Resolution to Use Open Space Funds on Agenda

Town Council will vote on a resolution tonight to allow Open Space funds to be used for engineering, design and bidding expenses for Phase I of the K.I.D.S. Initiative for improvements to Wesley Bishop Park and Pryor Park.

Improvements include:

• Irrigation and drainage at Wesley Bishop for flag football and softball
• A turf infield for softball at Wesley Bishop
• A new turf field at Wesley Bishop for soccer, lacrosse and football to reduce field overuse
• Repairs to the skate rinks
• Repairs to the skate park
• Turf infields for baseball fields and related repairs at Pryor Park
• Improved parking at Wesley Bishop
• ADA compliance for township parks
• Improved footpaths
• Fencing and other security measures to reduce vandalism

The council meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the William Allen Middle School auditorium.

A to fund the project did not receive the four votes it needed to pass at the April 4 meeting. John Button, Greg Gallo and Michael Testa were the three yes votes. A resolution requires a majority of three or more yes votes to pass.

There is approximately $1.6 million in the Open Space Trust Fund. Open Space is funded through a tax of 1¢ per $1,000 assessed value. In the past two years, that 1¢ tax rate has collected $464,000 per year for the Open Space Trust Fund.

The township is projecting spending approximately $410,000 on maintenance and debt service obligations from the fund, not including any possible money allocated to the K.I.D.S. Initiative.

The township is not currently in negotiations to purchase Open Space at this time.

The council will also be discussing the Municipal Complex. Presentations are scheduled for tonight’s meeting.

In addition to the regular meeting, council will hold a budget workshop meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. tonight.