WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
 RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
NOVEMBER 11, 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

M. Kries, D. Dempski, S. Fritts, F. Loughlin, L. Wasser, R. Berrie, R. Flint, D. Schott (arrived at 8:15 p.m.)

Guest: Township Engineer, R. Miller and Mr. & Mrs. Riley from Oxford Township.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by R. Flint, seconded by M. Kries  to approve the Regular Meeting minutes of September 9, 2004  as written. All were in favor.

MEADOW BREEZE PARK

Illegal Parking problems are still in evidence when football games are played.  Some ticketing has been done by the Township Police.

The portable toilets will be removed by November 24. 

It was suggested that 2 or 3 mature trees be planted each year to improve shade and general appearance. Donations could be solicited for this and tree locations will need to be determined.

Project Review with Bob Miller:

-           Park drawings will be provided after a few additions are made.

-           Meeting with NJ DEP scheduled for November 17 to get feedback on our request for upgrade of horseshoe court lights and extension of walking path.

-           Port Colden school field renovations - cost estimate is $5000 (for 2005)

-           East Asbury-Anderson Road property - no feedback from county on submitted plans (Bob Miller to follow-up).

The Riley’s reviewed their experience with the ice skating rink in Oxford, which was originally installed in 2001.  The most critical requirement is a level area.  Their rink is 150' x 80' and the total cost which includes reinforced vinyl liner, plywood, etc. was $5000.  They have had very good experience with this although finding volunteers for the work involved is an issue.  About 28,000 gallons of water are needed.

The DPW has put up numbered signs for all of the parking lots.

OLD BUSINESS

2004 Project review (see attached)

-           Restrooms delivery has been delayed until the week of December 6.  A timer lock is being investigated.

-           Ice skating rink plans need to be developed with estimated costs (for 2005).

-           The trees for Pacesetter field will be ordered and planted by DPW in November.

-           Five to ten year plan - Draft to be provided in December ( D. Dempski).

-           Two park benches will be ordered at a cost of $824., locations to be determined.

-           East Asbury-Anderson Rd. properties - driveway/parking permit requested.

-           The soccer shed (approved by Township Committee on October 19th) should be put in place next week.

-           Field house garage - cleanup, shelving etc.  Status report in December (D. Dempski).

-           Sponsorship policy - awaiting input from S. Sarullo.

-           Play ground maintenance plan - DPW asked to implement A.S.A.P.

FINANCIAL & BUDGET REVIEW

The 2004 budget funds will be totally used after the remaining open costs are expended.  The 2005 budget request was developed.  A motion was made by R. Flint, to approve the 2005 budget request, seconded by L. Wasser.  All were in favor.

A job description for a Recreation Administrator was developed (see attached).

We recommend that a sod cutter be purchased by the Dept. of Public Works.  The Washington Township Recreation Commission will provide $1500. (from use fees) for this.  The total cost for the sod cutter is $3500.

The 2004 total for park use fees is $6884.00.

ACTIVE AREAS UPDATE 

The football field sign is to be repainted.  A flag light will be provided by the Panthers’ football organization.

PASSIVE AREAS UPDATE

Several black bears were seen at our Roaring Rock Park property.  Residents are dumping house waste at Roaring Rock Park.

The Eagle Scout project (bridge, boardwalk) has been completed at Griffith Woods.

NEW BUSINESS

R. Flint advised that he will be resigning from WTRC, effective December 31, 2004.  This will make two vacancies that need to be filled and recommendations would be helpful.

P. deBoer has arranged for several soil tests to be made at the Mill Pond Road property to provide information on possible contaminations.  It is important that we are able to use this property for athletic fields in the future.

Having no further business to discuss, a motion was made by D.  Schott, seconded by L. Wasser to adjourn the meeting at 10:10 p.m.   All were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,
Richard Flint
Secretary

cc: P. deBoer
     WTYA
     B. Miller