The Hammonton Gazette 10/29/14 edition | Page 4

Parks & Rec hear about dog park Wednesday, October 29, 2014 • The Hammonton Gazette • Page 3 REC, from Page 1 incorporated, obtained a tax iD number and registered for 501(c)(3) status so that it can better accept donations. “We don’t want to add any tax dollars. We don’t want to add anything to burden to the town,” Weckerly said. Commission chairman Lou Cappuccio and co-chairman Paul Or- dille have already shown their dedication to the project by pledging a dog fountain. More donations for fencing, benches and other amenities will still be needed as the project enters its final stages. “the enthusiasm that she and the rest of the other dog park volunteers have shown… they’re like off and running like a bunch of greyhounds. “[it’s] one of the best new groups to hit the Hammonton scene in i don’t know when,” Councilman Dan Bachalis said. Bianchini gave an update on the numerous renovations coming to Hammonton Lake Park in preparation of the 2015 Little League State tournament. Bianchini said the new light poles, which are 12 feet taller, 500 watts more powerful and house six bulbs instead of five, are a huge improvement to evening visibility. Bianchini also said that plans to replace the chain link fence will have to be postponed due to estimates coming in above projections. the fence will receive a fresh coat of paint before the tournament. Concerning the bathrooms, Bianchini offered an opinion differing greatly from what was discussed at last months’ parks and recreation meeting. “i understand there was some talk about upgrading the bathrooms that are already there. in my personal opinion on this, it’s a waste of money. i’m down there a long time. every time we fix something, somebody breaks it,” Bianchini said. Bianchini said that mobile restroom trailers would better meet the needs of the tournament. He added that any savings could be reinvested into the little league’s plan DiMeglio Septic, Est. 1975 ~ DEP 03261 ~ Paul DiMeglio Inc. 1 (800) 427-4617 ~ 561-1007 ~ 561-3597 491 S. White Horse Pike • Ancora, NJ • Grease Trap Cleaning • Portable Toilets • Septic Certifications • Jetting Service ow layaway now for christmas Follow us on... 121 S. White Horse Pike Hammonton • 561-6222 CUSTOM WEDDING BANDS • REPAIRS COMPLETED ON PREMISES to replace the parking posts around the major league field. “that’s a key point. those posts, that’s a safety issue. that really needs to happen because it prevents people from pulling up to the fence,” commission member James Borda said. Without the proposed posts, vehicles drive through pedestrian pathways, he said. Bianchini said he plans to cash a $12,000 certificate of deposit to renovate the press box and fund any other needed improvements. according to Bianchini, the league also needs a tarp to cover the major league field during the tournaments, an expense that could cost up to $2,500. Since the league only needs it for one week, Bianchini said he hopes to borrow a tarp from the richard Stockton College of New Jersey. in other commission news, recreation Supervisor Monica Newton offered two estimates to repaint the parking lines around the Canoe Club, boat ramp and athletic fields. the estimates were $575 and $1,240, with the option to add thermoplastic overlay to the crosswalks for $1,125. the first quote only dealt with the handicap spots and boat ramp, while the second also included the greater parking lot. Commission member Denise Damico said she would like to consult another contractor. “Personally, i would like to see another price with just what we ac- tually need, the no parking lines, and see if someone can do it without a minimum. it might only cost $425,” Damico said. Ordille responded by saying that since the commission has room in its budget, it makes sense to commit to a long-term investment. “Doing one section while not doing the other, it makes the whole thing look worse,” Bachalis said. Ultimately, the commission, with the exception of Damico, passed the second quote of $1,240 to repaint the handicap spots near the Canoe Club, create no parking lines near the boat ramp, and repaint all the parking lines from Park avenue to the athletic fields. Newton also introduced the application for the new adopt-a-park program. after a few minor changes, including shortening the contract period from five years to two, the commission voted and approved the application. During the Hammonton Lake Water Quality report, Bachalis said that tests conducted over this past summer were an improvement from 2013, with coliform bacteria never exceeding state regulations. While the results are tentative, it could allow the town to re-open the lake to swimmers in coming years. Before ending the meeting, Cappuccio re-emphasized the importance of the dog park. “Let’s really try to get that done by the end of the year. it’s something the town never had, and it should have it,” Cappuccio said. THREE STORES UNDER ONE ROOF! FINDS BY The Boujie JANDI Basement 20% OFF in November Unique Gently Used Excluding soap Furniture & Home Goods Repurposing Old Furniture (609) 704-5164 (609) 315-5282 (609) 560-1774 www.encorehome.net [email protected] [email protected] 629 WHITE HORSE PIKE, WINSLOW Open Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm • Saturday 10am-5pm • Sunday 11am-3pm