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West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
October 20, 1999
Minutes
Attending: Bob Cifone, Dan Dixon, Kathy McDevitt, Michael Pillagalli, Jennifer Grey-Rice, Ed Smith and Joe Waters
Township Representatives: Kathy Hahn, Ken Lehr, Al Roth and Kent Wise
Friends of the Park: Kelly Cifone and Peggy Niemeyer
Public Representatives: Terry Mullan - YMCA of Central Chester County "Winter Warm-up 5 mile run"
Meeting called to Order: 7:08 PM by Chairman Joe Waters
Joe Waters reported that this is the first meeting of the Park and Recreation Board in the new West Goshen Township facilities and stated that the new Township facilities are
very impressive.
After a review of the minutes submitted for the September 15, 1999 meeting, Ken Lehr asked to have the date on the minutes changed from September 22, 1999 to September 15, 1999. A motion was made by
Michael Pillagalli to accept the minutes a submitted with the revised date. The motion was second by Dan Dixon and passed.
The Financial Report dated September 30, 1999 was reviewed. There were no questions of comments pertaining to the Financial Report.
Public Representatives: Terry Mullan representing the YMCA of Central Chester Counter reviewed plans for the upcoming "Winter Warm-up" 5 mile run scheduled for
Saturday, November 13th. Approximately 200 runners are expected to compete in the event that will Start and Finish at the West Chester YMCA. The course will take the runners through West
Chester and into West Goshen Township (Fern Hill and Five Points Road). Terry Mullan reported that this is the 5th year for the race. The Daily Local News and Land Rover will sponsor the
event.
Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crews are busy cutting grass when the weather permits and preparing for leaf clean up. The leaf box has been installed
on the tractor and clean up is schedule to begin during the week of October 25th. Kent Wise stated that as a result of the last storm, additional tree work is required at Coopersmith Park
and at areas surrounding the Box Elder pond where 5 or 6 trees were uprooted. The sports fields at the Community Park have been over seeded and fertilized. The installation of the lights at the
new parking area at the Community Park has been completed. Kent Wise informed that the break in the 6-inch water line that runs from the Community Park to the Ice Line has been temporarily
fixed. The long-term solution will require relocating the water line to allow the line to be buried at a greater depth. This solution will tear-up about 300 to 400 feet of the park. A
contractor will be brought in to do the work on the project at the expense of Suburban Water. Kent Wise hopes to get the construction area cleaned up and re-seeded soon. The new letter sign for
the Township Building has been installed. Kent Wise reports that he is very pleased with the new sign. Work on digging the footer for the new signs at the Community Part is scheduled to be
complete by October 22nd. Kent Wise indicated that the block mason that did the original work at the Community Park will not be doing the work as reported earlier. The Township has contracted another block mason to perform the work required to install the new letter signs. The East Side Little League has asked the Township for permission to construct dugouts at Flagg Field similar to the ones at Carmen Field in the Kelly's Sports complex. Kent Wise and Ray Halvorsen went to Carmen Field during the week of October 11th to see the dugouts. East Side Little League has agreed to cover the costs for constructing the dugouts. Kent Wise indicated that he was OK with the design of the dugouts as long as the backs are left open for security reasons. Kent Wise and his crew are getting ready for Harvest Day. A tractor for the second Hay Wagon has been lined up at a cost of $35.00 per hour. Dave Woodward and Dorine Conant will drive the tractors for the Hay Rides. Finally, Kent Wise indicated that he will need help moving the pumpkins and decorating the park. Anyone
available to help should be at Coopersmith Park between 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM on Sunday, October 24th. Harvest Day festivities will run from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Recreation: Al Roth reported that copies of the 1999 Summer Camp end of year report were distributed to members of the Park and Recreation Board at the September 15th meeting. Al Roth indicated that he was very pleased with the 1999 Summer Camp program. An issue for concern is the amount of storage space available at the Community Park. Al Roth informed that additional storage space is required for next year. Peggy Niemeyer also stated that the amount of available storage at the Community Park is a concern for the Friends. Joe Waters asked if Al Roth had anything in his year 2000 Summer Camp budget for additional storage space. Al Roth reported that the cost of the 1999 Summer Camp program came in at about $3,000.00 under budget. Finally, Kelly Cifone suggested that Al Roth should consider having all of the junior councilors wear tee shirts so the parents can distinguish the junior councilors from the children attending the Summer Camp program.
