West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
November 14, 2001
Minutes

Attending: Les Bair, Bob Cifone, Dan Dixon, Jerry Napiecek, 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:

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

After a review of the minutes submitted for the October 17, 2001 meeting, Ken Lehr asked to revise the minutes on page 3 within the "Movie Nights" section to indicate that the October 6^th presentation of Chicken Run was held at the Township Building. Additionally, Ken Lehr requested that the date on The Wizard of Oz presentation should be changed from November 5^th to November 3^rd. A motion was made by Les Bair to accept the minutes with the revisions. The motion was second by Bob Cifone and passed.

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

Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crews are busy cutting the grass, grooming the ball fields and maintaining the playgrounds at the Township parks. Kent Wise indicated that the crews have started their fall leaf clean-up efforts completing 1 pass through each of the Township Parks and 3 passes through Hallowell and Coopersmith Parks.   Additionally, Kent Wise reported that the crews have completed their clean-up efforts at the 2 pumping stations for the Sewer Department. Kent Wise informed that the crews spent about 1 week cleaning up the area of the recycle center on Turner Lane. In addition to the clean-up efforts, Kent Wise indicated that the crews are in the process of replacing the temporary fence installed during the clean-up efforts with a new permanent fence. Kent Wise stated that the plan is to convert this area into a "yard" that will have bins for storing playground and landscape mulch. Additionally, the Township will utilize the new "yard" to temporarily store debris from jobs the Park crew and/or Road crew are working on. Kent Wise reported that the water has been shut off to the restrooms at Coopersmith and Barker Parks and indicated that he plans to shut off the water for the Concession Stand at the Community Park this week (November 15^th). Kent Wise stated that he would keep the restrooms at the Community Park available until after the D.U.K. Race for Aids Awareness that is scheduled for Saturday, November 17^th.

Recreation: Al Roth reporting on the Summer Camp program indicated that he did not have anything new to report at this time and informed that he plans to meet with Ken Lehr during the month of December to begin planning for the 2002 Summer Camp program. Al Roth indicated that he attended the November 3^rd "Movie Nights" presentation of The Wizard of Oz and stated the turnout was good and everyone appeared to be having a great time.

Friends of the Park: Joe Waters reporting for the Friends informed that the next general membership meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, December 13^th. Ken Lehr indicated that he would be able to run off copies of a letter that will be sent to the members of the Friends of the Park to notify them of the upcoming meeting. Joe Waters informed that the terms for all of the current officers (Kelly Cifone – President, Pat Ryan-Kelly – Vice President and Holly Neimeyer – Secretary) are up this year and stated that a nominating committee would have to be formed to come up with recommendations for the open officer positions. Joe Waters reported that ticket sales for the upcoming Bus Trips to Radio City are slow. At this time, the December 13^th trip is about ¼ full and fewer than 10 people have purchased tickets for the December 2^nd trip. Ken Lehr indicated that fliers that include advertising for the upcoming Radio City bus trips, the "Holiday Event" and Holiday Decoration Workshop are going to be distributed to the area schools. Joe Water informed that he would continue to serve as the Park and Recreation Board liaison to the Friends of the Park and asked anyone interested in serving on the Board of Directors for the Friends to contact him by December 2^nd.

Old Business: Ken Lehr reported that the 2001 Community Day wrap-up meeting was held on Monday, November 12^th. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss what worked and identify opportunities for improvement prior to the start of planning for next year's event. Ken Lehr distributed copies of a report that documented the discussion items from the wrap-up meeting to the members of the Park and Recreation Board for review. Ken Lehr stated that many good ideas and recommendations were discussed and stated that the meeting should give the Township an excellent start for the 2002 Community Day. Ken Lehr informed that the date for the 2002 Community Day (normally scheduled for the 2^nd Sunday in September) has been pushed back by 2 weeks to Sunday, September 22^nd with a rain date of Sunday, September 29^th. Ken Lehr noted that the rain date for the Borough of West Chester restaurant festival is also scheduled for Sunday, September 22^nd.

