STILLWATER TOWNSHIP

RECREATION COMMISSION

MEETING MINUTES

June 3, 2023

 

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Sylvester, Mrs. Tsadilas, Mrs. Minervino, Mrs. Falotico, Mrs. Richardson, and Mrs. Tosti

LIASION: Mr. Manser was in attendance (7:52 p.m.)

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Reilly and Mr. Carovillano

Mrs. Tosti called the meeting to order at 7:06 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 May 6, 2024, meeting, seconded by Mrs. Tosti.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Sylvester, yes, Mrs. Tsadilas, yes, Mrs. Minervino, yes, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes

Approval of Workshop Meeting Minutes:

Mr. Sylvester made a motion to approve the workshop meeting minutes from the May 20, 2024, meeting, seconded by Mrs. Tosti.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Sylvester, yes, Mrs. Tsadilas, yes, Mrs. Minervino, yes, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes

Payment of Bills:

Mr. Sylvester made a motion to approve the payment of the following bills totaling $3,976.69, seconded by Mrs. Tosti.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Sylvester, yes, Mrs. Tsadilas, abstain, Mrs. Minervino, abstain, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Richardson, abstain, Mrs. Tosti, abstain

 

Reimbursement – Jennifer Minervino (Miss Stillwater Supplies) – $212.09

Reimbursement – Gina Richardson (Stillwater Day Supplies) – $22.32

Reimbursement – Maureen Tsadilas (Water Safety Fair) – $122.70

Shop Rite (Stillwater Day Supplies) – $98.99

Tri-State Rentals (Stillwater Day) – $2,689.50

Home Depot (Stillwater Park Batting Cage) – $119.95

BSN Sports (Rec Comm Equipment) – $282.60

Amazon (Stillwater Day Supplies) – $111.99

Amazon (Stillwater Day Supplies) – $245.69

Amazon (Miss Stillwater Prizes) – $24.86

Amazon (Miss Stillwater) – $46.00

Correspondence:

Mrs. Minervino read an email from Kellyann DiBattista. The email praised the Recreation Commission on Stillwater Day and the Miss Stillwater contest. She thanked the Commission for keeping Stillwater activities fun, alive, and growing.

Open Public Session – Agenda Items Only:

The meeting was opened to the public at 7:09 p.m.

Field Use Approvals:

Stephanie Marcial

Barefoot University (They aim to connect homeschool families to nature and each other. Their mission is to follow forest school principles for child-led outdoor exploration, play, nature-based skills, and hands-on learning. Their goal is to create strong communities of families who enjoy learning, meeting, and doing life together weekly.)

Veteran’s Field (will be primarily utilizing the open park, but will use pavilion if weather conditions are poor)

First week of September through the end of May

Thursdays

10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Insured

Mrs. Tsadilas made a motion to approve field use for Barefoot University on the dates and times listed above, seconded by Mrs. Richardson.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Sylvester, yes, Mrs. Tsadilas, yes, Mrs. Minervino, yes, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes

The meeting was closed to the public at 7:27 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:

There was no new business to report.

Sub-Committee Reports:

 

Clean Up Day – Mrs. Tosti

4/20/2024

No updates.

Miss Stillwater, Little Miss and Mr. Stillwater – Mrs. Minervino

The winners were as follows:

Emmet Delaney – Little Mister Stillwater

Paige Decaro – Miss Stillwater

Amelia Guild – Little Miss Stillwater

Mrs. Minervino did a recap on the monetary comparisons (contest expenses) for 2023 versus 2024. In 2023, about $300.00 were spent on florals. In 2024, we spent a total of $152.82 (including gifts). This is a great savings. For future, a backup judge will be secured in case there in an unforeseen emergency.

Stillwater Day:

6/1/2024 Rain Date: 6/2/2024

Mrs. Tosti and Mr. Sylvester suggested sending a thank you note to All Access for their donation of the stage and their labor. Mrs. Wunder will send the thank you note. In addition, all members of the Commission will send thank you notes to those who donated their time and assistance to their specific area of Stillwater Day. There were nine children who volunteered to help with Stillwater Day. They were recognized for their efforts and eagerness to help. Mr. Sylvester suggested sending a special thank you such as a gift card to all volunteers (15 total). Mrs. Falotico liked the idea, however, she expressed her concern with rewarding volunteer hours since this may be expected each time we get volunteers for our events. The Commission agreed but being that this is a town wide event and it was a such a hot day Stillwater Day can be an exception.

Mrs. Tosti made a motion to purchase 15 ice cream gift cards from the Sugar Shack up to $60.00, seconded by Mrs. Richardson.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Sylvester, yes, Mrs. Tsadilas, yes, Mrs. Minervino, yes, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes

Mrs. Richardson will contact Kelly Castner from Sugar Shack regarding the gift cards. Mrs. Tosti and Mrs. Falotico will also present a formal certification to volunteers recognizing their time and efforts.

Mrs. Tosti reported that $145.00 was made on concessions. It was noted that our CFO purchased a wagon and an all-weather blanket for us – Thank you!

Mrs. Tsadilas made a motion to pay Rick Nothstine $300.00 for his announcer services at Stillwater Day, seconded by Mr. Sylvester.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Sylvester, yes, Mrs. Tsadilas, yes, Mrs. Minervino, yes, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes

During our May meeting, the Commission discussed purchasing two tables for our own use.

