Minutes of the meeting of the Wantage Township Recreation Commission, held on Wednesday, April 30, 2003

Board President Duane Armstrong called the meeting to order, and requested the secretary to call the roll. Upon roll call, the following members of the Recreation Commission were present: Duane Armstrong, Scott Conklin, Sue Vanden Heuvel, Linda Fliedner, Chris Viterito. The following members were absent: Mike Johnson

The Board President stated, “This meeting is being held in compliance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act, Public Laws 1975, Chapter 231. It has been properly noticed and posted to the public and certified by the Township Clerk”.

Old Business

1. Wantage Township Dinner Dance – Final arrangements are being made for the Wantage Township Rock-n-Roll Spring Fling Dinner Dance. An estimated 170 tickets should be sold. The committee has been working hard in finalizing the menu, appetizers, decorations, music and door prizes. Many township residents are looking forward to the event. We hope to use this opportunity to introduce the Recreation Committee to Township Residents and promote community participation.

2. Talent show – Linda Fliedner reports that the Talent Show is planned for Friday, May 23rd at 6:00 at the High Point High School Auditorium. The Talent show is divided into 4 age groups and offers children and young adults the ability to demonstrate their talent and possibly become eligible to compete in Sussex County Farm and Horse Show Talent Show. The High Point High School Jazz ensemble plans to MC the event and provide entertainment between competitions.

3. Little Miss/Mister and Miss Wantage – This annual event is planned for Saturday, June 7th at the Beemerville Fire House. The event will begin with Little Miss Wantage at 3:00 followed by Little Mister at 4:00 and finishing with the Miss Wantage Competition at 6:00. Linda Fliedner, the event Chairperson, is seeking volunteers to assist with coordinating the event. The events' success relies on local businesses to donate awards for the young people in our community.

New Business

1. Woodbourne Park Problems – It has come to the attention of the Recreation Committee that under age drinking and the use of bee-bee guns have been present in the park. In addition, inappropriate discard of garbage throughout the park has become a serious issue. As a reminder, our park’s garbage removal policy continues to be Carry In/Carry Out. As members of our community, please help alleviate the problem by reminding others to properly care for their garbage removal. The committee has also requested the Sheriff’s Office to monitor the park to ensure public safety and enforce the law on those that chose to disregard park rules.

2. High Point After School Teen Group – Linda Fliedner made a motion to the board to consider the development of an after school Teen Group at High Point High School. According to Linda, a volunteer has stepped forward to organize and supervise the group of High School Students at High Point High School. Sue Vanden Heuvel seconded the motion. Linda plans to work out the details with the proposed volunteer and report on the details at our next meeting.

Open Public Session

Mr. Duane Armstrong moved to open the meeting to the public at this time for any questions or comments involving the attention of the Recreation Commission. Susan Vanden Heuvel seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: 5 Nays: Absent: Abstain:

There being no one else present wishing to address the board, Mr. Duane Armstrong moved to close the meeting to the public and return to the regular order of business. Scott Conklin seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5 Nays: Absent: Abstain: There being no other items for the consideration of the Commission at this time, Mr. Duane Armstrong moved to adjourn the meeting. Susan Vanden Heuvel seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5 Nays: Absent: Abstain: Mr. Duane Armstrong (Board President) declared this meeting to be adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Vanden Heuvel
Board Secretary


Minutes of the meeting of the Wantage Township Recreation commission, held on Wednesday, March 26, 2003

Board President Duane Armstrong called the meeting to order, and requested the secretary to call the roll. Upon roll call, the following members of the Recreation Commission were present: Duane Armstrong Scott Conklin, Sue Vanden Heuvel Linda Fliedner, Chris Viterito The following members were absent: Mike Johnson

The Board President stated, “This meeting is being held in compliance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act, Public Laws 1975, Chapter 231. It has been properly noticed and posted to the public and certified by the Township Clerk”.

Old Business

1. Wantage Township Dinner Dance – Sue Vanden Heuvel reports that ticket sales have been extended until Saturday, May 3rd. However, in effort to keep within the budgeted amount, we should not sell more than 170 tickets. Approximately 155 tickets have been sold to date. The Girl Scouts have been working diligently on decorations for the Dance. The final details are being worked out in regards to appetizers, desserts and door prizes. Many thanks to the Dance Committee including - Karen Armstrong, Val Calenda and Colleen Ragnetti.


