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WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 7, 2006
Adequate notice of this meeting, in accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act, has been given by posting one copy of the 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
M. Kries, S. Fritts, J. DeFranza, S. Backer W. Godfrey. F. Loughlin and R. Berrie arrived at 7:35 and D. Schott arrived at 7:45. Guest: B. Mueller, Twp. Committeeman, R. Miller, Twp. Engineer, R. Flint and members of the Warren County Horseshoe Pitchers Club. N. Godfrey, WTRC Administrator was also present.
The Regular meeting of the Recreation Commission was called to order by Vice Chairman, S. Fritts at 7:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by M. Kries, seconded by J. DeFranza to approve the minutes of the Regular meeting of February 7, 2006, as written. All in favor.
WARREN COUNTY HORSESHOE PLAYERS - Discussion
Bob Lobell, Lou Mecsey, Harry Dircks and Chet Smolensky from the Warren County Horseshoe Pitchers Club were present to discuss the needs of their club with regards to the horseshoe courts at Meadow Breeze Park. M. Kries asked the members how many people do they have in their club and if our existing courts are adequate. They have 10-12 active members and yes, our courts are plenty adequate. M. Kries explained that the new horseshoe court/lighting project is on hold and most likely not going to be completed because of problems getting the proper permits from the State D.E.P.due to the wetland areas located near the courts. However, the Commission would like to know if there is anything they would like us to do to make it easier and more conducive for them to continue to use the courts. They suggested that maybe we have the lights lowered halfway down in order to light the courts better.
M. Kries asked Bob Miller, Township Engineer, whether it the State would have any problems with us lowering the lights and possibly replacing the 2 poles which were broken.. Miller did not see a problem with us doing that, however he suggested that someone take photographs of the courts and the existing light poles to document the way they look now so they cannot be perceived as new. N. Godfrey will ask P. deBoer take the photographs.
S. Backer asked what time did they play to at night during the summer months, and they said until 9:00 or 10:00.
F. Loughlin explained to the club members that we had originally planned on building all new horseshoe courts with low impact lighting etc., however, after all the problems with the State because of the wetland issues, obtaining the necessary permits seemed unlikely. This project just would have been to expensive and we just could not justify to the Township Committee the cost factors involved.
S. Fritts made a motion, that we go forward to replace the broken poles and lower the lights at the existing horseshoe courts, M. Kries seconded. All in favor. N. Godfrey will ask P. deBoer to get quotes from electricians to do this work and also find out if the old lights were in any condition to be used again. If not, we’ll have to get pricing for new lights also.
After some discussion, it was decided that we should try to have this done by early to mid May in order to accommodate the club. N. Godfrey will have P. deBoer obtain quotes from at least 3 electricians to remove the old poles, install the new poles and lowering the existing lights. The Club members left at 7:55 p.m.
New Tennis Court Project - Bob Miller, Township Engineer was present and passed out his estimate of quantities and costs for resurfacing and repairing the tennis courts. Estimated amounts for work are listed below:
Clearing Site $ 6,000 Crack Sealing $ 1,750
TOTAL - $114,050.00
Each item was discussed in detail with Bob Miller and it was decided that if the DPW can handle clearing the site, along with doing the topsoil and seeding we could eliminate approximately $11,000. It was also decided that we really do not need lights at the courts, at this time, so that would save an additional $40,000. This would bring the estimated total for this project somewhere around $60,000 - $65,000. The cost of Bob Miller preparing the bid specs need to be figured in and if the market price of asphalt goes up again this too will increase the total cost. F. Loughlin made a motion that for budget purposes the Commission go before the Township Committee at their March 21st meeting and ask for tennis court replacement/resurfacing monies not to exceed $80,000., D. Schott seconded. All in favor
The Commission would like to have the bid opening in May, so the project can begin in July 2006.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Our budget was approved by the Township Committee in the amount of $10,000. We are beginning to receive money from different organizations and individuals for use of the fields and pavilion.
ACTIVE AREAS
The field scheduling meeting on February 28 went very well. It looks as if it is going to be a very active spring season. F. Loughlin reported that he had been approached by two different individuals about starting a 7th and 8th grade boys summer basketball league at the new courts. He told them that they would have to get in touch with N. Godfrey to get the application in so we can review it. This would be the first time we have ever had a basketball league using the new courts. He was also approached by another group, who plan on coming to one of our meetings, to see if it is feasible to put in two (2) 8 ft. baskets, in the existing old basketball court, for the younger children who play at the 8 ft. level, not where the poles were but to put them in the short way across the courts. We may be able to use the old poles, cut them and put them up. If and when this group comes to the Recreation Commission we will then look into what can be done, by using DPW personnel and equipment to make the court useable.
N. Godfrey reported that three (3) Port-A-Johns have been ordered for the park and will be but in place on March 30.
PASSIVE AREAS
D. Flint reported that he is still working on the new walking paths at Roaring Rock Park (north side).
NEW BUSINESS
The Recreation Commission 5-year plan (2005-2009) was reviewed. Each line item was reviewed and discussed and items which have been completed were pulled from the list. A new list will be compiled and at the April 7th meeting they will be reviewed to see which items are feasible to complete and each members of the committee will be assigned particular projects in which they will be responsible to investigated and follow-up on.
Having no further business to discuss a motion was made by D. Schott, seconded by M. Kries to adjourn the meeting at 9:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Godfrey
WTRC Administrator
cc: P. deBoer - DPW
R. Miller - Twp. Engineer
WTYA
Mayor & Twp. Committee
