Yeah, that's what they say. Please stand on the pledge allegiance. I >> stand nation. I hereby announce meeting >> chapter 231 of the open public meeting act proper notice of the meeting dates
that given to the Mars plans news and the Mars County Daily Record and posted on both board >> sorry do you have a microphone >> yeah we didn't hear very well thank you >> it's just an opening meeting statement >> better um
>> just talk your regular voice >> talk to me that Kevin Bagner >> here. >> Michael Preslin >> here. >> Emily Milby >> here. >> Kelly Kubic >> here. >> Paul Samrosski >> here. >> Council member Sal Cortez is present.
Rec director Jamie Cooper is here. Rem events coordinator Michelle Diamond is present. Okay, we have to do some house cleaning first. Um we need to reorganize ourselves here.
So I need a motion for vice chair and nominate Kevin Bagner. Second >> second. >> All those in favor. >> Welcome aboard.
>> How many years does this make >> life? Lost track. >> Don't ask those questions. >> Now we need a new chairman. I'm here as long as Jerry's >> around. >> Okay. All those in favor? >> I >> I done it again.
>> Okay. Um, let's get started. I guess you guys all have something to discuss with us tonight, which is great. One of the things we did want to clarify, we I know you're all here, most of you are here for the pool.
what we're doing there. We are the town is applying for a grant which is $50,000 grant from the state along with $200,000. Steve, correct me if I'm wrong. Steve is our grant writer. Um that's a $200,000
loan, interest free loan for 20 years. Doesn't mean we have the money now to fix anything yet. We do have a plan. Um some of the councilmen, myself, C Chase have been involved trying to come up with a plan to keep the pool
alive and keep it running for the rest of the year and then years to come. So right now u the reason we made that public statement about the grant discussion of the pool I know there was some confusion but under
the application we had to host a public meeting and let public know this is what we're doing. So that's that's where we are. there. Any questions? We'll take that. >> Is this the time to talk about it? Are you
>> Come on up. >> Yep. Come on up. >> State your name and address. >> Sure. Stephanie Carr, 33 Maple Avenue in the flats. Um, I guess my question would be is
there any sort of a possible timeline or like is it are we talking about trying to make this happen for this this summer or we talking about >> it all comes down to we get the money this we don't we don't
>> we do have a plan for doing repairs now >> that the town is going to be backing how much that gets The road guys have been fantastic in helping us put bandaids on. >> Sal's been involved and Mike's been
involved with a plan that we have that we think is going to be a lot better. You know, just the different kind of paint that we're using this year, but there's so many things that need to be done up there. That's what that grant's going to be used for. Obviously
I I represent the swim team. >> Kind of noticed that. >> Yes. Um and uh just you know we're in a league and like we have to make commitments to the league and um right now they're thinking about starting the season. Wednesday, June 24th
>> is when like the season would start like first meet would be Wednesday, June 24th. We could probably we generally can ask them to not be put in the first meet like we can ask them to have our buy in the beginning of the season. >> But uh just wanted to throw it out there that um you know we have a
115 close to 120 kids and tons of families and uh so we just are hoping are hoping that you know timeline would be okay and that we would just be um kept in touch with and given information
if we think is not going to happen or >> one of the things last year or the year before the department of public works did a great job trying to get the pool earlier >> and that's our goal again this year we get it open on the 14th
13th Saturday >> but that's our wish list >> of course >> we have they're involved as you know the parade is a big thing you know these guys are are thin as it is trying to get
as much work done the parade. We also this year have the 100 year celebration in Centennial Park they're going to be working on and then little league takes up a lot of their time getting fields ready. With that said, selfishly I'm
always on Joey and Johnny and his guys get the pool going. So we know what we have to do now. We just have to pray for get rid of the snow right away. Thank you. >> Yeah, I speak a little higher. I'm sorry. >> I just asked who's the swim leazison
because maybe we can keep in touch with Stephanie so that um communication can be >> first and foremost to you. >> Um I I mean well and >> Oh yeah, we have a our Marlin's email account. >> Okay.
>> It's MP 07950 atgmail. Okay. >> And one of the things we're going to do tonight is reorgan every one of board members takes over a team or a sport and they are the leaison to soccer, little league, baseball, basketball, swim team.
So you'll have a committee member. I'll send emails back and forth. >> Awesome. So we can keep you in the loop. >> Any anybody else? >> Hi I'm Jessica. Sorry.
>> I'm Jessica Orur. I live at 15 Hillview Avenue in Marring. First and foremost, I want to say thank you guys because I have seen so much great things from recreation from the ice cream at the end of the school year to the birthday parties to y'all are making a name for yourselves in a great way and I'm really
excited. So, thank you. Thank you. Um I was really excited to see the information about tonight because the pool is so important to so many of us. Um, my son especially has just taken on swimming and this is like his thing now and would be devastated if anything
happened to that pool. Um, we all know there's a lot of things lacking with the pool and a lot of things that we can fix with the pool. So, I just have some general questions. My first question and this is from my mom who is 75. So, you go with that. She's been in this town for 75 years. Um, so my mom wants to
know the pool that we used to have the IDA wild is that what it's called? What's happening there and is the money that pool or whatever that money hole is, is that coming over to Community Park? Is that working to help us get more money there? What can we do? How is that helping? What is that doing?
>> The ID pool right now is we have hired the town's hired an architect. We designed that as a park. >> Okay, great. >> We're not opening that up just by changing hands. We'd have to bring that up to code. It's impossible.
