11/13/2014
MASONTOWN — Praising the efforts and accomplishments of current members of the German-Masontown Park Recreation Board of Directors — and noting the need to fill a vacancy on the board — was the focus of discussion at a borough council meeting Tuesday.
The board, which handles the facilities and needs of the German-Masontown Park, is comprised of citizens from both Masontown Borough and German Township. Masontown has been advertizing for a German Township resident to fill a vacancy on the board since April, with no takers, said council President Frank McLaughlin.
In a effort to better advertize the vacancy, council voted to send a letter to German Township supervisors requesting that they advertize the need to fill the position on their agenda. The two-year term on the board requires that a German Township resident for the seat.
“They’re going to get more attention there than we do here,” said McLaughlin.
Dennis Fabbri, board president, said the board was down to just five members and suggested that some changes be made to mandate attendance at board meetings.
“That’s not a good idea; nobody wants the positions to begin with,” said McLaughlin, adding that the proposed mandate might deter future board applicants.
The board meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday from April through September, and on the first Wednesday of the month from October through March.
McLaughlin and council in general praised the accomplishments of current board members and heard suggestions from Fabbri on how the park could be improved for future use.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day, and, apparently, Masontown takes a lot longer,” said Fabbri, adding that after 14 months of pushing for the dugouts at the ballfield to be refurbished, the project was finally complete.
He also suggested that the borough erect hoops at the park or on the helipad at the fire department to create a basketball court.
Mayor Toni Petrus and McLaughlin said the borough had facilitated basketball at one time, but that the hoops were removed following a particularly bad fight at the court several years ago.
“No one is opposed to trying it again, but if there is another fight, we’re going to have to take (the hoops) back down again,” McLaughlin said, noting that the borough got rid of the original hoops and would need to purchase new ones should a new basketball court be pursued.
The board annually supports summer baseball league games, and summer and fall soccer league sports. In addition, it handles pavilion rentals for parties, reunions and receptions, and maintains an amphitheater, playground equipment, tennis and bocce courts, and walking trails.
German Township residents interested in serving on the board may send a letter of interest to Masontown Borough, c/o Judy Lee, 1 East Church Ave., Masontown, Pa., 15461 or to [email protected].
