West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
May 15, 2002
Minutes

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

Township Representatives: Ken Lehr, Sharon Lynn, Al Roth, Dr. White and Kent Wise

Friends of the Park:

Public Representatives: Maryanne Mac Guinness, Joe Grillo and Brian Kwas – Attending as part of a school project.

Meeting called to Order: 7:00 PM by Chairman Bob Cifone

Bob Cifone began the May 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 April 17, 2002 meeting, Michael Pillagalli asked to revise the minutes on page 4 within the "Summer Concert Series" section changing the name of the band for the July 14^th presentation to "Orchestra Insaciable". A motion was made by Jerry Napiecek to accept the minutes with the revision. The motion was second by Michael Pillagalli and passed.

The Financial Report dated April 30, 2002 was reviewed. Jennifer Grey-Rice asked about funds that are in the Capital Reserve Investment, Restricted Park Capital and the Parks and Recreation Board Special Funds accounts. Sharon Lynn stated that the Restricted Park Capital account is comprised of funds collected from developers and informed that these funds are used for new land acquisitions. Ken Lehr informed that the funds that are in the Parks and Recreation Board Special Funds account are a result of poster sales and indicated that these funds are not part of the actual budget. Jennifer Grey-Rice asked how the Township invested the funds that are in the Capital Reserve Investment account(s) stating that the interest rates on these funds appears to be low. Sharon Lynn indicated that the funds are in a CD and indicated that someone from the Township reviews the funds bi-weekly. Sharon Lynn stated that she would like to defer any additional discussion on the investment strategy of the account(s) to a later time. There were no other questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.

Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crews are now into the 6^th full week of cutting grass at the various Township Parks. Kent Wise indicated that the crews are continuing their efforts edging and mulching the plant beds at the Community Park. Jerry Napiecek stated that he had received several comments from members of the East High School J.V. Baseball team on the excellent playing conditions at Flagg Field. At the Community Park, the crews are in the process of planting flowers in the areas that surround the Park Dedication Rock/Plaque, the Flag Pole and the Veterans Memorial. At the Richard C. Cloud Park, the crews are in the process of installing a new post and rail fence to screen off the area of the park next to the old railroad bed. Kent Wise estimated that this effort would be completed within the next few days. Finally, Kent Wise reported that the clean-up efforts for the bathroom facilities that were the target of vandalism have been completed. The clean-up efforts required the crews to wire brush the bathroom walls, apply a coat of a sealer and re-painted the interior of the bathroom facilities.

Recreation: Al Roth reported that he was very pleased with the number of registration requests for the 2002 Summer Camp program indicating that the registration volume is ahead of last year. The statistics for the first day of registration are:

Al Roth informed that the registration volume for the clinics is down from last year's volume (66 to 54). Al Roth offered thanks to Ken Lehr, Bob Cifone and Michael Pillagalli for providing support for the 1^st day of Summer Camp registration. Al Roth indicated that 9 members of the 2002 Summer Camp staff also provided support on the 1^st day of Summer Camp registration. Al Roth stated that he would only need 1 or 2 staff members for the second day (May 18^th) of Summer Camp registration. The Summer Camp Staff orientation is scheduled for June 1^st from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The orientation program will include CPR instructions provided by Good Fellowship. Ken Lehr informed that Good Fellowship does not bill the Township for this service. Ken Lehr indicated that members of the Park and Recreation Board interested in attending the CPR training are welcome to attend the June 1^st orientation session. The CPR instructions are scheduled to begin immediately after the lunch break. Sharon Lynn informed that the Township has provided a donation to Good Fellowship in previous years ($6,800 in 2001) and indicated that the Board of Supervisors has approved donations for the next 5 years ($10,000 per year). Members of the Park and Recreation Board suggested that Al Roth and/or Ken Lehr should have Good Fellowship replenish the Township's first aid kits prior to the start of the Summer Camp program. Michael Pillagalli asked if there were plans to offer defibrillator training as part of the Summer Camp orientation. Ken Lehr indicated that there were not any plans to offer defibrillator training during orientation and informed that West Goshen Township Police have two defibrillators were donated to the Township last year. The 2002 Summer Camp program is scheduled to begin on June 17^th and run through August 9^th.

Friends of the Park: Bob Cifone reporting for the Friends informed that fundraising efforts are in process informing that donations are still coming in. Ken Lehr informed that the next general membership meeting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks would be held on Thursday, May 16^th at 7:00 PM in the West Goshen Township Administration Building.

Old Business: Ken Lehr reported that the MS "Race for the Cure" was held at the Community Park on Sunday, April 28^th. Ken Lehr indicated that this year's event was a success and noted that the Township had received a letter of thanks from the race organizers.

Ken Lehr reporting on the VFW Bike Safety Program informed that the attendance for this year's event was up considerably over last year. Ken Lehr indicated that an article in the Township newsletter as well as an advertisement on the Township website helped to increase the participation/attendance in this year's event. Ken Lehr offered thanks to Ed Smith, Pat Kelly and Bill Kelly for providing support for this year's event. Ken Lehr indicated that the VFW Post 106 is planning to hold the Bike Safety Program again in 2003 and informed that event organizer Jim Murphy would like to pass on these responsibilities to someone else within VFW Post 106 for next year.

