West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
April 20 2005
Minutes

Attending: Mary Lou Enoches, Jerry Napiecek, Michael Pillagalli and Ed Smith

Township Representatives: Ken Lehr and Kent Wise

Meeting called to Order: 7:00 PM by Chairman Michael Pillagalli

Michael Pillagalli began the April 20^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 March 16, 2005 meeting, a motion was made by Jerry Napiecek to accept the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Mary Lou Enoches and passed.

The Financial Report dated March 31, 2005 was reviewed. There were no questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.

Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crews are about 75% through their spring clean-up efforts informing the crews still need to complete work at the lower end of Coopersmith Park and Box Elder Park. Kent Wise indicated that the crews have completed installing pavers in front of the Community Park Amphitheater Stage and stated the final product looks good. Kent Wise reported the crews are continuing to work the Township ballfields stating that opening day for Little League Baseball was last Saturday, April 16, 2005. Kent Wise informed that the grass management subcontractor has completed overseeding the soccer fields at the Community Park as well as Hallowell Field. Kent Wise reported that the Township has purchased three replacement mowers and informed that the crew began cutting grass at the various Township parks two weeks ago. Additionally, Kent Wise reported the Township has purchased a replacement trailer and a new hay wagon and indicated the new equipment is being stored at the Turner Lane facility.  Kent Wise informed that a new 16 by 16 foot shelter has been purchased to provide shade for the play area at the Community Park. Kent Wise indicated the crew still needs to complete the required assembly for the new shelter. Finally, Kent Wise reported the Township purchased 100 yards (1 tractor trailer load) of "Playground Safety" mulch that will be utilized at the various Township play areas.

Recreation: Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Recreation Program informed that the interview process for Summer Recreation positions is complete and stated that Township received a record number of applications (42) for this year's program. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township made offers to selected candidates and, at this time, two of the candidates have indicated they have already accepted other positions and two other candidates are waiting to hear back from other employers before they commit to the Township. Ken Lehr stated the Township has compiled a stand-by list in the event additional positions need to be filled. Registration for the Summer Recreation Program and the Teen Summer Recreation program is scheduled from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM on May 14^th and from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on May 21^st. Jerry Napiecek, Michael Pillagalli and Ed Smith volunteered to provide support on the first day of registration. Ken Lehr requested that volunteers report to the Township Building at 7:00 AM to assist with traffic control. Ken Lehr indicated counselors would be staffing the registration tables. The Summer Recreation parent orientation is scheduled for 7:00 PM on Wednesday, April 27, 2005. The 2005 Summer Recreation Program is scheduled to begin on June 20^th and run through August 12^th.

Ken Lehr reporting on the new Teen Summer Recreation Program informed that the Teen Program committee would meet next Wednesday (April 27^th) and stated that the Township would hire Steve Nichols as the head counselor for this year's program. The Teen Summer Recreation parent orientation is scheduled for 8:00 PM on Wednesday, April 27^th. The 2005 Teen Summer Recreation Program is scheduled to begin on June 20^th and run through July 29^th.

Friends of West Goshen Parks: Ken Lehr reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks informed that the quarterly Board of Directors meeting was held last Thursday, April 7^th. Ken Lehr indicated that the next general membership meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 5, 2005 at 7:00 PM. Ken Lehr stated that several members of the Board of Directors have recently left those positions and reported the plan is to nominate several of the current officers to fill the open Board of Director positions at the next meeting. Finally, Ken Lehr stated he is looking for a volunteer to be the Park and Recreation Board representative on the Board of the Friends of West Goshen Parks.

Old Business: Ken Lehr reporting on the Egg Hunt and Decorated Hat Parade informed that between 400 and 500 children attended this year's event. Ken Lehr stated that favorable weather conditions contributed to and increase in attendance that helped make the 2005 event a success.

Ken Lehr reporting on upcoming bus trips informed that the Township is planning a return trip to Yankee Stadium on Saturday, April 30^th and a return trip to Baltimore's Camden Yards on Sunday May 22^nd. Each trip costs $35.00 per person and includes round-trip transportation, a lower-level ticket to the game and a tip for the bus driver. Ken Lehr informed that the April 30^th trip to Yankee Stadium has been sold out indicating 20 people are on a wait list. As a result, the Township has planned a 2^nd trip to Yankee Stadium on July 31^st. The July 31^st trip costs $40.00 per person and includes round-trip transportation, a ticket to the game and a tip for the bus driver. People attending the July 31^st Yankee Stadium trip will not be eligible to receive a discounted ticket price. Ken Lehr indicated that there are 9 seats still available for the May 22^nd trip to Camden Yards. Ken Lehr reported that 8 people have signed up to attend the tour of the Township's parks scheduled for June 11^th. Ken Lehr informed that the Township has planned an open bus trip (drop-off and pick-up) to New York City on June 18^th and an open bus trip (drop-off and pick-up) to Washington, DC on July 16^th. At this time about 1/3 of the seats have been filled for the June 18^th New York trip and 12 people have signed up for the July 16^th Washington trip. Finally, Ken Lehr stated that the Township is looking to plan December trips to New York City that would include a return to Radio City and an open bus trip.

Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Concert Series informed that there is nothing new to report at this time. Ken Lehr stated that the Summer Concert Series was included with the Township Newsletter. Information on the Summer Concert Series is listed below: 

Ken Lehr reporting on 2005 Community Day informed that The Friends of West Goshen Parks are discussing the idea of purchasing plastic containers to support this year's sand art activities eliminating the need to collect and store baby food jars. Ken Lehr stated that the funds to purchase the plastic containers ($100 to $150) could be taken out of the General Recreation Budget. The members of the Park and Recreation did not have an issue with utilizing the General Recreation Budget to fund the cost of purchasing the plastic containers. Mary Lou Enoches indicated that she would provide the name and phone number of a supplier she is currently utilizing for plastic containers.

New Business: Ken Lehr began a discussion on a proposal from Jan Mulligan to have the Township promote a Bike Safety Program in conjunction with a Decorated Bike Parade every other calendar year. Members fro the Local VFW Post 106 coordinated the efforts for the Bike Safety Program until last year when this responsibility was transferred to the Regional VFW authorities in Lancaster. This year, the event has been planned for a location closer in proximity to Lancaster. Low turnout has plagued the Bike Safety Program and the Decorated Bike Parade in recent years. As a result, Jan Mulligan is asking if it would be possible to combine both events into one held every other year. Ken Lehr stated that the Township might be able to line up Officer Friendly along with local businesses like Bike Line to provide support for an event of this type. Mary Lou Enoches stated that the Friends of West Goshen Parks would also be able to provide support for the proposed event. Ken Lehr informed that the Lions Club has expressed an interest in getting more involved with Township events and the proposed Bike Safety/Decorated Bike program would be a great opportunity to solicit their support.

Ken Lehr informed that DCNR (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) has offered to hold a Park and Recreation workshop in Chester County (West Chester Borough Building) on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Ken Lehr indicated fliers for the workshop were included in the information packet for the March Park and Recreation Board meeting. The cost of the workshop is $5.00 per person or $20.00 for the entire Park and Recreation Board. Mary Lou Enoches indicated that she would like to attend the workshop on May 11^th. Jerry Napiecek, Michael Pillagalli and Ed Smith indicated that they would not be able to attend. Ken Lehr stated he would contact Les Bair and Bob Cifone to see if they have an interest in attending the workshop.

Ken Lehr informed that the Chester County Astronomical Society will set up telescopes at the Community Park on April 26^th from 8:00 – 10:00 PM for a free public viewing of Saturn and Jupiter. Ken Lehr offered thanks to Michael Pillagalli for distributing fliers for the event science teachers.

Ken Lehr reported that he would be providing support for the MS Walk at the Community Park on Sunday, April 24^th. The event is scheduled from 10:00 AM to noon.

Ken Lehr reporting on the CHESCO Every Step Counts walk informed that the second annual event is scheduled for Saturday, May 7, 2005 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Community Park. Participants will receive a pedometer, T-shirt and a calendar of information that includes upcoming events. The goal of the program is to promote a healthy lifestyle through walking. Ken Lehr stated that the West Goshen Park and Recreation Department is an active participant in this program and also supports the Activate Chester County program.

Ken Lehr reporting on the new skatepark at the Wawa site (intersection of Pottstown Pike and Greenhill Road) indicated that at this time, there was nothing new to report. Mary Lou Enoches informed that she noticed markings have been placed on the trees in the area designated for the new skatepark.

Mary Lou Enoches asked for an update on the plans for this year's Holiday Breakfast with Santa. Ken Lehr informed that the Township was planning a 2 day event for 2005. The tentative dates for the Holiday Breakfast with Santa are December 17^th and 18^th.

Ken Lehr informed that the 2005 Eagles schedule has been released and stated that there is no game scheduled on the same date as Community Day (September 11^th) and stated that there is a 4:00 PM game on the same date as Harvest Day (October 30^th).

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for May 18, 2005.

   Respectfully Submitted,
   Ed Smith