July 20, 2005

West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
July 20, 2005
Minutes

Attending: Les Bair, Michael Dolan, Mary Lou Enoches, Jerry Napiecek, Ed Smith and Megan Zug

Township Representatives: Ken Lehr, Pat McIlvaine, and Kent Wise

Friends of the Park: Peggy Niemeyer

Public Representatives: Harry Helms and Marvin Baughman from the American Legion Post #134

Meeting called to Order: 7:01 PM by Vice-Chairman Jerry Napiecek

After a review of the minutes submitted for the June 15, 2005 meeting, Les Bair asked to update the "Attending" section on page 1 of the minutes to indicate she was in attendance for the June 15, 2005 meeting. A motion was made by Mary Lou Enoches to accept the minutes with the revision. The motion was seconded by Michael Dolan and passed.

The Financial Report dated June 30, 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 informed that the crews are currently cutting back the wood line at Box Elder and Basin Road Parks along with the right of way at Barker Park. Kent Wise reported that 25 tons of sand has been added to the volleyball pit at the Community Park. Kent Wise informed the crews have completed digging up the blacktop on selected paved areas of the Community Park to repair sink-holes. Additionally, the crews completed painting the pillars on the Community Park signs located at the corner of Fern Hill Road and N. Five Points Road. Kent Wise indicated that the crews are also doing tree work at Richard C. Cloud Park. Kent Wise reported that the second of four fertilizer treatments (crabgrass control) have been applied at the Community Park, Hallowell Field, and Richard C. Cloud Park. Kent Wise stated that this year's summer help is working out great. Jerry Napiecek asked if anything had been decided on the housing proposal for the Margarita's site next to Coopersmith Park. Pat McIlvaine informed that the Board of Supervisors has not voted on any proposal for the land at this time. Pat McIlvaine indicated that the parcel of land included a liquor license with the value in the area of $300,000. Pat McIlvaine stated that the Township would not consider purchasing the property for that price. Kent Wise informed that events like the Easter Egg Hunt and Harvest Day need the parking capacity that is currently available at Margarita's stating those events would need to be moved to another location if the property is developed.

Recreation: Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Recreation Program informed that the 2005 program is at the midway point stating everything is going well to date. Ken Lehr indicated that Barker Park is at full capacity, the Community Park has 120 campers registered (down from last year) and Coopersmith Park has 80+ registered (up from last year). The 2005 Summer Recreation Program began on June 20^th and is scheduled to run through August 12^th.

Ken Lehr reporting on the new Summer Teen Recreation Program informed that 33 teens registered for the new program. Ken Lehr stated that the new program is doing OK informing that there are still some growing pains resulting from campers returning later than expected from a canoe trip. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township is re-evaluating how to do future field trips. Ken Lehr reported that the campers are working on Community Service projects each week and informed that the new mural on the Concession Stand is the result of one of the projects. Ken Lehr reported that the initial Summer Teen Recreation Program will end next Friday (July 29^th). Finally, Ken Lehr informed that the Summer Teen Recreation Committee would schedule a follow-up meeting to review the results from the first year of the new program.

Friends of the Park: Megan Zug reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks informed the organization has secured their target goal of $7,500 in sponsorship to help cover the cost of the Summer Concert Series. Megan Zug indicated that the Friends are still looking to secure additional sponsorship for Community Day. Peggy Niemeyer indicated that the Friends are looking to line up volunteers to support Community Day activities. Megan Zug informed that there are currently 48 members in the organization and stated the goal is to attract new members and volunteers. Finally, Ken Lehr informed that Megan Zug has been appointed to fill one of the vacant positions on the Park and Recreation Board. Ken Lehr informed that the appointment would also fill a requirement of having a member from the Park and Recreation Board serve on the Friends of West Goshen Parks Board of Directors.

Old Business: Ken Lehr reporting on upcoming bus trips informed that 54 people attended the June 18^th open bus trip (drop-off and pick-up) to New York City indicating the trip was sold out and went well. Ken Lehr indicated that 40 people attended the July 16^th open bus trip (drop-off and pick-up) to Washington, DC informing this trip was also well received. Ken Lehr indicated that he would have the surveys available from both trips for review at the August Park and Recreation Board meeting. Ken Lehr informed that the initial response to the trips were favorable with several patrons suggesting that future trips to Washington, DC leave at an earlier time giving more time to enjoy the Smithsonian Institute museums. Finally, Ken Lehr informed that the July 31^st trip to Yankee Stadium (1 bus) has also been sold out.

Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Concert Series informed that the next concert is scheduled for July 24^th featuring the percussion band "Hip Pickles". Ken Lehr asked the members of the Park and Recreation Board to sign up to provide support for one or more of the remaining concerts. Information on the Summer Concert Series is listed below:

Date	Theme	Featured Performers	Location	Attendance
June 12th	Something for the Children	Cat's Pajamas	Community Park	250
June 26th	Concert Band	The Chester County Concert Band	Community Park	200
July 10th	Motown Revisited	Special Blendz	Community Park	800
July 24th	Percussion Virtuosos	Hip Pickles	Community Park
August 7th	Irish Rock Concert	Blackthorn	Community Park
August 21st	A Little Bit Country	Country Joe and the Honkey Tonk Heroes	Community Park

Ken Lehr reporting on 2005 Community Day informed that the Township would proceed with the suggestion from the June Park and Recreation Board meeting to add a West Goshen resident "exhibit your talent" exhibition in an effort to attract new patrons and sponsors. Ken Lehr indicated that information pertaining to the new exhibition would be displayed in the next Township Newsletter. Ken Lehr suggested having the next Community Day planning session before the August 17^th Park and Recreation Board meeting. The members of the Park and Recreation Board agreed to meet at 6:00 PM on August 17^th to continue planning for the 2005 Community Day. Ken Lehr confirmed that the Stadium Grille would again be the primary food vendor for Community Day and indicated he would also confirm that K&G would be providing pizza at this year's event. Ken Lehr informed that he had been in touch with the Health Inspector and indicated he would secure and complete the paperwork for the license required for operating the soda cart. Peggy Niemeyer reported that 17 crafters have signed up to participate in the 2005 Community Day to date.

Ken Lehr reporting on Movie Nights informed that the Township is planning to present three nights of family friendly movies during this year's program. The movies selected for this year's program includes "Racing Stripes", "Madagascar" and "The Wizard of Oz". Ken Lehr informed that the Township dropped plans to present "Kicking and Screaming" because the movie would not be available in a 16 mm copy. Ken Lehr reported the Township would add a fourth move if "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' is available in October. Information on Movie Nights is listed below:

Date	Movie	Location	Attendance
September 17th	Racing Stripes	Community Park
October 1st	Madagascar	Community Park
October 15th	The Wizard of Oz	Community Park

Ken Lehr reporting on Harvest Day informed that this year's activities are scheduled from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, October 30^th stating there would be no conflict with the Eagles schedule this year. Ken Lehr indicated that there is nothing additional to report on Harvest Day at this time.

Harry Helms representing the American Legion Bernard F. Schlegel Post # 134 displayed at 1/3 scale model of a proposed permanent flag disposal facility that could be located within one of the Township Parks. Harry Helms stated the actual unit would have a height of about 4 feet and be covered with marble and/or stainless steel. Harry Helms indicated that he has not been able to secure a cost estimate on the proposed unit at this time. Ken Lehr expressed concern that the proposed flag disposal facility would be susceptible to vandalism if located within one of the Township Parks. Jerry Napiecek stated the idea for a permanent flag disposal facility has merit and stated the request would need to go before the Board of Supervisors for approval. Les Bair indicated funding for the proposed unit would be an issue. Mary Lou Enoches suggested that some of the local clubs could provide funding to offset the cost of the project. Marvin Baughman indicated that a unit constructed out of concrete would hold moisture and that the heat generated by the unit in conjunction with the moisture would damage the concrete over time. Jerry Napiecek suggested a design that included marble siding and a marble lid over the burning area would reduce the risk of damage by keeping moisture out of the unit.

New Business: Ken Lehr reminded the members of the Park and Recreation Board that the August 17^th meeting would be held in meeting room "B" at the West Goshen Township Building.

Ed Smith asked if Township representatives would again be supporting the pocketbook booth at the Goshen Fair. Ken Lehr confirmed the Township would be supporting the booth again this year and requested that anyone interested in volunteering time to assist with the running of the booth contact Sandy Turley to reserve the desired time slot(s).

Pat McIlvaine informed that the Board of Supervisors are looking at the feasibility of having a "Township Tent" at Community Day where members from the Board of Supervisors, the Park and Recreation Board and other Township representatives would be available to provide information on Township news, public information and answer questions. Pat McIlvaine indicated that the purpose of the exhibit would be providing non-partisan information to people attending Community Day. Pat McIlvaine informed that she along with Ed Meakim and other Township representatives have committed to participate in this endeavor.

Pat McIlvaine informed that she attended a Planning meeting on the 400 acre Jerrehian property and indicated the Township would like to set up time during the last two weeks in September to allow members from the Park and Recreation Board to walk the property to get a better idea of where there are opportunities/areas that could be utilized for passive recreation. Ken Lehr and Jerry Napiecek expressed interest in participating in a walk of the property.

Public representative Marvin Baughman offered thanks to Kent Wise and his crews for keeping the Veterans Memorial at the Community Park in excellent condition.

Jerry Napiecek informed that he has received many compliments on the condition and appearance of the Township's baseball fields and offered thanks to Kent Wise and his crews on doing an outstanding job with the fields.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for August 17, 2005.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ed Smith



	Copyright 2008, West Goshen Twp.