RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES OF MARCH 26, 2003
Attendance
The meeting was called to order at 7:45 pm.
In attendance were: Tom Badcock, Lisa Cooney, Ray Battaglino, Richard Bezeg, Nancy Calogera, Joseph DeSimone, Fran DiRocco, Joe Dunn, Kerry Frew, Denis Kilduff, Janet Phillips, Paul Taguer, and Councilmen Bill Baker, Kevin Calogera and Richard Greene. Also in attendance were Mayor Cannon and Al DiRocco. Carol Norberg was present to take the minutes.
Absent from this meeting were Gerard Haran, Robert Pepe, Kevin Ruffler and Tom Stead. It was mentioned that Tim Kozlak resigned from the board; he was not present. Tom mentioned that Kevin Driscoll was not able to make this meeting, but will be present at the April meeting.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the February 2003 meeting were approved.
Recreation/Camp Robin Update
Lisa Cooney explains that the Camp Robin report is in everyone’s folder. Spring programs are running. The Easter Eggstravaganza will be held at Geick Park on April 12th. Commerce Bank, Pulaski Bank and Washington Mutual all donated $1,000 each to run this event. Lisa mentioned that the Summer Camp Program will be hindered because of the construction going on in most of the local schools. Many of the sites will be held on fields, not in the school buildings. Lisa explains that there will be an increased cost this year due to the fact a lot of the sites will be outdoors. Port-a-potties will need to be rented, extra tables and umbrellas will be needed, and extra staff.
Joe DeSimone mentions that Laurence Harbor Little League’s opening day will be May 3, 2003.
Capital Projects
1. YMCA - Township is waiting for the results of the survey that Red Bank YMCA did. Also, the site still needs to be decided and this is a critical decision. RFP’s have been sent to T&M Assoc., Kinsey Assoc. and CME for the Master Plan for Mannino Park. There is $50,000 in bond money set aside for this. We should have these back by April 1st. Also waiting for acquisition of triangle piece of property from Perth Amboy which we want to acquire which would allow access at Owens Road for Mannino Park. Discussion follows in detail about acquiring this piece of land. Kevin Calogera mentions that he will reach out to Mayor Vas
Bill Baker suggests that the Recreation Board inform the council that their preference for the YMCA site would be Mannino Park and not the Municipal Center. Tom agrees with Bill. Discussion of members as to location of YMCA.
Infrastructure funding is discussed with regards to the YMCA and Mannino Park.
Kerry asks to see the map of the Municipal Center. Tom shows maps of both locations for the YMCA and discusses the details with the members. All members agree that Mannino Park is the most desirable location and that it is important to acquire as soon as possible the small piece of land from Perth Amboy.
2. Golf Course - Township is in the process of obtaining a Bond Ordinance for a utility. Then RFP’s will be sent out to four or five architects to get their proposals. A bond is already in place to fund the architect. There was some discussion at one of the council meetings regarding problems with the water source for the golf course. Tom states that there isn’t a difficulty with gray water for the course. Tom strongly suggests that members from the Board be at the next council meeting to make sure the utility ordinance goes through.
There will be a meeting this Friday with the MUA to talk about the grey water system. Kevin Calogera requests documentation on the water possibilities so he can make an informed decision. Tom mentions that John Vincenti will have that to the council members before the next meeting.
Tom and the Mayor state that the golf course will be designed with the environment in mind (e.g. landscaping, certain grasses)
3. Laurence Harbor Recreation Center - bids are being received for renovation.
Old Business
It was decided to reinstate Volunteer of the Month. Denis Kilduff would like to nominate Bernie Woznewski and will do up an information sheet on him.
New Business
Pavers are on sale for $100 donation to help fund the 9/11 Memorial. Donations are also being sought from businesses.
It was decided to start the April 30th meeting at 8 pm to allow enough time for members to attend the celebration for National Volunteer Week at the Bush Center at 7 pm
Joe Dunn mentions that a group of residents asked about having a skate park tournament at the skate park in Veteran’s Park. Tom states that one of the problems is that a bike shop from Hazlet wants to sponsor it and it really should be opened up to businesses in Old Bridge. There are bike shops here that may like to be included if approached. Also, there is liability insurance to think about. Joe Dunn says he thinks it would be a good idea to get this tournament running.
Joe Dunn also asks if gates could be locked at Geick at night to deter theft. Tom says the only repercussion in doing that may be that it would be inconvenient for the police to unlock and lock up every time they make their patrols of the park.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM
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