Final Draft Version of Recreation Board Ordinance Presented

The revised, proposed ordinance for the Forks Township Recreation Board has finally been prepared for possible introduction.

On Thursday, the Forks Township Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a revised, amicable version of the ordinance to re-establish the board. The ordinance has not yet been formally introduced by supervisors but could be as soon as April 7.

After many meetings and debate, both supervisors and members of the board agreed on this draft version. Unlike previous drafts that would have eliminated the entire board, the revised ordinance allows board members to remain until their terms expire. They would then have the chance for re-appointment.

Township officials have said one reason for revising the ordinance is because the law was written in 1960 when the township had only one park and no parks and recreation employees. Today, the township has several full-time and part-time  employees who maintain parks and recreation facilities and programs.

Last year, supervisors presented a draft ordinance for introduction that included a request that the current, all volunteer board vacate positions and that all funds handled through the board be handed over to the township.

Under the revised version, current board members will remain in place and be eligible for re-election once terms have expired. A $10,000 petty cash fund also has been established in order for the board to pay miscellaneous bills such as referee fees and last-minute supply purchases.

The latest draft version will now be made available to the public via the municipal website, newspapers or at Township Hall.

“The ordinance will be made available to the public so that the public can view it from the first word to the last word so there’s no misunderstanding or rumors,” said township solicitor Karl Kline.