West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
October 19, 2005
Minutes

Attending: Bob Cifone, Michael Dolan, Mary Lou Enoches, Jerry Napiecek, Michael Pillagalli, Ed Smith and Megan Zug

Township Representatives: Ken Lehr, Pat McIlvaine and Kent Wise

Meeting called to Order: 7:05 PM by Vice-chairman Jerry Napiecek

After a review of the minutes submitted for the September 21, 2005 meeting, a motion was made by Mary Lou Enoches to accept the minutes as submitted.  The motion was seconded by Michael Dolan and passed.

The Financial Report dated September 30, 2005 was reviewed.  Ken Lehr stated that line item #01451-82905 for "General Recreation Program" shows a lower used percent at the end of September than it did at the end of August. Ken Lehr reported that $3,000.00 of the funds from this budget line item was used to cover the initial cost of the Radio City Bus trip scheduled for December 12^th.  Ken Lehr informed the funds are being replenished when the tickets for the bus trip are sold. There were no other questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.

Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crews are busy cutting grass and grooming the ballfields at the various Township parks. Kent Wise reported work on the Township's haywagon, including building permanent sides, benches and steps has been completed.  Kent Wise indicated the Parks Crew has completed digging out the center area of the new playground structure at the Community Park.  About 40 ton of stone have been used to level the 900 square foot area in preparation for the installation of pavers.  Kent Wise informed that a sand base still needs to be completed before the pavers can be installed. The new pavers are identical to the ones in front of the Amphitheater. Kent Wise informed that barricades would be placed around the new playground structure until the pavers are installed. Kent Wise reported the Township has purchased new trees and shrubs for installation at the Community Park.  Kent Wise informed that the areas surrounding the Township Building have been aerated and over-seeded. Kent Wise reported 150 daffodil bulbs have been planted in beds surrounding the Township Building.  Another 150 daffodil bulbs have been purchased.   Kent Wise stated he plans to thin out the shrubs surrounding the Township Building and relocate them at the Community Park.  Ken Wise reported that the Parks Crew is getting ready for fall leaf clean-up duties that are planned to begin in two weeks.

Recreation: Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Recreation Program informed there was nothing new to report on the program at this time.

Ken Lehr reporting on the Teen Summer Recreation program informed that a field trip to the ACAC Fitness and Wellness Center would be added to the 2006 program.

Friends of the Park: Megan Zug reporting for The Friends of West Goshen Parks informed that the last quarterly meeting was postponed until November 3^rd. At that time The Friends of West Goshen Parks' Board of Directors will meet with consultant Susan Lohoefer; obtained with grant funding.  Susan Lohoefer has been contracted to provide training and assistance to The Friends of West Goshen Parks, focusing on recruitment, division of responsibility, communication and long range planning. Ken Lehr informed that Susan Lohoefer offered to share copies of her resume with anyone interested in reviewing her credentials. Megan Zug indicated that the Friends of West Goshen Parks are expecting a large turnout from their Board of Directors at the November 3^rd meeting.

Old Business: Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Concert Series informed that a 2005 wrap-up meeting attended by Mary Lou Enoches, Jerry Napiecek and Ed Smith was held prior to the October Park and Recreation Board meeting. The tentative dates for the 2006 Summer Concert Series are June 11^th, June 25^th, July 9^th, July 23^rd, August 6^th and August 20^th.  Ken Lehr informed that this schedule would not conflict with Father's Day or the Turk's Head Music Festival. Ken Lehr stated that the themes/performers being considered for the 2006 Summer Concert Series are Children's Night, Motown (Special Blendz), Big Band/Instrumental (U.S. Navy Jazz Band), Folk, Irish, and Salsa.  Ken Lehr stated this is the first time the Township would not offer a Country/Western theme concert as part of the program.  Mary Lou Enoches suggested the Township should consider advertising the Summer Concert Series in the West Chester Chamber of Commerce "Chatter" newsletter.  Ken Lehr indicated he would contact someone from the Chamber on this issue.

