Committee Chair man Kathy Hermany gave the final report for the 2014 Night in the Country celebration at the Oct. 29 Northwestern Recreation Commission meeting.

As loose ends are tied up, she sees no need to attend the November meeting, but said she will be back in January 2015 when planning for Night 2015 begins.

The 2015 date will be Aug. 15, with a rain date of Aug. 16.

A letter of thanks was received from Forgotten Felines and Fidos, animal shelter, Germansville.

The organization performed ongoing cleanup during the event and looks forward to doing it again.

FF&F received $200 to use for the rescued animals.

Miller-Keystone Blood Bank sent a letter saying it had a goal of 16 donations. Twenty-five reservations were received and 12 collections were made.

The blood bank was happy and plans to be back next year.

"We do thank you and did appreciate the detail," President Don Link said, referring to Hermany's report.

Maintenance man Jim Hughes said the dugouts have been painted and the bleachers at the skate park and basketball court are deteriorating.

Two-inch by 10-inch by16-foot pressure treated boards will be purchased for up to $650 to repair the bleachers.

Previous purchases for this type of material were from Home Depot but LeRoy Sorensen said he could get a better price and quality.

Hughes asked if anyone had 55-gallon drum lids to be placed under the garbage cans to prevent entrance of animals looking for food.

The Northwestern Youth Athletic Association sold its Coke wagon, which will be removed from the grounds.

The wood surrounding the volleyball courts is 6 inches to 8 inches into the ground. The wood should be moved out farther so the courts are enclosed but not close enough to be a danger if someone falls on their present location. It will be on the list of things to check during the spring walk-around.

Hughes said he could not find proper volleyball sand, but member Justin Smith said he had a source.

The cleanup was good following the school bonfire. Tony Werley from Weisenberg is going to bring stone to cover the area.

Todd Leiser, NYAA president, said it was exceptionally windy but the fire company made the call to go ahead.

Smith said he'd like to see the grass a little denser on the lower field but thinks it can be played on next season. He said it should be put on the same schedule for fertilizer and crab grass treatments as the older fields are.

Leiser said the AED defibrillator should be put in a more accessible place. It is enclosed in the cage in the storage area.

If needed it can be reached, said Link.

Hughes will put it away for the winter.

Smith said a deep-tine aerator could have a bigger impact on the field condition than anything else.

There has been talk of buying one to share with the school. The cost is between $15,000 and $20,000. It would have 6-inch to 8-inch tines. The holes punched in the ground would allow oxygen, nutrients and water to reach the roots.

With an attachment the plugs removed can be chopped into mulch.

Link said the aeration would help with drainage.

Heidelberg Township representative Steve Bachman said the cost of roof replacement on the Potato Building would be $20,000 and repair between $275 and $500. Some downspouts also need replacing.

Leiser said the NYAA will have elections in November. New volunteer directors are needed.

He said he would talk to school activities Director Jason Zimmerman about the volleyball program.

The NYAA will help facilitate a program for older girls. It would be an umbrella group. Keith Nagle will be asked to help.

Leiser said a child abuse policy is being put in place. It is required for liability insurance. Background checks will cost $3,000 annually.

He suggested the rec commission check the new requirements they will have to meet.

Leiser asked the rec commission to shepherd a girls lacrosse program in NYAA. He would like to see it accepted by the school district.

The lack of field space was mentioned with the suggestion of a new sport.