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Hastings, Dobbs Ferry Planning To Share Recreation Boss

HASTING-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. -- The neighboring villages of Hastings and Dobbs Ferry are studying a plan to share the position of Superintendent of Recreation as a cost-saving measure.

Gould Park in Dobbs Ferry is one of several parks that will be under the supervision of a Recreation Superintendent for Hastings and Dobbs Ferry.

Gould Park in Dobbs Ferry is one of several parks that will be under the supervision of a Recreation Superintendent for Hastings and Dobbs Ferry.

Photo Credit: Danny LoPriore

Mayors Hartley Connett of Dobbs Ferry and Peter Swiderski of Hastings released a statement Monday saying the two villages have begun formal discussions and formed two committees to examine the idea of using a recreation superintendent for both villages.

"There are two objectives to this effort: to save each community tax dollars by sharing salary expense and, more importantly, to increase the range and depth of services available to each community by sharing programs across the two villages," the joint statement read. "The effort has the support of the mayors and Boards of Trustees of both villages."

A $50,000 grant from the state has also allowed the municipalities to formally study the impact of consolidating their public works departments.

Each community has appointed its own working group to examine issues regarding how such an arrangement will work. The working groups will evaluate and study oversight, program composition, job descriptions and opportunities that will benefit both villages.

The working group members for Hastings are Swiderski, Village Manager Francis Frobel and Parks and Recreation Committee member Joanne Baecher-Disalvo.  For Dobbs Ferry, members include Village Administrator Marcus Serrano, Facilities Committee member Drew Coburn, and Budget Committee Chair Robert McCloughlin.

This committee will report back to the respective mayors and boards, as well the village's Recreation Committees.

"We expect this exploratory work to be completed before April and a final announcement regarding the decisions made around this proposal at that time," the mayors stated.

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