West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
April 18, 2001
Minutes

Attending: Bob Cifone, Dan Dixon, Michael Pillagalli, Jennifer Grey-Rice, Ed Smith and Joe Waters

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

Friends of the Park: Kelly Cifone and Peggy Niemeyer

Meeting called to Order: 7:02 PM by Chairman Dan Dixon

 After a review of the minutes submitted for the March 21, 2001 meeting, a motion was made by Michael Pillagalli to accept the minutes as submitted. The motion was second by Bob Cifone and passed.

 The Financial Report dated March 31, 2001 was reviewed. There were no questions of comments pertaining to the Financial Report.

Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crews have completed their "spring clean-up" and are now focusing their efforts on edging and mulching the various Township Parks.  The crews are about ½ through their efforts at the Community Park and are ready to begin work a Coopersmith Park. Work to spread playground mulch at the Community Park, Hallowell Field, South Concord Road Park and Coopersmith Park is currently underway.  Kent Wise informed that all of the bathrooms at the Township Parks have been opened and the water supply to the Concession Stand at the Community Park has been turned on.  Kent Wise reported that a load of stone delivered to Coopersmith Park was used to fill in the low spots on the road that runs through the park.  Kent Wise indicated that the crews are starting to spend some of their time cutting grass. The Township has purchased 2 new directional signs for the restrooms at Hallowell Field. Kent Wise informed that frames were constructed for the new directional signs to give them a more attractive appearance. Additionally, new "dog boxes" containing the disposable bags for pet clean up have been installed at Hallowell Field. Finally, Kent Wise informed that the Grass Management sub-contractor completed their work over-seeding the soccer field at the Community Park.

Recreation: Al Roth reporting on the Summer Camp program informed that he is looking for 25 councilors to support the Summer Camp program.  Al Roth indicated that there are 14 returning councilors and stated that the Township is looking to hire 11 additional councilors to bring the total up to 25. At this time, there have been 2 interview sessions with 6 new applicants and a 3^rd session is scheduled for April 25^th.  Al Roth indicated that the Township is still receiving new applications for Summer Camp positions and does not anticipate any problem finding qualified candidates to fill the openings.  The fliers for the Summer Camp program are scheduled to go out on Monday, April 20^th.  Summer Camp parent orientation is scheduled for 7:00 PM on April 25^th.  Registration for the summer camp program is scheduled from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on May 12^th and from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on May 19^th.  The format for Summer Camp registration will be the same as last year.  Al Roth stated that he is looking for as many of the Park and Recreation Board members a possible to help support Summer Camp registration.  Additionally, Al Roth indicated that he would be calling on the Summer Camp councilors to provide support for this year's Summer Camp registration. Volunteers should report to the Township Building between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM on Saturday, May 12^th.  Al Roth and Ken Lehr will complete the set-up work required for Summer Camp registration on Friday night prior to the first day of registration (May 11^th). Al Roth informed that he would be attending his son's college graduation ceremonies on May 12^th and stated that Ken Lehr would be the contact person for the 1^st day of Summer Camp registration scheduled for May 12^th.  Al Roth indicated that he does not anticipate needing any additional support for the 2^nd day of Summer Camp registration scheduled for May 19^th.  The Summer Camp Staff orientation is scheduled for June 9^th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  The orientation program will include a review of the new Summer Camp "rules" booklet, CPR instructions and training, discussion on ideas for Arts/Crafts and "rainy day" activities.  Al Roth indicated that he would like to complete all of the required paper work for the Summer Camp councilors during the orientation session. Additionally, Al Roth informed that Kent Wise would spend about ½ hour during the orientation session reviewing how to take care of the various park facilities. Joe Waters asked what projected registration numbers were of for each of the Township parks.  Al Roth stated that the registration limits of 110 have been established for Barker Park and Coopersmith Park and 150 for the Community Park.  Finally, Al Roth reported that a new Dance Clinic and Karate Clinic would be offered during this year's Summer Camp program.