>> No, I never I don't submit that. Sorry. But I just wanted to know if the money was something that we could like reallocate was being allocated to this pool. >> The town never gave that pool any money. >> It was all private. >> It's all private. So, uh, but >> one of the things we did see membership
pick up because that's been closed. >> Yeah, it's closed. >> And Chrissy and Joe Joseph did a great job with out of town members were up >> and the seniors played mom. >> Yeah, >> seniors did a good job. big supporter,
right? Mrs. We got the queen here. >> So, you don't need me. Um, so my other question is now you've been making a lot of patches and a lot of fixes. We all know there's that hole in the pool, right? We all freeze our little butts off every year. Um,
>> well, cold plunge is good for you. >> I hear I hear that. I hear you. But, um, I'm just wondering instead of fixing it year after year and putting a patch on it, do we like what is the cost and what would it need? Is it something we could do publicly like fundraising. Are there something that we can all work on are
there other I want to see how we can help you like I think that that's always welcome for sure. One of the things I've been contact with the township pool guys and see what they went through. It would be expensive >> to fix the whole >> it's not just the leak itself
the piping around is 63 years old. >> So that all has to be torn up. It's going to be a big fix. But what we could do now is we we're going to scope the pipes, see where any more leaks are, and go from there. See how we can tackle the problems. >> Okay. >> Like a hit list.
>> Okay. Just cuz I'm worried about like we keep paying for the patches. Is that going to amount to what it would be just to fix the dang thing and call it a day? >> No. >> Not even close. Okay. I don't know. So I don't need to put a new pool in. >> Oh, absolutely.
>> Thank you. Well, the township their pool >> fundraising >> their pools were $4 million back then and so this would be probably about seven. >> Okay. And then our town and our taxes go in a portion of it goes into this pool into the recreation committee I'm
assuming. Um like I just would like to you know just understand like so we are getting money from the town as well as grants. >> The the town the town has supported the pool and the council supported the pool every year. >> Perfect. Okay. And then is there anything like I said before that we as
parents of swim kids and parents in the community what we can do to help like let us know what we can do. >> This was >> I'm not this is our really our first >> Yeah. >> But you guys know was a big push at the end of the season last year to keep the
pool alive. >> I think it's been addressed and I think the council knows that it's important to the community itself. So, as whoever the leaison on for the pool and the swim team, >> we will keep everybody posted what we're
going to do and how we're about it. >> Great. Because I just don't want you guys to think that it's like on you like we're here. I'm like I'm always ready to help. So, just let us know what we can do and help with fundraising or >> we want to hear it. >> So, I mean, >> everyone in this knows how to get me. Um
but yeah, so anything we can do really just to let us know. Um because I think our pool has a lot of potential and I just think it hasn't been given the the love and I hope that I know you guys will give it this this year and I know that some parents are on this board so um I'm not worried about that but thank you so much. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thanks for coming
out. >> Yo, get me more money, Steve. >> Keep digging, Steve. >> Come on, man. Well, I'm Steve Welsh to Silvin Drive and I really wasn't going to speak about it, but I wanted to explain the whole thing about the grants. Uh Gary mentioned that 200,000. Well,
that's the total that's available from Green Acres. It's the maximum we can get in cash is 50,000 >> and we would have 150,000 available as a no interest loan over 20 years.
And uh that deadline is uh in February 27th. And there's a new process this year when you go for the Green Acres grant. And that's what we're going through right now. We're asking the public for input to the application to see if they have
any ideas about what's needed at at the pool. Um this is something new. Uh but we are going to be having a a real public hearing at the council meeting on February 22nd and that's going to be advertised in the paper on February 5th.
We have to do it like two weeks before the uh the actual meeting and then the public will be asked again to give their uh comments on on the grant application. So what we're going for is planning planning on spending
150,000 to find and repair the leaks. And then the uh the slide is is approximately 38,000 and the four chairs were allocating four lifeguard chairs 12,000 that adds up to 50,000.
Uh so at the same time there was another grant available called local recreation improvements and we've applied for that in the past three times and we've we've gotten it two times once for playground equipment at Waton Park and once for playground equipment at community park.
The limit on that is $75,000. And so of course you know our expenses are more than that. So we're going to show that we need more but we're only going to ask for the maximum. So, if we're able to get both of those grants, we would have 50,000 from Green Acres
and 75,000 from Local Recreation Improvement, $125,000 cash, and then we would still have 150,000 that we could borrow effectively at 0%. So, we would have more than a 200,000 in total, you
know, to uh to use for pool improvements. Um, I think that uh that's all I have to say about it now, unless you have any questions. Anybody from the public? >> I do. So, what made you pick chairs and
those kind of things? >> One one of the things about the lifeguard chairs, they probably if we have money, we'd like to do starting blocks, lifeguard chairs, shade. >> There's a long list of that. Okay. >> And that something that we want when we get closer, we'll sit down with Chrissy
and Joseph come up where even the bathroom stalls. >> Yes. >> You know, there's there's a hit list. >> We all know >> we got >> 40 years of repairs that need to be done. So, we're going to go through um
the the starting blocks to replace those. As you know, they're anchored into the ground. The biggest scare there is once you start tearing them out, you never know what you're going to find on that concrete, how durable it is. So let
me just say Jerry that in order to come up with what we are applying for I spoke with with you and with Joseph Jr. about what was needed at the pool and he had a wish list, you know, of everything. But number one on that list was repair the leaks
>> and number two was replace the slide. >> And then a little bit farther down the list was the lifeguard stands, but you know, figuring out how much we could possibly apply for and get approved for it within the grant. Those were the three things that were chosen. But he
also mentioned bathroom stalls and permanent shade structures, you know, other other improvements there, the storage shed, picnic tables, you know, other minor things. But as far as the grant application goes, we're going for the three things. Two out of the three
were >> the link is the leak is the our focus. >> Right. Right. >> So So that's how we came up with what we're applying for. >> Well, thank you for everything you've done. >> We'll see how it goes. Yeah. As far as >> Keep looking, Steve. Keep looking. new
branch, >> you know, don't don't worry about Anna. >> He keeps spending time as far as the timing, I wouldn't expect to be able to have the money for this year to use, >> right? >> Uh probably in in the June time frame,
we'll we'll hear back about the local recreation improvements and the in the fall probably about the the green acres. So, that's where we stand. Anybody else?
John Boy, 25 Parker Drive. Big fan of the pool. It's one of the reasons I bought the house that we bought. You know, we can walk to it. Kids love it. Um I'm kind of unclear what is being asked of the public. Feels like this is a formality.
>> It is a formality. >> Okay. So, you're not really looking for ideas. >> We have ideas. >> We're listening. >> We're listening. But on, you know, we know what we think we need to do. >> Yeah. >> In order to apply for this grant, we had to have this meeting first.
