THEREGULARMEETING OF THE EMERSON RECREATION COMMISSION WAS HELD ON APRIL 6, 2017 AT 7:30 P.M. IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE RECREATION CENTER.

Open Session:

Call to Order

Vice President Afrim Hoxha called the Regular Meeting of the Recreation Commission to orderat 7:35 p.m.

Roll Call: Afrim Hoxha,David Cannici, Anthony Gismondi,Willie Ortiz, Bob Quinones

PaulCoombes

Absent: Presiding Officer Dave Rector, Steve Carmosino and Michael Graham

Guest: Kris Lechman, Summer Recreation Director

ISummer Camp Director Kris Lechman

Summer Camp Director Kris Lechman will be incorporating ideas for new programs

and is seeking someone to help with the tennis program. The Recreation Commission

noted that perhaps Kris could take the summer campers for a hike in Emerson Woods.

Kris contacted an individual from Closter Nature Center, who organizes hikers with

third graders. The individual has senior counselors for his summer camp and Kris

could hire them for a day.

Kris Lechman discussed havingaco-director tohelp manage the Summer Recreation

Program. The lead counselor has commitments,and Kris is not certain if he will be

able toworktheentire summer. Vice President Afrim Hoxha agreed that Emerson

alwayshad asecond faculty person working with the summer camp directorexcept

forlastyear. The individual is a highly respected school teacher,and the Recreation

Commission should take action on this matter immediately.

Motion by David Cannici, Seconded by Anthony Gismondi, that Franklin Tiburcio be

employed as a co-director for the Summer Recreation Program.

Roll Call: AH-yes AG-yes PC-yes BQ-yes

IIRecreation Commission Bylaws Change – Council liaison Brian Downing

The Recreation Commission bylaws will be tabled to a future meeting.

IIISummer Kick-Off Fundraising Update – All

Recreation Commission members discussed the Action Plan for the Summer Kick-off

Fundraiser.

  • Inserra Supermarkets/Shop Rite donated $1,000.00 toward the event.
  • Stop and Shop will be donating $50.00 in gift cards.
  • Emerson Football is committed to donating $500.00.
  • Wireless World donated $50.00.
  • Charles Shaw donated $500.00, and two of his clients contributed $500.00 each.
  • Former Recreation Commission member Gerald Falotico offered to askbusinesses

for a contribution toward the fundraiser.

Recreation Commission member Mike Graham agreed to discuss the Can Shake with

Police Chief Michael Mazzeo.

IVWinter Dance – Update- Afrim Hoxha

As of this date, sixty eight (68) children have signed up for the Winter/Spring Dance.

Parents will donate cookies, cupcakes, brownies and bottled water for the event.

VTennis Program – Bob Quinones

The Tennis Program will be tabled to a future meeting.

VIApproval of Minutes of February 16 and March 2, 2017

Approval of the February 16 and March 2, 2017 recreation Minutes will be tabled to a

futuremeeting.

VIISport-by-Sport Review

Baseball – The Recreation Commission is considering giving field usage to 7th graders

who formed a team with Emerson, Oradell and River Edge. Theperson in charge of

fields will advise thebaseball boardthat approval has been given for this team and the

fee will be waived. It was agreed by the Recreation Commission that field usage will

beconsideredon a case-to-casebasis. Vice President Afrim Hoxha suggested that the

baseball board amend their bylawsand present them to the Recreation Commission.

Motion by Willie Ortiz, Seconded by David Canicci, that the Recreation Commission

waive the fee for this team, as there are a large number of Emerson children on certain

leagueswho needfield space.

Roll Call: AH–yes AG–yes PC-yes BQ-yes

Football – Emerson is not merging with Park Ridge’s football team. Park Ridge is

interested in joining another league and are looking to increase the weight limit.

Soccer – The soccer board discussed the new varsity soccer coach at their meeting.

Soccer board purchased new nets for goals and sandbags.

Wrestling – The wrestling board has not had a meeting recently. The wrestling awards

dinner will be held at Seasons in Washington Township.

VIIIOpen/Public Comment

There is no one present for Open Public Comment.

Motion by David Canicci, Seconded by Anthony Gismondi, that the Recreation Commission meeting be adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Margaret Di Lello

Recreation Secretary