BY MICHAEL OLOHAN
OF PASCACK PRESS
MONTVALE, N.J. –– With a new synthetic turf field soon to be under construction at Fieldstone Middle School, council members will be meeting with two regular field users to discuss whether they may be able to contribute a share of funding to cover an almost $1 million tab.
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The council approved a $917,340 new artificial turf field that will replace 190,690 square feet of playing surface in August after months of discussion.
The new turf field was originally budgeted at $750,000 but the extra costs were higher due to changing the turf infill to recycled crumb rubber and sand – instead of just crumb rubber – and topping that with a layer of cooling granular material consisting of a vermiculite compound. The field is anticipated to be completed by Dec. 31.
Additional funds may be tapped from the municipal Open Space Trust Fund to cover the $167,340 increase prior to any reimbursements from other turf field users.
The crumb rubber and sand infill was a compromise for local parents who were concerned about possible toxic effects of crumb rubber infill, though no conclusive studies have yet determined any negative impacts from crumb rubber infill. A “characterization study” of the issue by three federal agencies is planned for completion sometime in 2018.
The two regular turf field users who will be asked to contribute to the cost include the local school district and a soccer club that regularly uses the field.
Mayor Michael Ghassali said the council has had “no serious discussions” with the school district about assisting with funding for the new turf, though he said “they should be part of this.”
Councilman Michael Weaver pointed out that the schools “have no field costs. None. We incur all of them,” he added.
Weaver said that when a turf field was originally installed, the district contributed $25,000 a year for 10 years. Ghassali suggested that might be a figure worth asking for again if members agreed.
“Would that be acceptable, the same terms?” asked Ghassali when the amount was mentioned.
Another major turf field user is the soccer club, Arsenal, which has an agreement to play approximately every day, and had 55 games on schedule for fall. Previously in 2016, Arsenal paid the borough $5,000 for spring and $5,000 for fall use of turf field.
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Whether Arsenal was charged less for a shorter amount of turf playing time in 2017, supposedly half (about $5,000) what it paid in 2016, but was then allowed to play full spring and fall seasons – as anticipated turf field installation during summer was delayed – appeared to be a concern for council members.
Members debated what might be an appropriate charge for the soccer club once a new turf field is installed due to regular “wear and tear” on the turf that occurs. It was suggested that the Recreation Department should check on what other towns are charging for turf field use.
“Is the amount we’re getting worth the wear and tear that’s being put on the field, given to how much we’re now paying to replace the field?” asked Weaver. “Those discussions have to happen before any outside groups step on the field.”
The field is expected to reopen in March.
Weaver said Arsenal is a private five-town soccer program that includes residents of Montvale, Woodcliff Lake, Hillsdale, River Vale and Park Ridge.
In addition to athletes from local schools and the soccer club, other users include softball programs and other youth programs.
Weaver said the conversation of who to charge what amount “may also spill into a bigger conversation on” maintaining and replenishing the local Open Space Fund.
Another fund-raising suggestion by Weaver was soliciting corporate advertising by placing a corporate logo or logos on the new turf field.
“It’s not too difficult,” said Hiplolit, noting West Caldwell’s turf field exhibits logos from a corporate sponsor. Hiplolit suggested a signage/logo “naming policy” before soliciting corporate or business sponsors. He will provide Borough Attorney Joseph Voytus some examples for possible consideration and discussion.
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Ghassali said this was an idea worth mentioning to the local Chamber of Commerce during an upcoming meeting.