Ken Lehr reporting on the October 20^th Teen Charity Concert that featured local Rock Bands "Falcon Lane", "Camouflage Lawyers" and "Hero's Trial" informed that about 100 people attended the event. Ken Lehr stated that the band members as well as the people attending the event were well behaved. Jerry Napiecek asked if anyone knew how much money was raised during the concert for the benefit of the Red Cross. Ken Lehr reported that about $300.00 in donations were collected during the concert. Ken Lehr indicated that he had discussed with several members of the Park and Recreation Board, the possibility of having a "Battle of the Bands" with the winner being offered the chance to perform on Community Day. Ken Lehr informed that the winning band could also be offered $200.00 to $300.00 for their Community Day performance if the budget permits. Jerry Napiecek stated that allowing the winner of the proposed "Battle of the Bands" to perform at Community Day would help attract more "teens" to Community Day. Kent Wise expressed concern that there may not be enough space and/or electrical capacity to allow 2 bands to share the Amphitheater stage. Jennifer Grey-Rice asked if the Township should consider incorporating "teen" bands into the Summer Concert Series.

Ken Lehr reporting on "Movie Nights" informed that over 800 people attend the October 20^th presentation of "Shrek" and between 200 to 250 people attended the November 3^rd presentation of "The Wizard of Oz". Ken Lehr stated that the "Movie Nights" presentations are starting to develop a following within the Township. Ken Lehr informed that the November 17^th presentation of "Toy Story" will be held indoors at the Township building regardless of the weather conditions stating that the Disney Corporation does not license their movies to be shown outdoors. Information on "Movie Nights" is listed below:

Michael Pillagalli reporting on Harvest Day informed that over 450 people attended this year's event. Michael Pillagalli offered thanks to Kent Wise and his crews for doing an excellent job supporting this year's event and informed that the Township was able to get everyone through all of the Harvest Day activities and on their way home by 4:30. Michael Pillagalli informed that the Township had purchased 450 pumpkins for Harvest Day and indicated that there were about 150 pumpkins left over from the event. Al Roth reported that he took some of the extra pumpkins and distributed them to the third graders at the Fern Hill Elementary School stating that the children greatly appreciated the pumpkins. Michael Pillagalli asked if anyone from the Township had sent a letter of thanks to Phil and Linda Hicks and to Sunny Hicks for allowing the Township to use their Hay Wagons at Harvest Day. Dan Dixon stated that in previous years, the Township has reimbursed Sonny Hicks $150.00 for the use of his Hay Wagon and additional straw (10 bails). Michael Pillagalli recommended that the Township should also reimburse Phil and Linda Hicks for the use of their Hay Wagon. The members of the Park and Recreation Board agreed that the Township should also reimburse Phil and Linda Hicks for the use of their Hay Wagon. Michael Pillagalli made a motion to reimburse Phil and Linda Hicks $100.00 for the use of their Hay Wagon and reimburse Sonny Hicks $150.00 for the use of his Hay Wagon plus the additional 10 bail of straw. The motion was second by Jennifer Grey-Rice and passed.

Ken Lehr reporting on the D.U.K. Race for Aids Awareness informed that the event is scheduled for Saturday, November 17^th at the Community Park. The event will feature a 5k run and a 1-mile walk. Registration will begin at 9:00 AM and the first race is scheduled to start at 10:00 AM. Ken Lehr reported that the members of the Park and Recreation Board would not be required to provide support the event. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township would need Kent Wise and 1 or 2 members of his crew to be at the Community Park by 7:00 AM to help set up and provide support for the event.

