A Parks and Recreation Board has formed in Franklin Township.

On Tuesday, the township supervisors appointed Joseph Connaughton as an adviser to the board.It also opened a new checking account for the "Community Parks Fund."Rod E. Green, chairman of the board of supervisors, said a group of people have been getting together for several months and discussing improvements to the township's parks and recreation facilities.Among the priorities is purchasing new equipment for the playground at Phifer's Ice Dam.Green said the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board will be at 6:30 p.m. March 13 in the township building."The public is invited to attend and provide input," Green said.In another matter related to recreation, the supervisors agreed to ban fishing by adults for one month this summer at one of the areas of Phifer's Ice Dam.From May 13 through June 12, the fishing will be permitted only for children ages 16 and under.That's because two fishing derbies are scheduled for children in May, and the clubs hosting the events and stocking the dam want to give children first chance at making catches.During a meeting of the supervisors on Tuesday, Barry Reed and James Deebel, representing Pohopoco Rod and Gun Club, said their organization is hosting a fishing derby from 7 a.m. to 7

p.m.May 21 for children.The Franklin Township Lions Club has a fishing derby at the same location on May 13.Club members said that in the past, as soon as those fishing derbies were over, a lot of adults went to Phifers Ice Dam and tried to capitalize on the freshly stocked pond.Reed told the supervisors, "Our thoughts are we let the youth get out there and have some fun."Scott Christman of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission said the dam will be posted during the period and there will be enforcement to make sure only children fish there.Supervisor Robin Cressley said of the 30-day adult fishing ban, "I think it's a great idea.""Our goal is to encourage young people to get outdoors and also give back to Franklin Township," Reed said.In another matters• Board secretary Brenda Neeb said garbage bills were mailed to township residents at the end of January. Anyone who didn't receive one should call the township office.• An electronic recycling event for township residents will occur from 9 a.m. to noon April 15. Although computers and many other items will be recycled for free, there will be a charge for such items as appliances, televisions, LCD monitors and air conditioners.The recycling will occur in the vicinity of the recycling bins at the township building.• The supervisors issued a reminder that it is illegal to shovel or plow snow onto township roadways.• The supervisors hired three new part-time police officers effective immediately. They are Joelle Mota and Peter Attieh, both of Allentown, and Brian Getz of Franklin Township.• A salary was set at $19 per hour for part-time police officers.• No bids were received to supply the township with fuel oil or gasoline. The bids will be re-advertised and opened at the March 21 meeting of the supervisors.