Ken Lehr reporting on Community Day informed the wrap-up meeting for the 2005 Community Day is scheduled for 6:00 PM on Wednesday, November 16^th prior to the Park and Recreation Board meeting. Ken Lehr indicated there is a possibility that he may not be able to attend the November 16^th meeting. Ken Lehr informed that at this time, the D.J. and required tents have been lined-up for the 2006 Community Day.  Ken Lehr stated that at this time, negotiations with the Greaseband to perform at the 2006 Community Day activities are on hold.  Jerry Napiecek made a motion for the Township to proceed with contracting the Greaseband to perform as the headline entertainment for 2006 Community Day.  The motion was seconded by Bob Cifone.  Megan Zug informed that the fundraising capabilities for The Friends of West Goshen Parks in 2006 are uncertain and stated that the Township should make sure the Greaseband is available to perform on the Community Day rain date before finalizing the contract.  Ken Lehr reported that the only other issue pertaining to Community Day would be determining the role of The Friends of West Goshen Parks for the 2006 event. Ken Lehr informed that Peggy Niemeyer has requested a meeting to determine/solidify the expectations.  Ken Lehr stated that he would contact Peggy Niemeyer and invite her to attend the November Park and Recreation Board meeting and create an agenda item for discussion on the role of The Friends of West Goshen Parks in 2006.

 Ken Lehr reporting on Movie Nights informed that 250 people attended October 15^th presentation of "The Wizard of Oz". This was the final showing for the 2005 season. Ken Lehr informed that the Township is planning to purchase a new projector for next year stating the sound port on the current projector no longer works when connected to the soundboard.  Information on Movie Nights is listed below:

Date

Movie

Location

Attendance

September 17th

Racing Stripes

Community Park

60

October 1st

Madagascar

Community Park

1,000

October 15th

The Wizard of Oz

Community Park

250

Ken Lehr reporting on Harvest Day informed that the pumpkins would be purchased next Tuesday, October 25^th.  Bob Cifone stated there is a good supply of pumpkins available at a reasonable price this year.  Ken Lehr indicated that he would utilize Phil and Linda Hicks haywagon as a stage for the planned entertainment stating this arrangement worked well last year.  Additionally, Ken Lehr informed that the Township also planned to borrow East Goshen's haywagon to go along with West Goshen Township's new haywagon.  Jerry Napiecek volunteered to be the "MC" for this year's event.  Ken Lehr stated that he would purchase the cider for Harvest Day and asked if anyone would be able to assist with warming the cider prior to the event. Michael Pillagalli offered to provide help with the cider. Ken Lehr stated he still needed to line up judges for the scarecrow making contest. All volunteers are asked to arrive at Coopersmith Park by noon to help with preparations and set up the pumpkin patch. Harvest Day activities are scheduled from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, October 30^th rain or shine.

Ken Lehr reporting on upcoming bus trips informed there are about thirty seats remaining for the December 3^rd open bus trip to New York and two seats remaining for the December 12^th trip to Radio City Music Hall.  Ken Lehr informed that the Township has lined up two buses for the December 3^rd trip.

