Mountain Lakes Recreation Commission

Minutes from April 7, 2003

Present: Niecy Chambers, Denise Brennan, Debbie Bednar, Mike Prevoznik, Joan Rosenberg, Steve Shaw, James Smith, Judy Halter

Guest: Bill Gatlin

1. Minutes: Approved

2. Guest presentation: Bill Gatlin, Mountain Lakes resident and boys’ JV tennis coach submitted a proposal to create a summer tennis program as a feeder system for the high school and to enhance the use of the existing facilities, which are currently underutilized. His proposal includes all age groups, with an emphasis on competition (i.e., tournaments and ladders). He also suggests the creation of teams to compete against other towns. His program would complement current summer program which emphasizes private and group lessons and is run by Rod McGreal and Joe Hollis. Bill holds USTA insurance to cover the program; he proposes to handle program finances, act as an independent contractor. Fees for clinics and tournaments would be consistent with USTA (approximately $30-35 for a borough tournament) and the current tennis program rates. Bill suggests that tennis tag revenue will increase with this additional utilization of the courts. He will coordinate scheduling of court time with Rod and Joe and the summer women’s league program (run on Monday and Tuesday mornings). Commission members agreed in principle with pursuing this new program; Niecy will contact Joe to make sure that he and Rod have no objections. If okay, Denise will put a teaser in the May H&S bulletin and sign-up registration forms in the June bulletin to gauge level of interest and hopefully get the program up and running this season (June-August).

Bill also proposed facility improvements for the tennis courts and parking area (e.g., installation of backboard and addition of parking spaces). Commission members agreed we should focus on building the tennis program and community participation before contemplating improvements. Steve cautioned that the community is wary of any additional construction in Halsey Frederick Park.

3. Programs

Summer Recreation--Several candidates were interviewed. Sean Dolan was selected to run the program and Doug Mattoon will be an instructor. 30 applications received for rec counselors.

This year’s program will run 5 weeks and will probably be held at Wildwood School.

---week of 4/28 - student interviews for rec positions

---6/16 & 6/18 - first aid training

Evening Rec/Open Gym -- Some of the questions discussed were:

---age of participants (younger children should be accompanied by adult)

---whether to charge fee for participation (probably not)

---whether to rotate activities (i.e., separate basketball and volleyball nights)

---hours of operation (probably 6-9 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., same weeks as summer rec)

---how to advertise (probably flyer)

Swim Team--sign-ups 4/12, will ask families to become boosters ($15) for Hub Lakes

---docks will be finished

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Hub Lakes---deadline for booster ads 4/30

---need to contact volleyball coordinator, find out what’s wrong with our court at Birchwood

4. Special Events

Trout Derby/Easter Egg Hunt --- Mayor Breslin will attend both events. Deb is stuffing eggs at her house on Thursday, 4/10 at noon. Needs help with set up at Midvale 12:00 on 4/12.

Jazz Concert --- 4/15 at high school, 6:30 reception, 7:30 concert

Co-sponsored by Rec, FOTA and H&S. Professional swing band with high school and Briarcliff jazz bands participating, workshop during the school day.

Woods and Lakes Run --- 4/26, 10 a.m.

Memorial Day Parade --- 5/26-Parade committee proposed having all Rec-sponsored activities (e.g. track and swim teams) walk behind Recreation Commission banner

Mountain Lakes Day --- immediately following parade (12:30 p.m.). Rec will sponsor 3-on-3 contest at the basketball courts. Start around 2 p.m. with a nominal fee ($5/team) charged to benefit court improvement. Mike and James will work up format/schedule.

Outdoor Concert at Island Beach --- Judy has been trying to contact Chris Bernotas to confirm HS jazz band participation. Tentative time and date: 5/18, 4-6 p.m., no fee charged

4th of July --- Joan volunteered to help Niecy with fun races. Debbie suggested having a boat decorating contest with patriotic theme and prizes; will discuss timing at May meeting. Denise asked how to get music on lake during fireworks; Debbie thought local radio stations might provide. Future agenda item.

5. Other Business

Non-Resident Use of Parks --- Niecy and Denise will give presentation to Borough Council on 4/28 regarding fees for non-resident use of facilities. Council has amended existing ordinance, striking “for residents only” and inserting “fees as set by Recreation Commission.” The signage at beaches will be changed accordingly.

It was suggested that fees for non-residents be double the resident rate (i.e., $8 for beach). Daily( not season) passes would be offered. A key issue this summer will be to determine what our capacity numbers are. It was suggested that tag checkers keep a count of visitors.

Recommendation made to raise hourly rate for tennis courts from $2 to $2.50/person. Also suggested that we raise the boat rack fee which people felt had not been done in some time.

Council is considering whether the town should continue to subsidize rec programs/facilities. Borough currently funds about half the cost of running the summer rec program---$20,000. Denise commented that summer rec employs our students, is part of the quality of life in ML.

Mountain Lakes Recreation Commission - 4/7/03 Page Three

Presentation to Seniors --- on recreational opportunities in town, Tech Rec and Edlink, 4/25,

1-3 p.m. at St. Catherine’s.

Facilities Policy --- Niecy will distribute copies of BOE policy and rental fee schedule.

6. Adjournment

Next meeting --- Monday, May 5, 7:30 p.m.