October 21, 2024 Workshop Meeting

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP

RECREATION COMMISSION

WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES

October 21, 2024

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. Falotico, Mrs. DiBattista, Mrs. Richardson, and Mrs. Tosti

LIASION: Mrs. Delaney and Mr. Manser were both in attendance

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Sylvester, Mr. Carovillano, and Mrs. Trotter

Deborah Drumm and Phyllis McGee, from the Historical Society, were both in attendance as well.

Mrs. Tosti called the meeting to order at 7:05 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.

Amendments to the Agenda:

There were no amendments made to the agenda.

Stillwater Day Bicentennial

6/7/2025 Rain Date: 6/8/2025

Veteran’s Park

The time of the event is still to be determined. The Historical Society will be hosting their event on Main Street from 10:00a.m. -1:00 p.m.

1. Fireworks –

Mrs. Delaney has two appointments set with two different companies, “Celebration” and “Dean M. Fireworks,” to obtain pricing quotes. There is potential to utilize a third company, “International Fireworks.” International Fireworks is used by various other surrounding towns and businesses making them a favorable option. Their price ranged anywhere from $4,500 to $45,000. However, they did give Mrs. Delaney a quote based on our wants/needs for $7,500 over the phone. We are planning on having a 20-minute firework show. All fireworks will be up in the air versus on the ground. The fireworks will begin as soon as it get dark enough to do so. In June, this is typically around 9:00-9:15 p.m. Mrs. Delaney would like to meet with the other two companies to receive a hard quote before making a final decision. This decision is set to be made by the first week of November, especially being that the funds delegated to fireworks will be coming from our 2024 budget.

1. Activities –

A parade from Town Hall to Veteran’s Park is still under discussion. Several ideas for participants in the parade include classic cars, tractors, local groups, Kittatinny High School band, Fire Department, etc. Although Miss Stillwater will be held separately from Stillwater Day this year, all participants should be invited to join our parade. The County will need a permit, and the route must be approved due to the liability of holding the parade on a County Road. The State Police and Sheriff’s Department will need to be in attendance for safety reasons. This should not be a problem. The Historical Society is looking to hold a parade as well, which would entail a permit and approval as well. Our permit and approval are strictly valid for our parade only. Mrs. Drumm and Mrs. McGee requested that any information and contacts be forwarded to them so they can begin their approval process.

The Historical Society briefed the Commission on their plans from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Their goal is to focus on the 1825 era of Stillwater – Old (Historical Society) versus New (Recreation Commission). Mrs. Delaney and Mrs. Tosti made it clear that it should be an all-encompassing 200^th celebration, not two separate events. Mrs. Drumm and Mrs. McGee said they are heavily focused on planning their December event so their plans for Stillwater Day are minimal at this time. However, some ideas discussed were a garden tour, baby stroller parade, and reading of the Declaration of Independence (readers to play the part in costume).

A pie eating contest was discussed as an activity option. Other contests mentioned were a hot dog eating contest for adults only and a watermelon eating contest for children. If we choose to host a pie eating contest, Mrs. Drumm has a contact at a local culinary school who would be willing to provide the baked pies. Mrs. Delaney said we could offer a donation as a thank you.

1. Music/Shows/Programs –

Mrs. Delaney reported that the band that was most wanted was not available. However, the Snake Oil Willy Band is available for both event days (6/7 & 6/8). He also has a PA that he is willing to let us use for the entire day. He will set up in the morning and be ready to play in the evening prior to the firework show. The quote obtained for three 50 minutes sets with PA is $1,200.00. Mrs. Delaney suggested securing the Snake Oil Willy Band as well as one more band or act. Mrs. Delaney is open to all suggestions. A bluegrass band to appeal to older generations was discussed. Asking the high school band or choir to participate was also suggested. If another band/act were to use the PA system, they would need to be knowledgeable of its use.

Mrs. Tosti made a motion to utilize the Snake Oil Willy Band for our 2025 Bicentennial Stillwater Day Celebration, seconded by Mrs. Falotico.

Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. DiBattista, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes

We will need silent generators. Mrs. Tosti confirmed she will contact Ed Caffrey.

Mrs. Richardson mentioned using Tommy Knucklehead again. He performed at our 2024 Stillwater Day and was well liked. A lengthy discussion took place regarding other or additional options for entertainment. Scott Lebado was favorable as well. Mrs. Richardson will research entertainment options and quotes for our next meeting.

1. Bounce Houses/Equipment-

Mrs. Tosti mentioned doing a similar rental of bounce houses as 2024 minus the slide. The slides were reported to get too hot in the sun and several children got stuck as well. We would like one small bounce house, one medium bounce house, one large bounce house, and one obstacle course to encompass all age groups. Mrs. Delaney recommended locking these in asap with Ed Caffrey. Mrs. Tosti will contact Mr. Caffrey for both the bounce houses and silent generator quote so that we can vote on this during our November meeting.

1. Vendors/Food Vendors-

The Fire Department will be selling beer. The area will need to be fenced off. Mrs. Tosti has sent a Save the Date to vendors (who participated in our Fall vendor fair). Applications and registration forms will follow. Mrs. Tosti will also contact local eateries and food trucks. The Fire Department will be contacted to verify what they will be serving so we do not step on any toes. Securing this information first will allow us to know which food vendors to contact.

Open Public Session:

The meeting was opened to the public at 7:57 p.m.

Mrs. Tosti quickly review our remaining events for 2024 as a reminder for members.

Since flags were discussed at the last Stillwater Day meeting, Mrs. Delaney recommended that Mrs. Drumm contact Kimberly Williams (Town of Newton) to obtain additional information on sizing. The Historical Society would like to get custom flags designed by Mrs. McGee made to sell.

Mrs. Tosti shared photos of the completed shed at Veteran’s. Thank you, DPW! They look great.

Open public session was closed to the public at 8:11 p.m.

Committee Member Comments:

We will be utilizing our 12/16 workshop meeting to discuss Stillwater Day.

Liaison Report:

Mrs. Delaney welcomed Kellyann DiBattista to the Recreation Commission. Gypsy moth spraying may be done on specified areas of Stillwater. Areas of most need have already been pinpointed. With the help of a grant, we may be able to get 50% of the cost covered. Mrs. Delaney reported that an enclosed trailer was purchased for OEM emergencies from an OEM grant.

Adjournment:

Mrs. Tosti made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:22 p.m., seconded by Mrs. Falotico. A vote was taken, and all were in favor.

Respectfully Submitted,

Danielle Wunder, Secretary