STILLWATER TOWNSHIP
RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
July 15, 2023
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Sylvester, Mr. Carovillano, Mrs. Falotico (7:18 p.m.), Mrs. Richardson, and
Mrs. Tosti
LIASION: Mr. Manser was in attendance
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Reilly and Mrs. Minervino
Mrs. Tosti called the meeting to order at 7:11 p.m. with the statement that this meeting follows the Open
Public Meetings Act. Regular meetings are held on the first Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m., at the Stillwater Township Municipal Building located in Middleville, New Jersey. This meeting was held at the Stillwater Township Municipal Building. The flag was saluted and roll call taken.
Approval of Meeting Minutes:
Mr. Sylvester made a motion to approve the minutes from the June 3, 2024, meeting, seconded by Mrs. Tosti.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Sylvester, yes, Mr. Carovillano, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes
Payment of Bills:
Mr. Carovillano made a motion to approve the payment of the following bills totaling $2,190.86, seconded by Mrs. Richardson.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Sylvester, yes, Mr. Carovillano, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes
Amazon (Stillwater Day Supplies) – $129.98
Amelia Guild (Miss Stillwater – Little Miss) – $25.00
Desiree Beshada (Miss Stillwater – 1st Runner Up) – $50.00
Emmet Delaney (Miss Stillwater – Little Mister) – $25.00
Reimbursement – Jennifer Minervino (Miss Stillwater Pageant) – $53.52
Reimbursement – Jennifer Minervino (Miss Stillwater Pageant) – $127.95
Minisink Press, Inc. (Water Safety Fair Banners) – $135.00
Paige Decaro (Miss Stillwater) – $200.00
Starling R. Nothstine (Stillwater Day DJ Services) – $300.00
Stern Auto Corp (Porta-John Rental Fee April/May 2024) – $860.00 Weis (Identity Theft Senior Programs) – $24.41
Stern Auto Group (Porta-John Rental Fee Stillwater Day) – $260.00
Correspondence:
There was no correspondence.
Open Public Session – Agenda Items Only:
The meeting was opened to the public at 7:16 p.m. No one from the public wished to speak during open public session. The meeting was closed to the public at 7:16 p.m.
Amendments to the Agenda:
There were no amendments made to the agenda.
Old Business:
There was no old business to report.
New Business:
Pickleball Court Update (Stillwater Park) – Mrs. Tosti
Mrs. Tosti asked the Commission to give clarification on whether we would be moving forward with lining the existing court for one tennis court/four pickleball courts or one tennis court/one pickleball court. This needed to be discussed due to the original quote being for resurfacing/major repairs/relining the existing court same as it was for $17,500.00. The lining of the additional three pickleball courts (total of 4) increased the quote to $19,600.00. This is all from the capital budget. The Commission needs to vote to recommend to the Town Committee an approval of the increase to capital request.
$17,500 – the original quote and approval for resurfacing, repairs, and relining of 1 tennis/1 pickleball court.
$18,200 – request for additional amount with resurfacing, repairs, and relining of 1 tennis/2 pickleball courts.
$19,600 – request for additional amount ($2,100) with resurfacing, repairs, and relining of 1 tennis/4 pickleball courts.
Four pickleball courts are favorable amongst our town residents and has been requested. Before a final decision was made on the number of pickleball courts, a phone call was made to Dave Pierson to ensure that four pickleball courts would have the proper and safe distance between each court as well as the fence. Mr. Pierson said a standard tennis court measures 60 x 120. With that in mind, four courts would be placed parallel to the net. Doing so would leave five feet on either side of the furthest left/right pickleball courts to the fence, eight feet between the top/bottom of each pickleball court to the fence, 10 feet between each of the pickleball courts, and between 5ft and 8 ft from the existing tennis net. Mrs. Tosti drew a picture to give the Commission a better understanding of dimensions. The colors being utilized for both pickleball and tennis were discussed with Mr. Pierson as well. Tennis courts are typically lined in white, while pickle ball courts are lined in blue. This makes each court clear and noticeable and eliminates any confusion amongst players. After much discussion, the Commission decided it was the most beneficial option for our community to include four pickleball courts parallel to the net and leaving the tennis court lines as is (they will be relined but will remain the same measurements as before).
