WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
                                                     RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
                                                                       FEBRUARY 7, 2006

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.

ATTENDEES
S. Fritts, D. Schott, R. Berrie, M. Kries, W. Godfrey. Guest: B. Mueller, R. Flint, P. deBoer, DPW, R. Miller, Twp. Engineer. N. Godfrey, WTRC Administrator was also present. S. Backer arrived at 8:00

The Regular Meeting of the Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by S. Fritts, Vice Chairman.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by D. Schott, seconded by M. Kries to approve the minutes of the Regular meeting of December 6, 2005 as written.  All in favor.

A motion was made by D. Schott, seconded by M. Kries to approve the minutes of the Reorganization Meeting of January 16, as written. All in favor.

MEADOW BREEZE PARK

There was a brief discussion on what should be done with the existing light poles that are still up at the horseshoe courts.  Before the Commission decides whether or not to remove the poles they would like to speak to a representative(s) of the Warren County Horseshoe Club to hear what their feelings are concerning the existing lighting.  M. Kries will speak with a representative of the club and ask that they come to our March meeting and talk to us regarding actual usage times the club intends to use the courts in the future. The Commission will then make an decision on whether or not the existing lights should be left up or taken down.

New Tennis Court Project - R. Miller, Township Engineer, was present at the meeting to discuss this project. Core samples at the existing tennis courts indicated that there was a good base of 3½” to 5" of blacktop and 3" to 5" of stone.  There should be no need to rip off the surface of the existing courts. By raising the courts about 2" while repairing the sections that need repair, should eliminate the drainage problem issues with water getting in around the court. P. deBoer noted that the DPW will be able to remove the existing fence before the work gets started, but the Commission needs to decide on what type of locking device is to be used for the new fencing at the courts.  It was suggested that we might want to consider a coin operated lock or a timer type lock. R. Miller said that this should be part of the specs and he will look into different options that can be used.  A motion was made by D. Schott, seconded by R. Berrie to have R. Miller prepare a cost quote for engineering, permitting, and to put bid specs together to include resurfacing, new fencing, curbing, lock options and one with lights and one without lights.  All in favor.

N. Godfrey suggested that R. Miller try to have this completed for the Recreation Commission to review at the March 7th meeting, so it can be placed on the Township Committee’s March 21st meeting for discussion. 

OLD BUSINESS

Walking Path Extensions - R. Miller reported that the DEP rejected our plans for a portion of the walking paths. The DEP will not allow the path to run along the wetland areas of the park, in particular along the area where riparian buffer project is. He has submitted new drawings in January to the DEP and is waiting to hear back from them.

P. deBoer reported that he too has had a situation with the DEP. He received a visit from a DEP representative at the park and was told by them that there cannot be any mowing at all in the wetland transition area (riparian buffer project area).  The only mowing allowed at all is a path located 10ft. away from the fence located on the resident’s property adjacent to the park.
 
FINANCIAL & BUDGET REVIEW

Our 2006 budget request of $10,000.00  still has not been approved by the Township Committee.  The Township Committee will be holding a second budget meeting on February 25, at which time a decision should be made.  Currently we have a balance of $4,936.34 in our Park Use Fee account. With regards to the Horseshoe Court Lighting and Walking Paths projects, $20,000.00 was allocated, we spent $8,011.59 which leaves a balance of $11,988.41.

ACTIVE AREA

The Spring Field Scheduling meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.

PASSIVE AREA

R. Flint reported that he has been working on the walking paths at Roaring Rock Park (north side). A trail map has been completed for the Lake Marguerite/Griffith Woods areas. He has also cleaned up the Pohatcong Creek  area behind the school.

Riparian Buffer Project

The NJ Youth Corp. have been working there 2 mornings a week and have been putting deer protectors around all of the plants.  They still have a couple hundred to go but they ran out of the protectors and have to wait until they get more. There may have a need for some additional funds from the Recreation Commission, in order to finish this project, however, it is to early to know for sure. There will be a need to spray the multi-flora roses with a herbicide to keep them from overtaking everything especially the new plantings.   About 60 new trees/plants will be planted in May, but the deer protectors will be put on them at the same time they are being planted.

A question was brought up about whether the new restrooms received the final CO from the State.  P. deBoer told the Commission that there are still a few minor things that need to be done and that he has been in touch with Finelli Engineer and will follow up with them shortly.

NEW BUSINESS

S. Fritts welcomed Committeeman Barry Mueller to the Recreation Commission.  Barry is the new Township Committee liaison to the Recreation Commission for this year.

D. Schott would like to begin working on the Recreation Commission’s 5 year plan.  Copies of this plan have been given to each member for review. A few of the main issues that needs to be addressed are the completion of the tennis court project, new playground and the completion of the walking paths. Once these projects are completed then the park will be pretty much complete. Everyone should review the 5-year plan and be prepared to discuss this at our next meeting on Tuesday, March 7.

Having no further business to discuss, a motion was made D. Schott, seconded by M. Kries to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Nancy Godfrey
WTRC Administrator

cc: P. deBoer - DPW
     R. Miller - Twp. Engineer
     WTYA
     Mayor & Twp. Committee