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WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 9, 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
R. Berrie, M. Kries, L. Wasser, D. Dempski, S. Sarullo, R. Flint
Guest: B. Miller (Twp. Engineer)and B. Sumner (volunteer)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Regular Meeting minutes of August 11, 2004 were approved as written. All were in favor.
MEADOW BREEZE PARK
A resident suggested that we provide a “dog park.” This would probably not be appropriate for our park. The S3 soccer field shows the results of heavy games and practice usage. Other practice fields are needed for next year and we may need to limit use. Field signs have now been placed at all soccer fields, S1-S9.
OLD BUSINESS
On the restrooms project the second bidding provided only one bid in the amount of $92,600. that was rejected by the Township Committee. A third bid request will be initiated but for the composting unit only. The Department of Public Works will handle excavation etc. Total cost for this project should be around $70,000.00
Mel Kries reported that a quote of $1500 had been received from Fisher Electric for a flag pole light. Due to the high cost, another quote will be obtained.
Projects reviewed with Bob Miller, Township Engineer, were as follows:
1. Walking path extension (Area C) - We will meet with Bob on Friday, September 10th at 3:30 p.m. to determine the best route.
2. Additional Parking Near Field House - Bob estimates that sixteen spaces could be added. The DPW should be able to handle this. Two or three large trees would need to be removed. This will also be reviewed at our September 10th meeting.
3. Old Basketball Court - A new court located nearer to the tennis courts is preferred vs. repair of old court. Size would be increased to better accommodate ice skating. DPW could handle the work.
4. Old Playground Replacement - D. Dempski has submitted a grant request of $20,000.00. If this grant is not approved, we will consider taking the funds from the park bond or open space funds.
5. Golf Course Property - The county has requested more information for the permit application.
6. Deed Restrictions Meadow Breeze Park - D. Dempski will investigate.
7. Pacesetter Field - Township sign has been put in place. It is estimated that 70 pine trees will be needed for 500 ft. of screening. Costs to be developed A.S.A.P. for possible planting this fall. Corner monuments will be provided by Bob Miller, and “No Trespassing” signs will be put up by the DPW.
8. Port Colden Field Renovation - Topsoil is available. We will meet with Dr. Razze about our recommendations. Soil testing is required for permits, with at least two months time needed for this.
Review of other 2004 projects: (copy attached)
1. D2 Field Dugout Roof Replacement - No action
2. Five-year Plan - This will be extended to ten years. We will report on this at the WTRC November meeting.
3. Playground Maintenance Plan - Proposal provided but not yet implemented. DPW should have primary responsibility with checks by WTRC.
4. Park Benches - Catalog information provided to D. Schott. No other action has been taken.
5. Bridge at Pohatcong Creek - Most of the work has been completed. It should be finished in October.
6. Park Amphitheater - Not recommended by WTRC, currently the pavilion is suitable.
7. Field House Improvements - Large steel plates need to be removed. The DPW will be contacted. Timing for improvements to be determined.
8. Soccer Shed - Quotes to be obtained A.S.A.P. and the location will be next to the DPW shed near D6 field. Approval to be requested from the Township Committee.
FINANCIAL & BUDGET REVIEW
A report was provided by R. Berrie. We expect to spend all of the budgeted funds although a few items are currently uncertain. Unencumbered balance is $5933. Our use fees received to date are $6739. with $195 due.
ACTIVE AREAS UPDATE
The WTYA has scheduled director’s appreciation meeting as well as soccer and field hockey parties. Soccer starts next weekend, with special clinics on September 11th . The first football game will be September 12th with the new scoreboard in place.
PASSIVE AREA UPDATE
The gate was broken at Lake Marguerite and was repaired by the DPW.
NEW BUSINESS
The DPW has completed work on the Brass Castle school fields and the results are excellent. There are ongoing maintenance costs for the baseball and hockey fields.
A proposal for a park “sponsorship” policy will be developed by S. Sarullo and M. Kries.
Beth Sumner is looking for volunteer work. Our greatest need is for secretarial assistance but this would be difficult to assign to a volunteer who does not have daytime availability. We will ask her to monitor the hiking trails, playgrounds, etc.
Having no further business to discuss, a motion was made by M. Kries, seconded by R. Berrie to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 p.m. All were in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard Flint
Secretary
cc: P. deBoer
WTYA
