MINUTES
SENIOR & YOUTH RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
June 12, 2024
Present: Marjorie Bogert, Manuela Michailescu, Deborah Martin/Chair, Pam Stocking/Vice Chair, Recreation Dept. Director Ashley Sweeney, Assistant Director Bethany Dennin, Town Board Liaison to the Recreation Dept./SYR Commission Charlotte Smiseth.
Also present Melissa Guimaraes, who applied to become member of the SYR Commission.
Absent: Jessica Knapp.
The meeting started at 9:37 am. Chair Deb Martin called the meeting to order after establishing that we have a quorum (4 out of 5 current members being present).
The Minutes of the May 15, 2024 meeting were reviewed, improved (for the “adjournment” part) and amended — Pam Stocking made a motion to approve them as amended; motion was seconded by Marjorie Bogert and minutes were unanimously approved.
Ashley Sweeney presented the (written) DIRECTOR’S REPORT; among the highlights:
• Estate Planning Class — on Friday, May 17th, at the Community Center, was attended by 22 people. It was very informative. Some people expressed interest in having another class in the future.
• Memorial Day — on May 27th. The parade was canceled by the Accord Fire Department because of the weather forecast, so we were not able to ride on our float this year even though we were prepared to do so. A ceremony took place at the Firehouse, with Lene Fornino and Deborah Martin singing and the taps being played. New Town Supervisor Erin Enouen organized a separate ceremony and planting at the Veterans Park. Many people, including those from the Fire Department, showed up. Ashley gave Erin Enouen a few contacts to reach out to and she did. Siebren Miedema-Haynes played taps. Manuela Michailescu took photos and one photo was published on the cover of the Blue Stone Press, June 7, 2024 issue (this photo represented the entire area of 3 towns covered by the newspaper, which all canceled their parades because of the weather).
• After School Program — the last day is this Friday, June 14th; the department has some special activities planned. The party will be “Under the Sea” themed. Feel free to stop by if you’d like. Party is from 3 pm until 5:30 pm (however, most of the children arrive around 4 pm).
NEW BUSINESS — UPCOMING EVENTS (from the Director’s Report)
• Elder Care Information Session — on Monday, June 17th, 11 am — 1 pm at the Community Center. We want to get information out to seniors and caregivers in this area about what resources are available locally. An email blast was used. Walk-ins welcome.
• Summer Program — starts July 8th. A CPR training and staff meeting is scheduled for June 28th. Final Summer program payments are due by June 24th; parents and guardians have been informed of this.
• AARP Defensive Driving Course — scheduled for August 12th at the Harold Lipton Community Center.
The cost for AARP members is $25 and for non-members $30.
CHAIR’S REPORT
Chair Deb Martin informed everybody about the email received from the new Town Supervisor Erin Enouen regarding a necessary monthly report summarizing all activities of the Recreation Dept. and Commission — it was clarified that Ashley, as Recreation Dept. director, is actually the one providing such report (the SYR Commission being just advisory Commission to the Rec. Department).
Then Deb proposed to discuss a plan and ideas to improve the property at the back of the Community Center. All those present walked outside and noted what is to be done (fencing, repairs, demolition, improvements, etc.); Deb then prioritized what was noted and made a list of the proposed changes.
— Ashley suggested to have a letter sent to Town Clerk Kate Gundberg in order to be distributed to all Town Board members.
— Charlotte indicated that fencing is extremely important and should be done before the Summer Program starts.
— Deb stressed that our motivation is safety and proposed that an email is sent to all Commission members for review and approval.
Marjorie Bogert made a motion to draft and approve a letter to be sent to the Town Board regarding the list of prioritized renovations and repairs to be done in the back area of the Community Center due to safety concerns; letter to be sent upon written approval (via email) of the SYR Commission; Deborah Martin seconded the motion which was approved unanimously.
OPEN ISSUES / DISCUSSIONS — was the last point on the agenda:
— Ashley mentioned they feel good about the Summer Program and that donations are provided by the Rondout Valley Food Pantry.
— Manuela asked about the SYR Commission’s page on the existing town website (update is badly needed); Charlotte stressed that with the new website each Department would have control and be able to make updates.
— Melissa’s letter of intent to become Commission member is going to be considered after a 5th Town Board member is appointed.
— next step for the Commission is to “meet” via email, regarding the letter to be sent to the Town Board (review, comment, approve).
ADJOURNMENT
Marjorie Bogert made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Pam Stocking and approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 10:31 am in thanks to: Lene Fornino, Deborah Martin, Siebren Miedema-Haynes (Memorial Day/singing, taps), Manuela Michailescu (Memorial Day photos), Rondout Valley Food Pantry (Summer Program donations).
Next meeting takes place on August 28th, 2024, 9:30 am, at the Community Center (there is no July meeting during the Summer Program).
Submitted by
Manuela Michailescu
Secretary