Fredon Recreation Meeting Minutes February 21, 2024

FREDON TOWNSHIP RECREATION COMMISSION

MEETING MINUTES

February 21, 2024

This meeting is in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, Public Law 1975, Chapter 231, Sections 4 and 13 as advertised by public notice.

This meeting of the Fredon Recreation Committee was called to order by Chair Melissa Deitz at 7:00pm.

SALUTE TO THE FLAG

ROLL CALL

PRESENT- Melissa Deitz, Arne Olson, and Bob Wilson

ABSENT- Isiah Brown and Carole Zaret

ALSO PRESENT- Christine Power and Michelle Kochis

MINUTES

Ms. Deitz moved acceptance of the minutes for the January 17, 2024 meeting as posted and waived reading. All in favor. So moved.

CORRESPONDANCE

As shown in attached agenda.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Open Gym Time

Vice-Chair Olsen opened the discussion about Open Gym time. He stated that the Recreation Commission has offered it in the past at the Civic Center. Typically, a Recreation Commission Member would be the attendant. Moved to keep on the agenda and discuss at a later date. All in favor. So moved.

Facility Use Policy Handbook

Recreation Coordinator, Alexandra Usinowicz, stated that there seems to be discrepancies in the use of the Civic Center and what the Policy Handbook states. She asked the Recreation Commission Members to please go over the current handbook and give her feedback on areas that need to be updated. She highlighted areas in the discussion particularly pertaining to the Civic Center use policy, rules that are stated in the handbook, and areas that are not represented in the current handbook. She reiterated the importance that all groups should have the same rules and if there needs to be updates regarding the current policies then the Recreation Commission needs to do so. The Recreation Commission Members agreed. Chair Deitz wanted the members to have time to look at the handbook and it will be discussed later once everyone has time to look over. 

New Position of Treasurer Job Description

At the last meeting, Vice-Chair Olsen created a new position within the Recreation Commission of Treasurer. Christine Power had shown interest in the position at the meeting. After the meeting, she reached out to the Recreation Coordinator about what the position entailed. Vice-Chair Olsen stated at this meeting that the Treasurer would oversee expenses incurred for each of the events run by the Recreation Commission and keep a running tally of each budget. They would also be the direct contact between the Recreation Commission and the Fredon Township CFO.

NEW BUSINESS

Moving the bleachers

Christine Power, Head of Fredon Recreation Soccer, asked about possibly moving the bleachers to make them more available to parents and spectators. She asked if they could be moved from the edge of the softball field to the U8 soccer field. Vice-Chair Olsen also had the same thought. All in favor. So moved.

Attendants needed for the Civic Center

The Civic Center still only has one attendant so not all events scheduled at the Civic Center have supervision. Vice-Chair Olsen asked if the attendant position was being advertised. Coordinator Usinowicz stated that the position has been advertised over NJLM in the past and is currently being advertised on the Township website and the Recreation Commission website. Chair Deitz added that she would like to make a flier and post it in public buildings around the area along with possibly the college. Coordinator Usinowicz will forward job description and information regarding the open position to Chair Deitz and fellow board members.

Ideas for Fundraising Opportunities

Chair Deitz brought up ideas for possible new fundraising opportunities to benefit the Recreation Commission. Some of the ideas that she brought to the commission included a joint Beefsteak Dinner with the Fredon Fire Department, Bingo, a Bus Run to a casino or Broadway show, and a Tricky Tray. She opened the floor up to either new ideas or input. All members were in favor to the possibility of all the events and would like to discuss at a later date in detail.

Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt

The Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt will be held on March 23, 2024 at the Civic Center and Lodestar Park by the Recreation Commission and Fredon Fire Department. Breakfast will be held at the Civic Center with an Egg Hunt (weather permitting) at Lodestar Park to follow. The Egg Hunt will be sectioned off into age groups up to kindergarten, grades 1-3, and then grades 4 and up. Purchasing of the eggs will be handled by Mr. Wilson.

Fredon Day

Fredon Day was discussed briefly. Need of firework company bids along with live band estimates. A few members will reach out to firework companies along with researching bands and all bids will be discussed at the next meeting.

OLD BUSINESS

Website

Tabled discussion for next meeting.

Red Barn

Tabled discussion for next meeting.

Lodestar Sign

Tabled discussion for next meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Township Committee

No Representation. No Report.

Park Maintenance

No Report.

Minutes submitted by       Alexandra Usinowicz

          Fredon Township Recreation Coordinator