West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
October 15, 2003
Minutes

Attending: Bob Cifone, Dan Dixon, Mary Lou Enoches, Jerry Napiecek, Michael Pillagalli and Ed Smith

Township Representatives: Ken Lehr, Al Roth and Kent Wise

Friends of the Park: Peggy Niemeyer and Holly Niemeyer

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

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

Bob Cifone offered thanks to everyone that helped make the 2003 Community Day a great event in spite of the adverse weather conditions.

After a review of the minutes submitted for the September 17, 2003 meeting, a motion was made by Mary Lou Enoches to accept the minutes as submitted.  The motion was seconded by Dan Dixon and passed.

 The Financial Report dated September 30, 2003 was reviewed. There were no questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.

Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crews are busy cutting the grass and maintaining the ball fields at the Township Parks. Kent Wise informed that "Turface" (sports field conditioner product) has been applied to the base paths of all Township ball fields.  Kent Wise reported that the Township would be hosting a compost workshop on Friday, October 31^st.  Kent Wise indicated that all of the Township crew would attend the workshop at no cost and indicated the vendor would be donating enough compost to top dress the outfield at Flagg Field. Kent Wise informed that the demolition work on the maintenance shop at the Community Park is underway.  This project will enclose the back pavilion to create about 40 additional feet (double the current capacity) of storage space for the Parks Department.  Kent Wise reported that as a result of the recent storm, many trees are down in all of the Township parks.  At the Community Park, 15 of the 60 to 70 foot locust trees in the area of the park adjacent to the reservoir were lost.  At Coopersmith Park, the crews continue to clean up the trees that back up to Farmington Lane.  Kent Wise indicated that the neighbors in that area would like the Township to remove additional trees and stated plans are underway to remove the trees that are close to the power lines.  Kent Wise reported that the building, playground equipment and pump station at Barker Park were vandalized (spray painted) 2 weeks ago. Kent Wise informed that the clean up effort would require the Township to repaint the entire building including the doors and electric box. Kent Wise indicated that he had taken pictures of the names that were spray painted on the Barker Park structures. Michael Pillagalli asked Kent Wise to supply him with the names spray painted on the structures indicating that he would contact his sources to see if the person(s) responsible for the vandalism could be identified.

Recreation: Al Roth reporting on the 2003 Summer Recreation Program indicated that he did not have anything new to report at this time.  Al Roth asked if there were any questions pertaining to the end of the year report that was distributed at the September Park and Recreation Board meeting.

Friends of the Park: Ken Lehr reporting for the Friends informed that the minimum number of members (quorum) required for approval were not present at their October 2^nd quarterly board meeting.  Peggy and Holly Niemeyer indicated that they would hold their comments for the Community Day portion of the meeting.

Old Business: Ken Lehr reporting on the 2003 Community Day stated that the weather conditions forced the Township to make adjustments that included moving the start time for Community Day to 2:00 PM, relocating the crafters to the lower parking lot, relocating the inflatable rides to area between the upper parking lot and the gazebo and canceling activities that required the use of the Township ballfields.  Ken Lehr informed that attendance for this year's event was about one-half to two-thirds of the normal amount and stated that in spite of the weather, the 2003 Community Day activities went very well.  Al Roth indicated that he liked having the inflatable rides in the area of the upper parking lot stating that many of the people were able to enjoy the Chatterband concert while they waited in line. Bob Cifone informed that he liked the idea of overlapping Community Day activities indicating that it helped keep attendance high throughout the day.  Ken Lehr reported that John Leary did "OK" with the concession stand.  Holly Niemeyer informed that about 450 kids' crafts and 500 sand jar projects were completed during this year's event.  Holly Niemeyer indicated that the lower volunteer count for this year's event was a result of weather conditions forcing Community Day to the rain date.  Holly Niemeyer offered thanks to everyone that helped support the kids' craft activities at this year's event.  Holly Niemeyer asked if there would be any available space within the Township Building to store the kids' crafts items (crafts, prize baskets, markers, etc.) from August through Community Day. Holly Niemeyer stated that the amount of craft items required to support Community Day has grown over the years and is at the point where a permanent storage solution is required.  Peggy Niemeyer indicated that a closet or cubicle would provide enough storage space at this time. Ken Lehr indicated that he would see if he could get permission to use an empty conference room to provide the required storage space.  Holly Niemeyer indicated that a secure area would be required. Dan Dixon asked if the Friends have other items that require year-round storage and stated that the Township could provide help finding storage for these items. Bob Cifone stated that the Township needs additional storage space to support the requirements of the Friends as well as Al Roth and the Summer Recreation Program. Ken Lehr offered thanks to the following people for their Community Day efforts.