New Business

1. Talent Show and Miss/Little Miss/Mister Wantage Contest - The Wantage Township annual Talent Show and Little Miss and Mister Contest are soon approaching. Linda Fliedner is currently scheduling the events through High Point High School and the Beemerville Firehouse. More details to follow…

Open Public Session

Mr. Duane Armstrong moved to open the meeting to the public at this time for any questions or comments involving the attention of the Recreation Commission. Susan Vanden Heuvel seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: 5 Nays: Absent: Abstain:

There being no one else present wishing to address the board, Mr. Duane Armstrong moved to close the meeting to the public and return to the regular order of business. Scott Conklin seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: Absent: Abstain: There being no other items for the consideration of the Commission at this time, Mr. Duane Armstrong moved to adjourn the meeting. Susan Vanden Heuvel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: Absent: Abstain:
Mr. Duane Armstrong (Board President) declared this meeting to be adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Vanden Heuvel
Board Secretary


Minutes of the meeting of the Wantage Township Recreation commission, held on Wednesday, February 26, 2003

Board President Tony DePeppo called the meeting to order, and requested the secretary to call the roll. Upon roll call, the following members of the Recreation Commission were present: Tony DePeppo, Michael Johnson, Duane Armstrong, Scott Conklin, Sue Vanden Heuvel, Linda Fliedner, Chris Viterito.

All members were present

The Board President stated, “This meeting is being held in compliance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act, Public Laws 1975, Chapter 231. It has been properly noticed and posted to the public and certified by the Township Clerk”.

Old Business

1. Wantage Township Dinner Dance – The Recreation committee will host a dinner dance on Saturday, May 10th from 7:00 to 12:00 at the Beemerville Firehouse. Tickets cost $20.00 per person and they will help cover the cost of the food, beer, wine, soda, dessert, coffee, entertainment and door prizes. Susan Vanden Heuvel will coordinate the event. More details to come.
2. Little League Field improvement request – As per the request of Creighton McBride, Little League President, Jim Doherty recognizes the need for improvements to the Little League Fields on Lott Road. Improvements include a request for four player’s benches, fence and scoreboard repair.
3. Woodbourne Park Playground improvements – The committee recognizes a need for a shade structure at Woodbourne Park. Jim Doherty has agreed to investigate the purchase of the structure.

New Business

1. Wantage Township Fire Department Donation - Duane Armstrong made a motion to approve a donation to the Colesville Fire Department in return for their services in filling the Skating Rink at Woodbourne Park. Sue Vanden Heuvel seconded the motion and all members present voted in favor of the motion.
2. Municipal Complex Storage Facilities - Jim Doherty is investigating prices for 2 storage facilities at the Municipal Complex. The purpose of one unit is to provide storage capabilities for athletic groups during “off” seasons. The second unit will house the ice skating liner. The purchase and placement of the facilities is expected by late spring.
3. Recreation Committee Reorganization The Wantage Township Recreation Committee recognizes the following position changes. Duane Armstrong accepted the position as Committee President, Toni DePeppo’s position has changed to Vice President, and Sue Vanden Heuvel will continue to assume the responsibility of Secretary. Sue Vanden Heuvel made a motion to approve all membership changes. Scott Conklin seconded the motion and all members present voted in favor of the motion.
4. Woodbourne Park Snowmobile Problem – It has come to the attention of the committee that people have been riding snowmobiles at Woodbourne Park after dusk. Snowmobile riding is not permitted at Woodbourne Park at any time. Jim Doherty acknowledges the problem and he will inform the State Police of the problem.

Open Public Session

Mr. Tony DePeppo moved to open the meeting to the public at this time for any questions or comments involving the attention of the Recreation Commission. Susan Vanden Heuvel seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: 5 Nays: Absent: Abstain:

1. Field Usage Requests. (Not complete)
Several persons from the general public representing athletic groups were present to present their requests for the use of the fields at Lott Road and Woodbourne Park. The following groups were represented:

Sussex/Wantage Little League — Creighton McBride
Sussex/Wantage Girls Softball — Ann Marie Penacher
High Point Vipers — Mark Magura
High Point Soccer Club — Tom Zinner

Sussex/Wantage Little League Creighton McBride requested the use of the Lott Road fields beginning April 1, 2003 thru August 1, 2003. The fields will be in use from Sunday to Saturday until dusk. This request does not present any conflicts Girls Softball or Soccer. Creighton has expressed a need for additional filed usage time for T-ball and Triple A. He will consider the use of Woodbourne Park on Sundays.
Sussex/Wantage Girls Softball – Anne Marie Penacher
High Point Vipers – Mark Magura
High Point Soccer Club – Tom Zinner requested the use of Field 3 (main soccer field) at Woodbourne Park. He does not plan to have Saturday games. Tom presented a request to repair the deep depressions on the soccer fields at Lott road. In addition, the Soccer Club would like to include two new portable soccer goal sets in the 2004 recreation budget.
There being no one else present wishing to address the board, Mr. Tony DePeppo moved to close the meeting to the public and return to the regular order of business. Scott Conklin seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5 Nays:
Absent: Abstain: There being no other items for the consideration of the Commission at this time, Mr. Tony DePeppo moved to adjourn the meeting. Susan Vanden Heuvel seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5 Nays:
Absent: Abstain:
Mr. Tony DePeppo (Board President) declared this meeting to be adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Vanden Heuvel
Board Secretary


Minutes of the meeting of the Wantage Township Recreation Commission, held on Wednesday, January 29, 2003

Upon roll call, the following members of the Recreation Commission were present:
Tony DePeppo, Michael Johnson, Duane Armstrong, Scott Conklin, Sue Vanden Heuvel
The following members were absent: Chris Viterito, Linda Fliedner

The Board President stated, “This meeting is being held in compliance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act, Public Laws 1975, Chapter 231. It has been properly noticed and posted to the public and certified by the Township Clerk”.

