Longport Beach Patrol Headquarters
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
LONGPORT – Now that the borough has hired a recreation supervisor, it will be establishing regulations for the use of its athletic facilities.
The Board of Commissioners Wednesday, July 16 approved establishing new rules and regulations for the use of the borough’s tennis and basketball courts.
The borough previously had no written regulations, which has resulted in outside organizations using facilities without reservation, which results in the courts being used in the mornings when residents want to play.
After hearing from Solicitor Michael Affanato and Recreation Supervisor Colleen Kelly, the board agreed is should immediately adopt rules and post them on the Borough Hall bulletin board.
Kennedy has recommended posting signage at the fields located at 33rd Avenue stating players need to obtain prior approval from the borough to use the facilities. Organizations that have been conducting basketball clinics without approval will be required to register times and dates for clinics. Tennis instructors who often “monopolize” the courts will be required to reserve time when the courts are least likely to be used by residents.
All organizations using the facilities must present certificates of insurance and hold the borough harmless if injuries occur.
Any spectators that gather at the site must wear face coverings. Residents will be able to reserve a court eight days before play.
“We are trying to control it, so everyone has a fair shot,” Commissioner Jim Leeds said.
He said the borough will introduce an ordinance after the summer season is over to establish fees for the use of facilities.
In other business, Beach Patrol Chief Matthew Kelm informed the board that the Lifeguard Chiefs Association would determine if it will hold the South Jersey Lifeguard Championships in Longport this year. As defending champions, the Longport Beach Patrol would likely host the event on Aug. 14. The event attracts between 2,500 and 4,500 spectators on the beach between Pelham to 32nd avenues, Kelm said.
“There are people shoulder-to-shoulder spread over a half-mile and 150 yards deep,” Kelm said.
Kelm and borough officials expressed concern about attracting more than the 500 currently allowed to gather for outdoor events during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor Nicholas Russo said the state could loosen the regulations before the event but agreed municipal governments “cannot regulate common sense.”
City engineer Richard Carter said the municipality should not sanction any event that exceed state regulations and that the governing body should be aware of liability issues. He recommended the borough establish guidelines in an attempt to avoid exceeding the state-imposed regulation.
Fire Chief Levon “Lefty” Clayton advised against holding the event in the evening this year. Instead, if the event is held, it should be held before beach hours at 9 a.m. and with no spectators, he said.
Kelm said he would address borough concerns with the Chief’s Association at its next meeting.
In other business, the commissioners amended its regulations regarding trash and recycling collection. Residents will be required to put out trash and recycling after 6 p.m. Sunday evenings.
Resident Peter Eisen asked who would regulate the requirement and was told the borough’s Code Enforcement officer would be the responsible party to notify residents if they are in violation of the code. Borough police would also be able to enforce the regulation.
Eisen also asked the borough to crack down on drinking alcohol on the beach, which has become excessive this year, he said.
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