• Ed Smith and Michael Pillagalli for stepping up at the last
  minute to help staff the sand jar booth.
• Jerry Napiecek for working the soda truck the entire day.
• Dan Dixon, Les Bair, Mary Lou Enoches and Pat McIlvaine
  for setting up and staffing the hospitality area for the crafters.
• Peggy and Holly Niemeyer for organizing and staffing the
  children's crafts.
• Pat Kelly and Megan Zug for helping out whenever needed.
• Al Roth and Ed Smith for helping set up the inflatables.
• A special thanks to Kent Wise and his crews for an all around
  outstanding effort.

Kent Wise indicated that Ken Lehr would need to make arrangements to have the unused bottled water returned to the distributor.  Finally, Mary Lou Enoches speaking on behalf of the entire Park and Recreation Board thanked Ken Lehr for doing an outstanding job at this year's Community Day.

Ken Lehr reporting on Movie Nights informed that 125 to 150 people attended the September 20^th presentation of Spy Kids.  Ken Lehr reported that 80 people attended the October 4^th presentation of Bruce Almighty.  Ken Lehr informed that the presentation had to be moved inside to the Township Building due to weather conditions and offered thanks to Ed Smith for helping with the set-up required at Township Building. Information on Movie Nights is listed below:

 

Date Movie Location Attendance September 20th Spy Kids Community Park 125-150 October 4th Bruce Almighty Administration Building 80 October 18th The Hulk Community Park N/A November 1st Raiders of the Lost Ark Community Park N/A

Ken Lehr reporting on upcoming bus trips informed that the September 27^th bus trip to see the Phillies play the Atlanta Braves went very well, indicating the trip was one of the most highly rated bus trips the Township has offered. Ken Lehr offered thanks to Bob Cifone and Jerry Napiecek for being his "Community Day Weather Contacts" while he provided representation for the Township on the trip.   Ken Lehr informed that the Township is planning two bus trips to New York in December.  The first trip scheduled for Monday, December 1^st will include a visit to Radio City Music Hall to see the "Rockettes" perform. The cost of the trip will be between $85.00 and $90.00 per person. Included in the cost is a $12.00 voucher to the Concession Stand. The second trip is an open bus trip to New York on Saturday, December 6^th.  The cost of this trip will be between $20.00 and $25.00 per person. Ken Lehr indicated that both of the New York bus trips would be advertised in the Township newsletter.

Ken Lehr reporting on the proposed Holiday Event informed that he has attempted to contact a representative from "Cast in Bronze" to see if the group would be able to perform at this year's event. Ken Lehr stated that at this time, he had not been able to talk to a representative for the group and indicated he was doubtful that the Township would be able to contract the group to perform at this year's Holiday Event.  Mary Lou Enoches has been in touch with members of the West Chester Chamber of Commerce to determine if the Township's Holiday Event could be incorporated/piggybacked with the Borough of West Chester's Old Fashion Christmas celebration this year. Mary Lou Enoches informed that the Borough of West Chester's Old Fashioned Christmas celebration includes a Court on Thursday December 4^th, a parade and walking tour on Friday December 5^th, and a charity ball on Saturday December 6^th.  Mary Lou Enoches suggested that the Township should try and target the proposed Holiday Event for Sunday, December 7^th stating that advertising for the event would appear in all of the literature for the Borough of West Chester's Old Fashioned Christmas celebration.  Dan Dixon informed that the Holiday Event would be in competition with "Brian's Run" if the event were scheduled for Sunday afternoon on December 7^th.  Ken Lehr indicated that the Township is looking to schedule the event on Sunday evening. Ken Lehr asked the members of the Park and Recreation Board if anyone had suggestions for entertainment and stated that a sub-committee be formed to review ideas and come up with a recommendation.  Dan Dixon asked if it would be feasible to move the Holiday Event indoors and incorporate a visit from Santa with the festivities. Ken Lehr suggested that the Township could team up with a local restaurant to offer a "Brunch with Santa". Ken Lehr informed that he and Mary Lou Enoches would continue to discuss ideas for the proposed Holiday Event with the Borough of West Chester.