>> Got it. >> So, that's the first step. >> Okay. >> Then we're coming up with a list, a hit list of things to go through. >> Okay. >> So, the more support we have for the pool by the residents, the better. for the council make some tough decisions.
>> I'd love to hear your ideas, John. >> Yeah. >> I mean, it sounds like we the leak seems foundational to um I I guess these sorts of grants and loans, they're generally used for like
structural things rather than fun things. Is that right? >> Not necessarily. Like in the case of the playground, it's not fixing the ground, but the recreation one versus >> because I the way I I think about it is
um you know, the more fun things you bring to the pool, the more people who will join the pool. And it maybe all those things cost money, maybe it makes pool more financially viable. And so I'm just wondering whether we should be in addition to those really important
structural things putting some ideas down on the fun side of things. >> Um I don't necessarily have those ideas but I think we have a lot of good like benchmarks around to to look at um streeter pool being one of them. Um, so
I'm happy to, you know, go do some homework on that and maybe bring it to the public hearing. Some ideas >> once we get the green light on, we get approve or something. We'll, this board will host some ideas with Christ and Joseph, the swim team, and everything we
need. The swim team, they're going to need new blocks. So, that's something we need to look at. >> The baby pool, the the council put a lot of money in the baby pool last year. >> Think Not the baby pool. It's the little pool. >> The little pool. >> Don't tell my daughter it's the baby pool.
>> It used to be a baby pool when I was there. >> So that's >> Okay. >> We're We're trying. >> Yeah. Great. Can Can I ask one other question? >> Sure. Sure. >> Um so I'm relatively new to town. It's
10 years. Um and since I've moved here, it's like every year it's like rumors like, "Oh, the pool might not open. And the pool is 65 years old. It's passed its lifespan and appreciate I really appreciate that we the town has
managed to open it every year, but it's I'm not hearing a like long-term plan. Is there one? Is there talk of one? Should we be working on one? >> I think that's a council question, but there's probably going to be a longterm
plan coming forward. >> We need to address it. The pool is The council did a great job keeping the pool holding water. >> Yeah. >> We just got to keep going. >> Yeah. >> It's part of the community, you know.
So, we everybody sees that now realizes that, you know, you'll hear some negative pockets that old fill it in, skate park, whatever. >> No, the pool is the pool. Everybody enjoys it. It's the right of passage.
Kids coming through the town. It's a place for them to It's a big part of the town. >> So, I think this whole board here is backing it. I think a lot of the members on the council are backing it and >> it's going to be addressed just just by going out for a grant. The town's never
done that before. >> That's the first step. >> It's the first step and I commend the council on stepping up and realizing we got to keep this going. So, >> that's great. I'm happy to offer any help I can. >> Jamie, get his number two.
>> Turn away. You know, one of the things though, you know, this is community of caring, but it's also the community of rumors. >> It spreads like wildfire. So, >> you're behind them. >> Oh my. >> My thing is like after a while, we can't
keep acting surprised that the pool needs, >> you know, like Thank you. We hear it, too. Would you mind if I say something as a recreation director? Uh, one of my goals this year is to really bring like a little more fun things to the pool. So Chrissy, I,
myself, and um, Joe are in the works of making some more fun things, fun nights for the kids. So >> we're big fans of the flip nights. >> Anybody else? >> Here we go. >> A little your own medicine.
>> Hello. Uh, my name is Blair Sitman. >> Legally, um, I Forest Court, right around the corner from the pool. And I've been nagging you all week or all summer, every year about the pool. My kids are finally old enough to enjoy it.
I grew up enjoying it. Your kids grew up enjoying it. So, >> your kids, everybody. So, I think what I'm hearing >> is that you guys are all doing the best you can to keep the pool open, but we have to make sure city council understands that we want the pool open,
too, not just you guys. Is that accurate? >> Yeah. >> I said earlier, I think the council, we're on the same page. We just got to come up on the 22nd. >> What what Steve was talking about that day, rally the troops, >> the numbers, >> right? Rally the troops.
>> That's what we'll do. That's all. >> Nothing like that. Send a message. >> You know, I like to have the last word. >> Anybody else? >> Sorry, you can't have >> I'll give it to you. >> Oh, I mean, come on. So, Jason Carr, mayor here in this great town, community
of caring and uh so you all have I'm not here for this, but you all have my word as long as I'm mayor, the pool is a priority. Uh as Jerry had said, It's it's an intricral part of the community, right? We have athletes that come there. We have seniors that enjoy the the pool
there. Families for generations have gone to the pool and still go with their kids and everything else. So, it's definitely an integral part of the uh of the burrow and a small percentage of uh residents use it, but we're willing to
make the investment in in the pool to keep it going. Even though we we repair it every year, like Jerry said again, 65 years old, you know, you fix one thing, we thought we had it licked, something else broke somewhere else. We fixed over there, something else broke over here.
So, it wasn't one problem. Now, we have another problem. Um, we fixed problems almost every single year. Um, but you know, we're willing. I'm committed. I can't speak for the council, but I'm committed on keeping that pool open uh for families and residents, kids, and
seniors alike. So, uh, that's my word for you. But I I'm really here today just to say thank you to the uh to the rec board. I do this uh every year at the beginning of the year uh to all the boards and commissions. But uh the time that you guys put in and uh the effort
and going to the events and planning the events We have new people uh that have done a fantastic job who've stepped up um at probably the wrong time of the year to step up but but you did right got pool registrations but everybody
really worked together and um volunteers are what makes Morris plants tick and boards in the commission all volunteers so I want to thank you all for your time your service your dedication to the burrow and it's really what makes things go around you hear from the residents
and you guys act on whatever board commission it is. So, I really want to say thank you and thank you for stepping back up again year after year and congratulations to the chairman and the vice chair. Uh but uh it really this is a great board. You do a lot of great things in town this year with the
centennial. Two great events already. Uh Rick has been part of them. Reck's going to be part of the rest of the year in the events. So, I really want to thank you and I know the burough residents appreciate you as well. So, thank you very much. appreciate that.
