RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

MINUTES

December 4, 2006

The Recreation Advisory Committee held it’s regularly scheduled meeting in the Pittsgrove Municipal Building on December 4, 2006.

Members present were Bruce Ricards, Fiore Copare, Kate Harrison, Ralph Padilla, Audrey Mavroff and Walt Wenner. Alternate members present were Sam Amico, Grace Reaves-Garrett and Edson Creamer. Sub committee members in attendance were Jeff Ridgway and Linda DuBois.

CALL MEETING TO ORDER

Bruce Ricards called the meeting to order at 8:03pm.with salute to the flag and the reading of the Sunshine Law.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 13, 2006 MEETING

On a motion made by Kate Harrison and seconded by Audrey Mavroff, the aforementioned minutes were approved as submitted.

VOTE: ALL IN FAVOR

NEW BUSINESS:

LONG TERM PLANS FOR PARKS

Bruce Ricards reported that the sub committee formed had a meeting last week and provided a list of items they would like to see at the various facilities in the township. A capital budget request of $95,000.00 was proposed to help achieve these long term goals. Jeff Ridgway informed the committee grant monies will also be pursued for projects as priorities are determined. The members inquired if a resolution or vision statement was ever developed when Green Branch Park and Deer Pen Park were first developed. Linda DuBois remembered a book that was printed outlining rules for the parks and thinks it might be in that booklet. The secretary has contacted the Township Clerk regarding such a statement or resolution. She will follow up with members once she speaks to the Clerk and looks for the booklet. Another meeting will be scheduled to proceed with this project.

On a motion by Walt Wenner and seconded by Ralph Padilla, request for $95,000.00 in the capital budget was approved.

VOTE: ALL IN FAVOR.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Bruce Ricards reported that the sub committee formed at the last meeting held a meeting with Debby Turner-Fox and Harry Snyder. The meeting was very productive and Debby is now working on a draft of this document. The members will wait to hear from her to decide when to meet again.

OLD BUSINESS:

BUDGET

The secretary reported the budget request had been forwarded to the CFO.

REORGANIZATION
The list of members who have appointments that expire December 30, 2006 has been forwarded to the Township Committee for their reorganization meeting in January.

BRIAR HILL

The secretary reported the recommendation to require cash donation rather than develop a new recreational facility within the new development has been sent to Township Committee for approval.

NEW HOME SURCHARGE

Jeff Ridgway reported that there is nothing new at this time.

UNITY PARK

Kate Harrison informed the committee that the equipment for the park has been ordered and the final color choice is being made. The tentative equipment installation date is April, 2007.

ENFORCEMENT AT THE PARK

Bruce Ricards asked Jeff Ridgway if the solicitor has gotten back with anything on this subject and Jeff said he is still working on it. Bruce Ricards asked the secretary to be sure this is on the January agenda so the committee can revisit this issue.

CHARGES FOR FACILITIES

Bruce Ricards reported that he met with Henry Bermann to discuss policy for charges incurred by the sports groups that use the school facilities. Ralph Padilla inquired again as to why the charges when custodial staff is already scheduled to be on duty. Bruce Ricards has requested wrestling and basketball to come up with a number in relation to how many hours they are actually using the facilities so it can be determined the amount per use they are being charged. Fiore Copare said it is his understanding that this is more of a use fee. Linda DuBois mentioned that a deposit to protect against any possible damage is understandable. Bruce would just like to see some clarification on what the actual policy is. The members would also like to make sure that the charges are necessary since the money the recreation committee is providing to offset the costs could be used for other things the recreation committee is involved with. The committee will revisit this issue next month.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business on a motion by Kate Harrison and seconded by Walt Wenner, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50pm.

VOTE: ALL IN FAVOR

Respectfully submitted,

Donna Metzger, Secretary