Ramsey Recreation Commission

RAMSEY RECREATION COMMISSION

MINUTES OF MEETING

NOVEMBER 16, 2009

The regular meeting of the Ramsey Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairman Grissoni at 7:40 p.m. Also present were Dr. Iorio, Ms. Re’, Mr. Sebastian, and Mr. Wittmann, Commissioners, Council Liaison Siemsen, and Recreation Supervisor Solarino. Mrs. Kelly, Mrs. Malvasi, Mr. Patterson, and Mr. Sweeney were absent.

MINUTES

Mr. Sebastian moved that the minutes of the October 19, 2009 meeting be accepted as received, seconded by Dr. Iorio, and passed.

ACTIVITY REPORTS (OLD/NEW BUSINESS)

Dr. Iorio and Mr. Solarino clarified the issue with the lacrosse meeting which was held on Thursday, November 12th. As the lacrosse program discussion had been left at the October recreation meeting, Murph Bamrick would be asked to attend the November 16th meeting. According to Dr. Iorio, Mr. Bamrick was responsible for the flyer which went out regarding the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to ascertain if anyone is interested in a lacrosse program. Mr. Bamrick thought that his program would be a continuation of the lacrosse program which recreation had run several years ago. Additionally, he was not aware of the problem with field availability; spring soccer and softball and baseball are played at the same time. The idea of a lacrosse organization was discussed with him. Any fees which would be charged could offset the costs of the program. Any recreation program should probably start small, perhaps as a clinic for grades three, four, five, and six in the late spring/summer. As stated in Mr. Bamrick’s proposal, the clinics could grow into a full season recreational league. Mr. Sebastian attended the November 12th meeting. Equipment for the program was discussed, including the soft sticks. Boys would require pads; girls would not, meaning a different fee for each. It was concluded that better communication would have been helpful.

Mr. Siemsen reported on an informal meeting regarding the drainage on the North Central field and a sinkhole on the lower MacFarran field. The drainage issue is ongoing since there are streams there. A long-term solution is needed. Regarding the sinkhole, the contractor will be contacted. There was some discussion about artificial turf for the upper MacFarran field which could be financed by the organizations which use the field, perhaps through a surcharge.

Mr. Sebastian reported that his sixth grade football team is still in the play-offs.

Mr. Wittmann noted that he liked all of the suggestions which Dr. Iorio had presented at the October meeting. He proposed a trip to West Point for a football game and a tailgate party. Perhaps Ramsey residents should be surveyed regarding any of the new ideas to ascertain interest. Since Yankee game tickets are so difficult and expensive to secure, other options, such as the Mets, the Jackals, and the Bears, could be looked into.

Ms. Re’ commented on the Halloween parade and costume contest with almost one hundred participants. She and Jan Kemps judged the contest. It was suggested that everyone receive some type of award, expanding from three winners to six and including a participation ribbon or medallion.

The winter bowling program will begin on Friday, January 22, 2010. The flyer will go out in January.

The flyer for the holiday decorating contest was modified slightly to give residents an additional weekend for their decorating. Mrs. Grissoni will check with John Brady for donation of gift certificates to Brady’s At The Station. A date for judging by the Commissioners will be established.

The December meeting is cancelled. The next meeting is Monday, January 18, 2010.

REPORT OF THE RECREATION SUPERVISOR

The November 5th movie, “Where the Wild Things Are,” was not a sell-out. Only $270 was raised, meaning a loss of $230.

Basketball sign-ups will be held on November 18th. The program starts on Saturday, December 5th. Wrestling starts on Wednesday, December 2nd. The street hockey program started on November 15th, with forty participants.

Mr. Tireman will attend the February or March meeting to discuss summer camp and the ideas which he had raised in his letter.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. upon motion by Ms. Re’, seconded by Mr. Wittmann, and passed.