Camillo Outlines Mission Of New Hamill Rink Task Force

Information via Town of Greenwich

GREENWICH, CT — Following a vote from the Representative Town Meeting in January to halt the Dorothy Hamill Ice Rink replacement proposal, the town is establishing a task force to independently evaluate options for the project.

The current Dorothy Hamill Rink, located within Eugene Morlot Memorial Park, was built in 1972 essentially as a slab of ice. It was then built up in a piecemeal fashion, leading to disrepair over the years to the point that it needs to be replaced.

"This may be accomplished by replacing the rink within Morlot Park or by relocating the rink to another location in Greenwich," the town said in a news release this week.

In the news release, First Selectman Fred Camillo outlined the mission of the new rink task force:

The Task Force membership shall consist of nine (9) members, including two members of the Representative Town Meeting, a member of the Board of Estimate and Taxation, a member of the Energy Management Advisory Committee, a Representative of the Byram Neighborhood Association, a Member of the Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, a Representative from the Veterans Community and two residents to be appointed by the First Selectmen one having experience in building construction and one member of the skating community.

Those members representing the RTM and/or boards and commissions shall be appointed by the Chairman of their respective body.

Department liaisons shall include the First Selectman, Town Administrator, the Commissioner of Public Works Director, the Parks & Recreation Director, the Director of Building Construction & Maintenance, a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission and other personnel or residents who will be designated by the First Selectman.

The Task Force’s initial charge will be to:

1. Select from its membership a Chairman, a Vice Chairman and a Secretary;

2. Prepare and approve a regular meeting schedule, agendas and minutes of Task Force’s activities, in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order and in compliance with the State of Connecticut Freedom of Information Act;

3. Identify, interview and recommend to the First Selectman such professionals and consultants deemed necessary to advise the Task Force on its charge;

4. Invite stakeholders to meet with the Task Force to share ideas and concerns;

5. Hold a public hearing(s) to receive input from residents;

6. Evaluate siting options, including probable cost, to determine the most appropriate location either within Eugene Morlot Memorial Park or at another location within Greenwich, to construct a new skating facility in accordance with the schematics as currently developed. Site considerations should include:

• ADA compliance and general accessibility
• Solar energy generation capability
• Possible installation of a Geothermal heating and cooling system
• Cost and location of temporary rink, if needed
• Availability and Cost of ice time at alternate locations for Parks & Recreation programs and Greenwich Public Schools’ teams, if needed
• Maximization of green space
• Public input from public hearing and other forums
• Analyze rink operating costs, including management and maintenance function requirements and staffing
• Analyze revenue forecasts reflecting proposed season length
• Collect and analyze availability and cost of ice time at other area rinks
• Benchmark Hamill Rink proposal to other municipal rinks on size, amenities, cost, length of season

7. The Task Force will, as appropriate, utilize and verify data and studies previously completed for this project, including user data.

8. The Task Force will consider the current schematics and specifications but may review and propose changes necessary for a facility expected to provide service for 50 years;

9. The Task Force will meet and consult with representatives of the Department of Parks & Recreation and the Department of Public Works who shall be responsible for the programming, operation and maintenance of the facility;

10. The Task Force will use the Town’s website to provide ongoing updates to the public.

11. Task Force members from representing other bodies will provide their respective organizations with regular updates;

12. Report to the First Selectman on the progress of the Task Force’s work on at least a bi-monthly basis; and,

13. Follow all Town policies and procedures, including but not limited to purchasing policies and financial procedures.

Department liaisons shall advise on rulings, process and logistics, shall provide historic context and shall provide copies of useful documents previously prepared.