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West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
January 17, 2001
Minutes
Attending: Bob Cifone, Kathy McDevitt, Michael Pillagalli, Jennifer Grey-Rice, Ed Smith and Joe Waters
Township Representatives: Kathy Hahn, Ray Halvorsen, Ken Lehr, Sharon Lynn and Al Roth
Friends of the Park: Kelly Cifone
Meeting called to Order: 7:04 PM by Vice-Chair Kathy McDevitt
After a review of the minutes submitted for the November 15, 2000 meeting, a motion was made by Joe Waters to accept the minutes as submitted. The motion was second by Michael Pillagalli
and passed.
The Financial Report dated November 30, 2000 was reviewed. There were no questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.
Parks: Kent Wise reported that the installation of the new post and rail fence at Richard C. Cloud Park has been completed. The crews completed their "fall clean-up"
activities in early December and moved their activities inside due to the weather.
Kent Wise stated that he did not like the way that the umbrella tables at the Community Park weathered over the past season and informed that all of the tables were brought inside where they were sanded, stained and varnished. Kent Wise reported that the crews completed cleaning and painting the grills at the Township Parks. Additionally, about 80% of the trash barrels have been cleaned and painted. Kent Wise informed that the crews moved back outside when the weather improved constructing a new "tie"
wall in front of the pavilion at the Community Park. Kent Wise reported that work on another "tie" wall project in back of the Community Park playground is underway.
The new wall should help to keep the water generated during heavy rains from washing across the playground areas and reduce the clean-up efforts required. At this point in the project, Kent Wise indicated that the crews are in the process of installing their 3rd bundle of "ties"
(each bundle contains 34 "ties"). Kent Wise stated that his crews are assisting the road crew during bad weather. The Township has purchased two replacement trucks that include a new red
truck and a replacement pick-up truck for the Parks Department. Additionally, two employees (1 new and 1 replacement) have also been added. Mike Gunther, started on December 1st as the replacement for the open position in the Park and Recreation staff. New hire Bob Gragilla, started in mid January will work as a swingman.
Kent Wise informed that members of the East Side Little League started their work at Flagg Field by digging out and pouring the footers for the new dugouts. Joe Waters asked Kent Wise if he would be opposed to the idea of converting the Basketball courts at the Paoli Pike Park into a rink area that could be used for roller blades in warm weather and ice skating in the winter. Kent Wise informed that the original purpose for the black top area at the Paoli Pike Park was for ice skating area and indicated that the temperature never stayed cold enough to keep the area frozen. Kent Wise stated that he would be willing to try ice skating again at the Paoli Pike Park and indicated that the conversion of the basketball courts to an ice skating rink would require a lot of work. Kent Wise informed that basketball courts at the Paoli Pike Park are already being utilized for roller blades and indicated that his major concern would be the increase in traffic getting in and out of the park. Kent Wise reported that it would be easier for the Township to maintain the black top area at the Paoli Pike Park if it remained a basketball court that also could be used for roller blades. Kent Wise indicated that another option would be to cut down the basketball nets and utilize the area strictly for roller blades. Joe Waters indicated that he would like to review the options presented for the Paoli Pike Park.
Recreation:
Al Roth reported that he is starting to prepare for this year's Summer Camp program. Al Roth informed that there were 25 fulltime counselors last year and indicated that confirmation letters have been sent out to 21 returning summer camp program councilors. Applications will be accepted until March 2nd.
Al Roth and Ken Lehr will conduct interviews for summer camp positions throughout the months of March and April.
Parent orientation is tentatively scheduled for the April timeframe. Al Roth indicated that the next step is to start setting up the field trips for the 2001 Summer Camp program. Al Roth distributed a letter from the Fern Hill PTO asking the Township of they would be able to donate an item for their upcoming silent auction. Al Roth informed that many of the Fern Hill children reside in West Goshen Township. Joe Waters suggested donating a print of the weeping beach tree. Al Roth suggested donating a soccer ball and/or a kick ball for the silent auction. Kathy McDevitt suggested donating a "free pass"
to the Summer Camp program. Finally, Kathy McDevitt stated that the members of the Park Board should come up with ideas for an item(s) that the Township could donate to the Fern Hill PTO.
Friends of the Park:
Kelly Cifone reported that the Friends are planning a meeting for the end of February or early March to finalize plans for the year. Kelly Cifone informed that the Friends sold approximately 800 luminaries for the December 8th "Holiday Event".
Kelly Cifone thanked Kent Wise and his crew, Bob Cifone, Ken Lehr and Ray Halvorsen for their help with the luminary bags for the "Holiday Event".
Ken Lehr reported that between 300 and 400 people attended the "Holiday Event" and stated that the storyteller was the most popular form of entertainment. Ken Lehr informed that many people began leaving after the storyteller's performance and indicated that the Township would look into shortening the event from 2 hours to 1 hour for next year. Finally, Ken Lehr reported that the Township received press coverage for the "Holiday Event" in the Town Talk.
Old Business: Jennifer Grey-Rice reporting on the December 8th "Holiday Event" stated that she had nothing additional to report on this year's event.
New Business: Ken Lehr distributed a list of the 2001 committee assignments for review. Ken Lehr reported that Dan Dixon had contacted all members of the Park and Recreation
Board via phone to review the committee assignments.
Ed Smith reporting on the concession stand informed that the members of the sub-committee (Ed Smith, Dan Dixon and Jennifer Grey-Rice) held a brief meeting with Ken Lehr and recommended that the Township
should continue to utilize John Leary for the upcoming year.
The sub-committee also recommended that the Township should re-evaluate the options for staffing the Concession Stand prior to next year (2002). The goal of the sub-committee is to continue to outsource the daily operations of Concession Stand with a percentage of the operating profits going to the Friends.
