Contact:
Recreation Commission Clerk Mary Bodner
Category: RECREATION COMMISSION MEETINGS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE West Long Branch, NJ - June 2, 2010
WEST LONG BRANCH RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
MAY 10, 2010
THOSE PRESENT: Joe DeLeonardo
Harvey Leuin
Russ Olivadotti
Debbie Ronan
Ray Rubman
Lorraine Strohmenger
Susan Trocchia
THOSE ABSENT: Mike Dwyer
Karen Walstein
ALSO PRESENT: Steve Cioffi, Council Liaison
Debbie Cameron
Called to Order 7:35 p.m.
Budget `10 - Steve reported to the Commission that the Budget for Recreation Commission looks good. Joe asked if it was the Budget submitted by the Commission. Steve stated that he made a Motion to increase the Summer Recreation Program fee to $25.00. Joe stated that cost for a summer recreation tee shirt would be $6.00 and would come out of the program’s fee.
Steve also reported that solicitation letters have been sent out and that he has heard from Home Depot, Monmouth University and K-Mart and their interest in making donations to the Commission. Joe inquired that if there are any monetary donations made could they be used for the inflatable rides on 4th of July or had the council decided not to have them. Steve stated the cost for fireworks would remain the same amount as last year at a cost of $8,500.00.
Steve also stated that solicitation letters were sent to utility companies with the understanding that these companies are willing to give back to the community and that he will do a follow up to gage their interest in donations. Joe asked Steve to notify him of the response from the solicitation letters.
Steve stated that the counsel is not looking to furlough anyone and may hire back a Department of Public Works worker.
Joe stated that the increase in fees for the Summer Recreation was only done because council requested that each Commission do what they could to ease the tax burden in the Borough. Joe stated he is not happy about increasing Summer Recreation fees and taking away activities because the budget does not allow for an increase in any line item. He said he didn’t consider this Commission existing to make money for the Borough but rather to provide Recreation to the residents.
Conway Park – Joe reported an accidental fire to the building at Conway Park. Joe asked Steve who a point of contact would be for planting at the park. Steve told Joe he could check with Pam Hughes of the Beautification Commission. Debbie reported that a piece of black rubber is still sticking out of the ground. Ray stated that he had noticed two pieces of black rubber sticking out of the ground. Ray asked Steve to bring up to the Borough Counsel the need for a Port-A-John at the park because people are using the woods. There was some discussion that the Borough couldn’t afford another port-a-john and that many other playgrounds do not supply one.
Caltabilota Field - Joe reported that the Annual Caltabilota Scholarship Tournament was a huge success. They were able to hold their Tournament at night on May 1, 2010, which is the date the town ordinance states the lights at night, would go on. Joe reported that bases were stolen from the field. Joe asked the Department of Public Works and John Hegarty for more dirt and clay on the field and that they did some weeding. The field still needs approximately 20 tons of clay to bring it to its best condition. Mr. Caltabilota offered to pay for the clay out of the Caltabilota Scholarship Fund next year. The Commission and Steve stated that it would not be fitting for the scholarship fund to pay for the clay. The field is not safe in its present condition. Joe asked Steve to bring up the addition of clay for the field at a borough meeting and the possibility of the cost for the clay added to the budget for Building and Grounds or Recreation. The addition of clay and dirt is just part of normal yearly maintenance.
Thorne Park - Joe stated that Thorne Park would be available after 11:00 a.m. on the day of the Michael Thorne Run/Walk on or about May 16, 2010.
Joe asked Steve if he had checked with the DPW with respect to the number of benches stored at the facility. Steve stated that there were approximately 6 benches in storage. Debbie mentioned and the Commission agreed that it would be nice to put the benches at the area on the end of Lakeview Avenue overlooking the aerator.
Summer Recreation Program - Joe passed around a colorful and attractive Summer Recreation flyer and stated that the flyers were sent out to families through school. Joe stated the program would be cutting down on the use of buses from three to two for the trip to Oceanport. He also stated that the program would be cutting down on water rides and that the program has looked into having a field trip for grades 1 – 4 to R Bounce at $8.00. per child to be paid for by the families.
Joe reported that there would be a fresh start hiring counselor because only three would be returning. The Commission stated their regret at losing some counselors because they were skilled and attentive to their job but understood their finding better opportunities. The new counselors would bring fresh ideas to the program and the Commission is looking forward to that.
Summer Concert Series and Fourth of July Fireworks `10 - Joe stated that everything is in place for the Concert Series and the Fourth of July Fireworks. Steve will get back to Joe about inflatable rides for the Fourth of July.
Joe stated that a good replacement to banners, which from experience do not hold up well, would be sandwich boards. These boards would list the acts, dates and times and would have signs bolted into the board and protected from the weather. The initial cost would be $400.00 for the board and sign. Thereafter, the cost would be $200.00 per board and the sign could be replaced every year at a cost of only $50.00. Joe stated that Middletown does it that way each year, this way the information is always available to anyone passing by. They would be placed at Franklin Lake and Sorrentino Park.
Joe reported out of the 8 bids that went out for fireworks, only two responded and that Garden State was chosen because they give us the most for our money.
Movie Night: Debbie requested to know if she could show a PG movie for Movie Night. Joe stated that he did not see a problem because it would be a decision left up to parents. Joe requested that Debbie have the Movie Night flyer approved in August.
Meeting adjourned – 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary G. Bodner
Secretary – West Long Branch Recreation Commission
THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY, June 14, 2010 @ 7:30.p.m