Mr. Sylvester made a motion to recommend to the Township Committee that Stillwater Park tennis court will be lined in white and four pickleball courts will be added and lined in blue (as per Dave Pierson’s recommendations), seconded by Mrs. Tosti.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Sylvester, yes, Mr. Carovillano, yes, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes
Mr. Carovillano suggested an app called “Team Up” that would help to organize and reserve time slots for the courts. It is a free and generic version. A username would need to be created to finalize details. Mr. Sylvester questioned if a player could potentially reserve six months (every Tuesday for example) of play time. Mr. Carovillano said yes, however, by creating a username we would allow us to set certain settings to avoid that scenario. Mrs. Tosti said once we finalize how we will reserve time slots, signage will need to be posted to make this very clear to all users/players.
Mrs. Tosti mentioned that there was a delay in the progress of the courts due to not getting approval from our July 1, 2024 meeting (there was not enough members present to have a quorum). Fortunately, Mr.
Pierson had time in his schedule and was able to begin the process on things that did not need specific approval. Power washing is complete and areas of low spots were marked. These will be raised when repairs are made.
Portable nets need to be purchased from our budget. We held off on purchasing nets, due to a possible grant through county senior services, that has not yet gone through (Mrs. Tosti verified this is different than the grant that would be utilized to create a brand new pickleball court at a different location). If the grant went through, it could pay for two of the four nets we needed. The Commission discussed several options but agreed on purchasing four portable nets (standard size) from our equipment line, and not waiting any longer. Mr. Sylvester suggested that BSN representative he has communicated with in the past would be the best contact person to ensure we purchase the proper size nets.
Mr. Sylvester made a motion to pay for four portable nets from our equipment line and obtain a quote from BSN not to exceed $2,000.00, seconded by Mrs. Tosti.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Sylvester, yes, Mr. Carovillano, yes, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes
If we purchase four nets, we can propose that we purchase the storage unit for the portable equipment, at next meeting. The nets are small enough that this purchase can be inexpensive for the proper storage container. Relying on players to store equipment after each use may present some challenges. This can be further discussed at a later date.
Mrs. Tosti will be contacting the DPW regarding overhanging trees over the court. If we are putting money into our park, we want to avoid any possible damage to our courts (mold, etc.).
Sub-Committee Reports:
Clean Up Day – Mrs. Tosti
4/20/2024 No updates.
Miss Stillwater, Little Miss and Mr. Stillwater – Mrs. Minervino
The Township Journal officially posted the winners of the contest.
Stillwater Day – No updates.
Plant Exchange – Mrs. Tosti/Mr. Reilly
No updates.
Garage Sale Weekend – Mrs. Wunder No updates.
Summer Camp – Mrs. Tosti
Week of 8/12/2024 & the week of 8/19/2024
There are more applications than usual.
Sussex County Day – Mrs. Richardson
The theme is “People and Nature Together”. Mrs. Richardson is still waiting to receive the packet she needs to move forward. Other towns have received theirs, but nothing was sent to Stillwater Town Hall.
She will be reaching out to see if they can send another copy.
Decorating Contests (Holiday) – Mr. Reilly No updates.
Tree Lighting – Mrs. Tosti/Mrs. Richardson
12/6/2024
The date is set for December 6, 2024. It has always been set for the first Friday in December and the Commission would like to continue doing so for 2024. However, for the future we will consider coordinating with Fairview Lake to ensure we do not choose the same date.
Egg Hunt – Mrs. Falotico No updates.
Field/Pavilion Application Approvals, Scheduling – Mrs. Tosti
The First Responders Tournament to take place on 7/20/2024 at Stillwater Park needed approval. Although the location is not definite, it needs to be approved in advance.
Mrs. Tosti made a motion to approve use of Stillwater Park for the First Responders Tournament on 7/20/2024, seconded by Mr. Carovillano.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Sylvester, yes, Mr. Carovillano, yes, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes
Kittatinny Football requested July use of Veteran’s Field instead of August. We already have their application.
Mrs. Tosti made a motion to amend their use of Veteran’s Field in August and move it to July, seconded by Mr. Sylvester.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Sylvester, yes, Mr. Carovillano, yes, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes
Field Maintenance – Mr. Sylvester/Mr. Carovillano
Mr. Sylvester mentioned that the DPW spread mulch at both Veteran’s and Stillwater Parks – thank you! A natural remedy will be used on the weeds Mr. Sylvester has previously pointed out. Farmside is set to spray the crabgrass this week or next. Aeration and seeding will be done after September 13, 2024. Date still needs to be set.