Friends of the Park: Kelly Cifone reported that the Friends are working to secure sponsors and funding for the Summer Concert Series.  Kelly Cifone informed that the next general membership meeting for the Friends has been scheduled for May 3^rd at 7:30 PM. Kelly Cifone asked if Kent Wise could place an advertisement for the Friends general membership meeting on the letter sign at the Community Park. Kelly Cifone reported that the number for the new dedicated Friends phone line is (610) 692-2550. Kelly Cifone informed that Friends received $216.00 (½ of the proceeds) from the 50/50 raffle held at Faulkner Pontiac on their April 13^th "cruse night". The Friends are planning to sell coffee and donuts during Summer Camp registration.  Additionally, the Friends are planning a promotion/raffle that would take place during Summer Camp registration.  The winner of the raffle would be able to have a family member attend the Summer Camp program free of charge.  Finally, Kelly Cifone stated that the Friends are looking for baby food jars to support the sand art craft scheduled for Community Day.

Old Business: Ken Lehr reporting on the Easter Egg Hunt held on Saturday, April 7^th informed that approximately 500 people attend the event. Ken Lehr stated that the event went off without any problems and indicated that his only concern was the availability of ample parking to support the event.  Ken Lehr reported that cars were parked along the entrance road to Coopersmith Park all the way back to the House of Lights and indicated that there were some "creative" parking techniques utilized at Spring Court.  Ken Lehr indicated that he would address the parking issues at the follow-up meeting for this year's event or at the planning meeting for next year's event.  Dan Dixon asked if it would be possible to hold the follow-up meeting during the first session of Summer Camp registration on May 12^th since most of the Park and Recreation Board members would be in attendance. The Township received 2 emails from people that attended this year's Easter Egg Hunt. Nancy MacKrell sent an email thanking the Township for the Egg Hunt and the Decorated Hat contest.  Margie Kropiewnicki sent an email expressing concern and displeasure about the parking situation stating that her child missed the Egg Hunt for their age bracket as a result from having to park at the end of Spring Lane.  Finally, Ken Lehr informed that he has been able to contact the 18 prizewinners from the Decorated Hat contest that did not receive their "Participation" medal on the day of the event because the supply ran out.

 Ed Smith reported that the VFW Bike Safety Program has been scheduled for Saturday June 2^nd from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM with a rain date of Sunday June 3^rd.  Ken Lehr informed that he had spoken with representatives from VFW Post 106 and indicated that they appear to have enough volunteers to support this year's event. Bob and Kelly Cifone stated that they would be able to provide support for this year's event.