Ken Lehr reported that the Township had received requests from Marge Boone (USTA) and Linda Albright (Just for Fun Tennis Tournament) for specific use of the Township tennis courts. Ken
Lehr informed that he had spoken with Dan Dixon and reviewed the findings from last years "pilot" program that allowed the USTA Tennis Team to use 3 of the 4 courts at the Community Park on Friday
mornings (9:00AM to 12:00AM) for 6 weeks. Ken Lehr recommended that a sub-committee consisting of Joe Waters, Bob Cifone and Kathy McDevitt review the finding from the "pilot" program and come up
with a policy the Township can follow for groups that request exclusive use of the Township tennis courts. Michael Pillagalli indicated that he would like to contribute to any discussions/meeting
on this topic. The sub-committee will report their recommendation to the members of the Park and Recreation Board at the February meeting.
Ray Halvorsen asked if all of the members of the park and Recreation Board had time to review the Township phone list that was included in their information packet and requested that everyone verify that
their contact numbers are correct.
Ken Lehr reported that he had received a letter from Township resident Bill Dorminey informing the Township of an encountered he had with 2 uncontrolled dogs at the Community Park. Ken Lehr informed
that he had also spoken with this gentleman pertaining to this issue and stated that the gentleman wanted to get this issue on record with the Township.
Ray Halvorsen asked the members of the Park and Recreation Board to think about the unleashed dog issue and try to come up with recommendations. Ray Halvorsen indicated that he would talk to Chief Carroll to determine if the Township should patrol the Community Park and issue $300.00 fines to people that are letting their dogs run unleashed. Ray Halvorsen stated that the Township needed to figure out a way to deter people from letting their dogs run unleashed and indicated that if the situation is not brought under control, the Board of Supervisors may ask for a ban on all pets at the Township Parks.
Jennifer Grey-Rice stated that problems resulting from vandalism appear to be on the rise at the Township Parks. At the December "Holiday Event", the luminaries were extinguished immediately after
the completion of the event due to fear of vandalism.
Jennifer Grey-Rice expressed concern that teenagers may be coming from the Ice Line parking lot into the Community Park. Jennifer Grey-Rice asked if it would be feasible to put up a fence to form a barrier between the Ice Line parking lot and the Community Park. Ray Halvorsen stated that the Township was not going to put up a fence around the Community Park and informed that he has had discussions with Kent Wise to determine options for deterring vandalism at the Community Park. Ray Halvorsen indicated that if the Township were able to catch some of the violators it would help to deter other acts of vandalism. Ray Halvorsen informed that he is looking into the possibility of getting a motorcycle to patrol the Community Park and stated that the Township needed to show a stronger presence at all of their parks. Michael Pillagalli informed that the Ice Line parking lot is the #1 drug and alcohol center in West Goshen Township. Sharon Lynn stated that the police department would need to be aggressive in their efforts to patrol the Township Parks and try to catch some of these offenders. Sharon Lynn also indicated that the nature of crime today dictates that you can not leave things unattended and stated that the Township would never be able to support the 24-hour/day presence required to eliminate all problems. Sharon Lynn informed that police responding to the paint ball incident at Coopermith Park were able to apprehend the people responsible for this act of vandalism. Sharon Lynn reported that the Township has not been able to catch individual(s) that have been breaking the lights at the Community Park. Ray Halvorsen reported that he would talk to Chief Carroll requesting a stronger police presence at the Township Parks as well as the Ice Line. Kent Wise stated that he and the members of his crew always report incidents of vandalism they encounter to the Township. Joe Waters asked if it would be possible to have someone patrol the Community Park at night using the "gator cart". Ray Halvorsen stated that the "gator cart" would be too loud and reiterated that the Township needed a strong police presence at the Community Park, Coopersmith Park and Barker Park.
Ken Lehr reviewed the calendar of upcoming events for the year 2001. Ken Lehr informed that the next event on the calendar is the January 25th "Creative Memories Workshop". This event is scheduled to run from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A $10.00 material fee will be charged to anyone participating in the workshop.
Kathy McDevitt reported that Dan Dixon informed her that the Safe Harbor is planning another dinner for the homeless during the month of February and asked if anyone would be interested in helping cook
meals. Kelly and Bob Cifone, Kathy McDevitt and Dan Dixon all participated in the December event.
Ken Lehr reported that Kathy Hahn informed him that the 3rd Wednesday in November falls on the night before Thanksgiving and asked if the Park and Recreation Board meeting should be rescheduled for the 2nd Wednesday (November 14th).
The members of the Park and Recreation Board stated that the November meeting should be rescheduled for the 2nd Wednesday. Ken Lehr indicated that he would publicize this change on the Township WEB site.
Jennifer Grey-Rice asked if Ken Lehr was able to purchase all of the items discussed at the November Park and Recreation Board meeting with the 2000 budget surplus. Ken Lehr informed that the
Township utilized the 2000 budget surplus to purchase a new pop-up tent, a digital camera and a wireless microphone.
Michael Pillagalli asked if the Township could give John Milner a couple of copies of the weeping beach print. Sharon Lynn stated that the Township would provide the copies requested.
Joe Waters stated that with deep regret, he was reporting the passing of Harold Neimeyer. Joe Waters stated that Harold Neimeyer attended every event organized by the Friends and the Park and
Recreation Board and was considered one of the family. He will be deeply missed.
Ray Halvorsen asked if the Township could plant a tree and put up a plaque at the Community Park in honor of Harold Neimeyer. Michael Pillagalli suggested lining the gazebo with white azaleas in honor of Harold Neimeyer. The members of the Park and Recreation Board ended the January meeting with a moment of silence for Harold Neimeyer.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for February 21st.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ed Smith
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