Criminal background checks planned by Wayne officials preparing takeover of YMCA

WAYNE — The township plans to require criminal background checks for recreation employees and volunteers under a new ordinance that would add an extra layer of security at municipal properties.

The measure, introduced Wednesday by the Township Council , is being considered as officials prepare to take over the YMCA on Pike Drive in less than three months.

Mayor Christopher Vergano said the township will be “interacting with more kids” through its acquisition of the 145,904-square-foot facility, so background checks “make a lot more sense right now.”

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Officials are purchasing the 14.2-acre site off Ratzer Road for $12.2 million. The township will pay off that debt with open space taxes collected over the next 12 years.

The current slate of township-run sports for children is limited to swimming and wrestling, as most programs are offered locally by Wayne Little League , Wayne Police Athletic League and the Boys & Girls Club of Wayne .

The proposed ordinance states that coaches and all other adults who supervise children must submit to background checks every three years. The reviews would involve applicants filling out forms supplied by the Police Department , which would then cross-reference their fingerprints and names with those on file with the FBI and the New Jersey State Police .

Applicants would receive ID cards if and when their background checks come back clean.

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The ordinance covers all youth activities — not only sports — and what it calls non-sponsored programs — those that are not run by the township, but organized by outside groups at municipal properties.

The council will hold a public hearing on the ordinance at its meeting on Sept. 4.

Vergano said the township administration will also unveil a proposed schedule of fees for participation in programs at the new community center that night.

Philip DeVencentis is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: devencentis@northjersey.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Criminal background checks planned by Wayne officials preparing takeover of YMCA