West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
April 21, 2004
Minutes

Attending: Dan Dixon, Mary Lou Enoches, Michael Pillagalli, Jennifer Grey-Rice and Ed Smith

Township Representatives: Pat McIlvaine, Ken Lehr and Kent Wise

Meeting called to Order: 7:04 PM by Chairman Michael Pillagalli

Michael Pillagalli began the April 21^st 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 March 17, 2004 meeting, a motion was made by Mary Lou Enoches to accept the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Jennifer Grey-Rice and passed.

The Financial Report dated March 31, 2004 was reviewed. There were no questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.

Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crews have completed their spring cleanup efforts. Kent Wise informed that the crew has turned on the water at Coopersmith Park, Barker Park, and the Community Park including the concession stand and ballfields. Kent Wise indicated that the broken water pipe encountered at the Community Park shut-off pit has been repaired. Kent Wise reported that electronic security locks have been installed at the Community Park bathroom facilities (amphitheater and maintenance shop bathrooms) in the hope of reducing/eliminating the occurrences of vandalism that has plagued these facilities. Kent Wise informed that the locks are currently set so the facilities will be accessible daily between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Kent Wise indicated that the security locks were fairly expensive ($2,300 to $2,400) and stated the addition of the locks would eliminate the need to have members from the Township Police force lock up the facilities nightly. Kent Wise informed that the grass management subcontractor has completed overseeding the baseball fields and soccer fields at the Community Park as well as at Hallowell Field. Kent Wise indicated that the crew continues to work the township ballfields informing that opening day for little league baseball was last Saturday (April 17^th). Kent Wise reported that the Township Parks are very busy at this time stating that on Monday morning (April 19^th) it took two members of the crew 3 ½ hours to empty all of the trash at the Community Park from the weekend activities. Kent Wise indicated that the crews spend between 10-15 hours per week cleaning up trash at the Township Parks. Kent Wise informed that the crews cut grass at the various Township Parks for the 2^nd time this year. Additionally, Kent Wise indicated that work to paint the grill posts and re-mount the grills has been completed at the Community Park, Barker Park and Coopersmith Park. Finally, Kent Wise reported that the crews installed 2 new tennis court nets and a new volleyball court net at the Community Park in additional to installing a new post and rail fence around the perimeter of the volleyball courts.

Recreation: Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Recreation Program informed that he along with Al Roth completed the interview process for the open Summer Recreation counselor positions and have tendered offers to the selected applicants. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township expects to have 20 counselors to support the 2004 Summer Recreation Program indicating that about ½ of the positions would be filled by returning counselors. Ken Lehr reported that at this time, the Township will need to hire 13 new Summer Recreation counselors and stated that there are about 20 applicants for those positions.  Registration for the Summer Recreation Program is scheduled from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM on May 15^th and from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on May 22^nd.  Ken Lehr stated the Township was looking for volunteers to support the registration process. Dan Dixon and Michael Pillagalli indicated they would be able to provide support for this year's registration process. Jennifer Grey-Rice and Mary Lou Enoches indicated they would check their schedules and let Ken Lehr know if they would also be able to provide support. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township would need help between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM on the first day of registration (May 15^th). The Summer Recreation parent orientation is scheduled for 7:00 PM on Wednesday, April 28^th. The Summer Recreation staff orientation is scheduled for Saturday June 5^th from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The orientation program will include first aid and CPR instructions provided by Good Fellowship. Ken Lehr indicated that members of the Park and Recreation Board interested in attending the first aid and CPR training are welcome to attend the June 15^th orientation session. The first aid and CPR instructions are scheduled to begin immediately after the lunch break. The 2004 Summer Recreation Program is scheduled to begin on June 21^st and run through August 13^th. Ken Lehr report that the Township would have a new registration form for this year that would allow parents to give permission to have someone other than the parents pick up a child and also give permission to allow a child to walk or bike home following the days activities. Pat McIlvaine informed that people picking up children from ACAC's were required to show their drivers license to confirm their identification. Jennifer Grey-Rice asked if it would be possible to distribute copies of the Summer Recreation registration forms to people waiting in line so the forms could be filled out while they wait. Michael Pillagalli informed the Township tried this approach several years ago and indicated it did not work.  Ken Lehr stated that the Summer Recreation registration went very well the last several years and indicated that he would not want to see any changes to the current process. Michael Pillagalli stated that he would like to review any new applications for Summer Recreation counselor positions.

