Supervisors increase park and recreation membership

West Vincent supervisors increased commission members from seven to nine

WEST VINCENT >> Township supervisors Monday increased the number of members on the Park and Recreation Commission, fol- lowing a request by its members.

West Vincent Township supervisors unanimously agreed to change the membership from seven to nine. The township ordinance had to be updated to make the change. The township code permits five, seven or nine park and recreation members. The term remains at five years.

Supervisors’ Chairman John Jacobs previously said the change was being considered because of a request by the commission, specifically Park and Recreation Committee Chairman Brad Dyer.

Residents Kristina Casey and Sara Shick, who served on the commission, were not reappointed last month during the supervisors’ reorganization meet- ing on Jan. 4. The supervisors appointed newcomers Chip Farnham and Bill Holderness.

When the membership increase was proposed at the prior supervisors’ meeting, Jacobs said that the additional positions would allow the supervisors to reappoint Casey as recommended by the commission.

When asked by the public about quorum issues, Jacobs said he does not believe that will be an issue. He explained that Roberts Rules allows committees to hold a public meeting without quorum as long as they wait to vote on matters at another meeting with a quorum present. Quorum is met when majority of the board members are physically present.

“Anything you do will have to be voted on at that next meeting. But it’s not a wasted meeting,” Jacobs said. “If you don’t show up,

you’re left out. I can’t help but think that most people want to go to meetings.”

Shick described the commission as an “enthusiastic group.”

Dyer described Shick and Casey as dedicated volunteers. He responded to an

anonymous email that circulated in the township about the matter to increase the membership to reappoint Casey.

“For those of you who don’t know Kristina Casey, she’s probably one of the most devoted people we have in this township. She joined parks and rec a couple years ago,” Dyer said. “She does a lot more than just movie night and Turkey Trot. I think she, like Sara, devoted a lot of time to it. I think for people to comment about somebody that they don’t know or don’t know how much time they spend volunteering for the township is irresponsible.”

Jacobs nominated appointing Casey to the commission. Supervisor Michael Schneider nominated Maria Jacobs. Both were appointed unanimously.