Some express frustration with ongoing limits for youth teams
By BILL BARLOW /Special to the Sentinel
UPPER TOWNSHIP — Township officials face a tough task as winter approaches — balancing the demand for activities with concerns over minimizing the continuing spread of COVID-19, Mayor Rich Palombo said during the Township Committee meeting Monday, Nov. 23.
The meeting itself was held remotely, a setup that has become a routine part of pandemic life. Township Administrator Scott Morgan further underscored the seriousness of the situation in his regular report at the start of the meeting. He told committee members that there were 69 active cases in the township, according to reports from the Cape May County Department of Health, and five fatalities in Upper Township since the start of the pandemic.
Representatives of youth sports organizations participated in the remote meeting, advocating for more access to township facilities. They said they had plans in place to protect their athletes and seemed frustrated with further delays and limitations.
“We want to get in there. We want to start practicing,” said Dave Schultz, who is active in the Upper Township wrestling program.
Upper Township Green Hornets head coach Frank Sannino drew a rare flash of impatience from the typically equanimous Palombo when he suggested the township was dragging its feet on the matter.
Sannino cited an executive order from Gov. Phil Murphy allowing teams to practice and hold competitions.
“We’re not even looking to have competitions right now. We just want to have our team in there and not bring in any outsiders at this point. Which I thought would be the safest thing we could do,” Sannino said.
Other area teams are already practicing, he said.
“I don’t understand. We put a plan in. The township approved our plan. The governor said we can be in there to practice. I don’t understand what the holdup is,” he said. “We’re just kicking the can down the road. It almost seems like the township is just hoping that they shut us down so the problem goes away.”
“That’s your opinion. That’s not my opinion,” Palombo interjected.
He said the township has worked hard to get the facilities open.
“I really take a little issue with your suggesting that we’re trying to procrastinate to have the governor change the rules. That’s not the case,” he said.
Fran Willet of the Upper Township Basketball Association began the discussion during the public comment portion of the meeting.
“As you know, we’re trying to get our season under way,” he said.
The organization can currently use only the community center.
“We’re trying to maximize our time there,” he said.
Willet said he was told they could only use Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The organization wanted to use it on Sundays, but the center will be closed Sundays.
“We’re trying to run a program with 500 kids and we’re limited to three days. It’s going to be extremely tough to do,” he said. “We’ve had it for Saturdays and Sundays for over 20 years.”
Committee members asked about the decision.
“Township employees needed a day off, apparently,” Willet said.
In a letter to parents posted to the basketball association website, program organizers said the organization has a tentative plan for the upcoming season. It also outlined the strict limitations for this year, which will keep spectators out of the building, even family members. Plans are to stream the games so family members can watch.
“There are so may logistics involved for this year, just too many to mention. We all wish that our season could be what they have been in the past … NORMAL, but we all know that this year we have to make changes that are not easy to do. Please know that our decisions were not made overnight and have been thought out to the best of our abilities,” the letter reads.
The wrestling program wants to use the Community Center as well. Members say for at least the coming several weeks, there would be no overlap between wrestling and basketball.
“We just want to get our kids on the mat,” Schultz said.
Palombo said the township is doing its best to satisfy all parties while keeping kids, and adults, as safe as possible. As part of his report, Morgan said even with news of potential vaccines showing promising results, community members should expect COVID concerns to remain for the foreseeable future.
“It’s ever-changing. The environment’s ever-changing,” said Committeewoman Kim Hayes, who added the wrestling program has a good plan in place.
Hayes was appointed recently to fill the unexpired term of Hobie Young. On Monday, committee members voted unanimously to give her the same committee responsibilities that Young had, including the recreation programs, at least until the planned committee reorganization meeting in January.
At the roll-call vote, Palombo encouraged Hayes to vote yes.
“Always vote for yourself, Kim. It’s a good lesson,” he said.
Committee members also unanimously approved a resolution allowing Palombo and Hayes to make decisions related to the recreation programs on behalf of the township between meetings, without waiting for a vote of the full committee at a scheduled meeting.
Morgan promised to look into the use of the Community Center this week. The vote could allow Palombo to make changes quickly to expand the use of the facility.
COVID-19 and the sweeping changes to everyday life it precipitated loomed large at the meeting. The township plans to go ahead with its regular tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4, but it will take place at Amanda’s Field instead of in front of Township Hall as usual to allow more room for social distancing. Palombo said there will be music from the school band and the Uptown Singers, as well as an appearance by Santa Claus, and he encouraged all participants to wear masks.
He said he wants people to be as safe and comfortable as possible.
The free community Thanksgiving dinner will also change this year, with a drive-through planned for the Trinity United Methodist Church at 20 N. Shore Road from noon to 2 p.m. hosted by the Rotary Club of Ocean City and Upper Township. Call (609) 938-9103 to reserve a dinner.
Local food banks have received an increased number of requests, Palombo said. He appealed to those who are able to make a donation toward a holiday meal for local families to do so, suggesting he would be willing to pick items up and deliver them.
“Anything anyone can do would be greatly appreciated,” Palombo said.
Those interested in more details may call Township Clerk Barbara Young at (609) 628-2011, ext. 280, he said.