West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
April 21, 1999

Minutes

Attending: Les Bair, Rick Cantwell, Dan Dixon, Kathy McDevitt, Michael Pillagalli, Jennifer Grey-Rice, and Joe Waters

Township Representatives: Sharon Lynn, Kathy Hahn, Ken Lehr, Al Roth, and Kent Wise

Friends of the Park: Kelly Cifone and Peggy Niemeyer

Meeting called to Order: 7:05 PM by Chairman Joe Waters

After a review of the minutes submitted for the March 17, 1999 meeting, a motion was made by Michael Pillagalli to accept the minutes as submitted.  The motion was second by Rick Cantwell and passed.

The Financial Report dated March 31, 1999 was reviewed.  Joe Waters indicated that the Capital Reserve Account had a balance of $676,610.19. There were no other questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report. 

Parks: Kent Wise reported that the spring cleanup throughout the parks is complete.  Grass cutting has begun.  Mulch has been purchased for all of the playground areas and distributed.  The Community Park has received about 80% of the mulch.  The flower beds are being worked on a mulched also. Deep tine aeration has taken place on the soccer field.  Over-seeding is being done to the soccer field, the infields of the ball fields, and amphitheater. The Parks Department has a new full-time emplyee as well as anew part-time employee.  A signboard was ordered for the Community Park. An incorrect sign was shipped.  A new sign company was contacted for lettering.

Summer Recreation: Al Roth indicated that five new counselors were hired for the summer.  Over 2o applicantions for the positions were received.  Presently, all staff is in place.  Two of the new staff are former campers.  Ken Lehr and Al Roth conducted the interviews. All applicants were notified of the decisions. Flyers have been distributed to all of the elementary schools, private schools, and the sixth grade middle schools for the scheduled summer program registratin. Al Roth indicated that he was planning to schedule five to seven junior counselors for both the Community Park and Coopersmith Park programs and six to eight for the Barker Park program. A motion was made by Joe Waters that a cap of seven junior counselors at Coopersmith and Community Parks and eight at Barker Park be placed on the program. The motion was seconded by Michael Pillagalli and passed.  A brief discussion took place regarding the selection process for the junior counselors. On Tuesday, April 27, 1999 at 7:00 PM, a parent orientation meeting will be held for all those interested.  Registratin for the Summer Park Program will take place on Saturday, May 15 and May 22. Board members were advised that a meeting will take place on Friday, May 14 at 5:00 PM at the Township Building to plan for the registration.  Al Roth has been meeting with the head counselors to plan for the upcoming season and to order supplies.

Friends of the Park: Kelly Cifone reported that for the Summer Music Series she presently has two platinum sponsors for $1,500 each. The sponsors are Faulkner Pontiac and Suburban Cable Co.  Both sponsors have also pledged help on Community Day. We are presently in contact with QVC for sponsorship possibilities. We are waiting for their reply.  Work is also being done with the Inquirer in the area of advertising and activities.  On June 19. The Friends of the Park is sponsoring a bus trip to Washington, DC.  The cost is $79 per person.  This is the first in a hopeful series of trips. Other destinations include Ellis Island and Radio City Music Hall.  Kelly Cifone also indicated that the Friends are still in need of baby food jars with lids for their sand art project.  The Bicycle Parade is scheduled for July 3, 1999.  More information will follow.

Old Business: Run for M.S.:  Kathy McDevitt reported that presently there are 50 pre-registered runners for the event this yer.  This is an increase from last year.  There are also several sponsors in place for the event. The sound system will be needed for the run.

Ken Lehr reported that the Easter Egg Hunt was a success.  There were in excess of 200 children registered for the activity.

Ken Lehr reported that the trip to Baltimore has 41 reservations to date.  There are 138 total seats available. The trip is being opened to residents outside of the township at this time.

Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Concert Series. All six dates are scheduled. Only the opening act for the children's concert is not yet finalized.  We are presently communicating with the Give and Take Jugglers in an attempt to schedule them with the children's concert.

Kathy McDevitt reported on Community Day.  We are presently speaking with QVC to solicit their assistance as a major sponsor for the event.  Several acts are being considered for the day.  The event will have more of a children's theme, as this seems to draw a larger crowd.

New Business: Ken Lehr reported that a theater series under the direction of Dr. J. Berkowitz will take place on Saturday, July 17, 1999. The production will be The Servant of Two Masters performed by the West Chester University Theatre.  The only costs will be for advertising. Also, the Vagabond Players will perform As You Like It in the amphitheater on Sunday, August 15, 1999.

Joe Waters spoke about grants from Chester County. These grants are providing funds for playground equipment at Freedly, Concord, and Hamlet Crest Parks. Also included is funding for parking and access paving.  Additionally, Freedly Park will receive fencing, screening, signs, a picnic area, and storm drainage.  These grants pay for 50% of the materials.  The Township will match the funds and supply the labor.

A brief discussion was held concerning the dog issue in the parks. A letter was read from a local resident who opposed the banning of dogs from the parks. Ken Lehr provided informatin regarding his observations of the problem during his travels through the parks.

Ed Smith reported that there have been numerous postive comments regarding the conditions of the ballfields throughout the parks. He also indicated that East Side Litlle League had made suggestions concerning the use of a food truck at Freedly Field throughout the Little League Season.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM.  The next meeting is scheduled for May 19, 1999.

       Respectfully Submitted,
       Dan Dixon