WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
 RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 2005

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

D. Schott, R. Berrie, S. Fritts, F. Loughlin, M. Kries, J. DeFranza, W. Godfrey.  R. Miller, Township Engineer and N. Godfrey, WTRC Administrator was also present.  Guest: R. Flint

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by D. Schott, seconded by R. Berrie to approve the Regular Meeting  minutes of October 4,  2005  as written. All were in favor.

MEADOW BREEZE PARK

New Tennis Court Project - R. Miller, Township Engineer, presented his proposal for engineering services.

Preparation of drawings and specifications for the reconstruction and/or repair of the existing tennis courts, including taking and review of bids - $2100.

Alternate 1: Addition of design of lighting system to go to bid at the same time as the tennis court bid - $1200.

Alternate 2: Addition of core testing on existing court to determine adequacy of base - $1250

There was some discussion on whether or not we should spend $60,000+ on the reconstruction of the tennis courts or look into other means of resurfacing/repairing the existing courts. Core testing would have to be done at the existing courts before any decision can be made.  A motion was made by M. Kries, seconded by D. Schott, to have R. Miller perform core testing at the existing courts at a cost of $1250 in order for the Recreation Commission to proceed with this project.  All in favor. 

Riparian Buffer Project - R. Flint reported that the NJ Youth Core will be installing deer protection to the young plantings to help protect them from deer damage.  With the recent rain to the area, the problem with getting water to the new plants is better now and several volunteer groups will continue to work at the buffer area for the remainder of the fall season. In the spring some additional 40-50 trees will be planted.

OLD BUSINESS

Horseshoe Court Lighting Project - M. Kries met with the Warren County Horseshoe Club to discuss with them various issues regarding the horseshoe courts. The club has been using the Warren County Fair Grounds to hold their matches because it is inside and they have lights.   If we were to install the new lighting, they would use our courts more often then they do now, however, it would still be not enough to justify spending the amount of monies it would cost to have them installed.  R. Miller said that the permits submitted to the D.E.P., once approved, these permits would be good for two (2) years.  He suggested  that we follow though with the permitting process,  so if it is the desire of the Recreation Commission to go forward with this project, within the next two years,  we would be able to do so without having to reissue the necessary permits to the D.E.P.  The Commission will let the  to the Township Committee know that we do not desire to move forward with this project anytime in the foreseeable future.

Walking Path Extension - No change in status.

Ice Skating Rink - Liner for the rink was purchased and given to DPW.  Once the weather gets cold enough, long enough then the DPW will construct the rink. 

D2 Field - Dugout Roof Repair - No change in status.

FINANCIAL & BUDGET REVIEW

R. Berrie reported that to date $6271.86 has been encumbered which leaves a balance of $2388.57. There is a total of $134,460.00 left in the Park Bond and we have collected $6721.50 in use fees.  Use fee expenditures amount to $5561.12.  The balance of budgeted money will be spent on the material needed to construct the new ice skating rink.

Nancy Godfrey, Recreation Administrator, asked the Commission to consider increasing her salary, for the year 2006, from $10/per hr. to $11/per hr. not to exceed $5000. A motion was made by D. Schott to increase N. Godfrey’s salary for 2006 from $10/per hour to $11/per hour, not to exceed $5000, S. Fritts seconded.  All were in favor.

ACTIVE AREAS

F. Loughlin reported that he had received numerous phone calls over the last month regarding the soccer field conditions, fields being closed and teams disregarding the field closed signs.  N. Godfrey and several other members had also received phone calls  regarding the same.  The main reason for the field closures was the lack of rain this year which made for the poor field conditions.   R. Berrie will look into these problems, speak with the teams and try to rectify them before next year’s season begins.

At the October Township Committee meeting, Mike Kovacs, Township Committee Recreation liaison, asked the Township Committee to allow Warren Hills Regional High School use the Meadow Breeze Park fields without paying a use fee.  The Township Committee agreed that this was a good idea. At the August Recreation Commission M. Kovacs inquired about reducing or eliminating fees for Warren Hills Regional High School teams.  His question was discussed and the Recreation Commission expressed their desire to maintain the current fee structure.  After a very lengthy discussion on this issue the Recreation Commission decided to send a letter to the Mayor and Township Committee reiterating the Commission’s position on this subject. This letter will also express the desire of the Recreation Commission to present their position on any items being voted on by the Township Committee concerning a Recreation Commission issue, and if no members of the Recreation Commission are present, then any voting should be postponed until a consultation with the Commission can take place.

PASSIVE AREAS

The picnic area at Roaring Rock Park has been damaged by vandalism.  The picnic tables have been broken and vandalized along with bags yard waste and household garbage being dumped.  We will try placing  “no dumping” signs around the area, however, more police present is needed to deter this. 

There are a few blown down trees along the Pohatcong Creek area, and the trail markers have been removed. Painted markers will replace the ones that have been removed. 

NEW BUSINESS

A request from the Garden and Conservation Department of the Washington Woman’s Club was received to maintain some of the Robert Rush Log Cabin Area (Pohatcong Creek Park). This would involve pruning of the shrubs by the cabin in early spring, and clean-up of the plant beds, as well as weeding occasionally throughout the season.  A motion was made by S. Fritts, seconded by R. Berrie to allow the Garden and Conservation Department of the Washington Woman’s Club to attend to this area.  All in Favor.  

Having no further business to discuss a motion was made by D. Schott, seconded by M. Kries to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 p.m.  All in favor.

Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Godfrey
WTRC Administrator

cc: P. deBoer - DPW
     B. Millers - Twp. Engineer
     WTYA
     Mayor & Twp. Committee