Ken Lehr reporting on Harvest Day informed that the Township would again have two hay wagons for this year's event. Ken Lehr indicated that Michael Pillagalli contacted Phil and Linda Hicks to make arrangements for the use of their hay wagon and Dan Dixon contacted Sonny Hicks to line up a second hay wagon for Harvest Day. Ken Lehr informed that he would be picking up the supplies for Harvest Day on Tuesday (October 21^st). Additionally, Ken Lehr reported that the musical entertainment for Harvest Day has been finalized.  Kent Wise asked Dan Dixon if it would be possible to pick up the hay wagon from Sonny Hicks on Thursday, October 23^rd.  Additionally, Kent Wise indicated that the Township would need about 30 bails of straw to support this year's event. Dan Dixon indicated that he would contact Sonny Hicks to make the required arrangements for picking up the hay wagon.  All volunteers are asked to arrive at Coopersmith Park by 12:00 PM to help with preparations and set up the pumpkin patch. Harvest Day activities are scheduled from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, October 26^th, rain or shine.

New Business: Ken Lehr reporting on the 2004 Summer Concert Series informed that the Township is planning to offer 6 concerts from June through August.  Ken Lehr stated that he is trying to avoid scheduling concerts on July 4^th (falls on a Sunday this year), Father's Day and the same date as Turk's Head Festival.  Ken Lehr informed that the tentative dates for the 2004 Summer Concert Series are June 13^th, June 27^th, July 11^th, July 25^th, August 8^th and August 22^nd.  Ken Lehr reported that he had been in contact with highly recommended children's group "Cool Beans Music" to see if they would be able to perform at the proposed June 13^th children's concert. Ken Lehr informed that the cost of the performance would be $800.00.  Ken Lehr stated that he would like to form a sub-committee to continue the planning process for the 2004 Summer Concert Series. Bob Cifone, Dan Dixon, Jerry Napiecek, Michael Pillagalli and Ed Smith volunteered to participate on the sub-committee. Ken Lehr suggested that the sub-committee meet immediately after the October 27^th appreciation dinner.

Ken Lehr informed that he would like to schedule a wrap-up meeting to review the 2003 Community Day and begin the planning process for next year. Ken Lehr tentatively scheduled the meeting on Monday October 20^th at 7:00 PM in the Township Building. Ken Lehr indicated that he would contact Pat Kelly to see if she would be available to attend the meeting.

Ken Lehr reporting on the 2004 officer positions informed that current officers Bob Cifone, Jerry Napiecek and Ed Smith are in the 2^nd year of their service.  Ken Lehr informed that nominations for the positions of Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary would need to take place during the November Park and Recreation Board meeting. Both Jerry Napiecek and Ed Smith expressed an interest to continue to serve in their current positions of Vice-Chair and Secretary respectively.

Jerry Napiecek asked if the Community Park light standard damaged by caterer's truck has been repaired. Kent Wise indicated that the light pole has been straightened and a new light fixture ordered.  Kent Wise informed that the last time the Township had to replace a light fixture, the order took 6 months to come in. Kent Wise reported that the Township is waiting to receive the final price quote for the repairs. Kent Wise informed the Township would turn this information along with the emergency call costs over to their insurance company for payment.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 PM.  The next meeting is scheduled for November 19^th.

     Respectfully Submitted,
     Ed Smith