SHADYSIDE - The village is looking to abolish its recreation board.
An ordinance was read for the first time Monday, ordinance No. 1664, that if passed, does away with the village's rec board.
No motions were entertained to suspend the three-reading rule, and the meeting went on to further business.
Later, Councilman John Tipton brought up a motion to bring forth an accompanying piece of legislation to 1664, a move to list all pool employees as being employed by the village.
Currently, pool employees from manager Melanie Haswell down to the lifeguards and maintenance staff fall under the employment of the rec board.
That's the only job the current recreation board serves, to evaluate and hire pool employees.
Tipton's motion passed 5-1 with Councilman Tim Merryman casting the lone dissenting vote.
Still, no further discussion was had.
Only later did Haswell, who was in attendance, question the move to abolish the rec board. She simply sought clarification.
Tipton explained that the board was formed by ordinance in 1948, well before the pool was open. Its main aim was to hire and oversee adult employees that monitored the various playgrounds throughout the village. It also was involved in planning recreational activities.
These adult monitors were phased out during the 1970s, according to Tipton.
Seeing as the board no longer serves the purpose for which it was originally intended, Tipton felt it was outdated. He also explained that village council has its own recreation committee which could handle employment decisions. In his estimation, a rec committee and rec board was a duplication of services.
Merryman's point of contention was that the usage of the recreation board for its current purpose has worked seamlessly. The board isn't paid, so he felt why change something that is working.
"I don't think it's obsolete," Merryman said. "The board knows the kids and young people they are hiring much better than we do."
And therein lies the only real change. Abolishing the rec board brings about no cost savings to the village. But what it does do is transfer the hiring of pool employees to village council.
Currently, there are teachers and school board members on the recreation board, as Merryman pointed out, who are likely more versed on the pool's potential applicant pool.
The second reading of the ordinance pertaining to the rec board will be held during the Monday, July 9 meeting.
Hughes may be reached at mhughes@timesleaderonline.com