Ken Lehr reporting on the May 11^th Teen Battle of the Bands informed that 200 to 250 people (including many adults) attended the inaugural event. Ken Lehr informed that 6 bands participated in the event and indicated that only 1 of the bands did not have a Township resident member. Ken Lehr stated that minor adjustments had to be made to the schedule during the event and indicated that the entire event went smoothly. Michael Pillagalli stated that the Teen Battle of the Bands was a great event and indicated that the Township should promote this event again next year. Ken Lehr offered thanks to Michael Pillagalli, Ed Smith, Pat Kelly and Bill Kelly for judging the talent at this year's event. Ken Lehr informed that the winning band " Braeden" would be offered the chance to perform on Community Day and receive $300.00 for their Community Day performance.

 Ken Lehr reporting on upcoming bus trips informed that the Township has planned a trip to Baltimore to see the Phillies play the Orioles on Saturday, June 29^th. The cost of the bus trip is $29.00 per person. Ken Lehr informed that Township had reserved 2 buses for this trip. At this time, the Township has sold enough tickets to fill one bus and about 1/3 of the 2^nd bus. The buses will depart from the Township Building at 1:00 PM; and arrive at Baltimore's Inner Harbor at 3:00 PM. The bus will return immediately after the completion of the 7:05 PM Phillies-Orioles game. Ken Lehr reported that the Township would also offer a trip to Yankee Stadium to see the Yankees play the Texas Rangers on Saturday, August 24^th. The cost of the bus trip is $49.00 per person. Ken Lehr informed that Township had reserved 1 bus for this trip. The bus will depart from the Township Building at noon; and arrive at Yankee Stadium at 3:00 PM. The bus will return immediately after the completion of the 4:05 PM Yankees-Rangers game. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township has sold 6 tickets at this time and indicated that another 12 applications have been requested. Finally, Ken Lehr stated that the Township is working with Mary Ann Fell to co-sponsor a Bus trip with the Friends to Gettysburg later this year.

Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Concert Series informed that nothing has changed since the last Park and Recreation Board meeting. Ken Lehr stated that Rich Hicks provided information that enabled the Township to get the School District to waive the fees they charge for using the East High School facilities when inclement weather forces the concerts inside. The Township will feature the West Chester East High School Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble at a "sneak preview" for the Summer Concert Series on June 2^nd from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Information on the Summer Concert Series is listed below: 

Ken Lehr reporting on the 2002 Community Day indicated the Peggy Neimeyer asked the Park and Recreation Board to consider having front line entertainment lined up for the Sunday, September 29^th rain date. Ken Lehr informed that the Grease Band is not available on September 29^th and indicated that in the event of rain September 22^nd, the Grease Band would perform indoors at the East High School auditorium. Ken Lehr reported that in previous years, the Township did not line-up front line entertainment for the Community Day rain date. Ken Lehr stated that Peggy Neimeyer was concerned that crowds attending on the rain date would be diminished if there were no front line entertainment and indicated this could have a negative impact on the crafters. Jennifer Grey-Rice asked if the Township could look into booking a front line band for the September 29^th rain date. Jerry Napiecek asked if it would be possible to line up a band to perform only if the rain date is needed. Dan Dixon expressed concern over the additional cost the Township would incur for lining up a band to perform on the rain date. Jennifer Grey-Rice asked if it would be possible to book Cast in Bronze to perform on September 29^th suggesting that the Township would need to commit to having a concert on that date even if the weather for Community Day on September 22^nd is OK. Jennifer Grey-Rice stated that the Township needs to be sensitive to Peggy Neimeyer's concerns and indicated that everyone should brainstorm ideas that could improve on Community Day for next year. 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.

Sharon Lynn reporting on the 3-acre parcel of land the Township plans to acquire at the intersection of Rt. 100 and Greenhill Road indicated that WAWA closed on an agreement with the property owners and has a deed that will transfer the 3-acre parcel to the Township. The members of the Board of Supervisors are scheduled to execute the transfer on June 12^th. The location of the land sits between an area the school board is planning to locate ball fields and the proposed new WAWA. Sharon Lynn informed that the Township had discussion with the school board to see if an access road could be located is a way that could be utilized by the Township. Dr. White indicated that the Township has asked the school board to consider extending their planned access road from their parking area to the property line so there could be one common entrance for the property. This would save the Township the cost of developing a Rt. 100 access to the property. The Township would however need to develop the parking area for the new parcel of land. Jennifer Grey-Rice asked if it is too early to send out a formal survey/questionnaire that would be used to sample the opinion of Township Residents on ways to utilize the land. Sharon Lynn indicated that the Township would rely on input from the Board of Supervisors and members of the Park and Recreation Board to determine how best to utilize the land. Sharon Lynn stated that the Township does not want to rush into making a decision on how to utilize the land at this time. Sharon Lynn indicated that the Township is looking at various options for utilizing the land that include: Community Center, Tennis Courts, Dog Exercise Path and a Skate Board Park. Jennifer Grey-Rice asked who would make the final decision on how the Township should utilize the new parcel of land. Dr. White indicated that the Board of Supervisors would make this decision.

New Business: Ken Lehr stated that there are no "new business" items to discuss at this time.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for June 19^th.

   Respectfully Submitted,
   Ed Smith