September 18, 2002

West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
September 18, 2002
Minutes

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

Township Representatives: Ken Lehr, Sharon Lynn, Pat McIlvaine, Al Roth and Kent Wise

Friends of the Park: Pat Kelly and Peggy Neimeyer

Public Representatives: Pardeep Gupta – Representing local Cricket Club.

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

Bob Cifone began the September 18^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 August 21, 2002 meeting, a motion was made by Michael Pillagalli to accept the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Jerry Napiecek and passed.

The Financial Report dated August 31, 2002 was reviewed. There were no questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.

Parks: Kent Wise reported that over the last 3 weeks, the crews are back to cutting grass and working the Township ball fields. Kent Wise indicated that the crews are also doing tree work at Barker and Coopersmith Parks. Kent Wise informed that the Township received about 20 truckloads of free topsoil and indicated that the topsoil will be stored at the Hamlet Crest Park until it is needed. At the Community Park, preparation for Community Day continues that includes painting trash barrels, making directional signs, trimming shrubs and replacing some of the bushes that surround the Amphitheater. Kent Wise informed that the Township has hired a new laborer (John Beswick) who is scheduled to begin work on September 23^rd.

Public Representatives: Pardeep Gupta informed the members of the Park and Recreation Board that he is attending the meeting representing a local Cricket Club that currently utilizes Flagg Field on Sundays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Pardeep Gupta reported that the Cricket Club has 30 members and is growing. Within the Philadelphia area, there are approximately 25 Cricket leagues with each league supporting 2 or 3 teams. Pardeep Gupta stated that the local Cricket Club has been invited to participate in matches with other Cricket Clubs in the Philadelphia area. At this time, the local Cricket Club is looking for another field and/or open area that could be used for practice and matches. Jerry Napiecek asked how large of an area would be required. Pardeep Gupta indicated that a normal Cricket field is about 4 ½ acres. The Cricket field configuration contains a circle in the center of the field and about a 75-yard radius surrounding the center circle. Jennifer Grey-Rice asked how much additional field time is the Cricket Club looking to line-up. Pardeep Gupta indicated that the club would like to be able to schedule field time on Saturdays and Sundays for matches plus additional field time during the week for practice. Bob Cifone stated that the Township would have problems coming up with a 4½-acre parcel of land to support the Cricket Club's request. Additionally, Bob Cifone informed that the two West Chester Little Leagues are currently utilizing Flagg Field for their Fall Baseball season. Ken Lehr indicated that he would forward the phone numbers of the Chester County Parks and Recreation Department and Kelly's Sports to Pardeep Gupta stating that these organizations may be able to provide support. Jerry Napiecek suggested that the Cricket Club should also contact the West Chester Area School Board to see if they would be able to provide any fields for the club.

Recreation: Al Roth reporting on the 2002 Summer Camp distributed copies of the end of the year report for the 2002 season. Al Roth indicated that the attendance for this year's program (morning program and clinics) was higher than any previous year. Al Roth stated that there was only 1 request for a refund and that was a result of the family relocating to another area. Al Roth informed that the budget report for the 2002 Summer Camp Program would be available soon and indicated preliminary figures show that the income and expenses for this year's program fell within the budget constraints. Al Roth indicated that one area that needs to be addressed is determining how to handle situations where parents/guardians are late picking up their children. Michael Pillagalli suggested that the Township should implement a late-pick-up fine similar to what many Child Day Care centers charge where parents/guardians are assessed a fine of $1.00 for each minute they are late in picking up their child. Al Roth reported that the counselors, staff and township representatives did an outstanding job thanked everyone for working together to make the 2002 program a huge success. Al Roth stated that goal for the Summer Camp program is to continue doing what is best for the kids. Finally, Bob Cifone indicated that a major reason for the continuing success of the Summer Camp program is due to the hard work and dedication of Al Roth.

Friends of the Park: Pat Kelly reporting for the Friends informed that the Friends are ready and looking forward to Community Day. Pat Kelly stated that she would defer any other Community Day discussion on for the Friends to the Community Day portion of the meeting.

Old Business: Ken Lehr reporting on the August 24^th trip to Yankee Stadium informed that as a result of additional demand, the Township had to line up a 2^nd bus. Ken Lehr stated that the trip was a success and informed that 1 patron got lost in the Bronx. Ken Lehr informed that he notified the contacts identified on the registration form and after waiting about 1 hour, the buses returned to West Goshen without the lost patron. Ken Lehr stated that the patron was able to find his way safely back home several hours later.

Ken Lehr informed that the Township is working with Mary Ann Fell to co-sponsor a Bus trip with the Friends to Gettysburg on Saturday, October 5^th. The cost of the trip will be $35.00 per person and will include round-trip bus transportation, a guided tour of the historic Gettysburg battlefield and a picnic lunch. Ken Lehr reported that at this time, 22 of the 46 available seats have been sold. The bus will depart from the Community Park at 8:00 AM and arrive in Gettysburg at 10:45 AM. The guided tour will begin at 11:00 AM with a picnic lunch planned for 1:00 PM. The bus will depart from Gettysburg at 1:45 PM and arrive back at the Community Park at 4:30 PM. Jennifer Grey-Rice asked if anyone from the Township had ideas/suggestions for bus trips the Township could pursue next year. Jennifer Grey-Rice suggested that the Township should look into the possibility of scheduling a December 2002 trip to New York City and consider the possibility of offering a trip to Toronto Canada in 2003.

Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Concert Series informed that about 250 people attended the August 25^th Country-Western Concert featuring Southern Edge. Ken Lehr stated that the 2002 Summer Concert Series was very successful and thanked everyone that provided support this year's events. Ken Lehr indicated that he would like to start the planning process for the 2003 Summer Concert Series at the October Park and Recreation Board meeting. Information on the Summer Concert Series is listed below:

Date	Theme	Featured Performers	Location	Attendance
June 16^th	Children's Night Out	Two of a Kind	Community Park	250 - 275
June 30^th	Mummers	Uptown String Band	Community Park	250
July 14^th	A Taste of Latin	Orchestra Insaciable	Community Park	250
July 28^th	Motown	Special Blendz	Community Park	N/A
Aug 11^th	U.S. Navy Jazz Band	The Commodores	Community Park	N/A
Aug 25^th	Country-Western	Southern Edge	Community Park	N/A

Ken Lehr reporting on the 2002 Community Day informed that he is in the process of making calls to confirm the availability of the entertainment and vendors contracted for the 2002 Community Day. Jennifer Grey-Rice has agreed to staff and support a coffee booth with the proceeds from the sales benefiting the Friends of the Park. Sharon Lynn asked Jennifer Grey-Rice to review the plans for the coffee sales with the other members of the Park and Recreation Board. Jennifer Grey-Rice stated that she planned to donate coffee to the crafters and Township volunteers during the morning set-up hours for Community Day and start offering the coffee for sale in the afternoon. Jennifer Grey-Rice informed that all profits after expenses would be donated to the Friends of West Goshen Parks. Jennifer Grey-Rice indicated that she also planned to have 1 or 2 girls on-hand to staff the coffee booth. Jennifer Grey-Rice asked Kent Wise if the coffee booth could be set-up next to the Goshen Fire Company Donut Booth. Kent Wise expressed concern that space (and electric) may be tight in that area with the addition of a new row for the crafters and suggested locating the coffee booth in the area where the other food vendors will be located. Jennifer Grey-Rice asked if it would be possible to locate the coffee booth under the Amphitheater Pavilion. Kent Wise indicated that the Pavilion would be a good location for the coffee booth. Ken Lehr informed that Tony Scalia informed the Township that he would not be able to provide sausage sandwiches at this year's event due to a conflict with the West Chester Restaurant Festival. Ken Lehr reported that John Leary would be able to provide sausage sandwiches at the Community Park Concession Stand. Additionally, Ken Lehr informed that K&G would provide pizza for this year's event. Ken Lehr indicated that the food truck vendor (Chop-Chop) backed out late in the month of August on their commitment to supply chicken wraps for this year's event. Pat Kelly asked if it would be possible to have the Stadium Grille provide food for this year's event. Ken Lehr indicated that he would contact the Stadium Grill but doubted that they would be available at this late date. Jennifer Grey-Rice informed that the food vendors make profits on selling drinks and indicated that the fact that the Township does not allow them to sell drinks at Community Day may be the reason why several food vendors have pulled out at the last minute. Michael Pillagalli suggested that the Township should look into the possibility of lining up a popcorn machine for Community Day. Jennifer Grey-Rice stated that the Township should also consider selling soft pretzels if staff to support the pretzel sales can be lined up. Al Roth reported that Henderson High School had volunteers in the 9^th and 10^th grades that are looking for opportunities to provide community service and stated that someone from the Township should contact the school to line up volunteers. Jennifer Grey-Rice stated that Westtown School also has students looking for community service opportunities and indicated that they may be an option to provide support for next year. Ken Lehr distributed copies of the critical people and phone numbers that would need to be contacted in the event that a decision is made to postpone Community Day due to the weather. Ken Lehr stated that the decision to postpone the event would be made Saturday night and indicated that the vendors would need to be contacted by 9:00 AM on Sunday morning. Additionally, Ken Lehr informed that he would place an informational message on the Township answering machine by 7:00 AM Sunday morning. Ken Lehr asked if the members of the Park and Recreation Board would be able to provide support calling the critical contact people if the weather conditions force a decision to postpone the event. Kent Wise asked about the planned "Cricket Challenge" and asked if the cricket club planned to be on Flagg Field at 9:30 AM on the Sunday of Community Day. Sharon Lynn indicated that she would remind Kathy Hahn to tell a representative from the cricket club that they may need to be off of Flagg Field early to allow time for Community Day set-up. Ken Lehr informed that the "Cricket Challenge" would be held at Flagg Field away from the "Frisbee Golf" area. Ken Lehr expressed concern over where the band that won the spring "Battle of the Bands" (Braeden) would perform during Community Day and indicated that he had placed a call to a representative of the band to discuss this issue. Kent Wise asked if the Township would need to provide sound equipment for the Disk Jockey stating that the Disk Jockey utilized all of the Township's sound equipment last year. Peggy Neimeyer expressed concern over the traffic control at the Fern Hill School stating that the Township would need to park all of the vehicles for the crafters there. Peggy Neimeyer informed that there are 74 parking spaces available and requested that someone from the Township should be located at the school between 10:00 AM and 10:45 AM to supervise the parking. Ken Lehr reported that he spoke with Joe Gleason about this issue and indicated that the officer on patrol would check-in at Fern Hill School during his patrol but stated that the Township would not be able to assign an officer to supervise the parking situation full time on Community Day. Michael Pillagalli offered to provide support to help supervise the parking at Fern Hill School. Jennifer Grey-Rice stated that she along with her husband would also be able to provide support at Fern Hill School. Kent Wise reported that the Township has new signs to help direct the crafters to the parking locations. Peggy Neimeyer informed that if the concert featuring the Greaseband were moved indoors to East High School due to the weather, the Township would not have water and/or sodas to sell to the patrons. Ken Lehr stated that he could arrange to have someone bring tubs of water and soda East High School. Michael Pillagalli informed that East High School does not allow sodas in their auditorium and indicated that the Township would need to arrange ahead of time to have the cafeteria open. Michael Pillagalli stated that the Township would also be required to pay for the cafeteria clean-up efforts. Peggy Neimeyer asked if John Leary would be able to provide support selling water and sodas if the Greaseband concert is moved to the East High School auditorium. Kent Wise informed that John Leary would be very busy with the operations of the Community Park Concession Stand and probably would not be able to support water and soda sales at East High School. Jennifer Grey-Rice asked if the Township should also consider selling pretzels at East High School. Sharon Lynn stated that she agrees that the Township would need to be able to offer something for the patrons attending the concert during intermission and suggested that someone should contact John Leary to see if he would be available. Ken Lehr indicated that he would contact John Leary to determine if he would be available to sell water, sodas and pretzels at East High School. Jennifer Grey-Rice stated that she would be able to provide coffee sales at East High School. 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^ndwith a rain date of Sunday, September 29^th.

