp Saradac. Protocols and guidelines must be set up. John Hirliman will be check with the Fire Chief. There will be a CDC conference call regarding Summer Camps. Amy Smith asked if the City was waiting for CDC. John Hirliman had a meeting with the Mayor today regarding the decision to run Camp Saradac. Derrick Legall was concerned about safety and what type of Camp would be run. Derrick Legall was concerned that the Playgrounds and courts are closed. He wanted to know what entertainment the Camp would have. The Program Coordinator was working with John Hirliman developing a plan. Alphonse Lambert stated that numbers may have to be cut down and social distancing. Stronger counselors will need to make sure that masks stay on campers, check temperature as kids come into the Camp, keep out sick children and plexiglass between parents and sign ins. Alphonse Lambert wanted to give kids an opportunity to go to camp. People need to be understanding and need to have a plan in place. The Commission discussed having stations and alternative locations around the City. Field Trips will be limited. Alphonse Lambert agreed with Derrick Legall on this. 2020-04-28 Saratoga Springs Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2 of 5  City of Saratoga Springs Derrick LeGall Recreation Commission Chair RECREATION COMMISSION Alphonse Lambert 15 Vanderbilt Avenue, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 Amy Smith Robert Manasier 518-587-3550 x2300 Fax 518-584-1748 Cheryl Smith John Dowd www.SaratogaRec.com Michelle Merola Douglas June explained that the Department had previous camps with max 30 per site but were closed during inclement weather. John Dowd recommended contacting BOCES as they are caring for essential workers children. The Commission recommended contacting Georgia and other camps that will be opening earlier than NY for their social distancing protocols. Derrick Legall recommended modeling BOCES. The Mayor was concerned about safety of campers. The Recreation Commission discussed stepping out and stepping forward. 2. Update on Facilities – John Dowd recommended a coordinated effort. The Saratoga Springs Miss Softball, Saratoga Springs Little League and the Saratoga -Wilton Cal Ripkin League developed a proposal. They wanted the City to review and make recommendations. The Recreation Commission discussed the proposal and would like to expand it to the other facilities. John Hirliman will forward it to the Safety Committee and City Attorney. The School District was working on East Side Recreation Complex. If the Cal Ripkin leagues extends its season, the group will need to be off the field as to not conflict with the East Side Recreation field completion. Bathroom project – There was a concern that there was not enough water in the pipes. DPW and the groups will keep an eye out on it. Summer Ball – There was no space for additional teams. The kids are first but new teams will have to wait. The Fields are currently closed. Derrick Legall announced that the West Side Field gates are locked. There had been damage and it was becoming a dog park. Alphonse Lambert announced that the High School Sectionals were cancelled. They may waive the 10- practice rule to modify the season. There will be no modified season. The Varsity season was under review. The Recreation Commission continued to discuss the proposal. John Dowd explained that the equipment must be cleaned. The Commission discussed how to keep social distancing and cleaning of the benches and equipment. Derrick Legall mentioned that the groups did an excellent job with the guidelines. Alphonse Lambert stated that the Spa Catholic supported these guidelines. The guidelines as discussed will go to the Safety Committee for review and recommendations. A standard must be set. Alphonse Lambert explained that the Wilton Supervisor had closed Gavin Park fields and Summer camp. Skidmore College was cancelling summer programs and camps. 