Springettsbury supervisors back plan to pilot township volunteer-recognition events

Springettsbury Township supervisors discussed a new volunteer-recognition program and asked staff to move from brainstorming to a pilot this year. The board’s conversation ranged from modest in‑house receptions to larger public events tied to summer concerts and community festivals, and members urged tying recognition to volunteer outreach and recruitment.

Board members and staff said the concept should be both visible and affordable. Mark (first referenced SEG 003), the township manager, told the board he had surveyed nearby municipalities and found Windsor Township runs an annual catered recognition event for volunteers and spouses, and uses a tiered gift‑card award that begins at $75 and increases in five‑year increments up to a reported cap (quoted to staff as $500–$550). Staff also noted Windsor budgets roughly $4,000 a year for the event and fields occasional resident questions about using public funds for recognition.

Supervisors suggested several low‑cost, high‑visibility options: using accumulated points on township credit cards to purchase gift cards (producing no net cash outlay), scheduling small lobby receptions before a board meeting, offering tours of township facilities for volunteers, and recognizing volunteers at public concerts to help recruit new board and community volunteers. Several members recommended a program that is flexible and expandable: start with a la carte options and keep practices that prove effective.

The board directed staff to continue planning, with Mark and Nitsa developing details and returning to the board with proposals. No formal vote or budget appropriation occurred; staff said they would inform the board as the program is developed and aim to hold at least one recognition event this year.

The board then opened the meeting to public comment and moved on to the evening’s regular agenda.