Moorestown council is one step closer to field sponsorship program

Moorestown is getting closer to the beginning stages of athletic and recreational field naming rights and advertising after council approved an ordinance on first reading establishing a sponsorship program.

The ordinance allows the township to have complete control over the program.

“This is going to be the first of its kind in New Jersey, where the township would actually control [the program],” Township Manager Scott Carew said.

Council looked into the sponsorship program as a way to increase township revenues, helping with improvements and maintenance to the recreational fields.

According to Carew, the township and athletic clubs would split the proceeds 50/50 after costs related to the program are covered.

The program would offer annual banner sponsorship opportunities as well as field naming rights.

He said the township will collect the money for the banners, and volunteers from the athletic and recreational organizations would help solicit for those funds.

Field banners for 2013 (June to Dec. 1) are $400 for most fields and $600 for the turf fields. Costs for 2014 banners are still being determined, according to Taylor Design Group representatives.

The 3-by 6-inch banners would be placed on the fencing facing inward toward spectators.

Field naming writes range from five- to 10-year terms with a minimum bid of $5,000 for five years on smaller fields and a minimum of $35,000 for 10 years for one of the turf fields.

Taylor Design representatives said businesses are not allowed to advertise the sale of alcohol, tobacco, adult-oriented material or any other items that are not consistent with promoting the youth sports program and the “positive image of the township.“

Additional facilities or buildings would be considered in the future.

Board members are excited about the program.

Councilman Greg Newcomer said the sports organizations have spent time and effort trying to help with this process, trying to contribute as much as possible.

He said the soccer club and the Moorestown Youth Baseball Federation has contributed to many things in the town for many years, but recently their contributions have exceeded previous years’.

“It’s an enormous amount of time, money and organization,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Chris Chiacchio said this is a reasonable way to bring in revenues for the township to help pay for upkeep.

“The program is a great benefit to our town as it will provide a perpetual revenue stream to the town and our sports communities. In the end, it’s another example of how this great community came together to do something that is truly unique,” he said.

The second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for the council’s next meeting on May 6.

Civility Pledge

A month after council accepted Newcomer’s Civility Pledge, he said he has seen interest in fellow board members to stick to the pledge.

Newcomer said the pledge was intended to keep the council moving forward productively and keep the best interest of the residents in mind when making decisions.

“Our town is a unique, irreplaceable oases filled with gifted, giving people. We will strive toward collaborative and cooperative progress, preserving the best of our town’s heritage while laying the groundwork for its future,” Newcomer said in the pledge.

To view a full copy of the Civility Pledge download the PDF here.

Town hall/library project

The new town hall is one step closer to going green.

Council approved a resolution allowing Rutgers University to receive grant funding for the installation of a water cistern, roof garden and rain garden.

According to Carew, there are more than $100,000 in features that the grant will cover.