HOPATCONG RECREATION COMMISSION

OCTOBER 14, 2003

The meeting of the Hopatcong Recreation Commission was opened by Tim Carey at

8:00 p.m. with a statement that this meeting is held in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-1 et seq., annual notice having been forwarded to The New Jersey Herald, The Daily Record and The News-Leader and posted on the bulletin board maintained in the Municipal Building for public announcements.

ROLL CALL:

PRESENT: Cindy Klein

Vince Poisella

Joan Reilly

Dennis Tobin

John Young (arrived at 8:05 p.m.)

Tim Carey

ABSENT: Al Imbimbio

Also in attendance were Debbie Armeno, Recreation Coordinator.

Tim Carey led the Salute To The Flag.

MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Nick Nemeth discussed Veteran’s Field and the landscapers. Nick commented that the landscapers are a little aggressive and when the field is wet they tend to tear up the field and rip up the grass and the portable goals have had to be repaired and the nets have been torn up. Nick is asking if they can be less aggressive and slow down a bit. Nick also discussed not having any lighted fields and would like to be notified if any field became available with lights.

Tim Carey asked Debbie Armeno to contact the people who have the permits and let Nick know so they can address the matter.

Debbie Armeno has addressed the issue of the lawn care service to the contractors.

Ralph LoBue representing Travel Baseball is looking for additional fields for his travel program. Ralph is looking for one extra day per week on Nariticong Field. Ralph said his games start on April 1st.

Tim Carey said the Commission will take the information from Ralph LoBue into the February meeting for field assignments.

Dennis Tobin is questioning the research regarding the sod infield on Nariticong Field. Debbie Armeno said she had a meeting with the Borough Engineer and he is looking to do an extensive study of the entire field but it has to go to the Mayor and Council for authorization.

Dennis said that as far as a decision on an all clay infield and a grass infield, it’s been expressed through baseball people that they want a grass infield.

Tim Carey said that the president of the little league was interested in the clay infield. Tim asked Ralph LoBue if his program has a preference to a grass infield or a clay infield.

Ralph commented that the ideal field is a grass infield. Tim said in the discussion with Kerry Baker, he wants the grass to stay in the infield but it needs to be maintained to a better standard. Tim said both programs who utilize Nariticong Field are interested in having a grass infield.

Joan Reilly would like to make sure that Ralph LoBue gets an invitation to the Field Assignment Meeting.

Dennis Tobin would like to clarify with Mr. LoBue if the Travel Baseball Club is strictly for Hopatcong players, and Mr. LoBue agreed by saying yes.

SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAM REPORT

Art Buehrer reported that the enrollment was down from the previous summer. Trips were very successful with the exception of the Yankee games. The computer session was also in effect at the Middle School for half days. Art reported that the special education program work out well and that each child had an aide with them. Two EMR’s were present at the Summer Recreation Program and there were twenty-nine staff members this year.

The Recreation Commission Board members all agreed that it would be in the best interest in the future to recommend to the Borough Administrator that Art Buehrer continue to be hired for the Summer Recreation Program.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Tim Carey said that Mayor Hodson announced that the roller hockey black top surface is in and he is looking to arrange some type of open skating.

APPROVAL OF THE SEPTEMBER 9, 2003 MINUTES

John Young made a motion to approve the September 9, 2003 minutes. Joan Reilly seconded the motion and all were in favor.

ADJOURN

Joan Reilly made a motion to adjourn at 8:42 p.m. Dennis Tobin seconded the motion and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Marie Filoso

Recording Secretary