Friends of the Park:
Kelly Cifone distributed samples of the taffy's she is planning to sell at Harvest Day. The proceeds from the taffy sale will go to the Friends of the Park. Kelly Cifone reported that Radio City bus trip scheduled for Saturday, November 13th has been sold out. The bus will depart at 11:00 AM and return at 11:00 PM. The Friends of the Park will raise about $750.00 in funds from the Radio City bus trip. Kelly Cifone informed that the October 3rd bus trip to Washington was also a success. The Friends are in the process of planning another trip to New York in April of 2000 to see "Beauty
and the Beast". Finally, Kelly Cifone reported that the Friends of the Park are planning to present awards to the sponsors of the Summer Music series at the November 10th Broad of Supervisors meeting.
Old Business: Michael Pillagalli reporting on Harvest Day informed that everything was in place for this years event. The Township will again use the Hay
Wagon supplied by Phil and Linda Hicks for Harvest Day. Kent Wise can pick up the Hay Wagon on Friday, October 22nd. The Hay Wagon will need to be returned by Sunday night, October 24th. Dan
Dixon has obtained a second Hay Wagon and additional straw (15 bails) from Sonny Hicks for this years event. The members of the Park Board recommended reimbursing Sonny Hicks between $2.50 to $3.00
a bail for the straw and $100.00 for the use of his Hay Wagon out of the budgeted funds for Harvest Day. The addition of a second Hay Wagon should help to reduce the wait time for the Hay Ride to
the pumpkin patch. Bob Cifone asked if there was enough room on the park trail to allow both of the Hay Wagons to run at the same time. Kent Wise suggested having the Hay Wagons follow each
other stating that there was not enough room on the park trail and bridge for the Hay Wagons to pass. Joe Waters asked if we should post a sign stating that the last Hay Ride will depart at 3:45 PM
to insure that the Harvest Day festivities will be completed by 4:00 PM. Joe Waters and Ed Smith will be at Coopersmith Park around 10:00 AM on Sunday, October 24th to help move the pumpkins from the storage area to the pumpkin patch. The Township has received permission to use Margarita's parking lot for Harvest Day. Anyone attending Harvest Day is being asked to consider donating a "Dry Good"
(Toothpaste, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper etc.). All of the "Dry Goods" collected from Harvest Day will be donated to the Community Service Council. The Community Service Council supports
needy families by providing basic necessities such as "Dry Goods". Dan Dixon asked if the donated "Dry Goods" could be stored at Coopersmith Park until Monday. Dan Dixon will make
the arrangements to have the donated goods picked up. Ken Lehr asked if the Community Service Council could also use any donated can goods. Kelly Cifone informed that the Friends will need
trash cans to collect donated "Dry Goods" as well as the wrappers from the taffy that is being sold as a fund raiser. Ken Lehr will take care of purchasing the cider and the "big"
pumpkin. Peggy Niemeyer asked who would be judging the scarecrow-making contest. Michael Pillagalli asked if the Friends could provide the judges for this contest. Ken Lehr will supply the
ribbons for the judges. The winner of the scarecrow-making contest will receive a gift certificate to Ron's Schoolhouse Grille. Ken Lehr reported that at this time, 200 people had already
registered for Harvest Day. Harvest Day activities will again be held at Coopersmith Park on Sunday, October 24th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. There is no raindate scheduled for this event.
New Business: Kelly Cifone reported that the Friends are in the process of planning a bus trip to New York on Saturday, April 1st to see "Beauty
and the Beast". The cost of the trip is $159.00 per person for adults and $149.00 per child for children. The price will include the bus trip to New York, tickets to the show and dinner.
Ken Lehr distributed copies of the 1999 and proposed year 2000 budget for review. The proposed year 2000 budget was updated with recommendations from the October meeting of
the budget sub-committee. Ken Lehr reported that the proposed year 2000 budget still needed to be reviewed by Sharon Lynn and Corey Kemp. The increases requested were based on the spending
patterns from this year. Kathy McDevitt reported that the invoice she submitted for the plastic cards that were distributed at Community Day had not been paid. Ken Lehr indicated that he would
look into this issue. Ken Lehr discussed the option of adding $3,400.00 to the budget to cover the cost of purchasing several picnic tables with umbrellas for the Community Park. Ken Lehr
recommended that a new sub-committee should be established to look into the options for increasing the storage areas at the Community Park. Joe Waters indicated that the cost of adding additional
storage could be funded out of the Capital Improvements budget. Additionally, Joe Waters asked if the excess from the 1999 budget could be utilized to cover the costs for the amphitheater
improvements. Kent Wise reported that he had requested $3,500.00 in his budget to cover the costs of fixing up the area in front of the amphitheater. The Board of Supervisors will review the
proposed year 2000 budget during their November 11th meeting.
