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Philipstown to Implement Fee for Non-Resident Park Use
Town Hall renovations also discussed at workshop
by Mike Turton
Philipstown Park is paying a price for its popularity and non-resident groups who enjoy the park's amenities are about to begin helping to foot the bill. After hearing a report from Philipstown Recreation Department Recreation Supervisor Amber Stickle at its August 8, 2007 Workshop, the Philipstown Town Board set the wheels in motion to institute a policy that will levy a $30 user fee for non-resident groups of six or more each time they use the playing fields. Currently no fees are charged for resident or non-resident groups. The park is located on Route 9D between Cold Spring and Garrison. Playing fields are used extensively by groups for organized sports, especially soccer. Area schools also use the fields for team sports. While not subject to user fees, the schools contribute to the maintenance of the fields.
Stickle indicated that the "wear and tear" caused by heavy use is taking its toll on the fields. One field had to be closed recently for safety reasons because of a hole that had developed on the playing surface. In her research, Stickle found that it is common in many communities to charge non-resident groups for park use. The Town Board was quick to agree. Councilman Richard Shea stated that because non-residents pay nothing, "residents are paying for non-resident use of the park." Town Supervisor Bill Mazucca also supported the new user fee indicating that he "never wanted non-residents using the park" but that the Open Space Institute, owner of the park lands, had advocated non-resident use.
The new policy will also require resident groups of six or more to apply for a permit to use the playing fields, however, no fee will be charged. Stickle conceded that enforcement of the new policy will be a challenge. One option being considered is to increase the hours of the person who closes the park, adding enforcement of the user fees to his duties. The proposed policy must be reviewed by the Town Attorney and then be formally adopted by the Town Board.
The Philipstown Town Hall will be expanded but design details are not yet known. At the workshop the Town Board discussed how a grant of $337,000 from the New York State Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will be used to add record storage space and provide meeting space which meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Originally, plans called for a covered breezeway to link the Town Hall with the Dahlia House, a former residence located behind the building and now owned by the Town. The house was to be renovated, becoming part of the Town Hall. Architectural firms who reviewed the concept in submitting bids to do the design work were unanimous in their view that a breezeway was not a viable idea. Town officials will now meet with EDC to discuss other options including an expansion of the existing Town Hall and demolition of the Dahlia House. As part of the Cold Spring Historic District, the Town Hall structure is considered a "Contributing Building" but is not on the National Registry of Historic Places. Town Clerk Tina Merando indicated that any expansion of the Town Hall would be in keeping with its current architectural character.
The Town is considering hiring an in-house engineer to handle storm water management, environmental and related issues. Board members debated the merits of a full-time position versus hiring engineering services on an as-needed basis. Councilman Shea indicated that the Town "…already spends quite a bit on consultants and engineers" and that it may be viable to hire a staff engineer, eliminating the need for many outside consultants. He also expressed the view that having an engineer on staff could greatly improve communications among Town departments, helping to streamline projects. Supervisor Bill Mazucca expressed concern over the impact of a full-time engineer on the budget, suggesting that a hiring a semi-retired Professional Engineer on a part-time basis could be considered. He also pointed out that some other communities who have staff engineers still have to hire outside consultants and engineers. The idea of sharing a staff engineer with a nearby community such as Putnam Valley received little support. Board members will now review a detailed draft job description for the proposed position and will continue discussions at their next meeting.
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