Livingston recreation committee lacks members and interest

A golf course, a water park and pony rides.

These are just a few ideas the Livingston Parks and Recreation Commission might discuss in an effort to increase recreational activities in the city. But the commission that plans these programs is severely lacking in members – with 10 commissioner seats expiring at the end of the week.

Only one current commissioner, Maria Baptista, has reapplied for her spot on the panel. The remaining nine seats – six commissioners and three alternates – will be vacant by Saturday, said Recreation Superintendent Jacquelyn Benoit.

Though some have expressed interest, no new applications have been received thus far. “I think it’s because people are so busy,” Benoit said Monday. “Even the ones that were on the current commission are super busy.”

The Parks and Recreation Commission plans recreational projects, programs and activities, Benoit said, making it one of the most influential panels in the city government. Members also work on master plans for parks and make policy recommendations to the City Council.

With all the commission seats expiring and only one requesting reappointment, Benoit asked the City Council for direction earlier this month. The mayor said Benoit should advertise the openings, which Benoit said she’s already doing.

Benoit told the council she’s had difficulty recruiting for the Parks and Recreation Commission for the last 13 years. To add to the frustration, 14 out of 20 commission meetings were canceled last year because of a lack of agenda items. It’s the commissioners’ job to introduce items before a meeting, she said.

Councilman Arturo Sicairos last week suggested reducing the number of seats on the panel from 10 to five to make it easier to recruit commissioners. Others suggested lowering commissioners’ age limit to 17, but the city attorney said involving minors in city activities poses some risks.

The commissioners are appointed by the City Council for two-year terms. The positions are voluntary and the time commitment is at least one hour per month.

“They’re the voice of the people,” Benoit said. “The thing that’s cool about the recreation committee is that it’s about servicing the people that live here. They are the ones that would benefit from the programs.”

Baptista, the only commissioner to reapply for her spot, said more support is needed from the City Council during a council meeting last week.

“I didn’t have the support that I should have,” Baptista told the council. “I want to go out there and make a positive difference in the community with recreation activities. With more guidance and support from the city, we’d know what to do.”

Livingston Mayor Pro Tem Gurpal Samra disagreed on Monday, saying the city is providing support to the commission.

“I’d like to know how we are not supporting them,” Samra said. “We gave them certain authority to come up with ideas. Are they saying they’re sending proposals to (the City Council), and they are not being approved? That’s the conversation we need to have.”

Samra chalked up a lack of interest in the commission to having no funding for major projects, such as new sports complexes and parks. “If they were building more infrastructure, I think there would be a lot more people who would want to participate,” Samra said. “People lost interest because they don’t see any tangible results out of it.”

Benoit said those interested in applying for the Parks and Recreation Commission should pick up an application at City Hall or download it at www.livingstoncity.com. Completed applications should be turned in to City Hall. The deadline is 5 p.m. Feb. 20.

This story was originally published January 26, 2015 at 7:17 PM with the headline "Livingston recreation committee lacks members and interest."