|
West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
August 17, 2005
Minutes
Attending: Bob Cifone, Michael Dolan, Mary Lou Enoches, Michael Pillagalli, Ed Smith and Megan Zug
Township Representatives: Ken Lehr and Kent Wise
Friends of the Park: Peggy and Holly Niemeyer
Public Representatives: Harry Helms from the
American Legion Post #134
Meeting called to Order: 7:00 PM by Chairman Michael Pillagalli
After a review of the minutes submitted for the July 20, 2005 meeting, a motion was made by Mary Lou Enoches to accept the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Bob Cifone and
passed.
The Financial Report dated July 31, 2005 was reviewed. There were no questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.
Parks:
Kent Wise reported that the crews are busy cutting grass and grooming the ball fields at the various Township parks. Kent Wise reported that applications of weed control have been applied at several Township parks and retention basins. Kent Wise informed that the crews are inspecting and repairing when necessary the playground equipment at various Township parks. Kent Wise reported that the crews are cleaning and painting the trash barrels at the Community Park in preparation for Community Day. Kent Wise stated that the crews continue to work on the new playground structure that will be located at the Community Park, informing the footers for the new sixteen by sixteen foot structure were poured two weeks ago. Kent Wise indicated the crew was in the process of bolting the assembled portions of the playground structure to the footers and informed that the crew has also started assembling the metal roof. Kent Wise stated that when work slows down in November (after leaf clean-up season), the crew plans to dig out the center area of the playground structure and install pavers to create a permanent bed for the structure. Kent Wise reported that there would be funds available in next year's budget to expand the pavers and add benches and tables to create a shaded sitting area adjacent to the new structure. Michael Pillagalli stated that if there is a 2005 Park and Recreation Board budget surplus, those funds could be utilized to purchase the benches and tables for the new area. Michael Pillagalli asked Kent Wise to project out a cost for the new benches and tables so the members of the Park and Recreation Board can recommend directing any excess budget monies to cover this purchase. Kent Wise informed that the new playground structure was purchased at a cost of slightly less than $10,000. Kent Wise reported that the supervisors asked the crews to install the structure in order to save the Township $8,000 in installation costs. Mary Lou Enoches asked if Kent Wise had an estimate on the cost of having the Township crews install the new playground structure. Kent Wise stated that he did not have any idea of what that cost would be. Mary Lou Enoches stated that she continues to be amazed by the amount of work Kent Wise and his crews are able to complete in order to maintain and enhance the Township Parks.
Recreation: Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Recreation Program informed that the 2005 program ended on Friday (August 12th).
Ken Lehr informed that Al Roth would provide a final report on the 2005 program during the September Park and Recreation Board meeting. Ken Lehr reported disciplinary incidents that resulted in two campers being suspended during the final two weeks of the program.
Ken Lehr reporting on the new Teen Summer Recreation Program informed that the 2005 program ended on Friday, July 29th. Ken Lehr informed that questionnaires were given to
campers and parents of campers to obtain feedback on the first year of the new program.
Ken Lehr stated that the campers took the questionnaire very seriously and responded favorably to the new program. Ken Lehr indicated the campers liked the field trips but did not respond favorably to the community service activities. Additionally, Ken Lehr stated that the portable rock climbing activity was not a hit. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township planned to schedule only a few special activities for next year's program. Ken Lehr informed there were several instances where campers did not want to participate in planned activities. Counselors did not force the campers to participate. Ken Lehr reported that the Township limited the 2005 Teen Summer Recreation Program a six week program to ensure there were enough activities to keep the campers busy and indicated the Township is looking to offer an eight week program next year. Michael Pillagalli stated that everyone seemed to be pleased with the new program.
Friends of the Park: Megan Zug reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks informed the members are busy lining up volunteers for Community Day.
Harry Helms representing the American Legion Bernard F. Schlegel Post # 134 began the discussion on the request to locate a permanent flag disposal facility within one of the Township Parks
stating the proposed structure would be a stainless steel structure in the shape of a pyramid with a height of six feet and a foot-print in the area of four foot square.
The proposed structure would also include a hinged top with a magnetic cap to keep moisture (and vandals) out of the structure. Harry Helms indicated that he had lined up a concrete contactor that would install the footer for the proposed structure at no cost. Harry Helms indicated that he was looking for input/comments from the Township on the proposed permanent flag disposal facility. Michael Pillagalli stated that a decision on the feasibility of the proposed permanent flag disposal facility would come from the Board of Supervisors. Megan Zug stated that the proposed unit appears to be a larger structure than what was anticipated. Harry Helms indicated that it would be possible to scale back the size of the proposed unit to ¾ the original size. Mary Lou Enoches expressed concern that if the proposed structure were to be located within one of the Township Parks, the unit would need to be locked in order to keep children and vandals away. Bob Cifone expressed concern that children trying to climb the structure could be injured. Michael Pillagalli agreed that the Township could have a liability issue with the proposed permanent flag disposal facility. Mary Lou Enoches stated that the idea of a proposed permanent flag disposal facility is a great idea but expressed concern over such a facility being located within one of the Township Parks. Harry Helms suggested utilizing a portable structure that could be brought in for the flag burning ceremony. Harry Helms stated that the portable unit would require a four foot by four foot concrete pad. Kent Wise expressed concern over the size of the concrete pad and how that would impact the appearance of the park. Bob Cifone stated that a granite structure would have a better aesthetic presence in the park.
Old Business: Ken Lehr reporting on upcoming bus trips reviewed the survey results for the New York City, Washington, DC, and Yankee Stadium bus trips. The Township
received high marks on all 3 trips with sellouts on both the New York City and Yankee Stadium trips. Ken Lehr informed that several patrons asked about a return trip to Fenway Park to see the
Boston Red Sox play. Ken Lehr stated that he would look into the feasibility of a trip to Fenway Park if the Red Sox and Phillies play there next season.
Michael Pillagalli asked Ken Lehr how much time it took him to put together the survey/questionnaire for the 3 bus trips. Ken Lehr reported that it took about 1 ½ hours for the survey/questionnaire and stated the feedback from the documents is used to determine what trips the Township will offer in the future
Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Concert Series informed that 450 people attended the July 24th concert featuring the percussion band "Hip Pickles" and around 1,200 people attended the August 7th concert featuring "Blackthorn". The final concert for the 2005 program featuring "Country Joeb and the Honky Tonk Heroes" is scheduled for August 21st.
Information on the Summer Concert Series is listed below:
|
