WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
 RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
FEBRUARY 12, 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 7:30 p.m.

ATTENDEES

L. Wasser, M. Kries, D. Dempski, S. Fritts, S. Sarullo, R. Berrie, D. Schott, R. Flint.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by M. Kries, seconded by D. Schott  to approve the Regular Meeting minutes of January 8, 2004  as written. All were in favor. 

MEADOW BREEZE PARK

A letter was received from the Hackettstown Community Band about a possible concert this summer.  D. Schott agreed to handle this, i.e., contact the band, set a date, work on publicity.

The revised schedule of use fees was approved by the Township Committee.  They will become effective after the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance on March 16^th.   In addition, the fee schedule was sent to Green Acres for approval.  Fees for all charity events will be township resident rates.  Fees for Warren Hills Regional High School to use S1 field will be $25.00 per game, as before. 

Any plans to change facilities on either side of the creek must be reviewed with the Township Engineer and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. 

Several requests for use of the facilities have been received and are being processed.  A field scheduling meeting is to be held on February 23^rd to organize practice schedules.

On the restrooms project, the site was selected and a site plan prepared by Finelli, who provided the lowest quote of $5000.00.  The rear set back from the school property line is only five feet which does  not satisfy zoning requirements.  We must, therefore, request a variance from the Land Use Board.  The tentative public hearing date is March 31.  Construction permits also need to be obtained.  We need to provide lighting details to Finelli.

A light for the flag will be included in the horseshoe court and food stand lights project.

We will again ask the Township Committee to waive the requirement for individuals to provide a certificate of insurance for use of the pavilion.  A “hold harmless” agreement will be proposed.

The road signs were received but were rejected due to poor quality.  Replacement signs are being shipped.

OLD BUSINESS

The project list for 2004, with assignments, was presented but expected completion dates are needed. D. Dempski reported that New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection grants or low interest loans are available for park development.  We need to follow-up on this.

D. Schott reported on the ice-skating rink project.  The Oxford Township rink cost about $9000.00.  It has a vinyl liner and ply wood fence and volunteers assembled it. S. Fritts had also checked out the Hackettstown rink.  After some discussion it was decided that our old basketball court will be reevaluated. 

The five-year plan will be reviewed and updated by the subcommittee which consists of R. Berrie, D. Dempski & S. Sarullo.

FINANCIAL & BUDGET REVIEW

Only $10,000. was approved from our budget request of $19,890.  R. Berrie will provide a recommendation at our next meeting on allocation of available funds and completion of planned 2004 projects.

ACTIVE AREAS UPDATE

Spring sign-ups for Washington Township Youth Association are completed.  Opening day for baseball & softball is April 17.  Infield dirt is needed on the Brass Castle School fields.  Funds are not available from the Washington Township Youth Association for this infield dirt.  We will discuss this with the school superintendent.

PASSIVE AREAS UPDATE

No activity

NEW BUSINESS

D. Dempski reported that several open space areas may be available, especially for passive recreation.  We should develop ideas for a specific use of these properties.

Applications for personal Washington Township Recreation Commission ID cards were distributed.  P. deBoer will assist in obtaining these cards.

OTHER BUSINESS

We need to determine how the current “secretarial” work will be handled in 2005 before year end.  A phone answering machine and use of the web-site were proposed.

Having no further business to discuss, a motion was made by D. Schott, seconded by S. Sarullo to adjourn the meeting at  9:15 p.m.   All were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,
Richard Flint
Secretary

cc: P. deBoer
     WTYA