West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
January 16, 2002

Minutes

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

Township Representatives: Kathy Hahn, Ken Lehr, Pat McIlvaine, Al Roth, Dr. White and Kent Wise

Friends of the Park: Kelly Cifone

Meeting called to Order: 7:05 PM by Chairman Bob Cifone

Bob Cifone began the January 15^th meeting by leading the members of the Park and Recreation Board in reciting the pledge of allegiance to the American flag.

After a review of the minutes submitted for the November 14, 2001 meeting, a motion was made by Michael Pillagalli to accept the minutes as submitted. The motion was second by Joe Waters and passed.

The Financial Report dated November 30, 2001 was reviewed. There were no questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.

Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crews are busy performing their regular winter maintenance that includes cleaning and painting the grills and trash barrels at the Township Parks. Kent Wise informed that work to build and install frames for the "Park Rules" signs has been completed.  The addition of the new frames will make the signs more attractive. Kent Wise indicated that the crews have removed the basketball backboards from the Paoli Pike Park and stated that there is still work to be done on the picnic tables at the South Concord Road Park. Kent Wise reported that there has been a problem at Coopersmith Park with the trees located near the property line hanging over the power lines.  Kent Wise stated that the Township tried to work with PECO to resolve the issue and indicated that PECO did not cooperate.  Kent Wise informed that the Township had to hire a contractor to remove the trees and open up the wooded areas that were located along the length of the property line.  Kent Wise stated that the Township is trying to correct the problem while saving as many trees a possible.  Michael Pillagalli asked if it would be possible to replace some of the lost trees with pine trees.  Kent Wise indicated that it would be possible for the Township to replace the trees in a manner that would not impact the power lines. Jennifer Grey-Rice suggested that replacing the trees at Coopersmith Park would be a good project for a local Girl and/or Boy Scout troop. Kent Wise stated that there is a 1-acre flat area of ground within Coopersmith Park that could possibly be utilized for tennis courts, basketball courts or a skateboard park.  Kent Wise informed that the Township has hired a new electrician to perform ongoing maintenance and provide support trouble shooting problems as they arise. The new electrician (Steve Lady/Brandywine Electrical Contractors) started with the Township the week before Christmas and is currently working to correct the electrical problems at the Community Park that are a result of poor workmanship during the original installation.  Kent Wise stated that the original electrical contractor (Ronald Scott/L-Tech) used direct buried wire and located the splices at each light pole and informed that the original electrical work was never inspected. Kent Wise indicated that about one quarter of the Community Park still needed maintenance/repair and stated that additional trenching would be required to correct the problems. The trench work would impact the parking area at the Community Park. Kent Wise reported that he is trying to complete the job at the Community Park with the funding that is in the current budget.  Michael Pillagalli stated that if the current phase of electrical work could not be completed with the remaining 2002 budget, the Township should consider using funds that are in the Capital Reserve and/or Restricted Park Capital accounts to complete the work this year so the Community Park would not have to be disrupted again next year. Kent Wise indicated that he would like to finish all of the electrical upgrades this year and informed that the Township has already spent in excess of $20,000 to correct the electrical problems at the Community Park.

Recreation: Al Roth reported that he is starting to prepare for this year's Summer Camp program. Al Roth informed that confirmation letters have been sent out to the returning summer camp program councilors and indicated that applications will be accepted until March 1^st.  Al Roth stated that the interview process for summer camp positions would run through the month of March.  The 2002 Summer Camp program is scheduled to begin on June 17^th and run through August 9^th.  Registration for the summer camp program is scheduled from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on May 11^th and from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on May 18^th.  Summer Camp parent orientation is scheduled for 7:00 PM on April 25^th.  The Summer Camp Staff orientation is scheduled for June 8^th and will include a review of the new Summer Camp rules booklet and CPR instructions. Al Roth asked that anyone with ideas and/or suggestions for the upcoming Summer Camp program should contact him ASAP.

