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Wednesday, June 18, 2003

By Jim McMahon, Tri-State Sports & News Service

Council finds itself behind the proverbial eight ball over who should get the 50-cent-per-game fee that's being charged for use of a pool table at the community center.

What's complicating things is that the pool table was donated last month before Crafton council had a chance to discuss its use.

At council's meeting last Wednesday, Councilman Tom Byers raised questions about the fee that is being assessed the teens and senior citizens who play the game.

A number of council members said they were unaware of the latest addition to the borough community center.

Council Vice President Ray Broglie, who co-chairs the borough's recreation committee with Councilwoman Marsha Damits, acknowledged that no public discussion before council had been given the matter, not that he believed that any was needed.

"The issue was discussed before the recreation board," said Broglie.

Former Councilman Angelo Rullo, chairman of the recreation board, told council that he had obtained the pool table for the benefit of those who use the community center.

The board is an advisory panel whose members are chosen by council. Rullo said the 50-cent fee was more than reasonable. But Councilman Tom Byers wondered where the money was going.

"We need a policy and accountability for this money."

Broglie suggested that this was overkill, since he doubted that the fees will add up to much.

"Any money taken in goes back for recreation use," said Broglie, adding that the same is true of the $3 charged to teens who attend the regularly scheduled dances.

The recreation board maintains records of money received and spent on various recreational programs. Council President Mike Crown directed the board to review the situation and to established a defined checks and balances system for its overall operation.

Councilman Ken Arbuckle requested that the recreation board provide more detailed reports to council, too.