| MINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF THE RECREATION COMMISSION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE HELD FEBRUARY
25, 2004
Board President Duane Armstrong called the meeting to order, and
requested a roll call. Upon roll call, the following members of
the Recreation Commission were present: Duane Armstrong, Jill Space,
Sue Vanden Heuval, Linda Fliedner, Scott Conklin, Mike Johnson.
The following members were absent: Geri Stella. Also present: Township
Administrator Jim Doherty.
Mr. Armstrong 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."
BOARD SECRETARY:
Mr. Armstrong moved to appoint Ms. Patricia Brown to the position
of 2004 Board Secretary, to be compensated at a rate of $50 per
meeting. Ms. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes:
Armstrong, Space, Vanden Heuval, Fliedner, Conklin, Johnson. Nays:
None Abstain: None Absent: Stella
OLD BUSINESS
There were no items of old business discussed at this time.
NEW BUSINESS:
Field Use Requests for 2004
The members of the Board reviewed the various use requests which
have been submitted for the year 2004 by the sports organizations
of Wantage, regarding field use in Woodbourne Park and the Lott
Road fields.
Mr. Armstrong indicated that he had reviewed the Use Request of
the High Point Soccer Club, which requested use of all soccer
fields at Woodbourne Park, Lott Road, and the soccer field at
the Lawrence Elementary School, and the request appeared to be
in order. Mr. Armstrong moved to approve the 2004 Field Use Request
of the High Point Soccer Club. Ms. Vanden Heuval seconded the
motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Armstrong, Space, Vanden Heuval,
Fliedner, Conklin, Johnson. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent:
Stella.
The members of the Board held a spirited discussion with representatives
of the Sussex Wantage Little League, the Sussex Wantage Girls
Softball program, and the High Point Vipers Softball program,
regarding use of fields at Woodbourne Park and Lott Road.
Representatives of the Sussex Wantage Little League sought a clarification
from the members of the Board regarding whether or not the fields
at Woodbourne Park are intended for exclusive use of the softball
program. Mr. Joe Schulok, representing the SWLL, indicated that
there were considerable numbers of parents who believed that the
fields at Woodbourne Park ought to be available to both the softball
and the little league programs. The representatives of the little
league program expressed their belief that the number of fields
at Lott Road do not support the needs of the program, and that
the number of available fields elsewhere is limited.
Representatives of the Girls Softball programs expressed their
belief that the traditional use of the fields, as well as the
layout of the infields, supports continued use of these fields
on a first priority basis by the softball program. They also expressed
a concern that the number of fields available elsewhere to meet
their program needs are extremely limited, and indicated their
belief that the on-going maintenance of the fields has been done
by the softball program each year.
After review and consideration, the members of the Board expressed
consensus that the current intended use of Fields 1 and 2 at Woodbourne
Park are for the softball program as a first use priority, and
that use of the fields by other parties or organizations may be
coordinated with the softball program for times during which the
softball program are not utilizing the fields.
The members of the Board also expressed consensus that consideration
of additional little league fields should be included for the
Phase IV development of Woodbourne Park, to provide additional
little league fields at that location.
The members of the Board requested the Township Administrator
to investigate the various items of concern that were raised regarding
the condition of the fields at Lott Road, on behalf of the little
league program. Mr. Doherty indicated that he had arranged for
a walk-thru of the park with Mr. Schulock, the Road Department
Supervisor, and himself for later this month.
Mr. Armstrong moved to approve the 2004 Field Use Requests of
the High Point Vipers Softball program, the Sussex Wantage Girls
Softball Program, the Sussex Wantage Little League program, and
the North Jersey Thunder Softball program. Mr. Johnson seconded
the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Armstrong, Space, Vanden Heuval,
Fliedner, Conklin, Johnson.
Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: Stella
General discussion continued at this time regarding the need to
establish an amount of infield clay to be purchased for the coming
season. Representatives of the little league and softball programs
agreed to provide this information to Mr. Doherty.
Mark Magura expressed a concern regarding the availability of
portable toilet facilities for the entire season. Mr. Armstrong
explained that the premature removal of a unit last season was
an oversight, and would not be repeated this year.
The need to address bleacher repairs at Lott Road was discussed,
as was installing slabs and lock boxes for equipment storage at
those fields. The board members expressed no objection to these
projects.
Mr. Charles Kiefer of the football program discussed the needs
of his program with the members of the Board. Mr. Kiefer indicated
that H-shaped football goalposts would be needed for the new practice
field at Woodbourne.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Sue Vanden Heuval reported that the winter festival was held,
and those who attended had a lot of fun.
Duane Armstrong expressed concern with the tendency of pet owners
to allow their pets to defecate at the park, without cleaning
up. Mr. Armstrong expressed concern that there was no “pooper
scooper” law in Wantage which the animal control personnel
could use to control this problem.
OPEN PUBLIC SESSION
Mr. Armstrong opened the meeting to the public at this time,
for any questions or comments involving the attention of the Recreation
Commission.
There being no one present wishing to address the board, Mr. Armstrong
closed the meeting to the public and the board members returned
to the regular order of business.
There being no other items for the consideration of the Commission
at this time, Jill Space moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion
was seconded by Sue Vanden Heuval. All members present voted in
favor of the motion.
Duane Armstrong declared this meeting to be adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________________________
Acting Board Secretary
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