PRESENTATION OF NEW RECREATION PROGRAM:  Duke Smith/Beth and Peter Haessig. This new program is called "Just Play" and is geared to kids from 3rd grade and up. In response to the many articles written regarding the over organization of our children's daily routines, this program would offer a free/open outside play opportunity for children with adult supervision but without adult leadership or organization. The idea is to offer a safe place for children to play so that they can gather and organize themselves and have fun. Denise is looking into different locations to host program. Members discussed Briarcliff or Lake Drive as possibilities thinking that ideally the location would be best suited if it was within walking distance from the schools.

DIRECTOR'S REPORT:  Summer Recreation Update - Denise reported that she met with about four parents to discuss their concerns with the summer recreation program. The meeting went well and with that input work is being directed to address many of the suggestions for revamping the program as discussed at the Sept. 28th

BEACH REPORT:  The Summer Beach Report is attached.

SPECIAL EVENTS:  Tree Lighting - this event will take place Sunday, December 5th at Kaufman Park. The High School Madrigals will sing. Joel Mullany is supplying candy canes, Starbucks will supply coffee with Dunkin' Donuts supplying hot chocolate. Patty MacElduff is organizing high school students to help and to supply baked goods. The lights on the tree will be restrung before the event.

GOALS:  Members discussed the Commission's goals from last year in consideration of this year's goals. A new list will be forthcoming.

BUDGET:  A detailed discussion of the budget took place and a final budget report will be distributed later. Also, Denise and Mike reviewed certain Recreation bills totaling $4,012.47 that remain outstanding. Gary Webb is recommending that funds from the Recreation Trust accounts be used to pay these bills. The Commission discussed the request and supported Mr. Webb's recommended action.

OTHER BUSINESS: 

Programs:  Tri-Town Recreation Basketball League Sign-ups have been held and the response has been excellent. There will be another sign-up opportunity as well. The money from the fees collected will be used to run this program with any leftover being equally redistributed back to each town. Plans are in process to hire older High School student to help both to referee games and to help coach. Denise is looking into how to pay students (stipend or town employee). Denise will be hosting a separate Rutgers safety clinic for parents seeking to coach in the rec basketball program.

2005 Memberships:  The 2004 memberships to the Recreation Committee that are up at the end of this year are: Duke Smith, Bob Wilson, and Jud Breslin.

Hub Lakes:  Steve Corley stated that he has now officially retired as the Hub Lakes President. We thank him for his many years of valuable service. Christie Whitehouse is the Hub Lakes representative for Mountain Lakes.

Director's Salary:  After Denise was excused a discussion ensued about the salary of our Recreation Director, her job responsibilities and a comparison of the job and salary to that of our neighboring towns and towns of similar size and scope. The Commission acknowledged that the scope of the job had broadened since the time Denise was hired in June 2000. The Commission discussed the additional duties assumed by Denise since her hire, as well as further possible additional duties that may be needed going further, particularly with respect to the discussion to date on expanding and upgrading the Summer Rec program. Mike reviewed the results of his research into what certain other towns in NJ are paying their recreation director (both on a full-time and part-time basis). The Commission agreed that a salary increase was appropriate, but recognized that the Council may be constrained in what it may be able to approve in one year. Hence, the Commission recommended a multi-step approach to raising the salary over a period of 2-3 years. The Commission also suggested funding part of the salary increase with any additional revenue that may be associated with offering an expanded Summer Rec program. Lastly, the Commission also supported Denise being reimbursed for mileage and cell phone usage directly attributable to the Summer Rec program.

NEXT MEETING: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2004 7:30 P.M. DPW BUILDING