MINUTES

November 13, 2006

The Recreation Advisory Committee held it’s regularly scheduled meeting in the Pittsgrove Municipal Building on November 13, 2006.

Members present were Bruce Ricards, Fiore Copare, Kate Harrison, Ralph Padilla and Walt Wenner. Alternate members present were Pat Odenath, Grace Reaves-Garrett, Sam Amico and Edson Creamer. Sub committee members in attendance were Jeff Ridgway and Linda DuBois. Debby Turner-Fox, Township Administrator, was in attendance for a portion of the meeting.

CALL MEETING TO ORDER

Bruce Ricards called the meeting to order at 8:00pm.with salute to the flag and the reading of the Sunshine Law.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 2, 2006 MEETING

Ralph Padilla would like it noted that he did call the municipal building last month to notify the secretary that he would not be able to attend. The secretary informed members with the new phone system sometimes messages don’t get to her. She will note the attendance record from October to show he did call and reminded the members that if they call her at extension 26 she will be sure to get the message.

On a motion made by Walt Wenner and seconded by Ralph Padilla, the aforementioned minutes were approved as submitted.

VOTE: ALL IN FAVOR

NEW BUSINESS:

CODE OF CONDUCT

Debby Turner-Fox, Township Administrator was in attendance for this portion of the meeting to discuss the code of conduct for Green Branch Park. A year ago Green Acres requested that the township develop a facility request/code of use for the park. Green Acres would like to see something a little more detailed as far as calendar of events. They would like to see the fields clearly labeled with numbers and scheduled events. Also, rules and policies posted at the park as well as on the township website. At least one field should always be left open for first come first serve to the public. Debby has requested information regarding operational procedures from other towns. Once this information is received it will be forwarded to the Recreation Committee. Walt Wenner and Bruce Ricards have also provided their organizations code of conduct. Debby suggested a sub-committee be formed to work on developing these documents. Walt Wenner, Ralph Padilla, Pat Odenath and Bruce Ricards all volunteered to serve on this sub-committee. Green Acres will be visiting again in 2007 and the township would like to have something in place by then. Ralph Padilla suggested posting several signs at the park indicating who oversees the facility and contact information as well as which fields are designated open for public use. The committee will re-visit this next month. Debby thanked the members before leaving to attend another meeting.

BUDGET

Recreation members discussed and decided on budget request for 2007. Ralph Padilla asked if recreation had received clarification on why the school charges the various sports groups for using the facility. Fiore Copare and Kate Harrison had both addressed the issue with Henry Bermann last year but a clear answer and information on the school policy never was clear. Bruce Ricards will arrange a meeting with Mr. Bermann to get clarification on this issue. He will report back to the committee next month. The capital budget was discussed but Jeff Ridgway feels the committee needs to develop a more detailed plan/vision for the parks. Harry Snyder, Public Works Manager, would be instrumental in this. The secretary will request he attend the December meeting. Bruce Ricards suggested a sub-committee be formed to work on this project. Kate Harrison, Sam Amico, Walt Wenner, Bruce Ricards, Eddie Creamer and Jeff Ridgway volunteered to be on this committee. Secretary will forward contact information to these members so they can arrange to meet prior to the next recreation meeting.

On a motion by Walt Wenner and seconded by Kate Harrison, a motion to send budget to CFO was approved.

VOTE: ALL IN FAVOR.

GREEN BRANCH PARK

Sam Amico the incident that occurred involving a parent and the PTMF was handled and the organization is working on a code of conduct for players and their families. He also let the committee know he spoke to Harry Snyder about maintenance on the football field. Another field might need to be established in order to allow the current field time for maintenance.

Bruce Ricards brought the committee up to date on the situation that caused a problem with Brian and Bridget Dean in the last few months. Members reviewed copy of correspondence that was sent to them from the Township Administrator. Nothing new has developed regarding this incident and the township has not been contacted by the Deans again regarding this matter. The members discussed having portable goals available for residents to use. Members agreed this would raise liability issues.

Linda DuBois arrives at 8:50pm. (Linda notified secretary of prior commitment when meeting date is changed from first Monday of the month.)

BRIAR HILL

The Pittsgrove Township Planning Board had forwarded the committee a request to indicate what their preference is regarding recreation for the new housing development they were planning. Members agreed a cash donation designated for recreation in the township rather than the developer putting in a recreation facility at the development. This is advantageous to everyone. The homeowners association at the development wouldn’t have the burden of taxes and maintenance of their own facility. The money would be used to expand/maintain and upgrade x-sting facilities. This recommendation must meet with zoning/planning requirements also.

On a motion by Walt Wenner and seconded by Kate Harrison, a motion to send this recommendation to Planning Board was approved.

VOTE: ALL IN FAVOR

RESIGNATION

On a motion by Ralph Padilla and seconded by Walt Wenner, the resignation of Kathy Shelton from the committee was accepted with regret.

VOTE: ALL IN FAVOR

OLD BUSINESS:

CONCESSION STAND

Jeff Ridgway reported nothing new has developed in regards to this matter.

NEW HOME SURCHARGE

Jeff Ridgway reported that the Ordinance Review Committee is still discussing idea for surcharge on all new homes.

UNITY PARK

Kate Harrison gave the committee a look at the playground equipment that has been chosen for the park. Kate along with Fiore Copare and Grace Reaves-Garrett chose the equipment. The equipment can be installed by April, 2007.

On a motion by Ralph Padilla and seconded by Fiore Copare, approval for the purchase was given.

VOTE: ALL IN FAVOR

ENFORCEMENT AT THE PARK

Jeff Ridgway reported nothing new on this. The solicitor is still working on this issue.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business on a motion by Ralph Padilla and seconded by Kate Harrison, the meeting was adjourned at 9:12pm.

VOTE: ALL IN FAVOR

Respectfully submitted,

Donna Metzger, Secretary