Ken Lehr reporting on the 2001 "Holiday Event" informed that the West Chester Christmas Singers and the First Presbyterian Church Hand Bell Choir would be performing at this year's event. The "Holiday Event" is scheduled from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, December 14^th at the Community Park. No rain date has been established for the event due to scheduling conflicts with the entertainment. Ken Lehr indicated that in the event of severe rain and/or snow, the event would be moved inside to the Township Building. Members of the Park and Recreation Board asked if the Township is planning to place luminaries around the Community Park for this year's event. Ken Lehr informed that the Friends did not do any fundraising this year to cover the cost of luminaries for the "Holiday Event" and indicated that the Township may be able to use the luminaries that were left over from last year's event. Joe Waters stated that the luminaries look fabulous last year and suggested that new luminaries should be purchased for this year's event. Anyone able to volunteer time to help with the process of putting sand and candles in the luminary bags should report to the Community Park by 9:00 AM on Friday, December 14^th. Additionally, volunteers will be needed to distribute the luminaries around the walking path at the Community Park. Dan Dixon indicated that he would be able to line-up some community service people to help with the luminaries. Additionally, both Dan Dixon and Jennifer Grey-Rice indicated that they would be able to help with the luminaries. Joe Waters stated that the Township would not need as much sand as last year to fill the luminary bags. Finally, Ken Wise informed that he is planning to rent a portable toilet for this year's event.

Ken Lehr reporting on Holiday Decorations Workshop informed that the workshops have been scheduled for Thursday, December 20^th at noon and 7:00 PM. The cost of the workshop is just $10 per wreath or centerpiece and $5 per ornament. Ken Lehr informed that Kelly Cifone would help provide instructions for the people attending the workshops. Ken Lehr indicated that fliers advertising the Holiday Decorations Workshop and the "Holiday Event" would be mailed out next week (week of November 19^th).

Ken Lehr reported that he had attended a meeting with the Park and Recreation directors from other local municipalities to discuss the possibility of West Goshen Township collaborating with other local municipalities on future bus trips. Ken Lehr stated that a percentage of the revenue generated from the trip(s) would continue to go to the Friends of the Park. Ken Lehr informed that ticket sales for the Sunday, December 2^nd and Thursday December 13^th bus trips to Radio City Music to see the "Rockettes" are still going slow. Joe Waters reported that the Township would be offering a $10.00 discount on each ticket to groups that purchase 5 or more tickets to either of the Radio City Music bus trips.

Ken Lehr reporting on the 2002 Summer Concert Series informed that the Township is planning to offer 6 concerts in the June through August time frame. Joe Waters asked if the Township would be presenting a concert on Fathers Day (June 16^th). Ken Lehr stated that concerns about holding a concert on Fathers Day were expressed at the November 12^th Summer Concert Series Planning session and indicated that everyone attending the meeting agreed this would be the best date to start off the 2002 program. Dan Dixon suggested that the Township could promote the Fathers Day June 16^th concert as a "Bring you Dad to a concert" event. Michael Pillagalli suggested that the Township could purchase some items from Home Depot and distribute them as prizes to the Fathers that attend the event. The tentative dates for the 2002 Summer Concert Series are June 16^th, June 30^th, July 14^th, July 28^th, August 11^th and August 25^th.

New Business: Dan Dixon reporting on the 2002 officer positions informed that Bob Cifone has expressed an interest in the position of Chair, Jerry Napiecek in the position of Vice-Chair and Ed Smith in the position of Secretary. Michael Pillagalli made a motion to nominate Bob Cifone, Jerry Napiecek and Ed Smith for the year 2002 Park and Recreation Board officer positions. The motion was second by Jennifer Grey-Rice and approved.

 Ken Lehr reminded everyone that the Park and Recreation Board would not hold a meeting on the third Wednesday in December 2001.

Joe Water stated that the Township owed Dan Dixon a debt of gratitude for the outstanding service he provided over the last 2 years serving as the Chair of the Park and Recreation Board.

Jennifer Grey-Rice asked Ken Lehr for a status on the Park and Recreation Board 2001 budget surplus. Ken Lehr informed that there is about a $300.00 surplus in the 2001 budget and indicated that a decision on how to spend the surplus would be made after the "Holiday Event".

Michael Pillagalli informed that the Borough of West Chester is planning to offer shopping trips to New York City next year and stated that this may be something the Township should consider for next year.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for January 16^th, 2002.

   Respectfully Submitted,
   Ed Smith