March 3, 2025 REGULAR MEETING

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP
RECREATION COMMISSION
March 3, 2025 @ 7:00pm

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Carovillano, Mrs. Minervino, Mrs. Falotico, Mrs. Trotter, Mrs. DiBattista, and Mrs. Tosti
LIASION: Mrs. Delaney and Mr. Manser were both in attendance
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mrs. Richardson

Mrs. Tosti called the meeting to order at 7:02 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:
Mrs. Tosti made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 3, 2025, meeting, seconded by Mr. Carovillano.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Carovillano, yes, Mrs. Minervino, yes, Mrs. Falotico, abstain, Mrs. Trotter, yes, Mrs. DiBattista, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes

Payment of Bills:
Mrs. Tosti made a motion to approve the payment of the following bills totaling $1,152.17, seconded by Mrs. Minervino:
Septicare (January 2025 Porta John Rentals) – $290.00
Amazon (Senior Valentine’s Day Dance Supplies) -$204.06
Shop Rite (Senior Valentine’s Day Dance) – $274.85
Mengo’s Pizza (Senior Valentine’s Day Dance) – $183.26
Rick Nothstine (DJ Services) – 200.00

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Carovillano, yes, Mrs. Minervino, yes, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Trotter, yes, Mrs. DiBattista, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes

Correspondence:
There was no correspondence.

Open Public Session – Agenda Items Only:
The meeting was opened to the public at 7:08 p.m.

Alex Durino and Brett Magura were in attendance to represent Kittatinny Youth Football and Cheerleading. They plan to use Veteran’s Field full time (Monday-Friday). Practice will begin 8/1/2025 and go through mid-November. Games will be played on Sundays at Lodestar Park in Fredon. However, Lodestar does not have lighting for evening games. Mr. Durino mentioned that if they utilized Veteran’s Field for evening games, they would bring their own lighting. Both Mrs. Delaney and Mr. Manser verified that the lighting would be secure. Both gentlemen wanted to be sure they complied with the light ordinance. The earliest an evening game would begin would be 6:30 p.m. but will be no longer than an hour. They will be sure to be done by 8:00 p.m. to be respectful of the light ordinance. Mrs. Delaney recommended specifying that they will comply with the ordinance on their application for field use. Since permanent lighting at Veteran’s Field has been in discussion, it was asked whether or not this would be happening in the future. Mrs. Delaney and Mr. Manser verified it is in progress and will be funded internally. Mr. Magura mentioned that Planet Network had offered to donate lighting in other locations (such as Lodestar), so he said it may be worth looking into as an option to save money. A short discussion took place regarding the placement of lighting for Veteran’s Field. Mrs. Tosti wants to ensure its dual purpose and fits the needs for all sporting events since they will be permanent fixtures. Mr. Durino and Mr. Magura asked about field paint reimbursement. The Commission said there is no field paint reimbursement. It was also verified that the aeration would not be done on Veteran’s Field this year as we rotate field aeration. The Commission mentioned that DPW will be mowing this year and will be respectful of all practice/game schedules. Fertilizer and all other maintenance scheduling will be forwarded to teams to let them know so that practice/games will not be interrupted. It was suggested that at least one permanent goal post be considered in the future. Mrs. Tosti said to put all of this on their application, including all suggestions as they are helpful in guiding the Recreation Commission and Township Committee and the needs and wants of our residents. After the residents left, Mrs. Delaney recommended that they should obtain goal post pricing. Mrs. Tosti said she would relay the message.

The meeting was closed to the public at 7:23 p.m.

Amendments to the Agenda:
There were no amendments made to the agenda.

Old Business:
Bicentennial items will be added to our blanket basket for the Stillwater PTA Tricky Tray.

Baskets are requested to be a minimum of $50.00. Since a blanket is $45.00 this will increase the value of our tray to exceed the $50.00 minimum, as well as advertise for our bicentennial event.

New Business:
There is no new business to report.

Sub-Committee Reports:
a. Clean Up Day 4/5/2025 – Mrs. Tosti:
Our CFO reported that the tire trailer is overflowing. If they cannot get picked up before Clean Up Day, we will not be able to accept tires. She will keep us updated.

b. Miss Stillwater, Little Miss and Mr. Stillwater 6/1/2025 @ 3pm – Mrs. Minervino:
A “Junior Mr. and Miss” Category will be added to the contest to include ages 8-13. The Commission loved this idea. Mrs. DiBattista said unfortunately this age group gets lost in the sauce, so it will be encouraging, giving them something to strive towards. There was a discussion regarding whether there were age limits for a specific reason as other contests of this nature do not typically include ages 8-13. Mrs. Minervino will verify if there are any rules in
place. Mrs. Tosti mentioned that including the new age group, if allowed, may lead to cost increases. Mrs. Minervino verified that she was below budget last year and can make any necessary cuts in cost to ensure she does not exceed the budget. We may be able to obtain a sponsor for prizes in the future. Mrs. Delaney asked if a vote was needed for the contest budget. Mrs. Tosti verified that the budget of $1,500.00 had already been set and voted on.

