Present: Dede Conlan, Steve Shaw, Duke Smith, James Smith, Bob Wilson, Denise Brennan, Niecy Chambers, Celia Flynn, Mike Prevoznik, Ed Kubliski
Minutes: Minutes of Sept. 8, 2003 meeting were approved.
Recreation DirectorÕs Report: The Recreation Roundtable will take place downstairs in the Mountain Lakes Library November 12, 2003 from 7:30 Ð 9:00 pm. Denise distributed a list of organizations to be invited (attached); in her letter she will ask representatives to be prepared to discuss their programÕs philosophy, number of participants and projections for the future.
Over 40 Soccer, Adult Basketball and Skiing were added to the Roundtable list; Bob asked whether Laker Sports should be invited. Several members expressed an interest in attending, and in ensuring that the public be informed/invited. It was decided to announce the Roundtable in the November H&S Bulletin, and try to post on corner bulletin board. Denise noted that, while everyone is welcome, in the interests of time, only invited guests will be able to speak during the formal meeting.
Bob asked what RecÕs role is in directing the philosophy, goals and perspective of our sporting programs. Duke and Bob expressed concern that Mountain Lakes residents believe that the Rec Commission endorses all of these programs when in reality we have little input in some. Of the 15 youth programs in DeniseÕs Roundtable list, 6 are not reliant on the borough for insurance or facilities. Niecy responded that while Rec doesnÕt control these activities, Denise instituted the Roundtable to allow for the exchange of information and ideas. Steve and Mike commented that, in their experience, most programs espouse the same kinds of principles we are considering for our philosophy statement. James noted that the MLHS athletic department has a general philosophy but that coaches apply it differently. He has found that most problems arise from a lack of communication, and can be prevented by notifying parents what to do in advance.
Rec can also influence coaching practices through the training programs Denise offers. She will be attending a coach certification workshop October 16th, and will offer clinics after the Roundtable in November. Clinic attendance is required for new coaches in Rec-sponsored programs but is open to anyone; focus is on positive coaching techniques.
Book Club: Jane Mancuso will direct Junior Book Club for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, Saturdays at the Wildwood Library. An announcement will be placed in the Bulletin.
Hub Lakes: Question was addressed to Dede from prior Rec meeting regarding the beach swim area being closed during Hub Lakes Championships. Dede answered that, in the past, parents tended to drop their younger kids at the beach and go watch their older kids compete; beach got very crowded, dangerous situation for lifeguards. They used to open the beach for swimming during the midday break, but the meet format changed this year, and there was no break. She noted that a few individuals were unhappy, but no one from Mountain Lakes complained. We agreed to bring the topic up again next time Mountain Lakes hosts championships, to try to brainstorm a safe solution.
Recreation Commission Meeting Ð October 6, 2003
Martial Arts: The Commission approved a new Rec-sponsored program run by Mike Carmiche. Will advertise in November Bulletin, start in January. Denise will ask Dana to set up escrow account, Niecy will write letter to request JIFF coverage.
MBA: Mike will give Denise information to include in November Bulletin. Mike will run the boys program, Kathy Smith will continue to oversee the girls. Kathy requested basketballs, pinnies, and scoreboard; needs to tell Denise how many to order. A heated storage place (not a car or garage) is needed for the basketballs.
MenÕs (a.k.a. DadÕs) Basketball: Will start October 15.
Skiing: Denise will ask Christie Whitehouse if she is willing to oversee this program again.
Special Events
Holiday Tree Lighting: no report.
February Fun: Niecy asked for ideas of activities for Rec to offer during the schoolsÕ winter break. Bowling, bingo have been successful in the past.
Steve mentioned that the Borough Appearance Committee has as one of its goals revitalizing the Esplanade area. They have been brainstorming events which could be held there; some ideas included a Mountain Lakes Day picnic, the Easter egg hunt and the holiday tree lighting (although Steve observed that there isnÕt a tree). Niecy noted that we plan to include the Esplanade in the Recreation Showcase next spring.
