Present: Dr. Harold Nolan, Frank Baker, Arthur Goodwin, Richard Rehm,
Edward Piotrowski, Dwight Wolf, Frank DelleDonne, Bruce Bennett, Leonor Lesta,
Philip Maida, A. J. Garito
Absent: Marianne Reagan
Liaison Present: Thomas Hennessy, Township Committee, James Valenti,
Sports Foundation
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, Frank Baker at 8:05 p.m. The
Sunshine Statement was read by the Secretary and the minutes of the December
meeting were approved.
Treasurer's Report: In the Recreation Operating Budget, $125,320.00 has been
spent, $11,501.04 is encumbered and $2,500.00 was transferred to the Parks &
Playground budget, leaving available $2,128.96. In the Park & Playground
Budget, $28,104.28 has been spent, $808.03 is encumbered, and $4,500.00 has
been transferred into the account, leaving available $5,337.69. Dr. Nolan said
this money is earmarked for backstops at Bucks Mill Park.
Old Business: Dr. Nolan said the Tree Lighting and the Holiday Concert were
discussed at last month’s meeting, but he wanted to mention again that
they were very successful. Both the Adult and Children’s Holiday Craft
were also successful with about 25 participants each. Mrs. Houlihan reported
that almost 200 letters were written to Santa Claus and answered the week before
Christmas.
The Winter instructional programs will be starting beginning next week. Some
start earlier than others and some run longer than others, but all will end
before Easter which is March 31st this year.
We have a new program, Gentle Fitness for Seniors. Now that we have our own
facility, we can run a program for Senior Citizens during the day time hours.
We are also continuing Fit Ball, which was new this past Fall.
Dr. Nolan provided an update of the park projects. KIVA is still working on
the bridge and will then work on trail development. The next project after that
will be a bigger bridge on the west side of Big Brook.
We will be purchasing new backstops for Bucks Mill park. As previously mentioned,
the money is available in the 2001 Park Budget. We are waiting for the purchase
order to be processed.
Dr. Nolan said that two Eagle Scouts are also doing projects in Big Brook Park.
It was mentioned that there is a very large house being built quite close to
the boarder of Schlesinger Park. Mr. Hennessy said that he is aware of it, and
apparently a variance was not needed. However, it is being check on to see if
the zoning can be changed so that future structures cannot be built so close
to a park.
New Business: At this time discussion was held to elect a vice chairman for
the Committee. It was decided that Mr. Piotrowski should be the Vice Chairman
again this year.
The Committee was asked to start thinking about the annual Memorial Day Parade.
All new ideas will be welcome.
A 2002 - 2005 Capital Improvement Plan Analysis was distributed to the Committee.
Dr. Nolan said that we need an improvement plan rather than a project list.
Some items are new construction and some are repair or replacement. After much
discussion, it was decided that this year’s priorities should focus on
Big Brook Preserve West new trail/bridge construction and replacement of the
PAR Fitness Course system around Town Hall Park. Dr. Nolan was asked to prepare
a five year priority list so that a big picture would be realized as to the
total Recreation & Park facility needs, as well as estimated costs. Dr.
Nolan said around the middle of this month, he would send out to the Committee
a list to prioritize other projects for the next five years.
Dr. Nolan asked Mr. Valenti what he would like to see from the Sports Foundation’s
point of view. He replied that he would like improvement and centralization
the facilities that we have.
Mr. Hennessy discussed aspects and plans for a Township wide trail system. He
said we should be aware of any future land acquisitions that would help develop
this plan. The Committee agreed with the concept of such a trail system.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
The next meeting will be held on February 6th.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Houlihan
Secretary
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