Community Center Activities:
Senior Citizen Game Night – Mrs. Richardson
Mrs. Richardson will be planning an ice cream social in late August or early September. Scott Gorisak was interested in planning a second story night.
Educational Activities:
Bus Trip – Mr. Reilly
8/10/2024
Mr. Reilly secured the sporting event bus trip to Yankee Stadium for August 10, 2024. No further updates.
Veteran’s Event – Mrs. Minervino 11/9/2024 9:00 a.m.
Community Center
Mrs. Minervino has reserved the Community Center on Saturday, November 9, 2024. Breakfast will be served at 9:00 a.m. All are welcome – veterans, acting service members, and families.
9/11 Luncheon of Honor – Mrs. Minervino
9/8/2024
Community Center
Instead of holding the POW/MIA event, Mrs. Minervino proposed the idea of holding a luncheon to honor first responders. Being that we already have a Veteran’s event, Mrs. Minervino believes our police, fire fighters, and other first responders deserve a day of recognition. Active and retired first responders (and family members) are invited to join, however an RSVP must be in place to ensure we can hold the event in the Community Center. Mrs. Minervino sent her flyer to Mrs. Tosti. Mrs. Tosti approved the flyer, and it is ready for posting. Mrs. Minervino plans to start asking local eateries if they would be willing to donate a gift card or sandwiches for the event. She would like to publish the flyer by mid-July. Mrs. Minervino would also like to stop by Summer Camp for a few hours to request the children’s help with thank you cards and crafts to give them.
Water Safety Fair – Mrs. Tsadilas
No updates.
Spring Movie in the Park – Mrs. Falotico The Lorax
6/21 Rain date: 6/22
Swartswood Park
There were at least 50 attendees. This is the most successful movie night to date. A decent amount was made on our concessions. The projector we purchased was so easy to set up and the picture was much clearer. The sound was much improved. Mr. Carovillano mentioned he has a pizza warmer he will be donating for future events. Since Clean Communities is willing to donate another movie to the Recreation Commission, several movie options were discussed to tie in with a Clean Communities theme. Happy Feet was most favorable. This selection will be verified with Clean Communities. The Committee will look at a few other options for the next meeting just in case Happy Feet is not approved.
Sheriff’s Office – Mrs. Minervino
6/27/2024, 7/25/2024, 8/29/2024 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Community Center
All are welcome to these events!
6/27 Identity Theft – this event went great. There were roughly 20 attendees. This was presented by the Prosecutors Office. Mrs. Minervino will be sending them a thank you letter this week.
7/25 Contractor and Home Healthcare Scams
8/13 K-9 Demonstration
8/29 TRIAD Wristband Program
To be discussed:
Active Shooter Civilian Response
Fire Marshal’s Office Overview
Crimestoppers Overview
Sussex County Sherrif’s Office Overview
Credit Card Scams
Internet and Telephone Scams
Senior Identification Cards
911 Communications Center
Fake News (and how to spot it on the internet)
Trunk or Treat
10/20/2024
The date has been set for October, 20, 2024.
Open Public Session:
The meeting was opened to the public at 8:21 p.m. No one from the public wished to speak during open public session. Open public session was closed at 8:21 p.m.
Committee Member Comments:
Advertisement –
Approval is needed to advertise for open seats on the Recreation Commission.
Mr. Sylvester motioned to advertise for the open seats on the Recreation Commission, seconded by Mrs. Tosti.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Sylvester, yes, Mr. Carovillano, yes, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes
Portable Nets –
Mr. Sylvester referred to a prior price quote ($229.99) from BSN for portable nets from May 2024. The part number is 1363633. It measures 34 inches in height specifically for pickleball courts. As mentioned earlier, Mr. Sylvester will follow up with BSN as promised.
Liaison Report – Mr. Manser
- A new receptionist has been hired. She is doing a great job and fits right in.
- The new fire truck will be delivered on June 21st
- Small properties we own in lake communities have been selling off to owners that live next door.
- There will be a Township Committee meeting tomorrow evening at 7:00 p.m.
Executive Session/Session Actions:
None.
Adjournment:
Mrs. Tosti made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m., seconded by Mr. Carovillano. A vote was taken, and all were in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Danielle Wunder, Secretary
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