The Howell Township Council has introduced an ordinance that seeks to ensure proper regulation and maintenance of the town’s parks, playgrounds and facilities with the addition of a security deposit.
The ordinance was introduced on Aug. 12. A public hearing has been scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 9. The council may vote to adopt the ordinance after the public hearing.
One change being proposed is the addition of a security deposit.
According to the ordinance, any formal league, sports team or organized group that wants to use a field at any public park will be required to post a $250 security deposit and obtain a municipal permit.
The security deposit will be refunded as long as the park remains in good condition at the conclusion of the event. If the park is left in poor condition, the security deposit will not be returned.
Mayor Bill Gotto said the security deposit will strictly pertain to any organized group.
“If there are a few people gathering in the park for a small get-together like a picnic, then this fee does not apply to them. It only applies to any organized group like a sports team or a league,” he said.
If a large group wants to use a township facility and its members are being dropped off by a bus or a van, an application must be completed for a permit to bring the bus or van into the municipality, according to the ordinance. The nonrefundable fee is $200 per van and $400 per bus.
The purpose of the ordinance is to recognize Howell’s parks, playgrounds and facilities as public property and to ensure they are treated as such, according to the ordinance. One goal of the proposed law is to maintain proper maintenance of these properties and to keep them in good conditions for their users, according to municipal officials.
All indoor activities at any township facility must conclude by 11 p.m. unless written approval has been obtained from the township, according to the ordinance.
All outdoor activities that are unlighted must end by sunset, and all lighted outdoor activities must end by 10 p.m.