Councilwoman, rec. department, clash over program funding
BY CHRIS GAETANO Staff Writer

EDISON - A difference in opinion over township sponsorship of certain recreation programs led to a conflict between Township Council member Antonia Ricigliano and Recreation Department head Denise Halliwell during a council meeting Oct. 9.

At issue was whether the township should make space in the Stelton and Minnie Veal community centers available for private entities to hold youth recreation programs for local residents. Three specific programs - a gymnastics and acrobatics course, a music course, and a tennis course - were brought up as examples, with Ricigliano saying that all the checks for these programs go to the private entities holding them, rather than the township.

"I … disagree that we should be providing a private, profit-making entity free room. That is what I am opposed to," said Ricigliano, who also said that the township pays maintenance costs for the facilities, as well as utilities costs, and so taxpayer money is still used on these programs.

Halliwell, though, pointed out that regardless of whether or not a program, private or public, is held there, the utilities and maintenance costs are the same because the building is open during those times anyway.

"The Stelton Community Center and Minnie Veal Community center are open all day Saturdays from 9 to 5. … You know if the heat's on, the heat's on, if the heat is off, the heat is off. No matter what room you're using, you're getting heat. … The building is open. Would you rather see an empty building offering nothing to the residents? What would you rather see?" asked Halliwell.

Halliwell said that township co-sponsorship of private entities allows them to offer top-rated programs that would not be available if the Recreation Department were not able to make any partnerships with the private sector at all.

"These are fantastic programs, and I wish you would look at them. They are worth every dollar the residents pay to the person who is providing them - world-class people. We cannot afford to hire people like this. I cannot increase my budget; I cannot add programs like this. I'm trying to add some quality to the Edison recreation department in providing these programs. ... We're proud to say we offer these programs," said Halliwell.

During the course of these discussions, several parents got up and talked about how the various programs had benefited their children. This did not impress Ricigliano, who said that she is not opposed to the programs themselves and is not suggesting any moves to cut the programs. She said she would, at least, like the township to receive a small compensation for the use of the space in the community center. She also voiced concerns about setting a precedent, worried that any business that didn't feel like springing for its own facility would just use the township's.

Halliwell said that the recreation department would screen out people trying to do that, and pointed out that the department has done just that in the past. Ricigliano then objected to the department having the final word over such decisions.

The council member said that people need to pay to use park space and said that this disagreement is a good time to discuss shaping a similar policy for the community centers.

Council President Charles Tomaro tried to calm down the argument, suggesting that the discussion be held at a later date, though he also voiced his support for the use of private entities in township recreation programs.

"I think it's an innovative way to open up the township. We should always look for ways to save the taxpayers money. … But I think we need to sit down and discuss this, and I don't think this is the place to do it," said Tomaro.