Mrs. Tosti made a motion to add the Junior Mr. and Miss category to our contest pending there are no age restrictions in place, seconded by Mrs. Minervino.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Carovillano, yes, Mrs. Minervino, yes, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Trotter, yes, Mrs. DiBattista, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes

c. Stillwater Day 6/7/2025:
February’s workshop meeting (2/25) was well attended. Mrs. Tosti said it went great and asked for feedback. Mrs. Falotico said she feels better about there being two large events in one day as it sounds like it will be a great morning for the Historical Society. Mrs. Tosti mentioned that the Historical Society came with a lot of great ideas. We should request that they bring these ideas and information to Stillwater Day so that all their hard work gets recognized and appreciated for anyone who cannot attend the morning event. It was suggested that they can advertise the museum as well. We have a tent available for Historical Society if they choose to attend. Mrs. DiBattista asked if there would be T-shirts available for sale. The Commission agreed that people love T-shirts. This will be mentioned to the CFO again to see if this is a possibility. Mrs. Delaney reiterated what has been purchased by our CFO thus far (playing cards, baseball hats, and magnets). Mrs. Delaney would still like to include the challenger coins but thinks we should sell them as the cost is high for us to purchase. Our Recreation logo was shown to the Commission but still has to be finalized. There are other logo options, however, the Commission agreed that we can’t have too many varying logos and we should remain consistent. Whichever logo is decided will be utilized on everything for Stillwater Day. Mrs. Falotico mentioned that Stillwater Day is the same day as Newton Day so some vendors are not available. Mrs. Falotico mentioned multiple potential vendors and confirmed one vendor, “Rub It Right BBQ.” Mrs. Falotico also designed a flyer for both vendors and volunteers. She asked for approval to advertise the flyers and send them out to anyone who may be interested. Mrs. Delaney said as far as the volunteer flyer, let them know what time frame they need to be there and their job description. A google form was suggested as they can submit what they can do or what they are not interested in doing and their available time frame. This will ensure that no one is stuck working the entire day making it easier and more appealing for volunteers to commit.

d. Garage Sale Weekend 5/17/2025 & 5/18/2025 – Mrs. Wunder:
The banner and application have been updated and will be advertised within the next week. Mrs. Wunder has been in contact with the Township Journal as well. The advertisement will be set and final pricing will be available by our April meeting. The deadline for applications is set for 5/2/2025. The map and list will be completed and sent to print by 5/5/2025 and available to the public by 5/12/2025. Mrs. Wunder requested that Mrs. Delaney (of Minisink Press) send a quote for printing of the list/map as well as new signage for advertisements. The signage will be like the ones we have used in the past, but an option to easily and neatly change out the dates in needed such as Velcro. Mrs. Delaney will get a quote to send over to Mrs. Wunder this week. As discussed in the past, a communal sale location has been requested. Mayor Chammings offered the use of Chammings Ring at the recycling center. All sellers will be required to bring their own tents and tables. It was questioned whether sellers at the community location should be required to submit a hold harmless with their application. The Commission agreed this would be a good idea, but Mrs. Wunder will verify with Mayor Chammings.

e. Summer Camp 8/11/2025-8/22/2025 – Mrs. Tosti:
No updates.

f. Sussex County Day:
No updates.

g. Decorating Contests (Holiday) – Mrs. Minervino:
Gift cards still need to be purchased. Mrs. Tosti will do so as soon as possible and mail them out. The Visa gift card fee was mentioned. It is an unnecessary cost, so Mrs. Tosti suggested an Amazon gift card instead. Mrs. Falotico suggested another store in case they do not have an Amazon account. Walmart, Shop Rite, Home Goods (holiday décor), and Marshalls gift cards were all suggested. The Commission decided to purchase Walmart gift cards for this contest.

h. Tree Lighting – Mrs. Tosti/Mrs. Richardson:
No updates.

i. Egg Hunt 4/12/2025 RD: 4/13/2025 – Mrs. Falotico:
A lengthy discussion took place regarding prizes, but nothing has been set. It was verified that tickets would be put in eggs for the prizes versus utilizing the golden eggs. The Fire Department will be in attendance. There is still no Easter Bunny, but we have a costume. Mrs. Tosti will reach out to her contacts. The egg stuffing date is set for 4/5 at Clean Up Day (near the horse ring). Mrs. DiBattista mentioned decorating a large bucket for egg return to decrease some of our expenses for next year. There will be popcorn available for sale.