>> Okay. >> I also think sorry I'm not trying to say the last word. You can talk again. But um >> you will now just he has to have a last word. >> My other question. So you were saying how people go to streeter like so that's the fear right people in our town people in our team like they sign up for our
team but then they also go to shreer and they also go here and I just hate that because I just like Blair I grew up here. I was Blair's camp counselor. I was the, you know, I was here. And so I just feel like we have to get people to come back to the pool. And like I said, anything we can do to help, let us know
because right now more than ever, I'm invested in the dang pool. Um, so just let me know. >> All right. So I am going to have the last. >> So year after year, the enrollment or the membership has gone up, right? So they've made with the improvements that they've done, uh, some of the events
that they've done, it's all those things collaborative, the repairs, keeping that thing open. So year after year it keeps getting better and better and it really hats off to everybody. So thank you. >> Can I say something? >> Um just a couple of things. Uh one is
Jessica, first I want to thank you for the way you confronted a problem with I've been on the board for 16 years on recreation and 12 years on council. You guys know me. Um a lot of people come here and say I want this, I want this, and I want that. You're one of people that came up and what can we do and my
answer to you is is help with enrollment, help with the you know getting people registered to the pool. It goes a long way with us and just don't take a lot of time. The pool is a separate entity. It's like a utility for the town. We've constantly had to bud,
you know, budget money for it. And there's no pool that I know of in at least New Jersey that makes money. And sometimes around here have, you know, three, four, $500,000 loss in the pool area, which we can't afford. >> Um, and then as far as the pool
structurally, it's sadly past it time. Um, we are doing I've been doing bandaids with everyone. I don't think anything has happened there without me knowing about it. Um, my heart is soul there just like yourself. You know, my kids were there and I'd like a grandfather. I would love my kids to be
there. So, my grandkids, but uh it it is in uh it is in dire need and um we've I've always went to Mayor Car with a lot of surprises because we, you know, we found out things were broken over the winter and said always complained but always wrote a check, thank God, to keep
the pool open. I have to give him that credit when he's not here, but he deserves it. And you know with a small bucket that we have you figure 18 20 million I forget what is exactly in a new pool like five six seven million it's impossible to do. We couldn't even get the funding for that. So we have to keep this little treasure as best we can
>> and um what we're doing is is just we're just you know extending the life of that and um sadly it's a yearby-year thing and I will say what's going to happen long term. I wish I had the answer for you. Long term can the wall explode? Yes, that concrete is over 60 years old.
Concrete bridges max Mike you can correct me about 25 years and then starts going downward. So we're even past that. But the the pool gods are with us and we will continue and I can tell you Mor complaints about spending the money. He's always been pro
uh pro for the pool. >> Okay. >> Proactive, excuse me. And um I just had to say that. >> Well, I don't understand budgets or anything like that, but I understand like if we have $100 and you're giving $75 to the parks, but $25 to the pool,
how do we readjust those? Is that from the council? because I'll go talk there. >> has already exceeded what we put money into it and >> how do we get more a lot >> well one way is raise taxes which nobody wants to hear about it. The second way is your way is enrollment having it go
up and the third way is what Steve presented tonight which is which is a grant that will give you longevity. Will it give you 20 years? No. Will it give you 5 to 10? Absolutely. >> So um also the pipes leaking we all know water is not cheap. fixing these these
pipes will diminish the cost. Therefore, we're going to have a little bit more money to put in the stand that he needs >> the slide, etc., etc., etc. >> So, I I hope I answer both your questions.
>> Sure. Am I correct that um the original pool or large portion of the money was donated by a company originally? >> The come up and state your name and your address. Sorry for the >> question.
>> Okay. Go state your question again. So report. >> Yeah. I I believe I've only lived in town eight years. I used to go to street. One of the main things on our list when we moved here was that I wanted a town
that had a pool. >> Anyhow, that aside, I heard rumor that pool was originally donated by one of the big companies. >> Okay. >> And as years ago when you walk up and enter up top the hill, there's a plaque
there that says it's donate. >> So I guess my question is is that another route? Can we find somebody else who >> we could always find money that way as a donation. But companies can't write a check to a town. They have to we
have to start a campaign and the check could go into the campaign as a separate entity. I think it's a state law. They can't do that. Can't ask a company to donate knock on doors. >> If we could have did that. I knock on
everybody's door. >> No, no. It's wonderful question. >> That is a great question though. Like, have we ever reached out to like those places? Like, and I know you're saying we have to get Well, what do we have to do to get that? Like, how can we make that start moving?
>> The pool would have to have its own identity and tax >> ID number. Doesn't stop the companies from making a donation to recreation. They can do that. And that's something we should look at too. >> Yeah, that's a great >> I'd have to talk to the finance
committee and the legal team to see what I'm sure there's a thin path that cross over. >> I'm just thinking of the park that's up on the hill. Is that you? >> Central Park. >> Central Park. They have all those like sponsors, jets, and things like that. Like why couldn't we do that for our pool? We'll put their sign up. I'll get
a tattoo. >> What do you in terms of trying to get additional involvement >> um and thinking about the people that have left and gone to streeter. Have we done a comparison of >> or spoken to people about what is it for
example my kids all took swimming lessons every you know in the morning at streeter pool >> that I know that the camp makes great use of the pool and you get if you join the swim team you get lessons but we don't technically have >> we have lessons there are lessons
>> private lessons right >> no there's classes >> group lessons okay >> during time you're right it's only They have lessons. >> That was the first >> three days a week. >> Okay. >> Different age groups, of course. >> Yeah.
>> We have never compared. We try to keep our pricing below streamers in the township. >> Every year I go through see what Meadow is charging, what they're doing, >> right? >> All all the pools in the area. Just try to keep it fair.
>> The biggest thing is not to let the kids ever see streeter. It's harder to get them back. >> Yeah, we know. >> I mean, I like >> I don't think your middle school kids feel that way. >> Joan Samraki, 11 Hillview Avenue. Um, we
have u water aerobics during the month of July and they're taught by the uh lifeguards. Is there any reason that can't continue through August? >> Talk to Kristen. You got it. Sask. Whatever you want, you get.