Friends of the Park: Joe Waters reporting for the Friends informed that for the first time, the Friends of the Park will have a Board of Directors as per the by laws. The new officers include: Pat Kelly - President, Kelly Cifone - Vice-president, Richard Gore -Secretary and Megan Zug - Treasurer. Joe Waters informed that the Board of Directors of The Friends of West Goshen Parks would meet quarterly on the first Thursday in January, April, July, and October at 7:00 PM in the West Goshen Township Building.  Joe Waters reported that the Friends currently have about $11,000 in their account as a result of Community Day, membership fees and donations and requested input from the Park and Recreation Board on possible ways to utilize these funds.  Joe Waters indicated that one possible use of the funds would be to help develop a flat 1-acre tract of land at Coopersmith Park to provide additional recreational resources for the Township.  Al Roth stated that the Friends should keep a small amount of funding available in their account to be financially prudent.  Kent Wise reported that he would like to keep the Paoli Pike Park open as an option for a skateboard park and indicated that he has a brochure that details various options the Township could consider. Kent Wise informed that one option would include utilizing the existing pad at the Paoli Pike Park.  Michael Pillagalli asked if anyone from the Township had reported back to Chatwood Avenue resident Arlene Osborne on the status of the streetlight located near the Paoli Pike Park.  Jennifer Grey-Rice asked if there were any plans to install a traffic light at the intersection of Paoli Pike and the Paoli Pike Park. Kent Wise informed that PENDOT is currently looking into the feasibility of installing a permanent traffic light at that intersection.  Kelly Cifone informed that the Township received a grant from QVC to cover the cost of the new pavers leading up to the GAZEBO at the Community Park.

Old Business:  Ken Lehr reporting on "Movie Nights" informed that 30 people attend the December 1^st presentation of "Fantasia" and 110 people attended the December 15^th presentation of "The Grinch". Information on "Movie Nights" is listed below:

Ken Lehr reporting on the D.U.K. Race for Aids Awareness informed that a small crowd of about 30 + runners participated in the November 17^th event held at the Community Park.  Ken Lehr informed that Sergeant Camlin was on hand to provide support and assist with traffic control and indicated that no serious problems were encountered.  Kent Wise reported that the favorable weather conditions allowed the Township to keep the restrooms at the Community Park open to support the event.

Ken Lehr reporting on the 2001 "Holiday Event" informed that the event had to be moved inside to the Township Building due to weather conditions. Ken Lehr indicated that the weather conditions contributed to the light attendance (70 people) for the event.  Ken Lehr informed that the Township has always scheduled the "Holiday Event" on a Friday evening believing that residents would not support an event held on a Saturday night during the Holiday season.  Ken Lehr stated the fact that 110 people attended the presentation of "The Grinch" on the Saturday night following the 2001 "Holiday Event" indicates people would support an event on a Saturday night during the holiday season.   Ken Lehr indicated that based on this information, the 2002 "Holiday Event" has been tentatively scheduled for Saturday, December 14^th.  Ken Lehr suggested that the 2002 "Holiday Event" could be scheduled in conjunction with the arrival of Santa at the Community Park.  Kent Wise expressed concern that the luminaries that are placed around the Community Park for the "Holiday Event" would be disrupted by Santa's arrival via a helicopter. Ken Lehr indicated that he would talk to Bob Holland in order to determine if there is a window of time between Santa's arrival and the planned starting time for the 2002 "Holiday Event" to determine if the two events could utilize the Community Park on the same date.

Joe Waters reporting on the December 2^nd and December 13^th bus trips to Radio City Music informed that in light of the recent tragic events of September 11^th, the Township still planned to go forward with the bus trips to New York City.  Joe Waters informed that the Township had the option to cancel the trips and receive a 75% refund.  Joe Waters stated that whiled the bus trips lost money, the ticket sales produced a return greater than the 75% the Township would have received if the events were cancelled. Joe Waters indicated that the Township made the right decision to proceed with the bus trips. Finally, Joe Waters informed that the December 13^th (weekday) trip was better attended than the December 2^nd (weekend) trip.

Ken Lehr reported that the Township is planning bus trips to the Philadelphia Flower Show on Monday, March 4^th and Thursday, March 7^th.  Ken Lehr indicated that he has concerns about duplicating a bus trip (Philadelphia Flower Show) that is also being offered by other local municipalities. Ken Lehr stated that West Goshen Township would be looking at the possibility of collaborating with other local municipalities on future bus trips.  Ken Lehr informed that the Friends are looking into the feasibility of offering a bus trip to Gettysburg this year. Jennifer Grey-Rice asked if the Township would consider offering a bus trip to Boston.  Ken Lehr stated that when the topic of a bus trip to Boston had been discussed in previous years, there were concerns expressed about the Township being able to support an overnight bus trip.

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. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township is in the process of lining up the entertainment. Ken Lehr informed that the Township had received information from various Mummers bands and indicated that the cost of this type of entertainment would be in the $1,500 range.  Ken Lehr stated that he had been in contact with the Navy Band and informed that the Navy Band would not be taking any new bookings until March.  Ken Lehr reported that the Township has lined up the band "Special Blendz" again this year for the Motown Concert.  Jennifer Grey-Rice asked if the Township is planning to have a "Teen Night" in conjunction with the 2002 Summer Concert Series.  Ken Lehr indicated that the Township is looking into the possibility of having a "Battle of the Bands" in the spring 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. 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.