Mrs. Tosti made a motion not to exceed $600.00 for the Easter Egg Hunt budget, seconded by Mrs. Falotico.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Carovillano, yes, Mrs. Minervino, yes, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Trotter, yes, Mrs. DiBattista, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes

j. Field/Pavilion Application Approvals, Scheduling – Mrs. Tosti:
Kittatinny Little League – Swartswood Field/Veteran’s Field – Last week in March-July 1st
Monday-Friday 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Saturdays 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Insured
*Mr. Carovillano verified that Little League is working with the Adult Softball League’s schedule.

Mrs. Tosti made a motion to approve Kittatinny Little League for information listed above, seconded by Mrs. Trotter.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Carovillano, abstain, Mrs. Minervino, yes, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Trotter, yes, Mrs. DiBattista, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes

k. Field Maintenance – Mr. Carovillano:
In regard to the mound and batter box, it is required obtain a minimum of three quotes. However, Mrs. Delaney suggested keeping a ledger on who has been contacted. If you could only get two quotes, for example, but you contacted 10 people the CFO may accept that. Our CFO suggested, in the future when a vote is taken for this, to use the wording “not to exceed” to give us the wiggle room when we do not know the exact cost of something. Mr. Carovillano said  Little League should be contributing, but that is still up for debate. He will keep us updated.

l. Senior Wellness Program (Dates TBD) – Dawn Tighe:
The WISE (Wellness Initiative for Senior Education) Vets Wellness Program is for veterans 64 and older, spouses, and widows of veterans. It addresses veterans’ unique health challenges by providing educational tips on managing health, reducing disease risk, and improving overall well-being. Participants will benefit from interactive sessions covering the aging process, disease
prevention, medication management, and strategies for a healthier lifestyle. The program also offers a platform for veterans to connect with peers, share experiences, and learn about veteranspecific resources. Free lunch, educational discussions, activities, and guest speakers are included. Members of the Recreation Commission do not have to attend, but please relay this information to anyone who may be interested!

m. Community Center Activities:

Senior Citizen Valentine’s Dance 2/8/2025 @5-7pm @ Stillwater Firehouse – Mrs. Richardson:
It was a great turnout regardless of the weather. Mrs. Richardson was not in attendance to report on the event in detail.

Next Senior Event: Senior Game Night 4/24/2025

n. Educational Activities:

Veteran’s Event 11/9/2025 @ Community Center – Mrs. Minervino:
This event was previously offered as breakfast but will be a luncheon moving forward. It was also noted that Mrs. Minervino will be hosting another First Responders Event as well to be held on 9/7/2025.

Sheriff’s Office @ 1-2pm @ Community Center – Mrs. Minervino:
All are welcome!

SCHEDULE
3/18/25 – 13 Signs Your Home is Vulnerable
5/13/25 – Senior ID Cards
7/15/25 – Phone Numbers to Know
August TBD – K-9 Demonstration
9/16/25 – 911 Center
11/18/25 – Car Theft Device
All dates and topics were listed in an email to the Commission. The Community Center needs to be confirmed.

o. Trunk or Treat 10/26/2025 @ Veteran’s Field – Mrs. Trotter:
No updates.

p. Pop Up Vendor Fair – Mrs. Tosti:
No updates.

q. Plant Exchange – Mrs. Tosti:
Karen King is hosting a “Seed Starting” with seniors so it may be possible to incorporate this with the plant exchange. Mrs. Tosti and Mrs. King will meet to discuss this further. Mrs. Minervino mentioned someone who is very interested in this as well.

r. Bicentennial Workshop Meeting – March 25, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

Open Public Session:
The meeting was opened to the public at 9:00 p.m. No one from the public wished to speak.

The open public session was closed at 9:00 p.m.

Committee Member Comments:
There were no Committee member comments.

Liaison Report: Mr. Manser and Mrs. Delaney

Mr. Manser:
The budget is being worked on. March 4th will decide what we can and cannot do.

There is currently no update on teh Community Center TV. However, we have a projector and CERT is discussing purchasing a screen. Since we allow CERT to utilize our projector, we can ask to utilize their screen if it gets purchased.

Mrs. Delaney:
Nothing new to report.

Adjournment:
Mrs. Tosti made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:03 p.m., seconded by Mr. Carovillano. A vote was taken, and all were in favor.

Respectfully Submitted,
Danielle Wunder, Secretary