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WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
NOVEMBER 2, 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
F. Loughlin, S. Fritts, M. Kries, W. Godfrey, R. Berrie. Committeeman B. Mueller and WTRC Administrator, N. Godfrey were also present.
The Regular meeting of the Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairman, F. Loughlin at 7:35 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Due to lack of a quorum at the October 3, 2006 there were no minutes to approve.
MEADOW BREEZE PARK
The tennis court resurfacing project has been completed and the courts were officially reopened on September 25, 2006.
DPW has reported that there has been a problem at the pavilion with people moving and stacking the picnic tables one on top of the other, in the order of three (3) and four (4) high. There is a concern for the safety of the DPW men who have to take the tables down, as well as the safety of the people who are doing this act of vandalism. The Washington Township Police have been made aware of this problem and will be keeping an eye out for the people who are doing this. The police are interested in using security cameras in the areas surrounding the pavilion and the restrooms to try to apprehend the person(s) responsible. N. Godfrey has asked the DPW park workers to take digital photos of these acts so they can be documented and kept in a file for future use.
Backboard Replacement/New Basketball Courts - There is a problem with replacing the backboards at the new basketball courts. The backboards that we were requested to purchase will not work with the existing poles. A sales representative from Gametime came up, looked at the courts and the existing poles, discussed with their Engineer and came to the decision that our poles would not be able to handle this type of backboard. We could possibly install a type of brace to the pole, but they would not guarantee the safety of this type of device. We may have to consider replacing the poles as well as the backboards. N. Godfrey will look into a few other options and report back the Commission.
Purchase New Playground Equipment - The Township Committee gave us approval to purchase new playground equipment, however, the Mayor has asked that we obtain a quote from Gametime, to see if their price is less than the one we received from Ben Shaffer & Associates. He would like to be able to compare the two. Both companies are State Contractors so we can use either one without going out to bid. N. Godfrey will contact Gametime to get a quote from them. The Township Committee will let us know where the funds for this equipment will come from at the November 19th Township Committee meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Walking Path Extensions - No new activity. DPW will probably be starting in Spring of 2007.
2. Tennis Court Resurfacing - Project completed and tennis court reopened on 9/25/06
3. Removal of Old Playground Equipment - DPW will have done by end of December 2006.
4. Purchase of New Playground Equipment - Awaiting 2nd quote, per request of Township Committee.
5. Ice Skating Rink - Pending weather conditions - December 2006
6. Upgrade horseshoe court lighting - DEAD
7. Basketball Courts lighting & secure electrical outlet installation - On Hold/Spring 2007
8. D2 Field Dugout Roof Repair - On Hold
9. Installation of Shade Covering/awning over Player Benches - DPW/Spring 2007
10. Level Fields between tennis courts & field house - DPW - Late winter/early spring 2007 (before start of game play)
11. Millpond Rd. Property - On Hold/Researching Active & Passive Recreation
12. Backboard Replacement/New Basketball Courts - See above (Meadow Breeze Park)
F. Loughlin suggested that the Recreation Commission consider for future projects the completion of items that were included in the original plans for the Kayharts Lane side of the park. Some of these items include making use of the septic system, lighting, and construction of additional restrooms/storage area. The later could possibly be housed in a Morton Building. The Commission should meet with P. deBoer and the Township Engineer early next year and discuss this with them. N. Godfrey will pull out the original park blue prints so the Commission, deBoer and Township Engineer can review.
FINANCIAL & BUDGET REVIEW
R. Berrie reported that we still have $2,471.71 left in the Recreation Budget. Most of this amount has been earmarked for the basketball backboards. F. Loughlin asked how we did with the Use Fees this year. R. Berrie reported that we took in about $9000. this year. F. Loughlin asked N. Godfrey to prepare a report on how much we have taken in use fees over the last five (5) years to show the increase in park usage. It also will predicate the things the Commission has to deal with and especially how much N. Godfrey has to do.
R. Berrie also stated that there is approximately $30,000 left in the park bond. The Commission will have to focus on what smaller projects can be done in 2007 using the remainder of park bond monies.
ACTIVE AREAS
Already discussed under Meadow Breeze Park.
PASSIVE AREAS
Lake Marguerite - N. Godfrey has made a request to have a Bear Proof Trash Container purchased for Lake Marguerite. Funding will come out of the Clean Communities Grant.
The Warren Hills High School Environmental Committee is installing new boardwalks leading to the foot bridges over the creeks. The supplies have been purchased by us (WTRC) and are being stored at the DPW annex on Millpond Rd.
NEW BUSINESS
F. Loughlin reported that he had an item for New Business that concerned N. Godfrey’s salary. At this time N. Godfrey was asked to step out of the meeting so this could be discussed by the Commission members.
N. Godfrey was asked to return to the meeting. F. Loughlin stated that for the record a salary increase for N. Godfrey had been discussed and Committeeman B. Mueller was asked to find out what the salary range for her position was according to the Township Salary Ordinance. He will bring this information back to the Commission at the December 5th meeting, at which time a decision on a salary increase will be made by the Commission.
Having no further business to discuss a motion was made by S. Fritts, seconded by M. Kries to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. All were in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Godfrey
WTRC Administrator
cc: P. deBoer - DPW Manager
R. Miller - Twp. Engineer
WTYA
Twp. Committee