Ken Lehr reporting on the 2002 Community Day informed that the date for this year's event (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 informed that the "Grease Band" has already been booked for the 2002 Community Day and indicated that the Commerce Bank will provide a donation of $5,500 to cover the cost of the entertainment.

New Business: Ken Lehr reporting on the Easter Egg Hunt informed that he planned to distribute bags containing Easter Eggs along with assorted candy to each Park and Recreation Board member at the next (February) meeting with instructions to fill the Easter Eggs with the candy and return the stuffed Easter Eggs at the March Park and Recreation Board meeting.  Kent Wise indicated that there were issues/problems with availability of parking at last year's event stating that cars were parked along the entrance road to Coopersmith Park all the way back to the House of Lights.  Ken Lehr stated that the Township had received several complaints indicating that it took too long to get from the available parking area to the event.  Based on this information, Kent Wise suggested that the Township should look into moving the Easter Egg Hunt the Community Park.  Jennifer Grey-Rice asked if the Township could update the 2002 Easter Egg Hunt flier to indicate that car-pooling to the event is encouraged.  Bob Cifone asked if it would be possible to line up a shuttle bus to transport people from the available parking areas to Coopersmith Park. Dr. White stated that the Township could look into the possibility of utilizing the Shop Rite/Office Depot parking lot and providing shuttle bus service to transport the people to Coopersmith Park.  Ken Lehr indicated that people generally find option of taking a shuttle bus to a Township event unattractive.  Ken Lehr reported that the fliers advertising the 2002 Easter Egg Hunt would be out by the end of February.  The members of the Park and Recreation Board recommended that the Township should proceed with holding the 2002 Easter Egg Hunt at Coopersmith Park and evaluate options for 2003 at a later date.  The Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for Saturday, March 23^rd with a rain date on Saturday, March 30^th.

Ken Lehr reported that MS "Race for the Cure" would again be held at the Community Park on Sunday, April 28^th.

Ken Lehr reported that he has been in contact with Jim Murphy representing VFW Post 106 and indicated that the VFW Bicycle Safety has been schedule for Saturday, May 4^th with a rain date on Saturday May 11^th.

Ken Lehr reporting on the Park and Recreation Board 2002 Committee Assignments requested that the members contact Bob Cifone to finalize this year's assignments.  Bob Cifone stated that he would continue with the committee assignments from 2001 unless someone requests a change and indicated that he would distribute a list of the 2002 Committee Assignments at the February Park and Recreation Board meeting. Ken Lehr informed that a new committee consisting of Ed Smith, Jennifer Grey-Rice and Jerry Napiecek would be established to come up with recommendations for presenting a "Teen Battle of the Bands" in the spring at the Community Park.

Bob Cifone informed that there would be a benefit dinner on February 23^rd at the Italian Social Club with the proceeds helping West Chester Recreation to cover the cost for sending a child to their summer camp program.

Dr. White reported that the Township had acquired 3 acres of land next to the site of the proposed new Wawa store at the intersection of Rt. 100 and Greenhill Road.  The location of the land sits between an area the school board is planning to locate ball fields and the proposed Wawa. Dr. White stated that the Board of Supervisors is looking for input from the Park and Recreation Board on how the Township should utilize this land. Dr. White indicated that the Township has the option to either develop the land for recreational purposes or sell the land to the school board.  Dr. White informed that one option the Township could consider is locating a Community Center, tennis courts and a parking area on the land.  Dr. White reported that no new taxes would be required for this project stating that the Township would be able to use funds in the Restricted Park Capital Account for the project. Michael Pillagalli asked what is the current value of the 3-acre parcel of land. Dr. White informed that building lots (1/2 acre) in this area are going for about $50,000.  Bob Cifone suggested that the Township should look into the possibility of using the land as a passive park.  Ken Lehr indicated that he would arrange a field trip to a local municipality that has a Community Center to allow anyone interested to review the facility.  Joe Waters stated that the location of the 3-acre parcel of land would also be an excellent place to locate a Township Information sign.

Ken Lehr informed the members of the Park and Recreation Board that Pat McIlvaine would serve as the Board of Supervisors liaison to the Park and Recreation Board for 2002.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.  The next meeting is scheduled for February 20^th.

     Respectfully Submitted,
     Ed Smith

Copyright 2008, West Goshen Twp.