Michael Pillagalli began a discussion on the September 24^th walk of the Jerrehian property informing twelve to fifteen people (including the groundskeeper and two representatives for Pulte Builders) participated in an extensive tour of the property.  Park and Recreation Board representatives Michael Pillagalli, Les Bair and Megan Zug participated in the tour.   Michael Pillagalli informed that around 120 acres of open space will be coming to the Township as part of the development plan and indicated the mansion was not sold to the developer.   Megan Zug stated the property contains a very diverse landscape. Ken Lehr indicated the property contains hills and running water.  He said the Township's desire at this time is to utilize the 120 acres for passive recreation.  Additionally, Ken Lehr reported gravel trails already exist as part of a nice trail network within the property and stated liability issues exist with the ponds and streams located on the property. Ken Lehr reported that the section of property containing the serpentine barrens contains a number of endangered plant and butterfly species.  Pat McIlvaine informed that a representative from Pulte Builders indicated the serpentine barrens would remain as a protected area.  Michael Pillagalli indicated that the proposed development plan for the property would contain 3 separate development areas similar to the Herhsey's Mill community. The members of the Park and Recreation Board expressed concern over the impact the proposed development would have on the local traffic. Michael Pillagalli stated there is no parking and/or bathroom facilities planned at this time that would allow the public access to the 120 acres the Township will be receiving and asked how the Park and Recreation Board should convey their concerns over this and other issues to the Board of Supervisors.  Pat McIlvaine indicated she would make sure the concerns of the Park and Recreation Board are heard. Mary Lou Enoches expressed concern that residents living in the planned 1 million dollar homes would have people constantly walking through or close to their properties to utilize the proposed walking trails that would be part of the passive recreation area. Michael Pillagalli asked if it would be possible for the Township to utilize some of the open space income ($2,500 per house) to purchase additional land from the developer. Bob Cifone asked if some of the funds in the Capital Reserve Fund could be used to purchase additional land from the developer.

New Business: Ken Lehr began discussion on the upcoming Holiday Breakfast with Santa at the Stadium Grill informing that the event was tentatively scheduled for two days (Saturday, December 17^th and 18^th.) in response to the  2004 event being sold out.  Ken Lehr stated the visit by Santa to the Community Park is also scheduled for December 17^th.  Ken Lehr suggested shifting the event to December 10^th and 11^th.  Mary Lou Enoches asked if it would be possible to have the Stadium Grille provide the food but have the event at a larger facility so only one seating would be required. Ken Lehr suggested this would increase the cost of the event by adding a facility fee to the cost of food above and beyond what the Township would pay to hold it at the Stadium Grille. Ken Lehr indicated the price for admission last year was $5.00 per person and asked for recommendations on how much the Township should charge for this year's event. Ken Lehr stated the cost to the Township is $9.00 to $10.00 per person. Michael Pillagalli suggested bumping up the price to $8.00 per person and offer one seating. Ken Lehr stated he would plan for one seating and indicated if the event sells out early, the Township would be able to add an additional date.

 Michael Pillagalli reported he received a phone call from Steve Berger of Goshen Terrace about a foot bridge Mr. Berger installed over the stream adjacent to Coopersmith Park.  Mr. Berger informed that he was told by the Township that the bridge would need to be removed because he had not obtained the required permits. Kent Wise stated that Mr. Berger needs to contact the Township Engineer on this issue. Kent Wise informed that as a result of the dispute over the walking bridge, Mr. Berger had his property surveyed and the results indicate that a 10 to 20 foot section of Coopersmith Park (one volleyball court pole) is on Goshen Terrace property.  Kent Wise stated that at this time, the Township has stopped maintaining a ten to twenty foot section of property and indicated he would be happy to comply with whatever Mr. Berger wants the Township to do with the property.

Ken Lehr reported that he has an email list comprised from people attending West Goshen Township Bus trips and indicated he was planning to send out updates from the Township on a regular basis.  Ken Lehr indicated he would add the members of the Park and Recreation Board to the email list.

Ken Lehr reported that he met with Corey Weigerbauer from ACAC about a Senior Water Walking program currently being offered for residents of East Goshen Township. Ken Lehr indicated that West Goshen Township is planning to offer 4 week sessions in February, March and May at a cost of $25.00 per person.

Ken Lehr asked the members of the Park and Recreation Board to contact Sandy Turley and let her know if they are planning to attend the appreciation dinner scheduled for Friday, October 28^th.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 PM.  The next meeting is scheduled for November 16, 2005.

     Respectfully Submitted,
     Ed Smith

Copyright 2008, West Goshen Twp.