Old/New Business
The question was raised of overall maintenance of borough facilities and the prioritizing of that maintenance as it is overseen by the DPW. Steve reported the Borough Council is looking at this. In general, Borough Council addresses concerns to Gary who requests Mark Prusina to implement DPW. For Rec, Denise submits requests to Mark, and copies Gary. Denise stated that things get done when requests are made in writing. Steve noted that, just like at home, deadlines sometimes determine priorities; when a public event is scheduled, a list of requests is made to spruce up the area and the work gets done. Out of sight, out of mind mentality sometimes rules the day, with too many spaces to look after.
Steve further recommended that Rec submit a year-end report to Council, addressing progress during the year and any ongoing issues, as a means of communicating concerns regarding facilities maintenance or other problems.
Ice skating safety signs: Steve reported that Council has decided not to post any additional warning signs. Borough Appearance is looking at the existing beach signs.
Facilities tour was held on Sunday, October 5. For the most part, the parks were in good shape; Niecy will prepare report. Some findings: (1) there appears to be space for horseshoe pits by the volleyball court at Birchwood; (2) boat racks are overflowing; (3) basketball court needs maintenance; (4) canal needs dredging; (5) holiday tree at Kaufman Park needs attention. Bob offered to donate his horseshoe pit and equipment. (Thank you, Bob!). Duke asked how many
Recreation Commission Meeting Ð October 6, 2003
boat racks were rented this year; Niecy will research. Steve explained that Lakes Management is in charge of dredging the canal; work was scheduled but had to be postponed due to dam project. He suggested that we contact Gary directly regarding the tree-lighting tree. Denise will include basketball and tennis court improvements in capital budget requests. Dede asked that we also request a railing for the stairs by the short dock at Birchwood.
Bob asked about the process for prioritizing and budgeting for Rec facilities requests. Denise works with Gary in preparing the budget, incorporating results of our facilities tour and other requests; ultimately Council decides.
Regarding the docks at Birchwood, Steve was told by Bill Ryden that the material used was intended for application on docks, had been used elsewhere on public boardwalks. There is no possibility of culpability by the maker. Borough will resolve situation by running a PVC pipe with holes down one side of the dock and pumping water up to spray over dock.
Gary stopped by to provide an update on the new fields. He had hoped each team could play one game on the fields this fall, for the seniors, but he remains hesitant. Without use, the fields remain responsibility of the contractors and they continue to maintain/improve them. There is a one-year maintenance bond on the field and June 25th of last spring was the original date. Due to the excessive rains, this last spring/summer this date has been extended twice.
Niecy distributed copies of borough ordinances pertaining to recreation. None appear to prohibit swimming at Midvale dock, although Steve and Duke both thought that the sign there did. Steve will bring this question to Council.
Rec goals and objectives for 2004 need to be submitted November 4; members should bring suggestions to our November 3rd meeting. Mike Prevoznik and Steve CorleyÕs terms are up at the end of the year. Mike stated that he would like to continue on the Commission and Steve will be asked at next meeting.
Niecy mentioned that Nick Tensen had started a program of having Rec Commission members serve as liaisons to other groups and committees to try to identify ways to work together, serve the community better. She also distributed a list of Rec tasks and asked members to sign up for those that interested them. (Revised list is attached.) Bob offered to lead the philosophy statement subgroup, and to start exchanging ideas for us to discuss next time. If we are able to formulate and agree on a statement, could be introduced at the Roundtable.
Duke noted that changes have taken place in the role and responsibilities of the Recreation Commission. It is important that all members understand the scope of our duties and how Rec relates to other organizations. Niecy observed that the Commission today mainly seems to responds to the communityÕs wishes. Bob stated that he saw the charter as broad and susceptible to interpretation. Members decided that this should be more fully addressed in our next meeting.
NEXT MEETING: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2003 @ 7:30 p.m. BOROUGH HALL