COMMITTEE ON PARKS AND RECREATION
JOINT w/ COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE
MINUTES: JUNE 7, 2004
Chairman Astorino called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair: Astorino; Legislators: Alvarado, Spreckman, Ryan; PUBLIC SAFETY MEMBERS: Chair: Richard Wishnie; Legislators: Rogowsky, Mosiello, Spreckman, Kaplowitz, Ryan; OTHER LEGISLATORS: LaMotte; GUESTS: Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation—Commissioner Joe Stout, Deputy Commissioner Joe Montalto; Public Safety—William Rehm, Loraine Velez
I. MINUTES:
No minutes were presented for committee approval.
II. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:
The following items were presented for discussion.
Review of Playland fatality (May 22, 2004) and corresponding reports
Mr. Wishnie read a brief statement regarding the accidental death of a girl who fell off a ride at Playland. Commissioner Stout stated he was proud of how the staff at Playland handled the situation considering the circumstances.
Mr. Montalto stated that this particular ride has been in the park for 30 years. He said all rides have seatbelts and warnings to remain seated. The Dept. of Labor inspects all rides. Mr. Montalto said they have made additional safety measures not only to this ride, but to the surrounding area, including: an additional observer; added a day glow light; a program to educate riders on ride safety and bring in ride safety expert.
Mr. Astorino, Chair, Parks asked about the protocol before the ride actually starts and Mr. Montalto stated that all safety tool/mechanisims are in place and an announcement is made. He then opened it up to committee.
Mrs. Lamotte commended Playland on their efforts but felt that children of a young age should ride with an adult, as did Mr. Alvarado and Mr. Kaplowitz.
Mr. Ryan gave an account of the accident and his conclusion was that it was a tragic accident with no mechanical failure or employee/staff negligence.
Mr. Wishnie thanked the department heads for their immediate action and also said there is no resource too great that the Board could or would provide to prevent another incident like this. He also expressed his condolences again to the family and friends.
Mr. Astorino also commended the Parks Dept. and police stating they did a very thorough job and everything was handled properly.
III. RECEIVE AND FILE:
There were no items presented to the committee to receive and file.
IV. ADJOURN:
On motion by Mr. Kaplowitz, seconded by Mr. Rogowsky, Public Safety Criminal Justice adjourned.
On motion by Mr. Alvarado, seconded by Mrs. Mr. Pinto and without objection, the Parks Committee adjourned.
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