>> I I also want a new clock. >> Oh, put that on the list, too. >> A nice big analog clock that we can see at a distance, especially seniors. We can have one of the life guards pull
out the time every 15 minutes. >> Hearing whatever you want. >> You like to come back up. >> Well, go ahead. >> I just I wanted to ask what what is the approximate like annual enrollment at the pool?
>> The annual enrollment >> like how many families or people join the pool? >> There's like 453 people. people. >> Okay. I I I just wonder whether we should think about changing the talk track where like you know, Mayor Carr
said it's a small portion of the town. Like that's probably more people than go to any other event that we have. >> One of the things you know that the membership of the pool is broken down to families, couples. >> Um last year alone just there were 450
families. >> Okay. >> Part of the pool. >> But like I don't think I my point is let's not diminish how many people go to the pool. >> That's significant. >> You know, it's probably more people than go to the concerts at the park or
anything else. So, like that's that's a huge community center. So, let's talk about that way. >> Yeah. The u it's a big ticket for the family members. Even the the couple membership,
I have it here for last year and year we've done better in terms of dollars and cents coming up. >> What's kind of unique is the different pockets where we're trying to get a handle on where these people are coming from. Signature apartment. They have a
pool there, but they're coming to our pool. Some of the town homes that they're building, we do have basically more families now than they had before. So, it's helping a great deal. John, I think that's a really good point though when you if you can attend the
council meeting, I think you should really um explain to them that even though it might be 4% or 5% of the town who you know belongs to the pool, >> that's probably the highest number that we see like you said at concerts. Not everybody goes to Simons Park. Not
everybody goes to Watnon Park. Not everybody plays pickle ball or tennis. So really saying that 450 people is a lot for our town. I just correct myself 45 families and about 1300 people.
>> Amazing. That's better numbers. >> That's so low though in the council's eyes, right? So, how many people do we have in this town? Right. So, >> and there are people opposed to the pool. So, um and we hear about it. So, go to that meeting and voice your
opinion. >> It's not the 22nd. It's 22nd of February. Sunday. What date is >> you guys will get out the date and we'll just spread the word, don't you? >> Like they said,
>> thank you. Sorry. Okay. Anything else? >> Anybody else? Um, with the reorg meeting, we need to assign the leaison.
So, basketball last year, Kevin, you wrote basketball again. Sure. >> Little League, Michael. swim team is Amy >> now you have >> you don't want the pool >> Kevin Central Park again
>> pickle ball >> nollie >> pickle ball >> unless she doesn't want it >> no I'm not on there at all and I get camp. You guys already had your first meeting which is good
parks and playgrounds which >> social media >> soccer last night Sure. >> What about >> Okay. >> Yeah. If you guys want to stay or you can go that portion of the meeting we're going right into the regular partner
zone. So, thank you for coming. >> We'll keep you posted. >> Jerry, you must have the worst breath. Open your mouth and everybody. >> Okay. Motion to approve the minutes. Thank you, Steve. >> Yes,
>> I favor. >> Okay, I have some vouchers. >> We're January now, right? >> Just the past. >> Okay. >> Both didn't have November. >> You got any updates for us?
>> Sure. >> Um We have the resolution. You have the >> notice of meeting >> commissioner assignment. We did commissioner >> volunteer of the year award 2025 is
rolling out in this week's email. um you know the weekly email and then I'm going to also email it to like I'm going to do an email blast to everybody all the sports teams that I have. >> Do you know nomination or
>> yeah for your last year and then next meeting I'm going to close it for the I think I have it set for the end of February >> so that we can get things like rolling a little bit quicker this year. Community comments. We didn't have any comments from the community this past
month. Potential programs. I wanted to throw it out there and see what you thought. I know I really want the volleyball for women's league. I was able to get Friday nights at Burrow School 5:30 to 8. That's the only time we got. Do you think that it would be a
grab? >> It Well, there's nothing. No, >> I'm trying to get women's volleyball league going and I just can't find gym space, but uh they have availability Burrow 5:30 at night on Fridays. >> Does anything? >> No.
>> Do you have Do you You can put it out there. See if you have enough women, but do you have nets? >> They have a net. They'll let us borrow. >> Yeah. Just maybe open it up. It'll just be like the men's basketball, you know, open open play. >> Years ago, we had volleyball for men and
volleyball for Tuesdays and Monday nights. >> I mean, I would love that, but basketball's taking over every night. So, unfortunately. >> All right. So, I'll give it a try. >> Yeah, I think it's a good start. >> Anything else?
>> Uh, USSI um is asking me about my 2026 schedule. Is the tennis courts back open for me to book classes for the spring? >> No, not yet. Right. We figured >> keep it closed >> for spring.
>> They start in April. >> April, I think you should be good. Yeah, >> unless we have like a march that's already >> Are they going to redo like fixing? >> Uh they're it's two processes. The first one is is engineering. They're going to cut expansion joints to uh help with the
hydrarology of the water and then the contractor was very kind. Um we had a little issue with the water and uh he was willing to wait and um so we're going to finish the um the cutting so that we can take hopefully keep water
under it. going to come up and I bubble up. >> So that will be after the spring session or >> I think by April you should be operational. >> Oh yeah. Okay. >> Like I said just if you have a month of March with rain >> make it midappril. >> Okay. Maybe I can push it back a little bit.
>> Just in case after Easter. >> What happens if it's not open and then we have this class? >> 22. >> Yeah. >> I mean the nets are there. there some of the lines, but it's for practice, not for game, for practice.
You could use it right now. >> Yeah. So there, you know, it's lessons. >> Lessons I don't see a problem. Yeah. >> The nets are there. We put them up >> so the public could uh could use them. >> Okay.
