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WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
APRIL 8, 2004
Adequate notice of this meeting, in accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act, has been given by posting one copy of Notice of Meeting in the Washington Township Administrative office, by making copies to the "Express Times" and "Star Gazette,” and to the municipal clerk in Washington Township.
The regular meeting of the Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:35 p.m.
ATTENDEES
S. Sarullo, S. Fritts, M. Kries, R. Berrie, D. Dempski (left at 8:00 p.m.), R. Flint, D. Schott (arrived at 8:45 p.m.). Bob Miller (Twp. Engineer), Dan Slack & Tom Marks (Wash. Twp. DPW) were also present.
Before the regular agenda was undertaken, we reviewed the following plans and issues with Bob Miller.
NJDEP Restrictions Near the Creek
- No mowing of grass is allowed at the current S4 field location
- Parking area reduction must be done at D3 field
- Use of old basketball court for ice skating is limited to current size. We will need a recommendation to complete this project, including estimated cost.
- Need to review any plans for changes in the restricted wetlands buffer. This would include the horseshoe court/food stand/flag lighting upgrade, walking path, football scoreboard upgrade, etc.
- Use of towpath and removal of briar bushes along outside slope.
- Site plan for Area C (old park). Bob Miller will provide costs and timing.
- A site plan for “golf course” property - field (70 yds. x 50 yds.), parking, and lot boundary needs to be defined on the site. Bob Miller will provide costs and timing.
- Site plan for horseshoe court/food stand/flag lighting upgrade project. We need to provide a sketch of the project plan to Bob Miller who will provide costs and timing.
We also discussed our possible use of the Mill Pond Road property for future athletic fields. This property is restricted by Green Acres due to prior pesticide use. David Dempski will determine what needs to be done to remove restrictions, if possible.
All changes or improvements in or near the wetland buffer area needs to be reviewed with NJDEP in order to avoid problems later. Bob Miller will attend our meetings periodically to assist us with planning, etc., which will be very helpful.
We also discussed soccer field issues with Dan Slack with the following results:
- S4 field will be relocated to the current S3 field. The Washington Township Youth Association field hockey group will be asked to relocate from S3 for fall play.
- At the Pacesetter property old goal posts and nets will be used. Lining the field is not needed. Ray Berrie will determine the field use.
D. Slack and T. Marks attendance for this portion of the meeting was very much appreciated
AT THIS TIME THE MEETING REVERTS BACK TO THE AGENDA ITEMS
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by D. Schott, seconded by S. Sarullo to approve the Regular Meeting minutes of March 11, 2004 as written. All were in favor.
MEADOW BREEZE PARK
A request was received from the Girl Scouts to use the pavilion for just one (1) hour on May 10th. There will be no use fee charged for this.
D2 field will not be ready for play for several weeks. D6 field will be substituted in the meantime.
The portable toilets (4) will be put in place on April 1.
The second Spring field scheduling meeting for baseball and softball will be held on April 9th at 7:30 p.m.
The decision for closing fields due to wet weather, etc. will be made by Pete deBoer, Public Works Manager, on Fridays, as necessary. Game schedules and contacts will be provided to Pete. Coaches will contact Pete about rescheduling games.
The fields will generally be lined on Fridays and “Field Closed” signs will be used as needed to prevent premature use of lined fields.
Pete deBoer has recommended that signs be put at both ends of Meadow Breeze Lane alerting drivers to beware of pedestrians, vehicles parking, etc. We will ask Bob Miller to review this recommendation.
OLD BUSINESS
The new road signs for the park have been put in place.
In regards to the restrooms project, the Land Use Board will act on our request for a set back variance on March 31st, with written approval expected on April 14th. We will then meet with Finelli Engineering and move ahead with the engineering tasks. Bid specs for this project should be ready in early May. It may be necessary to install a water hand wash in the restrooms and currently this is being reviewed by the County Health Department and the State Code Enforcement official.
An announcement board will be ordered for the pavilion.
Football benches can be used for soccer in the spring.
It was recommended that signs be made to advertise for the band concert and placed at the park, township office, etc.
The status of 2004 projects was updated (see attached).
The horseshoe court/food stand/flag lighting project has been delayed until it is reviewed with NJDEP.
The revision of the request form for park facilities has been delayed until May.
A seasonal fee for food stand use is not needed since the stand will only be used on a few Saturdays.
Ray Berrie reported that a phone answering machine is available at a reasonable cost for our possible use next year for handling calls to WTRC. We need to develop a plan for handling phone calls, request forms and mail before the end of the year.
FINANCIAL & BUDGET REVIEW
The Treasurer provided a budget allocation listing that included use of fees for tennis court repairs (see attached). The 2004 park use fees total $1430.00 to date.
ACTIVE AREAS UPDATE
WTYA has planned a baseball/softball opening day ceremony for April 17th at 9:00 a.m., Field Day is June 5th and soccer camp from August 2nd - 6th.
PASSIVE AREAS UPDATE
No input
NEW BUSINESS
D. Dempski recommended that we conduct a survey similar to the one done recently in Mansfield Township. Our input for this is needed. Input is also needed for a Recreational Master Plan and our five-year plan should be updated for this.
OTHER BUSINESS
None
Having no further business to discuss, a motion was made by D. Schott, seconded by R. Berrie to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m. All were in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard Flint
Secretary
cc: P. deBoer
WTYA
