Jeannette is creating a recreation board that, council members hope, will be made up of volunteers interested in providing activities for all city residents.
Council gave an initial approval Thursday to an ordinance establishing the board. The ordinance must pass a second vote before it is official.
People already are interested in being appointed to the board, Mayor Curtis Antoniak said.
“I think it’d be nice to get a nice mix (of people),” he said.
Anyone interested in being appointed to the board may submit a letter to City Clerk Benjamin Walker at City Hall, 110 S. Second St., Jeannette, PA 15644. Applicants must be 18 or older and have lived in the city for at least a year.
Council members said they hope the seven board members can take over operations of some of the events the city holds each year, such as the Halloween parade and costume contest, while adding more year-round activities for citizens of all ages.
“I think it’s so needed for our children, our seniors,” Antoniak said, suggesting a senior dance and picnics as possible events for the group to hold.
The city has $1.2 million worth of improvements on the way for its parks. There are numerous proposed projects with the state funding, including upgrading equipment and clearing overgrown brush.
“Moving forward, there will be plenty of things for them,” Councilwoman Robin Mozley said.
Chief fiscal officer Ethan Keedy said the group can hold fundraisers, but added there is $69,000 available to get it started.