Mrs. Tosti made a motion to purchase two tables not to exceed $200.00 for Recreation use, seconded by Mrs. Minervino.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Sylvester, yes, Mrs. Tsadilas, yes, Mrs. Minervino, yes, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes

Plant Exchange – Mrs. Tosti/Mr. Reilly

No date set. No updates.

 

Garage Sale Weekend – Mrs. Wunder

5/18/2024 & 5/19/2024

No updates.

Summer Camp – Mrs. Tosti

Week of 8/12/2024 & the week of 8/19/2024

Now that Stillwater Day is done, Mrs. Tosti will be putting her focus towards Summer Camp. It was noted that $169.00 was made on the duck race, which will go towards Summer Camp.

Sussex County Day – Mrs. Richardson

No updates.

 

Decorating Contests (Holiday) – Mr. Reilly

No updates.

 

Tree Lighting – Mrs. Tosti/Mrs. Richardson

12/6/2024

The date was 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/Mrs. Martin

No updates.

Field/Pavilion Application Approvals, Scheduling – Mrs. Tosti

Field Application Approvals were completed during Open Public Session.

Field Maintenance – Mr. Sylvester/Mr. Carovillano

Mr. Sylvester asked Mr. Manser if the DPW could weed both playgrounds as well as install mulch. Mr. Manser said it is in process. Mr. Sylvester also noted that material needs to be added underneath the merry go round at Veteran’s. Home plate was found – it was covered over with clay. Since a new plate has already been ordered, we will now have a spare. Mr. Sylvester thanked the DPW for setting up and taking down the tent for Stillwater Day as well as their help in general with the event. Mrs. Tosti agreed mentioning that the DPW brought the tent, popcorn machine, and 16 garbage cans on Friday. They also dropped several items off on Saturday. In addition, they took down the tent the following week and disposed of boxes that were not needed in the pod.

Community Center Activities:

 

Senior Citizen Game Night – Mrs. Richardson

Prize Bingo

Community Center

6/11

6:00-8:00 p.m.

Mrs. Richardson reviewed the prizes that were donated.

Mrs. Tosti and Mrs. Minervino offered additional prizes they were willing to donate.

Educational Activities:

 

Bus Trip – Mr. Reilly

8/10/2024

Mr. Reilly secured the sporting event bus trip to Yankee Stadium for August 10, 2024. Flyers will be going out shortly.

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.

First Responder Recognition Luncheon – Mrs. Minervino

9/8/2024 (potential date, but end of July is also in discussion)

Community Center

Instead of holding the POW/MIA event, Mrs. Minervino proposed the idea of holding a BBQ 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. The event would be open to all, but an RSVP must be in place to ensure we can hold the event in the Community Center. The Commission discussed making it for Stillwater residents only to determine the outcome and can revisit opening it to all towns in the future. Date and further details will be discussed at our July meeting.

Water Safety Fair – Mrs. Tsadilas

No updates.

Spring Movie in the Park – Mrs. Falotico

The Lorax

6/21 Rain date: 6/22

Swartswood Park

Mrs. Richardson will be putting this event up on the Community Center board for advertisement. It was discussed whether or not we would be doing more movie nights in the future and if we would like to collaborate with Hampton as previously discussed. No members opposed. This will be further discussed when more information is available.

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

7/25 Contractor and Home Healthcare Scams

8/12 K-9 Demonstration (to be determined – during Summer Camp’s first week)

8/29 TRIAD Wristband Program

Recap on Project Lifesaver –

This is a device provided and maintained by the Sheriff’s department that allow a person (children, those who have Alzheimer’s/dementia, etc.) to be located within 60-90 minutes. It’s a free service and currently used by 39 residents of Sussex County.

Fall Festival

10/12/2024

No updates.

Trunk or Treat

October

The date will be set during our next meeting. October 19^th and the 26^th were discussed as potential dates. The afternoon is preferred. A chairperson is needed for this event.

 

Open Public Session:

The meeting was opened to the public at 8:27 p.m.

Resignation –

Mrs. Tosti regretted informing the Commission on Mrs. Tsadilas resignation. Mrs. Tosti read Mrs. Tsadilas’s resignation letter. Mrs. Tsadilas reminded the Commission that she can still be contacted for any help if needed and she will volunteer when she is able.

Correspondence –

Mrs. Minervino had contacted Kellyann DiBattista to let her know her correspondence was read earlier in the meeting. Mrs. DiBattista responded that it is important to share feedback with the community.

Public session was closed at 8:54 p.m.

Committee Member Comments:

Mrs. Tosti thanked the Commission for the effort and time they put into the Recreation Commission Events. Mrs. Tosti and Mrs. Richardson are lucky to have such a great team. Mrs. Richardson agreed. Mrs. Richardson added that for next year’s Stillwater Day, more help will be needed. It is such a large event, that it is important to make sure members are available throughout the days leading up to and during the event. It will be helpful that we will have more time to plan for 2025.

Liaison Report –

 

Mr. Manser

 

Mr. Manser noted that Stillwater Day was a huge success. He added what a great job the Committee did as he heard good feedback regarding the event. Mr. Manser looks forward to next year.

Executive Session/Session Actions:

None.

 

Adjournment:

Mr. Sylvester made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m., seconded by Mrs. Tosti. A vote was taken, and all were in favor.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Danielle Wunder, Secretary