Mountain Lakes Recreation Commission

Minutes for February 3, 2003

 

Present:           Niecy Chambers, Denise Brennan, Judy Halter, Val Krah, Ed Kubliski,

Chris Palazzi, Mike Prevoznik, James Smith

Guest:             Joe Hollis

 

1.         Minutes:    Approved

 

2.         Guest Presentation: Joe Hollis outlined schedule for summer tennis.  Fees were raised $1/class for the half-hour sessions and $2/class for the hour lessons, resulting in greater savings for those who register for the full 8-week session.  Lessons will run from July 1 through August 21; class times are unchanged.  We will put information on website and in Home & School Bulletin.

 

3.         Programs

 

Junior Book Club:  Only two registrations have been arrived so far; deadline is 2/5/05.  Unless more come in, we will cancel and try to offer again in the fall.

 

MBA: In its final week of the season.  James wants to set up a basketball roundtable to figure out how to make the program better.  Denise and Mike Prevoznik both asked to be included.  Denise asked whether Boonton Township kids would be allowed to participate.  James said that the program would be better with more kids, could have more teams.  Niecy asked him to write down his ideas for improving/changing MBA.  James noted that MBA has 5 hours of gym time allocated on Saturday mornings (a big plus); also that he has heard positive feedback about the high school kids coaching.

 

Baseball:  BMLRV extended its registration deadline to February 14.  There was a rumor about a fall baseball league.  Denise said that she hasnÕt received an application to use Scerbo field; Mike thought that the fall ball league was playing at Par Troy.  James expressed concern about seasonal youth sports being played year-round.

 

Track:  Signups will be March 1.

 

4.         Special Events

 

February Family Fun:  Plans as noted in January minutes (Creative Sounds at ML Library, Tuesday 2/18, and Bowling at Boonton Lanes, Friday 2/21).  Advertised in February Bulletin.

 

Easter Egg Hunt:  Easter is April 20.  Little League parade is scheduled for April 5, Trout Derby planned for 2nd Saturday (April 12).  Decided to have Egg Hunt at 2:00 p.m on April 12, with Sunday, April 13 as raindate.  Dina and Debbie will coordinate.  Denise will let Ron Gironda and the Trout Derby committee know the Egg Hunt dates.

 

 

MOUNTAIN LAKES RECREATION COMMISSION

Minutes from February 3, 2003                                                                     Page Two

 

 

Mountain Lakes Day: The 2nd annual Mountain Lakes Day will be held on Memorial Day, following the parade.   Kelly Thompson is chairing the event.  Chris offered to keep Rec informed and Denise will try to attend meetings.  She suggested having Rec run an activity at the basketball court; James said a 3 on 3 tournament would work well.  Denise will check with Kelly.

 

5.         DirectorÕs Report

 

Denise reported that, in the past, Recreation has co-sponsored a Wildwood Family/Staff Roller Skating Night along with Home & School and Municipal Alliance.  We have been asked to participate again this March.  The three organizations split the $500 rental fee.  Members agreed  to have Rec pay one-third of the rental ($167) again this year.

 

Barbara Shepard, Boonton Township Clerk, met with Denise to discuss future of Grayhawks football program.  Currently, 51% of the kids are from Boonton and 49% are Mountain Lakes/Boonton Township residents.  Up until this year, most practices and games were held in Boonton because it has lighted fields, and Mountain Lakes Rec contributed $100.  Grayhawks is looking for more assistance from ML and BT. BT plans to provide the program 2-3 practice fields starting in the fall.  Denise observed that ML does not have a field to give them; she isnÕt sure what they will want in exchange.

 

Barbara also asked Denise whether Boonton Township (and possibly Boonton) kids could sign up for Mountain Lakes Recreation activities.  Depends on the program; some (e.g. track and swim teams) belong to outside leagues that require residency, others like MBA may benefit.

 

Judy and Denise are working with Chris Bernotas to try to schedule an outdoor concert with the MLHS jazz band in early June or early September.

 

6.         Other Business

 

Budget:  Council is looking to cut the proposed operating budget.  Rec should think proactively, be able to defend its programs. 

 

Denise noted that fireworks donations were higher in 2002, which helped RecÕs budget.  Several residents have commented that they miss the flares around the lake.  They are too expensive for the borough to purchase, but possibly Rec could get a supply and offer homeowners the option of buying them.  Another idea to explore is music with the fireworks.

 

Public Parks:   Rec has been advised that the ML ordinance restricting access to parks and lakes to residents and guests is illegal.

 

 

 

MOUNTAIN LAKES RECREATION COMMISSION

Minutes from February 3, 2003                                                                     Page Three

 

Invitation:  Bob Bigelow, author of Just Let the Kids Play , will be speaking in Mountain Lakes on March 6 and 7.  The Mountain Lakes Educational Foundation is picking up most of the cost ($1,250) but Home & School and Recreation are also sponsors.  Rec contributed $100 and Home & School gave $500.  Alison Eichler, H&S President, is hosting a dinner for the author and local dignitaries (Doug Wilkins, MLEF President Kathy Wolters, Denise Brennan among others).  Rec members are encouraged to come to one of the sessions.  We will be sending a letter to program coordinators to solicit coach attendance; Home & School will get word out to parents.

 

Recreation philosophy:  We decided to wait to formulate a philosophy statement until after hearing the discussion with Bob Bigelow.

 

Seniors Presentation:  Possible topics for April meeting Š outdoor concert, bird rally, computer gaming.  Denise noted that the HS seniors are filming local veterans as part of a personal history project; another organization may also be conducting senior interviews. 

 

Summer Open Gym:  Historically, this program has been geared toward adults.  James suggested shifting the focus to 4th-8th graders, or maybe parents and kids. Could open the gym earlier, either 5-7 or 6-8 p.m.  Important to advertise, people arenÕt aware.  Will discuss further in March.

 

6.         Adjournment

 

Next Meeting:           Monday, March 3, 2003, 7:30 p.m.   

 

Topics:                       Field Hockey, Summer Recreation, Facilities Policy