Recreation Committee Meeting – February 26, 2008

 

 

Present: Debbie Bednar, Denise Brennan, Dede Conlan, Ellen Emr, Celia Flynn, Peter

     Holmberg, Rich Mancuso, Mike Prevoznik, Scott Richards and James Smith. 

 

Absent:  Mike Davies, Ed Kubliski and Pete Sentowski

 

1.      Minutes:

The January 15, 2008 minutes were approved.

 

  1. Director’s Report:

Denise presented proposed Budget to Council on 2/25/08.  She recommended DPW hire another FTE, as well as a Beach intern, and explained the deficit from the Summer Rec program.  Ellen Emr reported that the Council thought the proposed budget is reasonable though they described the Council’s larger overall budget problems, including levee caps, pension issues, etc. 

 

  1. Parent Meeting:

A parent meeting for Summer Rec will be held Thursday, February 28 at Wildwood at 7:00 pm and Denise and Debbie will be attending.  Mike Carmeche will be describing his “All Sport Camp” to be held in the afternoons.  Counselors can apply for jobs in the a.m. and p.m.  We will be looking for feedback on why attendance dropped last summer and what can be done to increase attendance this summer.

 

  1. Special Events:

February Fun – Six people attended (with 3 volunteers).  The Commission discussed why attendance keeps dropping.

Chili Cook Off – Scheduled for March 8th.  Three people have entered to cook chili.

Easter Egg Hunt – March 15th.  Looking for volunteers.  Rain date is March 16th.

July 4th Fireworks – We will be using Garden State Fireworks, a new vendor, for the July 4th fireworks show.  They will cost $10,000, up from $7,000, and Rec will be trying to coordinate fundraising activities to make up the unbudgeted difference.  Steve Shaw of Council will assist.

Trout Derby – Will be April 5th or 12th.  Stocking will be day before.

 

 

  1. Beach and Park Ordinance/Signage:

Ellen Emr reported on discussions with Borough attorney.  He believes that the lakes are not part of public trust since they were created by man on behalf of the town.  We can limit waters to residents.  Passive recreation sites have to be kept open.  Solely funded sites allow us to restrict usage (“Green Acre” funding requires open access).  Can set aside special use facilities that we use for organized activities and fund to upkeep (lakes, boating, beach, access points to beaches, docks).  Can restrict picnic tables of Island and Birchwood Beaches adjunct part of beaches and can be restricted.  Can limit parking at Island to residents (but not Birchwood because parking spaces have to be kept open for those hiking on open access trails).  The main issue discussed is that in trying to limit usage to residents how to identify residents as opposed to non-residents.  The cost to maintain the lakes is approximately $250,000.  The Commission voted to recommend that no special facility tag be worn by residents during off-hours to prove residence.  They voted that residents should be required to provide identification of residency (including a driver’s license).  The phrase “proof of residency required” should be added to signs.

 

  1. Other Business:

Capital Budget – Peter provided an update on his, Rich’s and James’ preliminary assessment of Rec facilities.  The team is taking an inventory of each facility, responsible party, purpose, condition and recommended fixes.  The Commission applauded their work.

Master Plan – Cecelia will be presenting to the Master Plan Committee on the Rec Chapter on March 6, 2008 and asked to the Commission to send her any comments prior to the meeting.  The Commission discussed the need for fields (particularly soccer and baseball), lighting and bathroom facilities.  There is a concern that we are too reliant on RFL and Boonton Township for use of fields.

 

 

 

 

 

Next Meeting:  March 18, 2008

7:30 p.m. DPW Building

55 Pocono Road