Friends of the Park: Ken Lehr reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks informed that there is nothing new to report on the Friends at this time. The next general membership meeting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks will be held on Thursday, May 6^th at 7:00 PM in the West Goshen Township Administration Building.

Old Business: Ken Lehr reporting on the Egg Hunt informed that the questionable weather conditions resulted in the attendance numbers being down from last year's event. Ken Lehr informed that a mix-up resulted in Township not having prizes available for the contestants in the Decorated Hat Parade. Ken Lehr informed that phone numbers were collected from everyone selected to receive a prize and indicated the Township contacted the recipients who picked up their prizes at the West Goshen Township Administration Building.

Ken Lehr reporting on the CHESCO: Every Step Counts walk informed that the weather for the April 4^th inaugural event at the Community Park featured snow, rain and cold weather. Ken Lehr reported that between 200-300 people participated in the event that featured a 2-mile walk promoting a healthy lifestyle through walking. Ken Lehr stated that CHESCO: Every Step Counts has set goals for participants to be able to complete 10,000 steps (about five miles) in one day within the first month of entering the walking program. Additional goals would see participants in the walking program continue the 10,000 steps per day for an entire month. Ken Lehr informed that CHESCO: Every Step Counts also plans to form a one million step club within six months. Ken Lehr reported that the Township's West Goshen walking club meets at the Community Park each weekday at 7:00 AM. Ken Lehr informed that at this time, only he and one other person participate daily in the Township's walking club activities. Ken Lehr stated that he is hoping to get the email addresses for all of the Township residents that registered for the CHESCO: Every Step Counts event so they can receive information about the Township's walking club. Pat McIlvaine suggested trying different times possibly later in the day to see if attendance in the walking club improves.

Ken Lehr reporting on upcoming bus trips informed that the Township has lined up a return to Baltimore for a Devil Rays/Orioles game on June 5^th.  The bus will depart from Community Park 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 Orioles game. The cost of this trip is $40.00 per person.  Jennifer Grey-Rice volunteered to serve as the bus captain for the Baltimore trip in place of Ken Lehr who has a conflict on this date with a the Summer Recreation Program counselor orientation. On August 1^st, the Township has planned a return trip to Yankee Stadium. The bus will depart from Community Park at 9:00 AM and arrive at Yankee Stadium at 11:30 AM. The bus will return immediately after the completion of the 1:05 PM Yankees-Orioles game. The cost of this trip is $40.00 per person. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township is also planning a trip to Citizens Bank Ballpark on October 2^nd to see the Phillies play the Florida Marlins. Finally, Ken Lehr reported that the Township is planning a bus trip to Lancaster on November 6^th as well as two bus trips to New York in December timeframe. The December 13^th New York trip will include a visit to Radio City Music Hall to see the "Rockettes" perform and the December 18^th trip will be an open bus trip to New York City.

Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Concert Series informed that the entertainment for all of the planned concerts has been lined up. Information on the Summer Concert Series is listed below:

Jennifer Grey-Rice asked for an update on the proposed new park at the Wawa site (intersection of Pottstown Pike and Greenhill Road). Ken Lehr informed that Township is still waiting on School District and indicated that at this time, groundbreaking at the site should take place late in 2004. Ken Lehr reported that the School Board plans to build 3 sports fields and possibly a new elementary school at the site. Pat McIlvaine informed that the $74,000 grant the Township received for development of the proposed new Park must be used by June of 2004 or the Township may lose the grant. Pat McIlvaine indicated that Sharon Lynn has applied for an extension on the grant. Pat McIlvaine reported that the Township must wait for the School District to put in their access road before work on the proposed new park can begin.

New Business: Ken Lehr reporting on third annual "Battle of the Bands" informed this year's event is scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Saturday, May 8^th at the Community Park. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be moved to the auditorium at Pierce Middle School. Ed Smith indicated that he would be available to serve as a judge for this year's event. Ken Lehr informed that the winning band will receive $300.00 and be offered the opportunity to perform at Community Day.

