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West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
November 16, 2005
Minutes
Attending: Bob Cifone, Michael Dolan, Mary Lou Enoches, Jerry Napiecek, Michael Pillagalli, Ed Smith and Megan Zug
Township Representatives: Sharon Lynn, Pat McIlvaine and Kent Wise
Friends of the Park: Peggy Niemeyer and Mary Ann Gemmill
Meeting called to Order: 7:00 PM by Chairman Michael Pillagalli
After a review of the minutes submitted for the October 19, 2005 meeting, a motion was made by Megan Zug Mary to accept the minutes as submitted.
The motion was second by Lou Enoches and passed.
The Financial Report dated October 31, 2005 was reviewed. There were no questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.
Parks:
Kent Wise reported that the crews are three weeks into their fall leaf clean-up efforts and indicated he expects the crews to spend another two weeks to complete this task. Kent Wise informed the crews would also need to cut the grass at the various Township Parks on more time this season. Kent Wise indicated the job to install pavers in the center area of the new playground structure at the Community Park is complete stating the final product looks good. Additionally, the block wall adjacent to the new playground structure has been replaced by a new landscape tie wall. Kent Wise indicated that crews still need to complete their efforts on the new landscape tie wall in the back of the Community Park (near the dump site) stating work on this project will be limited to good weather days during the winter. Kent Wise reported that the baseball fields at the Community Park and Cloud Park have been aerated and the infield base paths maintained with diamond text and TURFACE (sports field conditioners). Kent Wise informed that some of the Township Building shrubs located close to Paoli Pike and 5 Points Road were either relocated closer to the building or moved to the Community Park. Kent Wise informed the crews are performing "winter maintenance" on the Township's snow removal equipment in preparation for the upcoming season. Kent Wise reported the building at Barker Park vandalized by spray paint has been cleaned up. Additionally, Kent Wise informed that vandals started a fire in one of the Playground structures at Coopersmith Park informing the "tube slide" damaged in the incident has been temporarily repaired pending the receipt of the permanent replacement parts. Finally, Kent Wise indicated the foot bridge installed without the proper permits over the stream adjacent to Coopersmith Park is still in place.
Recreation:
Michael Pillagalli reporting on the Summer Recreation Program informed a wrap-up meeting to review the 2005 program has taken place and indicated the Township would be sending out letters to returning councilors prior to the January Park and Recreation Board meeting.
Michael Pillagalli reporting on the Teen Summer Recreation program informed a wrap-up meeting to review the 2005 program has taken place and indicated the Township would be sending out letters
to returning councilors prior to the January Park and Recreation Board meeting.
Friends of the Park: Megan Zug reporting for the Friends informed that the November 3rd meeting attended by Officers and Board members of the Friends, Township representatives and consultant Susan Lohoefer was very productive. Megan Zug informed that Susan Lohoefer plans to meet individually with the Officers and Board members during the month of December with the goal to have recommendations focusing on recruitment, division of responsibility, communication and long range planning by January 2006. Megan Zug informed that at this time, the Friends would commit to providing a minimum of $5,000.00 in funding for the 2006 Summer Concert Series even if their fund raising efforts fall below this amount. Megan Zug stated that any find raising surplus (greater than $5,000.00) would go to the 2006 Summer Concert Series. Megan Zug reported that voting for the Friends Board positions is underway informing the ballets were mailed early this week (November 14th).
Old Business: Michael Pillagalli reporting on the Summer Concert Series informed the tentative dates for the 2006 Summer Concert Series are June 11th, June 25th, July 9th, July 23rd, August 6th and August 20th.
Michael Pillagalli stated that the themes/performers being considered for the 2006 Summer Concert Series are Children's Night (Makin Music), Motown (Special Blendz), Big Band/Instrumental (U.S. Navy Jazz
Band), Folk, Irish and Latin. The Children's Concert will be the first concert (June 11th) to tie in with the end of the school year.
Michael Pillagalli indicated the Township has contacted the agent of Janis Ian to see if the performer would be available for any of the 2006 concert dates. At this time, Janis Ian would be available to perform at either the July 23rd or August 6th concerts. If the Township contracts Janis Ian to perform for this year's Summer Concert Series, the Township would line-up a "modestly" priced band to perform at the Irish concert. If Janis Ian does not perform as part of the 2006 program, the Township would like to contract Blackthorn to perform at the Irish concert. Michael Pillagalli indicated the Township is still looking for a band to perform at the proposed Latin concert.
Michael Pillagalli began a discussion on Community Day by asking Peggy Niemeyer to provide a review for the 2005 program.
