[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee
of the Township of Independence 8-11-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-04.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Parks and recreation areas — See Ch. 284.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided for the repeal
of former Ch. 76, Recreation Commissioners, Board of, adopted 10-9-1979
(Ch. 45 of the 1984 Code), as amended.
A.
Pursuant to the authority vested in the Committee of the Township
of Independence, there is hereby established a Recreation Committee,
to be known as the "Independence Township Recreation Committee," which
shall consist of at least five members, but not more than nine members,
as determined and appointed by the Mayor upon the advice and consent
of the Township Committee, one of whom shall be a member of the Township
Committee and one of whom shall be a member of the Board of Education.
All members of the Independence Township Recreation Committee shall
be residents of Independence Township. The members of said Independence
Township Recreation Committee shall serve without compensation.
B.
The Recreation Committee shall annually designate one of the members
to serve as Chairman and presiding officer of the Recreation Committee.
The terms of office of the first Recreation Committee members shall
be for one, two or three years; and thereafter, the terms of office
of Recreation Committee members shall be for staggered three-year
terms. The members of the Recreation Committee shall serve at the
will of the Township Committee. The Township Committee may remove
any member of the Recreation Committee with or without cause, upon
written notice and after a hearing at which the member shall be entitled
to be heard in person by the Township Committee.
C.
The Recreation Committee may adopt bylaws for its administration
and establish rules and regulations for its activities; provided,
however, that such bylaws, rules, and regulations shall be subject
to the approval of the Township Committee.
D.
A vacancy on the Recreation Committee occurring otherwise than by
expiration of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term in the
same manner as an original appointment.
The Recreation Committee shall provide for recreational opportunities
for the residents of Independence Township. The Recreation Committee
shall make nonbinding recommendations to the governing body as to
community events, as well as with respect to enhancements and improvements
to any Township-owned property for recreational activities. These
nonbinding recommendations may consist of fundraising, operations,
crowd control, costs and other activities related to the management
of community recreational events or projects. The Recreation Committee
shall also perform the following functions:
A.
In conjunction with and under the supervision of the Recreation Leader/Director
and Township Committee, supervise methods and arrangements for the
proper maintenance and care of the lands and improvements on the Township
recreation fields and parks and all structures thereon now or hereafter
owned by the Township.
B.
Advise the Recreation Leader/Director in the coordination of programs,
the development of new initiatives, and the management of existing
programs.
C.
Recommend to the Township Committee a schedule of fees and charges
to be made for the use of playground or recreational places for utilizing
facilities, use or purchase of equipment and uniforms, participating
in organized sports and activities and for such other purposes as
may be deemed reasonable and proper by the Township Committee.
D.
Maintain communications with recreational organizations in order
to coordinate the use of facilities, and establish consistent policies
and cooperation among various groups.
E.
Develop guidelines for the recreational use of playgrounds and recreational
facilities in the Township, consistent with rules governing the use
thereof as may be adopted from time to time by the Mayor and Township
Committee.
F.
Encourage and plan special entertainment activities for all the citizens
of the Township throughout the year.
G.
Maintain communication with other municipal bodies to minimize duplication
of efforts and to foster joint programs.
H.
The Recreation Committee may make recommendations to the Recreation
Leader/Director as to the establishment of any new staff positions
it deems necessary for the successful operation of the Township's
recreation programs. The responsibility for the hiring of such employees
shall be vested with the Township Committee. Any such employees shall
be under the immediate supervision of the Recreation Leader/Director,
who, in turn, shall be under the supervision of the Township Administrator
and Township Committee.
I.
The Recreation Committee shall in all respects operate through and
under the direction of the Township Committee in accordance with the
administrative procedures and regulations of the Code of the Township
of Independence. However, the Recreation Committee and its members
shall have no power to take any action on behalf of the Township of
Independence or to take any other action, other than what is set forth
within this subsection.
J.
The Recreation Committee shall also study such matters as may be
referred to it by the Mayor and Township Committee and shall report
its findings and conclusions thereon in writing to the governing body
as soon as reasonably possible.
A.
The Recreation Committee shall keep records of its meetings and activities
and shall make an annual report to the Township Committee.
B.
In November of each year, the Recreation Committee and the Recreation
Leader/Director shall prepare and submit to the Township Administrator
a proposed budget for the Township's recreation program.
C.
In considering the recommendations made by the Recreation Committee,
the Township Committee shall have the full and complete authority
and power to expend the monies raised and/or designated for recreational
purposes.