Joe Waters asked if the discussion on the pricing structures for picnics could be deferred to the November 17th Park and Recreation Board meeting.
Ken Lehr reported that the Township is planning hold a Holiday Craft Workshop at the new Township Building in December. Jennifer Grey-Rice suggested placing handouts for the workshop at the Senior
Center. Ken Lehr will meet with Jennifer Grey-Rice to review the plans for the upcoming event.
Ken Lehr informed that he recently attended a "Senior Expo" to help identify activities and/or functions the Township could offer to benefit senior citizens. Ken Lehr indicated that plans are
in place to hold a sneak preview of the new Township Buildings on Friday, November 19th followed by a reception to get feed-back on what the residents would like to see the Township offer in
the form of recreation. Ken Lehr reported that the new Community Room in the Township Building would be available for Township groups and functions.
Ken Lehr reported that he had contacted the "Vagabond Group" to see if they would be interested in offering a performance of "The Christmas Carol" at the Township Building in December. Ken Lehr
discussed the possibility of offering 2 performances (a 1:00 PM and a 3:00 PM) on either December 11th or December 12th or December 18th or December 19th. Jennifer
Grey-Rice suggested going with the earlier date to avoid conflicts with other Holiday activities. Al Roth suggested holding the event on any day other than a Saturday. The performances would be
held in the meeting room at the Township Building that has a capacity of about 200 people. Michael Pillagalli asked what the cost would be for each performance and suggested looking into the
possibility of offering only 1 performance. Ken Lehr will contact the "Vagabond Group" to get a their price for 1 and 2 performances of "The Christmas Carol". This information will be reported
back to the Park Board during the November meeting. Members of the Park Board confirmed that it would not be possible to offer food and beverages if the performances are held in the meeting room of
the Township Building.
Joe Waters reported that the Township had received a letter from a resident reporting that Tennis players were being harassed by people on roller blades at the Community Park. Joe Waters indicated he
did not know of any easy solution to this problem. Ken Lehr offered to randomly go to the Community Park to look for people harassing the Tennis players. Kent Wise indicated that has not
witnessed this situation at the Community Park. Additionally, Kent Wise informed that West Bradford Township currently has a roller blade rink at their Township Park and asked if West Goshen
Township should consider this option at one of the Township Parks. Kathy McDevitt asked if signs indicating that roller blades are prohibited could be posted at the Tennis Courts. Jennifer
Grey-Rice asked if the Township could designate a specific area(s) for roller blades. Michael Pillagalli stated that designating a specific area for roller blade usage could attract a large number
of people from outside of the Township. Kathy McDevitt indicated that the walking path at the Community Park is currently available for roller blades. Ken Lehr indicated that he believed the
Township should offer a response to the letter. Finally, Jennifer Grey-Rice asked if discussions on the topic of designating roller blade areas within the Township could be put on the agenda for the
year 2000.
Kathy McDevitt asked if it would be possible for the Township to provide a response on issues and questions submitted via EMAIL. Kathy Hahn indicated that the set-up for the computers to support this
function should be complete by the end of October. At that time, the Township should be able to offer a response to issues and questions electronically.
Ed Smith reported that the members of the Concession Stand sub-committee (Ed Smith, Dan Dixon and Jennifer Grey-Rice) plan to meet prior to the November Park Board meeting for the purpose of identifying
options for staffing the Concession Stand in the year 2000. The options will be reviewed at the November Park Board meeting.
Joe Waters reporting on the year 2000 officer positions informed that Dan Dixon has expressed an interest in the position of Chair, Kathy McDevitt in the position of Vice-Chair and Ed Smith in the
position of Secretary. Joe Waters made a motion to nominate Dan Dixon, Kathy McDevitt and Ed Smith for the year 2000 Park and Recreation Board officer positions. The motion was second by Bob
Cifone and approved.
Joe Waters informed that with deep regret, he was reporting the passing of Arnold Bair. Joe Waters stated that Arnold Bair was instrumental in the Friends of the Park and attended all of the Park and
Recreation Board functions. He will be deeply missed. The members of the Park Board ended the October meeting with a moment of silence for Arnold Bair.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for November 17th.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ed Smith
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