Peggy Niemeyer informed that 664 sand jars and 520 kids' crafts were completed at this year's event. Peggy Niemeyer indicated that there were 6 options for the kids' crafts based on age and difficulty. The number of kids' crafts for the 2005 program is down about 100 from the prior year. Peggy Niemeyer indicated the decline is in part due to increased competition from the inflatable rides since they were located on the hill between the gazebo and the amphitheater. Peggy Niemeyer stated more signs advertising the kids' crafts need to be placed throughout the Community Park during Community Day. Peggy Niemeyer reported that 43 volunteers and 34 crafters participated in the 2005 event and indicated the Friends made over $2,000 from the crafters. Peggy Niemeyer indicated that she would be stepping down from her Community Day duties in 2006 citing too much time commitment as the reason. Additionally, Peggy Niemeyer indicated that Holly Niemeyer would continue to support the kids' crafts in 2006 and indicated she is waiting for recommendations from Susan Lohoefer (consultant) on how to recruit more volunteers to support these activities. Peggy Niemeyer expressed concern that the rain date for the 2006 Community Day conflicts with the West Chester Restaurant Festival and stated more advertising is needed to make people aware of Community Day. Michael Pillagalli asked Sharon Lynn when the Spring Newsletter is mailed out and asked if advertisement for Community Day could be included. Sharon Lynn informed that the Township already lists the date for Community Day in the Spring Newsletter. Pat McIlvaine suggested the Township could place the 2006 Community Day date in the Daily Local News's free calendar and recommended having the Community Day sponsors list the date for the 2006 program within their advertisements. The members of the Park and recreation Board suggested having the next Community Day planning meeting at 6:00 PM on January, 18th prior to the Park and Recreation Board meeting. Megan Zug stated that since Peggy Niemeyer is stepping down and know one else is willing at this time to take on the responsibilities associated with the crafters, the Township should be looking at other adult activities (Health Expo, antique cars etc.) to replace the crafters. Michael Pillagalli informed that he always hears positive comments and praise on the organization for the crafters at Community Day and stated the Township would greatly miss Peggy Niemeyer's guidance and commitment. On behalf of the entire Park and Recreation Board, Michael Pillagalli offered thanks to Peggy Niemeyer for her efforts. Mary Lou Enoches indicated she knows someone that may be willing to take over the crafters efforts for Community Day. Sharon Lynn asked if the person was a resident of West Goshen Township. Mary Lou Enoches indicated she was not sure asking if being a resident of West Goshen Township was a requirement. Sharon Lynn indicated it was not a requirement. Michael Pillagalli reported that the "Grease Band" is not available to perform on the Community day rain date and indicated in the event of inclement weather, the Township could either re-schedule the "Grease Band" performance for October 1st or move the concert inside to the East High School Audi- torium. Michael Pillagalli stated another option is to look into other acts to perform at Community Day (Jelly Roll or The Chatterband). Mary Lou Enoches informed she knows a band ("Just In Time") that may be a good fit for Community Day at a reasonable price and indicated she would pass on the contact information.
Michael Pillagalli reporting on Harvest Day informed that around 600 people attended this year's event.
Michael Pillagalli informed that due to the "reasonable" price for the purchase of this year's pumpkins, the Township was able to allow each participant to take home multiple pumpkins. Michael Pillagalli stated that due to the impending sale of the Margarita's Restaurant property (including the parking lot); the Township may not be able to hold the Harvest Day activities at Coopersmith Park next year.
Michael Pillagalli reporting on upcoming bus trips informed that a second bus has been added to the December 12th trip to Radio City Music Hall and indicated there are about 20 seats remaining at this time. Mary Lou Enoches volunteered to be the bus captain for this trip. Michael Pillagalli indicated the Township still needs to line up a bus captain for the December 3rd open bus trip to New York.
Michael Pillagalli reporting on the Holiday Breakfast with Santa at the Stadium Grill informed that 27 people have already registered to attend this year's event. Michael Pillagalli
distributed a sign-up sheet asking for volunteers to support this year's event. The Holiday Breakfast with Santa activities are scheduled from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 10th.
New Business: Michael Pillagalli reported that the Township would offer two 4 week Senior Water Aerobics sessions at ACAC. Session #1 will be offered on February 7th, 9th, 14th, 16th, 21st, 23rd, 28th and March 2nd. Session #2 will be offered on March 7th, 9th, 14th, 16th, 21st, 23rd,
28th and 30th. The cost for each session is $25.00 per person.
Michael Pillagalli informed the West Goshen Park and Recreation Department, in conjunction with West Whiteland and East Goshen Park and Recreation Departments and the West Chester Recreation
Department would be offering a "Teen Night" at ACAC on Saturday, March 4th from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM. The event will feature volleyball and basketball activities, use of ACAC's indoor pools, a DJ and dance floor and a pizza party.
Sharon Lynn indicated that the Board of Supervisors would like to take a look at the Township's current Fee structure for Pavilion rental (picnics). Sharon Lynn indicated that many
cooperate events are being held at the Township's Parks and stated the Fee structure needed to be evaluated. Mary Lou Enoches indicated she did not realize how many people utilize the Parks and
stated it is a good idea to review the Fee structure. The members of the Park and Recreation Board commended Ken Lehr for his efforts in creating the 2005 Picnic Pavillion Use Report. Michael
Pillagalli recommended providing the Board of Supervisors with a copy of this report for their review.
Bob Cifone suggested the Fee Structure for picnics should include consideration for the number of people attending the event.
Michael Pillagalli began the discussion on the 2006 officer positions informing that he had discussions with several members of the Park and Recreation Board pertaining to the position of chair
for 2006. Jerry Napiecek expressed a willingness to serve as the chair for the Park and Recreation Board in 2006. Mary Lou Enoches indicated she would be willing to serve as vice-chair. Ed
Smith informed that he would be willing to serve another term as the secretary. The members of the Park and Recreation Board nominated Jerry Napiecek (chair), Mary Lou Enoches (vice-chair) and Ed
Smith (secretary) for the year 2006 Park and Recreation Board officer positions. Jerry Napiecek informed he has been a member of the Park and Recreation Board for 4 ½ years and stated he hopes he can do
as good a job as the previous chairs (Michael Pillagalli and Bob Cifone) and indicated he would be soliciting advise from them during the upcoming year. Ed Smith offered thanks to Michael
Pillagalli for the outstanding job he did over the last 2 years serving a chair for the Park and Recreation Board.
Sharon Lynn offered thanks to Michael Pillagalli for his efforts over the last 2 years and to Peggy and Holly Niemeyer for their efforts on behalf of the Friends.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for January 18th 2006.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ed Smith
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