WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
 RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 6, 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.

The regular meeting of the Recreation Commission was called to order at 8:00 p.m.

ATTENDEES 

S. Fritts, F. Loughlin, R. Berrie, W. Godfrey, M. Kries, J. DeFranza, and WTRC Administrator was also present. Member D. Schott arrived at 8:55.

Guest: R. Flint and R. Lucy (DPW)

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by M. Kries, seconded by J. DeFranza to approve the Regular Meeting  minutes of August 9, 2005  as written.  All were in favor.

MEADOW BREEZE PARK

New Tennis Court Project - Sub-Committee has not been able to arrange a meeting with R. Miller, Township Engineer, to get costs from him to put together specs for this project. Once this meeting takes place a report will be presented to the Township Committee for their approval.

Purchase of Park Benches - D. Schott and R. Flint met and picked out spots in the park where the new benches should be placed.  A map was provided of the park with the locations marked on it.

Riparian Buffer Project - R. Flint reported to the Commission that it has become increasingly difficult keeping the new plantings watered.  The lack of rain is starting to take a toll on some of the new growth. There is only one section that can be watered by a hose provided by the DPW, all the other areas have to be watered by buckets of water carried from the creek. He, along with Grace Messinger from North Jersey RC&D are working on getting volunteers to help with this. They have heard from the Pohatcong Creek Association & Trout Unlimited along with most of the volunteer groups who helped with the initial planting & watering during the spring.  F. Loughlin said there is a group from Warren Hills Regional High School who is interested in performing Community Service and he will get in touch with them to see if they would be available to help out.

OLD BUSINESS

1 & 2   Horseshoe Court Lighting & Walking Path Extension- R. Miller has sent  the new Letter of Interpretation to the D.E.P.  We cannot continue with this project unless approval is granted by the State.

3.  Ice-skating Rink- W. Godfrey passed around a sample of the liner that would be used for the skating rink.  The cost for a 50' x 100' liner will be $190 and can be delivered immediately. After a brief discussion a motion was made by J. DeFranza, seconded by S. Fritts to purchase a 50' x 100' liner at a cost of $190.00.  All were in favor. 

There were questions on how and who will help maintain the rink during the winter months and what the rules for people using the rink should be.  Building and maintenance issues will be discussed with P. deBoer (DPW) and there will have to be a “No Skating” sign put up when the DPW deems that conditions are not suitably for use. We will also get the information posted on the Township’s web-site regarding the new ice-skating rink and information will be sent to the local schools so residents’ and school children will be aware of this new facility at the park.

4.  D4 Dugout Roof Repair- S. Backer was not present at the meeting to report on this project.  If it cannot be done soon then the Commission discussed the possibility of subcontracting the job out next year.

5.  Port Colden Field Restoration - The field should be ready by Spring 2006 for use. 

6.  Field House Cleanup - No change.  J. DeFranza will check the status of this job with S. Backer.

7.  Old Playground Renovations - P. deBoer will be asked to make a decision as to what pieces should be taken down and what pieces, if any, can be repaired well enough to use until new playground equipment can be purchased some time next year.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

R. Berrie reported that to date $5420.54 has been encumbered (included in this is the Recreation Administrator salary) which leaves a balance of $4898.73.  There is a total of $134,460.00 left in the Park Bond and we have collected $5942.50 in use fees this year.  Use fee expenditures amount to $3736.82 to date. 

N. Godfrey had received a request from the Stepping Stones Childcare Center for a refund of the monies paid to the Commission for rental of the Pavilion.  Stepping Stones  requested the use of the Pavilion for a summer day camp for 45 days from late June 20 - September 2.  The owner had given us a partial payment of $812.50 in late May, however, the week before the camp was to start she called and asked if she could change the start date until  mid July.  It was agreed to and the payment of $812.50 was applied for the rental of the Pavilion for half of July & August.   In August another phone call was received stating that she had not received the turn out she had expected for the day camp, therefore, she was not going to be using the Pavilion at all.  During this time N. Godfrey had received numerous requests for use of the pavilion including one from another organization interested in using the Pavilion for a summer day camp.  She estimated that the Recreation Commission lost somewhere in the range of $500 - $600 in use fees by not being able to rent out the Pavilion while it was reserved by Stepping Stones Childcare Center.   

After a lengthy discussion, the Commission decided that since the loss of revenue to the Commission was approximately $600.00 that we would refund them $213.00.  A motion was made by S. Fritts, seconded by F. Loughlin to refund Stepping Stones Childcare Center $213.00 to be taken from the use fees. All were in favor.

ACTIVE AREAS

1.  Proposal for New Player Benches - R. Berrie proposed that we purchase two (2) new 21' permanent player benches for S2 soccer field.  He has researched this and has suggested that we purchase these player benches from Palos Sports at the cost of $534.00 each & shipping which should run about $200.   A motion was made R. Berrie, seconded by D. Schott to purchase two (2) 21' permanent player benches in the amount of $534/ea. & shipping.  All were in favor.

In other business, J. DeFranza wondered whether or not the DPW could clean the restrooms at the snack bar during the football season.  Panther Football League will supply all of the cleaning material.  P. deBoer will be consulted regarding this issue.

PASSIVE AREAS

Roaring Rock Park - R. Flint reported that the last time he was at the park there was a lot of litter in the parking area.  A picnic table had been dismantled and he picked up at least 100 beer cans.  This area needs to be patrolled better by the police.  Chief McDonald will be advised of the most recent vandalism.

NEW BUSINESS

1.  Status of D.E.P. Violations at Meadow Breeze Park - R. Miller, Twp. Engineer, sent Letter of Intention to D.E.P.

2.  Panthers Football - New Broadcast Stand- on hold until next year.

3.  Refund Stepping Stones Day Care Pavilion Rental Money- Discussed under Financial & Budget Review.

4.  Request from William Yahara for Permission to Hunt on Township Property - Currently hunting is allowed at the Roaring Rock Park recreational area, however, the Commission had concerns on the liability to the Township and the safety of the public using the hiking trails. The Commission decided that it might be in the best interest of the Township to ask the Township Committee to revisit the hunting issue and make a decision at the next Township Committee meeting as to whether or not hunting should be allowed on Township property. A motion was made by F. Loughlin, seconded by D. Schott to ask the Township Committee if the Township should continue to allow hunting on Township property.  All were in favor.  N. Godfrey will have this item placed on the Township Committee’s September 20 meeting agenda.

Having no further business to discuss a motion was made by F. Loughlin, seconded by R. Berrie to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m.  All were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Godfrey
WTRC Administrator

P. deBoer - DPW
B. Miller - Twp Engineer
WTYA
Mayor & Twp. Committee