Rec board meeting time changed; committee green-lights pool hiring publicity and opening-day plans

The committee reviewed several parks and recreation items, including proposed Rec Board administrative changes, rental-ordinance coordination with neighboring municipalities, lifeguard hiring and swim-team pool use, and plans for a pool opening-day event.

The Rec Board (chapter 55) recommended keeping the board’s name rather than converting it to a committee and moving meeting times to 6:00 p.m. following the third Monday meeting; members agreed to advertise the change. Committee members also agreed to eliminate Section 55.6(d) (which formerly required the parks and rec director to serve as operations and program adviser) as requested by the Rec Board membership.

On rental-ordinance updates, staff said they are collecting examples from other municipalities and intend to convene municipal managers countywide to align language and to host a town-hall-style meeting at the community center. Staff will invite neighboring municipalities to collaborate on a county-level approach before advertising any borough-specific rental changes.

Recreation staff reported that lifeguard recruitment would be advertised starting the next day and that two local swim teams have requested pool time: Penns Valley wants approximately 2.5 hours each morning three days per week; Juniata Valley wants 2 hours in the evening three days per week. Staff presented a proposal charging $90 per hour to teams, projecting roughly $9,700 in gross revenue before lifeguard costs if both teams use the facility under the proposed schedule. Committee members granted permission to begin advertising the opening-day vendor event planned for May 31, which would include vendors, food, inflatable activities and community-group tables; vendors would donate raffle items and pay a minimal fee to offset advertising and insurance costs.

Staff will return with finalized advertisement language and any fee schedules for council approval.