>> And the process is not very long between the cutting and also the contractor coming to resurface. you know, you're talking maybe 568. >> All right. I had a question for my um watercolor class. I asked f I asked
clerk if they want to do open air watercolor classes. So, they want to take the class that's happening at the community center and go out into the community and paint. So, I asked the clerk if they would be able to do it from, you know, insurance purposes and
They said as long as they stay on burough property. So just want to let you know that that might be happening. So I'm going to try to limit them to only burrow property locations. So Watnog Park, community park outside. I don't know what else they would want to
paint burl. >> So they can go anywhere. You think >> within the municipality the border? >> Yeah. In the mun. So like would have to be public ground anyway. can go on private property. Right. >> Right. Unless somebody bes
>> I mean I guess there's some like this Simon Park has a little bit of the church. Right. So I guess don't go there. >> I felt the parking lot was not church. >> Yeah. >> Place
there. You can't go there technically from Sunday from I think 8:00 a.m. to 12 worships. >> Okay. >> There's never an issue with parking. >> All right. So, that's good. Um, board of
ed asked me if they if we would allow them to raffle um a a recreation program or summer program. They wanted to maybe gift a kid summer camp. >> Sure. Or maybe um visit pool was
probably too much, but a summer camp would be something they would raffle off. >> Have you ever had them do that before? >> For them. >> As a fundraiser for them. >> Cool. So they would buy it. >> They would buy it. >> Fine. >> And then my question is, what if we also
I was actually thinking of this idea prior to them contacting me, but what if we were to raffle that as a prize throughout the year, maybe one, you know, to get people you know, incentivize something. I don't know what, but >> I'd have to check with that.
>> Yeah. Okay. >> School could do it because the school fun separately. They're going to give us the money. They're going to pay for the membership, >> right? >> Well, are they going to pay for it or they ask that we would >> donate it? I would assume we're
>> No. Board of Ed wants to buy it from us and for a child >> to give them to go to camp. What do they know that they're not >> buy as many as they want? >> Maybe they should seems unusual. >> Yeah,
>> they want something else. So, >> yeah, we have free HSA fund rate is what I'm thinking. >> They're having the volleyball event. So, maybe it's for >> that 500. >> No, that's not the HSA. That's the
>> They can help us. >> Okay. What? Michelle, what are you saying? I was just saying that might be for the volleyball event that they're speaking of because that's not by the HSA, that's by the um >> the teacher association. Yeah, the ED fund. >> Double check that they're going to pay
for it. Yeah, that's how they get to the ed fund or >> and then um this was my idea. What about a shade tree on the tennis courts for the summer? >> Like a shade on the
during summer canopy >> like a canopy. >> They're Ilash. They're not that expensive. You can get them for like $400 things that overhang like a >> like diagon. >> What does it cost?
>> I mean, I've boughten a pretty big one. They're like3 $400. >> But you have the poles, >> right? >> And they go pole would be pretty easy to put up. onto the fence. >> They're 10 grand poles. >> Structure is 10 grand for like just a
summer >> attached to the court fence. >> Yeah. >> Oh, on the like on the outside, not up top. Yeah. Up top. You would like >> Oh, do a pole pole.
>> That would be >> I mean, it would be great for the It's so hot. So hot. But >> yeah, that's But you don't need the structure. >> It's like a big fence something like weird.
>> Well, and you got to make sure it's way back. So >> if you have ideas a bigger problem, >> what >> those Yeah, those fence poles are not they're not new. >> Yeah, I know.
>> So now on to camp. Um just to make everyone aware, the seasonal salaries did go up um this year. It's um I gave everybody a sheet. >> We'll get it to that. >> Yep. subdes. >> Uh so our subcommittee we met the dates
of camp are going to be so it's five weeks June 29th to July 31st with July 4th off we met on Tuesday and we're going to make these f following changes. Um we're
implementing a 90minute enhancement instead of two enhancements from That was the previous way of uh doing enhancements. It was a 12:30 enhancement and a 1:30 enhancement. We found parents just got confused. They didn't
really want the 2:30 enhancement because they didn't want to come back and forth and so on. So, one 90-minute enhancer from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Um, we researched uh busing for teen camp trips. We found that it's actually
pretty affordable. So, we're going to go ahead and give it a try this year. Uh, we have two quotes from Mendum and Morris Township. Menum is actually cheaper by like $125. And then new this year, upon
registration, we're going to purchase your outings for team camp on Eventresso. So, you'll purchase your the outings right on the website. You could either do all the trips for at
once and then you'll get one trip for free kind of deal. So, you really want people to buy into the package or you could do it all cart um and do it that way. So, >> parents, it's like built into the cost
of the trip. So um I think the difference this year it's not optional. It's not. So like the busing is provided. >> The only the only issue you're going to have with that is buses hold 48 kids >> 54
>> 54 kids. >> So that's that's like a worst case scenario. We have to eat a bus. Last year we were in the high 40s. We were like 44 to 48. >> That's because there was no transportation.
>> You're going to give transportation. You're going to get people. >> Yeah. And our you know, like if mom if mom says we'll do this cuz I don't have to worry about >> Yeah. Well, we also said that um Emily was going to take about six kids if that happened. >> If we're only over by so many, I got to
get my kid there, too. >> Insurance. I think it's it's great, but it may up or you got to do it first come first serve. That's it. >> Last year we had a 54. Let them know make them first come first serve.
>> 54 is our max, >> right? >> So So >> because it's not fair any other parents to be driving five kids there or whatever. >> No, I think we we said we would have to get the second bus and they have smaller buses. So I didn't actually get the price on the smaller buses, but they'll be cheaper.
>> I don't know. 54 is the big because if they're doing if they're signing up through that option then 80 kids could sign up. >> Do you know what I mean? There's no longer >> you can't put the you can't put a governor on how many of those things >> because you're signing up for them all
like you're signing up for a camp and that's included in that price. So I think you would have to get a second bus. >> Yeah. And I I'll get a price on the smaller buses >> but we'll know ahead of time this year because they're not >> Hold on. Those trips are part of the camp fee.
>> Yes. So, there's no we're no longer giving. In the past, you were able to have an option to join this. So, it's going to be $300 for camp plus 200 something for the field trips. So, all the kids in camp sign up for all the field trips. You can't cap it.
