Recreation Committee Meeting – July 18, 2006

 

Present:            Scott Richards, Denise Brennan, Dede Conlan, Louise Davis, James Smith, Michael Prevoznik, Mike Davies, Celia Flynn and special visitor Jim Bailey

 

Absent:             Peter Holmberg, Debbie Bednar, Ed Kubliski and student representative: Catherine Bakewell

 

Minutes:           The minutes of the June 19th meeting were approved.

 

NON-RESIDENT USE OF OUR FACILITIES:

Jim Bailey attended the Recreation Commission Meeting to help members discuss this issue. It has been brought to the attention of the Council and now the Rec Commission that many reports have been made of non-resident use of our facilities, particularly our beaches (Island Beach and Birchwood). Non-residents pull up just as the lifeguards are leaving the beach at 6:00 p.m. Currently parks close at 11:00 p.m. with swimming closing at 9:00 p.m. Because our signage and rules are vague at this time, police do not believe they have authority in asking non-residents to leave unless some other behavior, such as alcohol use or vandalism is evident. Our borough lawyer has explained that we can restrict the use of our facilities if they are specific to the town and residents taxes for upkeep. At this time families pay $75.00 to use our beaches, individuals pay $25.00 and it costs a resident $5.00 to bring a guest to the beach when there is a lifeguard present.

 

The Committee discussed this issue at length. Denise mentioned that the police had issued almost 15 tickets in the last couple of weeks to non-resident use of the beaches. Members decided that new signage was required.

 

Denise pointed out there are several questions to consider: (1) when do we close the beach; (2) when do we close the park; and (3) should the beach/park be open to non-residents (non-guests) and, if so, at what time and what fee.

 

It was pointed out that non-resident use has been climbing. Last year 123 non-resident passes were issued with 64 at Island. However, since many non-residents do not purchase passes at all, there is no reliable way to keep a record except for physically visiting the beaches and counting heads after hours. This is a problem after the lifeguards leave the beach. It was discussed to possibly only allow non-residents on the beaches from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. when lifeguards were present. Signage was discussed saying:

 

            Beach and Park close at 9:00 PM for Mountain Lakes Residents and their guests.

            Beach open to non-residents from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

            Fee required for beach use.

 

Members agreed to look into this issue more fully for discussion at the next meeting.  Louise agreed to present the Commission’s views at the next Council meeting.

Recreation Committee Meeting – July 18, 2006                                                      Page 2

 


DIRECTOR’S REPORT:

Summer Recreation: At this time 250 children are participating with 40 counselors.

An injury report was made with a child hurt accidentally falling off the swing set.  One parent withdrew her child from the program. Denise asked the Committee how to handle withdrawals in relation to refunding money. Members agreed that after three weeks there would not be any refund and prior to that perhaps give discounted refunds, explaining that staffing requirements and fees for events have been made based on the number of children registering.  This year’s program has greatly enhanced overall communications.  For example, Monday and Friday notes are sent home to help communication between staff and parents.

 

Movie Night: Help is needed for this event. The Beach Blends will be selling ice cream.

 

Fireworks: Donations are low. We budgeted $3,000.00 and the cost was $7,000.00.

 

Fun Races: This year’s Fun Races were a success, with great thanks to the Flynn, Brennan, and Prevoznik families for helping out and coordinating.  However, all agreed that next year we should create a committee to revamp this event.

 

Fall Programs: Jerry Urhig who is on the Environmental Commission will facilitate a fall and spring nature walk.

 

Yoga on the Beach: This has been well received and will continue through August.

 

Beaches: Dede reported that 40 to 45 children are participating in swim lessons.

Hub Lakes was hosted by Lake Hiawatha.

 

There is concern about the safety of the retaining wall.  Something needs to be done.

Aerators were added at the beaches.

 

NEXT MEETING: SEPTEMBER 19th, 2006       7:30 PM      DPW BUILDING