[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Upper Hanover 5-14-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-02. Amendments noted where applicable.]
There is hereby created the Upper Hanover Township Parks and Recreation Board. The Board shall make non-binding recommendations to the Board of Supervisors with respect to parks and recreation issues identified herein.
A. 
The Parks and Recreation Board shall consist of a maximum of seven voting members appointed by majority vote of the Township Board of Supervisors.
B. 
Two additional "alternate members" may be appointed to fill in when voting members are absent.
C. 
The Board of Supervisors Chairperson may appoint a member of the Board of Supervisors to serve as a Park and Recreation Board Liaison. Said appointee shall not be a voting member of the Parks and Recreation Board but shall communicate Board Supervisors and staff initiatives relating to Parks and Recreation and shall report to the Board of Supervisors on Park Board activity or initiatives. Said person may participate in meeting discussions and volunteer alongside the Parks and Recreation Board members.
The members shall be appointed for terms of five years commencing on the first Monday of January of each year, and, with respect to the first Board appointed in 2024, the remainder of 2024 shall be added to their five-year term.
The Parks and Recreation Board shall have the following powers and responsibilities:
A. 
Investigate and determine the needs, interests, and goals of the community for recreation and cultural facilities and programs and make recommendations to Township staff and the Board of Supervisors in furtherance of these goals.
B. 
To audit parks and recommend maintenance or improvements and communicate the same to staff and the Board of Supervisors.
C. 
To seek and make recommendations to staff on the acceptance of grants, gifts, bequests, and donations for parks and recreation purposes.
D. 
To seek, coordinate, and assist student "Scout" projects and community service volunteers to improve parks and recreation opportunities or stewardship.
E. 
To aid staff in recruiting volunteers to help implement programs and volunteer on the Parks and Recreation Board.
F. 
To help in establishing standards and benchmarks for all parks and recreation programs, including special events.
G. 
To assist in evaluating programs during and after their implementation with an eye towards any possible program improvements, including the reserving of athletic fields for club or tournament use.
H. 
To evaluate and recommend to staff approval or disapproval of park usage requests when requested by staff.
I. 
To recommend to staff and the Board of Supervisors changes to the rules, park procedures, and fees for events.
J. 
To assist staff with any matter on which staff requests Parks and Recreation Board input.
K. 
To submit an annual report to the Board of Supervisors, including an analysis of the adequacy and effectiveness of community recreation areas, facilities and maintenance activities.
The members of the Parks and Recreation Board are volunteers and shall serve without compensation.
A. 
In case of a vacancy in any membership for any reason, said vacancy shall be filled by the Board of Supervisors for the balance of the unexpired term. Candidates for membership shall submit a statement of interest to the Township Manager.
B. 
The Board of Supervisors may, in its sole discretion, declare the office of any member vacant should any member fail to fulfill the duties and obligations of the office.
The Parks and Recreation Board shall meet at least six times a year and shall elect its own officers, which shall include a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and a Secretary.
A. 
Meetings of the Board shall be advertised in accordance with Pennsylvania's Sunshine Law.
B. 
Documents created by the Board are subject to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law, including its requirements and any exceptions to disclosure set forth therein.
C. 
A majority of the Board constitutes a quorum. A vote of the Board requires a majority of the total Board, not a majority of those present.
A. 
Should any provision herein by determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, then to the extent possible such invalid portion shall be severed from the remainder, which shall continue in full force and effect.
B. 
Any provision of any previously adopted ordinance that is inconsistent with a provision of this chapter is, to the extent of such inconsistency, repealed.
C. 
This chapter is effective five days after adoption.