>> But you don't have to sign up for you can sign up for camp and not field trips if you wanted to. >> Yes. But I'm just saying if 80 kids refunds, >> right? So, but >> but we'll know that ahead of time. So, then at least it would still be we could still get the small bus and it wouldn't
cost us anything because we would know how many people are coming >> is what I'm saying. >> Got it. >> I got now. >> You know what I mean? We'll know in April how many people >> Yeah. We have flexibility. Yes. Get a second bus, >> right? >> If we get more than 54, we have that flexibility, >> right?
>> Okay. The problem is if we have the all cart people >> and I wonder too just thinking all the numbers >> would we be able to use the town senior transport van if it was something like 8 >> but I think we just wait until we get >> who's the driver who's
>> um I think it's under ordinance but um it's Monday throughh Thursday I'm not mistaken 8 to like 2 p.m. that they use it. So, it have to be outside of that that hour. >> I was just thinking
>> we'll know beforehand >> because it's nonfundable. So, we'll know >> ahead of time >> this time versus all the years in the past, you were just scrambling to know how many people were coming. Every day, every day that a trip lands, it's all
these changes and who's going, who's not going. It locks people in. transportation. >> Okay. >> Okay. Anybody else? >> All right. And then um the pool uh one
of the questions that we need to answer is the open and close date because um Mortown High goes back to school August 31st this year. Morris Plains is September 2nd before Labor Day. So the schedule's a little off because
Labor Day is so late this year. >> Labor Day, guys. >> We're going to shoot that pool open on the 13th of June. >> Yes, let's do that. I know. >> Call Johnny tomorrow. >> All right. 13th 13th. worst could go
back a week. But >> I guess the only thing you have to ask is King Chrissy and Joe. >> You do know what's going to happen. >> 13th people are concerning the weekend. >> First week of September, we're staying open. When does school when does school
get out? When does burough school get out? >> It depends on the 15th, 16th, 17th. >> 13th. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But do we say that the pool closes
during the week and only it the last weekend will be Labor Day because there might not be any life guards if also suggested >> right so just the weekend >> right >> weekday closes August and then >> August Sunday August 30 I think has to
close until the following weekend >> which is street Mars do that all the time >> let's talk to Chrissy and Joseph first last year we had Charlie on alert help out. >> She had said we could maybe do 300 p.m. after during the week.
>> It's a great idea. I think people would be really happy. >> It's a great idea. >> I'll sit there and have conversation. >> And then that's really just double check. >> Michelle, you got anything? >> Quick things. Um
Easter, we're all set to go on that. So that's exciting. And and summer concerts are actually already done. Anyways, everybody's already flying in and Kevin and I have already been discussing uh the family fun. So, >> we're rolling. We just need the weather.
>> Yeah. >> Can I say something? >> Sure. >> Do you mind looking into Sunrise and >> those seniors would love to come there. However, transportation sometimes is difficult. I talked to the director
there >> for the concerts, you mean? >> Yeah, for the concerts in the park. I They're residents. They're in our town and uh they can't drive, >> but they know they can jump on a bus or one of the summer. Can we use the the
senior? >> Well, I I think we should look into that. But then we're going to need a driver. >> Arbor Terrace has their van that takes them and they won't think of the concert. >> I talked to Leah there. Maybe I try to >> they have also budget as to what they
can do because they go they have Dunkin Donut run. They got a >> supermarket run. It's all different things and the van's pretty busy. But I asked her to to really uh look into of course them doing it. >> Yeah. >> But I I would I would mind if you
reached out to them and reminded them that. >> Yeah. She came to the um the senior picnic too, right? Yes. Yeah. I know exactly what you're talking about. Yeah, I can get your contact just just reminder because >> they when I went there a couple times to talk to them, they were so happy to hear about the concert
>> because they didn't know anything about it. That that that was sad and um you know a lot of that music is right up their alley. >> Yeah. Hey, >> do we have does the town have a driver for this year? >> Yes.
>> So patrol and they also have a citizen driver in case he's busy but we council approval to use that van. >> Is the van handicap accessible? >> None of none of these are. I'm thinking about using they if if the facilities have bus, we just supply the driver. >> They do.
>> We just supply the driver. >> Again, I think that's a great idea. >> I used to have a bus license. >> Okay. Michelle, anything else? Um, that is all I have. >> Bingo is 28th.
>> Yes, it is. >> I think I'm good. I'm just gonna >> I'll still have you down. Listen to volunteer or two so I don't get bogged down in bingo numbers. >> Kids can kids can get hours for that, right? Volunteer hours. >> Yeah, I can write a letter. Absolutely. >> Are you good with >> if they want to be a Easter bunny, too?
We're still looking for one, folks. >> Easter Bunny, >> that's my dream. I would do it. >> Are you serious? >> I would happily buy my own costume. >> We We're going to purchase a a Easter Bunny costume. I do need one, but I will
take you up on that. Kelly, >> I would be the best. >> You were You were >> You were an Easter Bunny, Mike. >> We all had We all had to >> The top off of Mike President was the Easter Bunny. It looked like he was Tom
>> on the 28th. Saturday, March 28th. >> You were the actual Bunny >> 10 a.m. I was not supposed. >> Anything else? Paul, Michael, >> thank you for resigning yours, too. I appreciate it. >> I was wondering was that announcement
>> that is it's What about the devil's game? >> Uh, we have four more tickets left. >> Um, but otherwise, >> I just reposted it today to see if I can get any less. >> That's great. >> Takers. I asked a few people. So,
>> uh, I also got asked if we wanted to do a Yankees game, but I'm getting into my already. I'm like I got so much going on. I'm like, I don't know if I can do a Yankees game. The devil's worked out perfect because kind of like my downtime. >> So, >> yeah. >> You got anything? Fields good?
>> Uh, fields are good. We should hear in the next two weeks. Um, if we got everything we asked for. Um, the insurance was sent over this week. So, we're just we're waiting on them to confirm we got the slots that we asked for. But all good.
S Michael insurance I know Mike and I have been involved with the folks who talked to three guys out >> Simons >> Simons replacing it and got some bids.
We had a conversation with an outside organization that was very instrumental putting it in originally and I was surprised that they want to go bigger. So we have to go out pricing again expand it.
