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WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
JULY 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 7:40 p.m.
ATTENDEES
D. Dempski, M. Kries, D. Schott, R. Berrie, S. Sarullo, R. Flint. R. Miller, Township Engineer, arrived at 8:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
There was one minor correction to the minutes of June 10, 2004. M. Kries made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting minutes of June 10, 2004 as corrected, D. Dempski seconded. All were in favor.
MEADOW BREEZE PARK
An ordinance to reduce the speed limit on Meadow Breeze Lane and Kayharts Lane to 25 MPH will be introduced on 1st reading at the Township Committee’s July 20th meeting. Second reading and adoption of this ordinance will be held at the Township Committee’s August 17th meeting. It should go into effect in September.
Police attention is needed to enforce park rules especially in the parking area near the pavilion.
Special “double” first bases were purchased for senior girls softball. Use fee funds were used.
A fall field scheduling meeting is scheduled for July 16. At the last Township Committee meeting Grace Messinger of the North Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council proposed that a riparian buffer be planted along the south side of Brass Castle Creek between Meadow Breeze and Kayharts Lanes. The Township would need to provide only labor. Most of the current vegetation would be removed. The end result would add greatly to the appearance of the park.
Pavilion reservations are being made for most weekends and a few weekdays. It was recommended that a special vacuum cleaner (Bear Cat - $425.) be purchased for cleaning up the pavilion and adjacent parking lot. M. Kries made a motion that we purchase this vacuum cleaner and use the use fee fund, D. Dempski seconded. All were in favor except for D. Schott.
Several deciduous trees are being attacked by Japanese beetles. They should recover.
At the tennis courts, the lock was broken for the second time this year. The picnic table was also destroyed. This is the most extensive vandalism we have ever experienced at these courts.
Peter deBoer was asked to provide better warning signs on Meadow Breeze Lane for the road crossing at the southern end of the park.
An outline of park maintenance for several special areas was provided. These will be documented for future use by WTRC members to assist in alerting DPW of issues that need attention.
OLD BUSINESS
Bob Miller provided a preliminary Auto CAD drawing of the park. The one for Area C (old park) should be available in one week. This will be used to outline our plans for this area, i.e.,
1. Horseshoe court lights - We can only replace current poles “in kind.” No concrete bases for metal poles can be used due to DEP requirements. A plan is needed.
2. Additional parking near the field house - Bob Miller will provide recommendations. This should not be a DEP concern.
3. Walking path using Morris Canal towpath - A wetland’s determination is needed and also a review of our plans by DEP.
Bob Miller and Peter deBoer checked out the Port Colden School field to determine renovation requirements. Bob recommends using screened top soil, grass seed and mulch. The existing basketball court should be removed. Engineering costs are needed.
The 2004 project list was reviewed and updated (copy attached).
The National Night Out will be held on August 3rd from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
The Pacesetter field issue was discussed at the last Township Committee meeting. The survey has been completed and permanent markers are needed. Signs for field rules and “no trespassing” will be placed around the field next month. The field will not be used for organized sports at the present time. Planting of trees for privacy screening will be investigated.
Bids are being solicited for the restroom’s project. They will be opened at the July 20th Township Committee meeting.
FINANCIAL & BUDGET REVIEW
The Treasurer reported that $1436. had been expended to date, with $8564. remaining in the budget. Use fees collected to date are $4359. Expenditures total $2330. which was used for tennis court repair, pavilion light relocation, and softball bases.
NEW BUSINESS
A light for our flag is needed. M. Kries will investigate and recommend best way to handle this.
A request was received for use of Lake Marguerite Park for an October wedding. Details are to be developed and issues addressed.
D. Dempski proposed a procedure for fund raising to replace the old playground. This would include selling pavers with sponsors names on them for use under benches around the playground, similar to that which is done at the Hampton Borough Park.
Dempski also proposed that sponsor’s signs be used on outfield fences of D1 and D6 fields, as a means of obtaining funds. Several fields in the area were checked out in this regard. These funds could possibly be used to provide a secretary for WTRC. The Township Committee will be asked to consider these sponsorship activities and authorize WTRC to develop a policy and procedures for this.
ACTIVE AREAS
WTYA soccer and field hockey registrations are greater that last year. There will be 19 soccer teams and 5 field hockey teams. Football registrations are also higher at 120 boys.
PASSIVE AREAS
No Activity
Having no further business to discuss, a motion was made by D. Schott, seconded by M. Kries to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 p.m. All were in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard Flint
Secretary
cc: P. deBoer
WTYA
