JACKSON – The Township Council moved to reclassify two departments as divisions that would now fall under the Department of Public Works as part of its ongoing Division of Jackson Efficiency (DOJE) program.
Council members unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-11 entitled “Administration of Government” on its second reading which would amend the township code. The ordinance notes that the term “Departments” is hereby amended and supplemented so as delete subsection in its entirety, and replace it with the word “Reserved.”
Essentially this ordinance will allow for the departments of Senior Services and Recreation to be reclassified as the Division of Recreation and Senior Services which would now fall under the Department of Public Works as a sub-section of that township department.
According to the ordinance, this merged and revised division involves administering and operating “playgrounds, facilities for indoor and outdoor sports, athletic, cultural and recreational programs and activities for children, youth and adults of the township, including celebration of events, holiday activities and summer camps; and where authorized by law and by ordinance of the Township Council, charge and collect on behalf of the Township a reasonable fee for each person for admission to or use of facilities,
programs and activities provided for under this provision.”
The division would also “use public school property by agreement with the Board of Education, plan and develop additional public recreational areas and facilities, cooperate with other municipal departments, service clubs and organizations in furthering recreational and cultural interests in the township.”
It would also be charged to “adopt reasonable rules, regulations and bylaws, subject to approval of the council, for the conduct of persons participating in programs and activities or utilizing recreation facilities or equipment sponsored by the division. It would also study, investigate, develop and recommend recreation programs in conjunction with the Recreation Committee.
The ordinance also amends township code to re-establish a “Recreation Advisory Board,” within the Division of Recreation and Senior Services that would consist of representatives from various recreational organizations located within Jackson.
This board would include one representative, appointed by the mayor, with the advice and consent of the council, from each organization substantially utilizing Township facilities. Those organizations would include, but are not limited to, Jackson Holbrook Little League, Jackson Soccer, Jackson Lacrosse, American Youth Football and Recreation Softball with representatives of those interested in volleyball and pickleball.
It would also make recommendations to the governing body concerning the development of recreation programs for residents of all ages; act in an advisory capacity to the mayor and council in all matters pertaining to the recreation programs and the utilization of recreational areas, including, but not limited to, the scheduling, maintenance and utilization of such recreation areas and the need for equipment, services and building space for recreation; make such individual studies and reports as may be requested by the governing body or assistant recreation supervisor; refer all maintenance concerns to the assistant recreation supervisor; and recommend fees for participation in Township-organized recreation activities and leagues.
Council liaisons to the advisory board will include Councilman Nino Borrelli and Council President Jennifer Kuhn. Letters of interest for board representatives would be sought and sent to Recreation Director Anthony Horta. Kuhn said the board had existed but hadn’t met in two years.
During a prior council meeting, a department head question and answer period was held with Horta where Vice Council President Mordechai Burnstein asked him to summarize what the department does.
Horta replied, “anything that has to do with generating a lot of activities for adults and kids in Jackson Township. Right now, we are promoting a lot of activities that we have this year. We have our basketball camp coming up and Jackson Day on September 14.”
Last month’s Easter Egg Hunt drew a crowd of more than 300 people and the township’s Farmers Market also had large attendance when it started this month. “A pickleball/tennis clinic is coming up and for 6th to 8th graders we have an ATV riding experience to enjoy at an outside facility that we have. They can rent an ATV and enjoy the dirt track,” Horta said.
He mentioned he was working on getting a fishing tournament to be held in the township and other activities that residents might enjoy. “I’m all ears for any ideas that might generate activities within the township.”
Burnstein noted other annual events such as the Christmas tree lighting and Hannukah Menorah lightings in December and last year’s summer concert series at Johnson Park. Horta said the concert series was grant-based through the Ocean County Heritage Commission who provided $2,500.
Horta noted a Department of Community Affairs grant that would be used toward a pickleball court. “We don’t shy away from grants at all. We are open to any opportunity.”
Burnstein said he attended two concerts last summer and was disappointed with the turnout. Horta said the concerts might be moved to a different location, possibly the Justice Complex which “might generate more kids” to come out.
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