>> Yeah. Go to a U7 7 field which is 15% 20% what we have there now. And doing that, it's going to add construction cost to it. We're looking at right now probably about 200
grand >> for for the turf on the >> existing. So now going out >> 200 just to replace the surface >> beyond the exist but with that other 20% now you're out
of construction. >> What we would do is go out the mountain way side and the field side. It was, you know, we're going to get prices to see go maybe change some lights over there, too. You know, you all know how I feel about
locking that thing. I don't want to walk it, but some of that is just strictly wear 20 years. >> So, we're talking about the pool. Can we start doing some public private fundraising for that,
>> right? >> For family day, we started, we thought about it. We got shot down from the council years ago. People are more open for council. >> Whatever questions you have with with Jerry, we'll have to discuss with our
town attorney and make sure >> whatever we can do. >> Just private partners. >> I'm with you. Is the town are we as a group in the town allowed to get sponsors? Like could you have you know Kelly Q like Landscaping
make a donation and we hang their sign like does >> but you sponsor the pool or you sponsor the field and you have your >> public private problem with that >> but you can have is that >> like a banner. >> Yeah. But it would be a sponsorship. Not
even a donation. It would be a >> like yearly call. >> I don't know. >> They give me a donation. I put a sign up. I >> Well, that's not necessary forever. Like the sponsorship >> for the year, >> but I don't know how that works. Um the
other thing I was stopped um by a few women at um pickup at Mountain Way regarding Simon's Park and um they were suggesting they're also live in that area. Um, if you do fix it or if we fix
it the field permanently locking it, similar to the tennis courts, they really feel strongly they would like a key because they're being um forced off at times. Things are being taken, kids are being um yelled at by the adults who
play on that field. And um they felt very strongly about making sure that everybody has a key. So it's only who are from Mars plan that it can't be just Mars planes and wrong, isn't it? Isn't part of the green
acres and it's public, >> right? >> There's a lot of legal stuff there, but so is the tennis courts and the other things. >> That was their big argument to me like how come the tennis courts can be locked but not the turf field. >> Could be different funding sources.
>> Not locking for the company went away more so to know who played there last. Let's bring this up. I go there. I bring a garbage can. They're always there. Five or six. I pick up at least two cans of water bottles.
>> It'd be nice to know who was there. >> Call that coach up and just, you know, say, "Listen." >> Yeah. >> I will afford if you can. Under the impression we couldn't because it was Green Acres, >> but is the whole >> That was my impression from a bill.
>> I don't know. Green Acres. The whole park is about Green Acres, >> right? >> We did receive, you know, every I think every park in America receives money from Green Acres and there's blocks on fields and tennis courts and pickle ball courts. >> The problem is, I guess, only
challenge. >> I don't know the rules. >> It's about It's more about order than it is about keeping people out. It's really >> I'm all for it. >> And like a lot of times they go there and they take the nets down. They bring
stuff here and >> the lights nice to know some kind of >> Diana police jurisd get the real professional come straight down put the car lights out >> but they're using it past
>> they're using it past hours >> and that's what they've been complain why I've seen it like 11:30. >> That's the other thing they asked. So they said if police aren't enforcing it then can they please can we please as recreation get locks on >> right police should budge the law is a
kid come after school go over and kick soccer plays his bikes I agree >> I don't want to have a lock for a kid that can't let a kid go in there >> we love using >> it's the other side
>> the yelling at the kids to get off the field they want to do a game so I Maybe we talk to Mike and have him police a little bit. Chief, let him >> see what he could do. Just show a presence. He doesn't have to get out of the car. Just drive around over there. Right. Just making sure everybody's
great. >> I agree. >> Oh, that was the other thing they asked. >> Can there be rules posted because they feel that rules aren't there? So when they go to complain,
>> there's nothing supporting Yeah, just a different pick a wall >> right >> and then the police can come and say per the Morris Plains recreation rules you do need to leave. >> We have rules >> on the old
rules. >> Yeah, like usage rules time. Is there even a rule about what time it is? >> All parks and more springs an ordinance from >> But is there a signage? I don't think there's anything on the signage that says that >> there's a timer on the light that off. >> Yeah, but there's no signage on the
actual fence or anything that shows that. >> I have to check that >> blank. Who um have a question? Who did the um sponsor the lights for that sledding on u >> the police? I'm assuming, right?
>> That was really lovely. >> It was Should we do that more often or is it just a one and done? Is it like >> Sunday night? >> Should we do like every time there's a proposal date? Let's let's >> Well, I don't know who did it. That's what I'm saying. I just drove by. So, the lights are there for
it. >> Where' the lights come from? >> Right. The police put them up. Yeah, the police. >> Oh, are they town lights? >> Were they are they on gas? >> I don't think >> they're like the emergency.
>> And you can also plug in an extra lighter electric. >> All right, get your calendars out. That was good. >> Next year's this year's dates for our meetings. It's Thursdays.
>> But we have to agree on these dates. Just read my >> February 26, March 26th, April 23rd, May 28th, June 25, July 23, September 24, October 22nd,
November 19th, and December 10th. September 24th run into any issues with the schools. >> What was the date? >> September 24th. Back to school. anything
to do like Tuesday or Wednesday night. >> I don't know. Do they post that yet? >> Back to school was a Wednesday last year. >> So, or this September. So, we should be okay on a Thursday.
2027 January 28 for the next five years. >> I'm good. >> 20 year mark. I'm good. >> Anything else? Anybody? >> Nothing. >> Back to that sledding thing. Who need contact? Are we going to see you do that
>> head first up and down that >> I got the tube. >> I love the energy. >> Huge tube. >> That's why I'm >> I also want to see how we use those lights other places >> now that we started using them for events >> late night soccer. >> They're not really high.
>> They're not that high. They're >> like the ones that >> UnitedT We've used them for the bonfire and things like that. I'll I'll get back to you not tomorrow or Monday.
>> We're about to get a foot of snow, so I'm ready to go. >> School vouchers to make sure nothing >> September one. >> Yeah. >> All right. Almost done. >> Motion closed. Motion closed.
>> Second. >> We did.