Old Business

1. Holiday House Decoration Contest
Linda Fliedner moved to approve the proposal for a Holiday House Decoration Contest for Wantage Township Residents. Seven winning homes will be selected and presented a gift certificate from local restaurants in the amounts of $75.00, $50.00 or $30.00. Linda Fliedner and Susan Vanden Heuvel will orchestrate the program. Scott Conklin seconded the motion. All members present voted in favor of the motion.

2. Ice Skating Rink Liner
Tony DePeppo moved to approve the proposal to purchase a ice-skating Rink Liner, benches and a shed to house the liner during off-season months. Duane Armstrong will consult with Jim Doherty in procuring the liner. Susan Vanden Heuvel seconded the motion. All members present voted in favor of the motion.

New Business

1. Appropriation of the remaining Recreation Budget funds ($7,900)
Upon review of the 2002 Wantage Township Recreation Budget the Recreation Board has unanimously approved and allocated the remaining money as follows:


A. Wantage Township Dinner Dance – $2,000 will be appropriated toward a Wantage Township Dinner Dance. The Dance is targeted for May 10, 2003 at the Beemerville Fire House and will be available to all Wantage Township residents. The event will be held to promote community unity. Sue Vanden Heuvel moved to approve the proposal. Tony DePeppo seconded the motion. All members present voted in favor of the motion.

B. Purchase Benches – $3,000 will be appropriated toward the purchase 2 player benches for the baseball fields at Lott Road. Scott Conklin moved to approve the proposal, Mike Johnson seconded the motion and all members present voted in favor of the motion.

C. Woodbourne Park Playground Improvements - The remaining funds should be appropriated toward the purchase and installation of a shade structure in the Playground area at Woodbourne Park. Tony DePeppo moved to approve the proposal, Duane Armstrong seconded the motion and all members present voted in favor of the motion.

Committee Reports
The Board President invited the members of the commission to report on assignments, projects and programs.

1. Field Usage Requests. The Township Recreation Committee will be considering field use requests from all local athletic group organizations at the February 16th Wantage Township Recreation meeting. All requests for the use of the fields at Woodbourne Park and Lott Road for the 2003 recreational seasons will be scheduled on a first come first serve basis. A press release to all local athletic groups announcing field usage requests has been released. All Athletic Group organizations are encouraged to attend the February 26th Recreation meeting.

2. Recreation Committee Reorganization.
The Wantage Township Recreation Committee would like to thank Mr. Tony DePeppo for his hard work and dedication to the community in completing his 3-year term as President of the Recreation Committee. The committee is currently seeking a new president and welcomes Wantage Township residents to apply for a seat on the committee. Recreational meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month at 7:00. Please take time to join us at our next meeting on February 26th as we look forward to working with you in planning special events for our community.

3. Woodbourne Ice Skating Rink.
Duane Armstrong reported on the progress of the project to purchase an ice skating liner for the rink at Woodbourne Park. The liner has been purchased, installed, filled and ready for use. The weather presented many obstacles for Duane in preparing the rink for the liner installation. Many thanks to Duane and the Township road crew for their hard work and efforts. The Ice Skating Rink is now available for all residents to enjoy. Many thanks to the Wantage Township Fire Department Colesville Company #2 and Larry Bono for filling the rink.

4. Woodbourne Park Phase 4 Review.
Mr. Harold E. Pellow, Wantage Township Consulting Engineer, met with the Recreational Committee to discus the progress of phase 3 at Woodbourne Park. The new area includes one senior baseball field, two soccer fields, one football field and an extended walking path. The fields will be ready for use in the Spring of 2004. The 2003 budget includes the procurement of a six-foot fence to enclose the senior field, foul poles and two 15’foot players benches.

5. Lott Road Baseball Field Repair Request. Scott Conklin presented the board with a request to repair the fence and score board at the baseball field on Lott Road. Mr. Jim Doherty acknowledged the request. He will forward a work order to the Township Maintenance Department.

Open Public Session
Mr. Tony DePeppo moved to open the meeting to the public at this time for any questions or comments involving the attention of the Recreation Commission. Susan Vanden Heuvel seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: 5 Nays: Absent: Abstain:
There being no one else present wishing to address the board, Mr. Tony DePeppo moved to close the meeting to the public and return to the regular order of business. Scott Conklin seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: Absent: Abstain:
There being no other items for the consideration of the Commission at this time, Mr. Tony DePeppo moved to adjourn the meeting. Susan Vanden Heuvel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: Absent: Abstain: Mr. Tony DePeppo (Board President) declared this meeting to be adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Vanden Heuvel
Board Secretary