WINTON – As Hertford County local government proceeds with plans to offer recreational venues and programs for its citizens, they will be aided in that effort by an advisory commission.

At their meeting here Nov. 15, the Hertford County Board of Commissioners approved nine individuals whose names were submitted for inclusion on the Hertford County Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission.

Representation on this commission was solicited earlier from each municipality in the county. All but Como and Winton submitted names.

The recommended individuals (listed in order of submission by the municipalities) are as follows:

Murfreesboro – Terrance Saxby and Derek Burke;

Cofield – Hermea Pugh Jr. and Darryl Partlow;

Harrellsville – Marvin R. Harrell and Michael Leary; and

Ahoskie – Tony Hammond and Tina Pritchard.

One individual (Jerry Castelloe of Ahoskie) representing the general community was suggested at a previous meeting.

Upon presenting the names to the commissioners, Hertford County Manager Loria Williams said the terms of those nine individuals would be staggered so everybody will not come off at one time.

Williams added that after each serves an initial term, whether it’s one, two or three years, they are eligible for a straight three-year term. Thereafter, all terms will be three years.

She continued by saying that despite the absence of representation from Como and Winton, it was permissible for the board to move forward as they do have enough members to meet quorum requirements.

“You have enough (members) to conduct business,” Williams said. “We will continue our efforts to solicit representation from the towns of Como and Winton.”

At a previous meeting, Commissioners Howard Hunter III and Ronald Gatling were appointed to the board as county government representatives.

Gatling asked about the lack of representation of school students on the advisory board.

“I would like to see them included, either as an advisor or a regular committee member,” Gatling said. “We need their input.”

Williams suggested that youth members need to be solicited, but only as liaisons to the board and not as regular members. The commissioners agreed with her suggestion.

“One advantage of involving students on this recreation advisory committee is they can use it on their college applications to show their community involvement,” Commission Vice-Chairman Curtis Freeman noted.

Gatling motioned to officially appoint the nine individuals. Freeman offered a second and the motion passed without objection.