New Business: Ken Lehr reporting on Harvest Day informed that the band "Makin' Music" would again be providing musical entertainment for Harvest Day. Ken Lehr indicated that he and Kent Wise would organize the pumpkin run for this year's event. Michael Pillagalli stated that he would contact Phil and Linda Hicks to make arrangements for the use of their Hay Wagon for Harvest Day. Ken Lehr informed that Dan Dixon would contact Sonny Hicks to line up a second Hay Wagon for this year's event. Kent Wise stated that he would make the arrangements to secure a second tractor for the event. Harvest Day activities are scheduled from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, October 27^th rain or shine.

Sharon Lynn reported that she attended a meeting with Bob Cifone, Ken Lehr, Dan Dixon and Michael Pillagalli to review options on where to develop skatepark within the Township. The group discussed the possibility of locating a skatepark on the 3 acres of land at the intersection of Rt. 100 and Greenhill Road. Another option under consideration entails incorporating a skatepark within the Community Park. Sharon Lynn informed that the original architect for the Community Park, YSM Design developed a sketch plan for locating a skatepark within the Community Park in the area between the Amphitheater and the Basketball Courts and determined that this location would not be a viable option. Sharon Lynn reported that the Board of Supervisors believe a better alternative would be to develop the proposed skatepark on the 3 acres of land at the intersection of Rt. 100 and Greenhill Road. This new recreation area would also include tennis courts and possibly a canine exercise area. The Township has scheduled a meeting on September 30^th to meet with local teens to get input from skaters that would potentially utilize the proposed skatepark. Jerry Napiecek asked when would the Township finalize the plans for the proposed skatepark. Sharon Lynn stated that the Township is under some time constraints to submit a design for the 3 acres of land at Rt. 100 and Greenhill Road by October 16^th in order to receive a grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) that would cover ½ of the development costs. Les Bair asked if the Township would be liable for any injuries that occur within the proposed skatepark. Sharon Lynn reported that the Township plans to provide staff at the proposed skatepark and require that anyone using the park wear the recommended safety equipment. Additionally, Sharon Lynn informed that anyone interested in using the skatepark would be required to register with the Township and sign a statement that would free the Township of liability in the event of injury. The Township would also charge a registration fee that should help offset the cost to the Township of providing the support staff.

Ken Lehr reminded the members of the Park and Recreation Board that the Community Day appreciation dinner is scheduled for Monday, September 23^rd at the Iron Hill Brewery in West Chester. Ken Lehr requested that Park and Recreation Board members let him know if they are planning to attend the appreciation dinner.

Ken Lehr informed that new Park and Recreation intern, Nick Palso recently started with the Township and is currently working between 20 to 25 hours a week. Ken Lehr stated that Nick Palso would be at Community Day and asked the members of the Park and Recreation Board to stop by for an informal introduction during the event.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for October 16^th.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ed Smith



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