2020-04-28 Saratoga Springs Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3 of 5  City of Saratoga Springs Derrick LeGall Recreation Commission Chair RECREATION COMMISSION Alphonse Lambert 15 Vanderbilt Avenue, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 Amy Smith Robert Manasier 518-587-3550 x2300 Fax 518-584-1748 Cheryl Smith John Dowd www.SaratogaRec.com Michelle Merola The motion to recommend the proposed facility guidelines was made by Alphonse Lambert and seconded by Amy Smith. Discussion: The guidelines included: COACH AND PLAYER PROTECTIVE MEASURES: o Ensure that all player equipment is properly spaced to limit interaction o Coaches, players, parents, and attendees are required to practice responsible social distancing when and where possible, especially in common areas (i.e. dugouts) o Limit the use of team-shared equipment and encourage the cleaning and sanitizing of this equipment after each use o Strictly monitor the health of each employee, coach, and player and require any individual with a fever or other symptoms of COVID-19 to not participate in team activities o Require all employees, officials, and coaches to wear PPE, especially face-masks where applicable o Encourage use of face masks by players and in close contact areas and situations where applicable o Facilities should increase frequency of cleaning and sanitizing measures especially in areas of high-traffic, such as restrooms o No food or concession sales will be allowed at facilities o Public restrooms should be limited to a one in, one out policy o Practices and games should be scheduled to allow for additional time for teams and attendees to exit the premises before other teams and attendees enter NOTICES: o League officials should use all means of communication currently in practice, such as social media, email, and website notices to share measures with parents and players o Notices on measures that apply to attendees should be posted at all entrances o Encourage hand sanitizing stations at entrances to facilities NEEDS: o Hand sanitizer and hand sanitizing stations around the fields o Cleaning products o Access to gloves and face-masks for practice and games for players and coaches. Ayes approved. 3. Update on Finances – The Finance Department spoke to John Hirliman. It was recommended cutting any thing that was not making money such as Camp Saradac, fields, etc. If programs like Youth Parking were cut this Summer, the net loss to the City will be approximately $20,000.00 and lost approximately $16,000.00 in Soccer. The motion to recommend extending the Early bird pricing for Camp Saradac was made by Amy Smith and seconded by John Dowd. Discussion: The May 11, 2020 Early bird pricing deadline was discussed. Parents can not register in person and it is a new system. The Commission wanted to give parents additional time to register. Ayes approved. 2020-04-28 Saratoga Springs Recreation Commission Minutes Page 4 of 5  City of Saratoga Springs Derrick LeGall Recreation Commission Chair RECREATION COMMISSION Alphonse Lambert 15 Vanderbilt Avenue, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 Amy Smith Robert Manasier 518-587-3550 x2300 Fax 518-584-1748 Cheryl Smith John Dowd www.SaratogaRec.com Michelle Merola 4. Accept donations from Friends of Rec, 6 $50 gift cards for Rec. Bingo and soccer balls. 5. Accept donation from Saratoga Springs Rotary Club - $915.00 6. Accept donation from Stewart’s Holiday Match - $5,500.00 7. Accept donation from Soroptimist International of Saratoga County - $599.00 The motion to accept donations from Friends of Rec, 6 $50 gift cards for Rec. Bingo and soccer balls, Saratoga Springs Rotary Club - $915.00, Stewart’s Holiday Match - $5,500.00 and Soroptimist International of Saratoga County - $599.00 was made by Alphonse Lambert and seconded by Amy Smith. Ayes Approved. The budget cuts recommended 10% $248,000.00 between Recreation and DPW. The Department was proposing cuts such as, not to fill the position in 2020 which would save over $44,000.00, plus benefits, $14,000.00 including Dirt, Cut camp budget by $13,000.00, cut 100% of the Concession, Education, and a portion of the Advertising budget, Ice Rink $11,800.00, and Recreation Center front desk $40,000.00 in savings. Finance requested to cut any program that was losing money. John Hirliman was concerned that if certain programs were cut there will be a negative revenue impact. Amy Smith recommended setting up a plan now. This was a great opportunity to lead the way. Keep Saratoga Community Strong. The City Center was working hard to bring people back to our community. The Recreation Commission misses the Recreation Center and hopes to be back soon. Adjournment - The motion to adjourn at 7:47 p.m. was made by Amy Smith and seconded by John Dowd. Ayes Approved. The Next Meeting will be on Tuesday, May 26, 2020-6:30 PM at the Zoom Virtual Meeting. The public is asked to please submit questions via email to John.Hirliman@saratoga-springs.org. Thank you. Respectfully submitted, Kathleen Lanfear 2020-04-28 Saratoga Springs Recreation Commission Minutes Page 5 of 5