Recreation Committee Meeting – April 29, 2008

 

 

Present:     Denise Brennan, Dede Conlan, Ellen Emr, Celia Flynn, Rich Mancuso, Mike

                  Prevoznik, Scott Richards and Pete Sentowski

 

Absent:       Debbie Bednar, Peter Holmberg and James Smith

 

 

1.      Minutes:

The March 18, 2008 minutes were approved.

 

  1. Budget Update:

Ellen reported that the Council approved the 2008 budget.  The Rec budget was approved as submitted.

 

  1. Amplified Music at Rec Facilities:

Denise provided background to the issue.  Four years ago, we had two back to back incidents at Mountain Lakes with private parties featuring amplified music at a private party on the beach (one was a band and one was a DJ) and in both cases the groups ignored the requests to turn down the music and the noise ordinance in general.

 

As a result, the Borough Manager requested that Recreation set a policy limiting amplified music (no bands or DJ but boom box ok) for private events only.  Public events (e.g., Rec or town sponsored) may use amplified music.

 

This has been Rec’s policy which Denise has followed since then.  However two weeks ago, three residents wanted to host a party for their daughters at Island Beach.  They requested the beach for 100 8th graders and were planning on hiring a DJ.  Denise denied the request for the DJ based on Rec’s policy.  One of the residents went to the last Council meeting with her daughter to request the policy be put aside.

 

Council supported use of Rec facilities for parties but left it to Rec to develop a policy.  Issues to consider are use of Rec facilities (bathrooms), timing (start and finish), amplification and need for lifeguard.  No private party can exclude other residents from the beaches.  The permit allows people to use bathroom facilities (although a cleaning deposit is required).  If lifeguards are required for a special event, the people booking the event must pay for our lifeguards.  However, they must go through Dede who makes the arrangements and hires the appropriate number of guards.  The ordinance cut-off for music and loud noise is 10:00 pm.

 

 

 

The Commission discussed the merits of continuing or revising its policy.  It was agreed that Rec’s policy should continue as is without modification.

 

  1. Update on Summer Rec:

Denise gave an update on the 2008 Summer Recreation program.  Brad Davidson will again be the Supervisor of Rec.  To date 57 applications for counselors have been received.  Rec expects to hire 30 full time counselors and 5 subs.  Denise is interviewing.  Mike Carmeche will interview for counselor positions for his separate program in the afternoon. 

 

Denise has booked programs for Summer Rec.  Two joint programs with the library will be held.  Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts, no joint programs will be held with Boonton or Boonton Township. 

 

Dede is looking to hire 14 lifeguards.  To date only 8 lifeguards have signed up.  Four people have signed up that still need to be trained.  One must be 16 to be a lifeguard in open water.  Dede may use non-lifeguards as checkers.  207 children signed up for swim team.  Matt Elko will run swim team.

 

  1. Upcoming Events:

July 4th Fireworks – Garden State Fireworks is handling the fireworks this year.  They do the Caldwell fireworks.  The cost will be $10,000, $7,000 of which needs to be raised.  Celia will be away on July 4th and volunteers will be needed to run the races at the Mountain Lakes Club. 

Touch A Truck is being held at RFL Sunday, May 4th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. 

 

  1. Beach and Park Ordinance:

Denise reported that the ordinance regarding beach usage was approved.  Signage

consistent with the new ordinance needs to be finalized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next Meeting:  May 27, 2008

7:30 p.m. DPW Building

55 Pocono Road