Porter Town Board session covers parks, recreation issues

by Terry Duffy
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, July 18, 2009

Porter Town Board members opened their monthly meeting Monday by clarifying the town’s use policy for Porter-on-the-Lake, and discussion followed on a variety of recreation issues at what was otherwise a routine session at Town Hall.

Ransomville resident Ted Hogan had a lively public comments discussion with Supervisor Mert Wiepert and the board on their policy regarding use at the new park. What’s the usage policy?” asked Hogan, telling how he heard of a group of 75 students from Kendall Elementary School in Orleans County who recently visited the park for a picnic while visiting area attractions.

Wiepert informed that at present the town does not in fact have one. “It’s an open park,” he responded, saying that currently no one is charged for use of the park or for using its pavilion.

Wiepert said the town is still in the “learning stages” towards developing a policy for its use. “We’re still in baby steps, of the learning process.”

Wiepert and board members said use of the park is free to all Porter residents, including Youngstown and Ransomville, while planning continues on developing a policy for its use by non-residents. “These things are still being worked out,” added Town Councilman Tom Baia. Supervisor’s Assistant Norm Ault added the town was working on a use/fee policy for the pavilion’s use by non-residents.

“There is, as of yet, no set policy,” said Wiepert

In the meantime, the park, including the pavilion, remains free and open to use by town residents he said, adding, “I have no problem with that.”

Board members said only the pavilion can be reserved and, when that happens, park groundskeeper Bob Reese would put up “reserved” signage on the day of its use.

Of the Kendall students’ visit, Wiepert and board members said there were no problems whatsoever, adding the students and their chaperones left the park pavilion area cleaner than they found it, with garbage picked up and trash bags placed in nearby containers.

In other news:

•The board heard from Reese that interest and use of the new town park has grown significantly over past months. “We’ve had a number of parties/picnics,” said Reese. “All went well … trash, cans, etc., were all picked up.”

Reese also reported a group of star gazers called the Skywatchers has been visiting the park in the evenings with their telescopes. “It’s nice and dark there,” he said, adding the Border Patrol has been notified as the group typically remains until midnight.

•Wiepert reported the Town Recreation Department’s summer program continues to build in popularity, with 291 children pre-registered by July 1, 35 additional signed up on its first day and 388 total registered as of Monday. “It’s a lot of work for the 20 youth leaders” employed in the program, said Wiepert, adding than an average of 200-plus daily are utilizing the rec program.

•Councilman Jeff Baker briefly previewed ongoing plans for this fall’s Labor Day Fest planned for Porter-on-the-Lake. “Last year was awesome,” said Baker of the park’s grand opening celebration on Labor Day weekend. “We’ve got a great event planned.”

He reported that entertainment, to be coordinated by Jack Fowler Jr. of Big Jack Productions out of Buffalo, includes an Alan Jackson tribute, a Garth Brooks tribute and three additional as-yet-named bands. “Sponsors are currently being sought,” said Baker, adding more details on this would be forthcoming.

The session concluded and immediately followed with a visit from 13th Niagara County District Niagara County Legislator Clyde Burmaster, who delivered his second round of local casino funds assistance in as many weeks, including $4,000 to assist Baker’s Labor Day Porter-on-the-Lake Festival. Other monies presented to the town included:

•$2,300 to the Ransomville Lighting of the Wreaths event (which is now seeking volunteers, according to coordinator Carl fellows.

•$2,000 to the recent Ransomville Community Fair, entertainment, car show and flea market.

•$2,000 to the Ransomville Summer Concert series.

•$1,500 to the Ransomville Business Association,

•$1,000 to the Ransomville Cabbage Festival.