Ken Lehr reported that the VFW Bike Safety Program has been scheduled for Saturday May 22^nd from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM with a rain date of Sunday May 23^rd. The event will utilize a bicycle safety challenge course to demonstrate various aspects of bicycle safety including turning, braking, straight-line riding and hand signaling. Ken Lehr indicated that he had a conflict and would not be able to attend this year's program. Ed Smith informed that he would be able to provide support for this year's event. Ken Lehr indicated that the volunteer requirements for the May 22^nd event would be finalized for review at the May 19^th Park and Recreation Board meeting.

Ken Lehr reporting on Community Day informed that "Sensational Soul Cruisers" would not be able to perform on the September 26^th Community Day rain-date. As a result of this, Ken Lehr informed that the Township contacted "The Exceptions" indicating the band would hold both the September 12^th primary date and the September 26^th rain date open. Ken Lehr reported that the "The Exceptions", a nine member party mix band would charge $3,500 to perform at the 2004 Community Day. Ken Lehr informed that at this time, the Stadium Grille, the pony rides, the DJ, the inflatable rides and all rentals have been lined up. Michael Pillagalli asked if there has been any contact with the crafters for the 2004 event. Ken Lehr indicated that Peggy Niemeyer does not plan on sending out the informational letter until the new president of the Friends of West Goshen Parks has been appointed. Dan Dixon stated that if there were not enough volunteers from the Friends to support Community Day activities, the task of finding the required volunteers would fall on Ken Lehr. Jennifer Grey-Rice suggested contacting groups like the local Boy and Girl Scout troops to start lining up the required support now. Michael Pillagalli recommended making a pitch for volunteer support for Community Day at the Summer Concerts. Ken Lehr stated the Township could have volunteer sign-up sheets available at all Summer Concert events. Mary Lou Enoches suggested including a volunteer form in the Township Newsletter. Ken Lehr reported that the next Township Newsletter would have a solicitation for volunteer support. Michael Pillagalli asked if a Community Day sub-committee should be formed and meeting time(s) assigned to support this year's event. Jennifer Grey-Rice suggested having the next Community Day planning session before or after the May 19^th Park and Recreation Board meeting. The members of the Park and Recreation Board agreed to meet at 6:30 PM on May 19^th to continue planning for the 2004 Community Day.

Ken Lehr reporting on the D.U.K. Run for AIDS Awareness informed that the Township had received a letter from Stacey Keshuta requesting the use of the Community Park on Saturday, November 6^th for this year's event. Ken Lehr informed that the Township has approved this event in prior years. Ken Lehr indicated that he would like to change the date for D.U.K. Run for AIDS Awareness since the Township has a Bus Trip to Lancaster also scheduled on the same date (November 6^th). Kent Wise stated that the Township provides the facilities and support free of charge for events like the D.U.K. Run for AIDS Awareness, MS Run and the CHESCO Every Step Counts walk and suggested approaching these organizations to solicit volunteer support for Community Day activities in return. Dan Dixon suggested the Township should go to the chairperson for these organizations requesting volunteer support since the Township may not be able to count on the Friends of West Goshen Parks to provide all of the required volunteer support for Community Day activities.

Dan Dixon asked for an update on the field usage request made by Township resident Charles Fisk representing the West Chester STARZ Baseball team. Pat McIlvaine stated that the matter has been settled. Kent Wise informed that the Township was able to provide practice time slots two days a week between 2:45 PM and 5:00 PM. Additionally, time slots on five Saturdays after July 15^th were also allocated to Charles Fisk. Kent Wise stated that the Township bent over backwards trying to accommodate Charles Fisk and the West Chester STARZ Baseball team and indicated the group was still unhappy with what was provided.

Pat McIlvaine updated the members of the Park and Recreation Board on the CD that came due on April 15^th informing that there are strict limitations on where Municipal monies can be invested. Pat McIlvaine reported that the Township contacted ten different banks looking for the best rate of return and settled on re-investing with the First National Bank stating their rates were comparable to the other banks contacted.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2004.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ed Smith