Dan Dixon reporting on Community Day informed that the initial planning meeting for the 2001 Community Day was held on April 2^nd.  Dan Dixon indicated that the meeting was very productive and stated that a variety of topics were discussed including entertainment, sporting contests and food vendors. Ken Lehr informed that the "Grease Band" has been contracted to perform during this year's Community Day festivities. Dan Dixon reported that the discussion on possible sporting contests included the return of the "Home Run Derby" and a new golf skill game "Closest to the Pin" that would be available for all age groups.  Al Roth asked if there were any discussions on where the proposed golf contest would be staged at the Community Park. Kent Wise indicated that he would be against any type of golf contest stating that it has taken a lot of effort by the Township to keep people from golfing within the confines of the Community Park.  Ken Lehr suggested that the Township should also consider offering a "Frisbee Golf" contest during this year's Community Day.  Dan Dixon stated that the discussion on possible food vendors included the Outback Steakhouse and K&G Pizza. Ken Lehr reported that he has had conversation with the Outback Steakhouse and indicated that they are not interested in returning for the 2001 Community Day. A representative from the Outback Steakhouse informed that there is concern over the number of free meal tickets provided for the Community Day volunteers. Additionally, the Outback Steakhouse was looking for more recognition (separate article in the Township Newsletter) than what they received for providing the food service for last year's event.  Jennifer Grey-Rice asked if anyone had contacted the Stadium Grill to see if they would be interested in providing food for this year's Community Day. Ken Lehr stated that the food selection the Stadium Grill could provide would probably be too expensive and suggested going with K&G Pizza and John Leary (Concession Stand).  Ken Wise informed that there is an issue providing electrical power in the area around the Concession Stand and stated that the food vendor selected must be self-contained with the ability to supply their required electricity via a generator.  Dan Dixon asked if there would be any problems supplying power for the Goshen Fire Company donut stand. Kent Wise indicated that this would not be a problem and stated that the only area of concern is the area around the Concession Stand. Jennifer Grey-Rice asked who is responsible for paying for the electricity for the Concession Stand. Ken Lehr indicated that John Leary is responsible for paying for the Concession Stand electrical costs. Dan Dixon reported that the Township is looking into having the inflatable rides available again this year for Community Day and informed that the Borough of West Chester is looking to sell their inflatable ride. At this time, the Township is not be interested in utilizing the Borough's inflatable ride since the Township would be responsible for providing the support staff. Ken Lehr is also looking into the possibility of offering a puppet show for this year's Community Day. Dan Dixon asked if it would be possible to schedule the next planning meeting on May 3^rd in conjunction with the Friends general membership meeting.  Both Kelly Cifone and Peggy Niemeyer suggested scheduling the next Community Day planning session on another night since this will be the Friends first general membership meeting in more than a year.  The members of the Park and Recreation Board suggested having the next Community Day planning session at 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 10^th at the Township Building. Ken Lehr indicated that he would distribute copies of the information from the last planning session to the members of the Park Board. Joe Waters stated that a plan for staffing Community Day activities needs to be determined prior to the next planning session and indicated that the Township may have to provide the staff for the inflatable rides and/or the soda wagon. Joe Waters asked Al Roth if any of the Summer Camp councilors would be available to provide staffing support for Community Day activities. Dan Dixon suggested utilizing community service people to help staff Community Day activities. Bob Cifone suggested that the Township should look into the availability of College Students majoring in recreation to help staff Community Day activities. Ed Smith indicated that he would provide Dan Dixon with a contact number for the Exton Boy Scout Troop that provided support for the Home Run Derby last year.

New Business: Ken Lehr reported that the Township donated 2 free tickets for the upcoming Baltimore bus trip to the Fern Hill School for their Parent/Teacher Auction.  Al Roth indicated that Fern Hill teacher Mrs. Rustin indicated that the Fern Hill school was very grateful for the gift.

Dan Dixon reported that Ken Lehr attended a meeting with other local municipalities to discuss the option benefits of "pulling" resources to lower costs on items such as crafts.  Additionally, Ken Lehr discussed option of collaborating with Kathy McBratney and the Borough of West Chester on future bus trips.

Sharon Lynn asked Ray Halvorsen to provide a status on the increased police presence at the Community Park. Ray Halvorsen informed that all officers on patrol will be required to "walk" the Community Park several times a day in order to help reduce the acts of vandalism that occur within the park.  The increased police presence will be in effect from spring through the fall. Additionally, Ray Halvorsen informed that the remaining Township Park areas, specifically the fenced in areas such as Cloud Park would be visited several times a day by the Township police. Jennifer Grey-Rice reported that she had recently received another complaint about dogs running unleashed at the Community Park from a Township resident.  Ray Halvorsen stated that the officers on patrol know this is something they need to be looking for and indicated the increased police presence should have a positive impact on controlling the dog problem.  Peggy Niemeyer indicated that she noticed police officers walking the Community Park this week and asked if it would be possible to provide them with copies of the park regulations. Ray Halvorsen stated that he would make sure all of the officers receive copies of the park regulations.  Bob Cifone asked if it would be possible to supply the officers with a "golf cart" type vehicle to help them patrol the Community Park. Al Roth asked Ray Halvorsen if it would be possible to have the officers speak with the Summer Camp children while they are on patrol at the Community Park.

Jennifer Grey-Rice relayed a personal "thank you" to Kathy Hahn for her efforts in scheduling the various Township sports fields. Al Roth also offered thanks stating that Kathy Hahn has done an excellent job to ensure that all of the Township fields are being fully utilized.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM.  The next meeting is scheduled for May 16^th.

     Respectfully Submitted,
     Ed Smith