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West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
February 15, 2006
Minutes
Attending: Michael Dolan, Jerry Napiecek, Michael Pillagalli and Ed Smith
Township Representatives: Ken Lehr and Kent Wise
Public Representatives: Robert Bell (Church Softball League representative)
Meeting called to Order: 7:15 PM by Chairman Jerry Napiecek
After a review of the minutes submitted for the January 18, 2006 meeting, Ken Lehr asked to update the minutes on page 2 within the section pertaining to the Summer Concert Series to state "the
entertainment for the Children's Night (Makin Music) and Motown (Special Blendz) have been contacted". Additionally, Ken Lehr stated that Peggy Niemeyer did not attend the January 18th meeting and requested to have minutes updated to reflect that change. A motion was made by Michael Pillagalli to accept the minutes with the revision. The motion was seconded by Michael Dolan and passed.
The Financial Report dated January 31, 2006 was reviewed. There were no questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.
Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crew is continuing efforts cleaning, sanding, and repainting the trash barrels located at the various Township parks.
Kent Wise informed that the crew has also made repairs to the park sign at Hamlet Crest Park. Kent Wise stated that the Township has purchased a new miter saw that is be utilized to construct new picnic tables and make repairs to the existing picnic tables. Kent Wise indicated that four new picnic tables have already been completed and informed he planned to pick up the materials to build another four tables tomorrow (February 16th).
Kent Wise stated he would like to replace all of the existing oak picnic tables because they are too heavy. Kent Wise reported that the crew was busy cleaning up the uprooted locust trees at Coopersmith Park and performing cleanup tasks at Box Elder Park and the portion of Stoneybrook Park along School House Lane. Kent Wise informed that the Township has ordered a new pick-up truck (replacement) and utility tractor (replacement). Kent Wise reported the Township experienced vandalism at Coopersmith Park when someone tried to drive a vehicle through the park, damaging some of the tie walls and eventually getting stuck making a mess of the playground area. Kent Wise indicated the perpetrator has been cited for these actions. Additionally, Kent Wise informed the crew discovered several four-wheelers in Coopersmith Park while plowing Spring Lane after the last snow storm. Ken Wise stated that the four-wheelers came from the adjacent trailer park and utilized the new foot bridge installed by Goshen Terrace over the stream adjacent to Coopersmith Park to gain access to the park. Kent Wise informed that one of the four-wheelers actually ran into the back of a Township truck and indicated that the police have apprehended everyone involved with this incident. Kent Wise reported that Richard Craig is still working to resolve the permit issue(s) associated with the new footbridge.
Recreation: Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Recreation Program informed thata Summer Camp Expo is planned for tomorrow (February 16th) from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at
Exton Elementary School.
Ken Lehr reported confirmation letters have been set out to returning counselors and indicated applications would be accepted through the first week of March. Ken Lehr informed that about 80% of the letters are returned during the last week of the acceptance window and indicated the Township had received three responses to date.
Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Teen Program said that confirmation letters have been set out to returning counselors.
He indicated that applications would be accepted through the first week of March. Ken Lehr stated that increasing the program from six to eight weeks should expand the pool of candidates for the counselor positions.
Friends of the Park: Ken Lehr reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks informed that he expects to receive the first draft of a report from consultant Susan Lohoefer this
week. Ken Lehr stated that the plan is to formally present the contents of the report the 1st or 2nd week of March.
Old Business: Ken Lehr reporting on the Senior Water Aerobics sessions at ACAC informed the February and March sessions are filled and the May session is starting to fill
up. The cost for the session is $25.00 per person and there is capacity in each session for six people. Because of the registration limitations, participants may sign up for only one month of
the sessions. Return participants may sign up for May sessions beginning April 3, 2006 if space permits.
Ken Lehr reporting on the March 4th Teen Night at ACAC informed that registration for the event is slow (three to date). Ken Lehr informed advertising for the event consisted of fliers and posters being sent to all of the area high schools and middle schools, and direct mailings to all Summer Teen Program participants as well as participants of the Summer Recreation Program that were twelve years old last year. Ken Lehr stated the goal is to have at least fifty people attend the inaugural event and grow the program through word-of-mouth. The Teen Night at ACAC is scheduled for Saturday, March 4th from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Ken Lehr indicated the Township is looking for volunteers to help staff check-in and check-out. Jerry Napiecek and Michael Pillagalli indicated they would check their schedules to see if they would be available to provide support for the event. Ken Lehr informed that the deadline for registration is February 27th and indicated the Township would accept walk-ups as long as the parents were present and ACAC offers their approval.
Ken Lehr reporting on upcoming bus trips informed that Jerry Napiecek would be the bus captain for the May 27th trip to Yankee Stadium. Ken Lehr stated the Township is planning fall bus trips that include a September 30th return to Yankee Stadium, a November 4th trip to Washington D.C. (joint venture with the borough of West Chester), a December 2nd open trip to New York City and a December 11th trip to Radio City Music Hall. Finally, Ken Lehr indicated the Township is looking at the possibility of offering a trip to Washington DC (joint venture with the Borough of West Chester) in the spring to view the cherry blossoms.
Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Concert Series informed that the Township had given the agent for Janis Ian a deadline of February 15th for a decision on her availability for the planned folk concert. If Janis Ian is not available, the Township has the option of having "Makin' Music" perform at the children's concert and John Flynn perform at the folk concert, or having John Flynn perform at the children's concert and Jeffery Gaines perform at the folk concert. Ken Lehr stated that both of the latter option would result in two of the concerts having a one person act as the featured performer. Michael Dolan stated his preference would be to have John Flynn perform at the children's concert and Jeffery Gaines perform at the folk concert. The Township would continue to utilize members of "Makin' Music" for Harvest Day. Ken Lehr informed that the U.S. Navy Jazz Band would be available to perform on June 25th, stating this is the last concert prior to the 4th of July. Ken Lehr reported he had contacted representatives from "Blackthorn" for their availability to perform at the proposed Irish concert and indicated the Township was still trying to line up entertainment for the planned Latin concert. The dates for the 2006 Summer Concert Series are June 11th, June 25th, July 9th, July 23rd, August 6th and August 20th.
Ken Lehr reporting on Community Day informed that Mary Lou Enoches's contact was not interested in taking over the crafter efforts for Community Day. Ken Lehr said the Township still needs to
identify a volunteer for this task.
He indicated he would be willing to provide help with the logistics but did not want to be the primary contact for the crafters. Jerry Napiecek asked if anyone knew of someone that may be willing to help with this task. Ken Lehr asked the members of the Park and Recreation board to provide him with the names of potential volunteers within the next two weeks. Ken Lehr stated that he would follow-up with Peggy Niemeyer to obtain her crafter contact information and identify the associated responsibilities required. Michael Pillagalli stated that he would be willing to take on the responsibilities if they only require taking a printed version of the contact and mailing the document to the corresponding crafters. Kent Wise stated the Township also must consider the needs of handicapped crafters that include identifying easy accessible locations for their exhibits. Michael Pillagalli asked if this information could be spelled out in the contract. Finally, Ken Lehr informed the band "Just In Time" could not provide a demo tape for review and stated he would like to pursue The Chatterband for the Community Day headline entertainment.
Ken Lehr reporting on the new Township skatepark informed that he contacted Dave Fairman and provided him with an update on what the Township is planning for the new park.
Ken Lehr informed that Dave Fairman would be involved with the opening activities for the new skatepark. Ken Lehr indicated the building currently being constructed at the site is for storage and the skatepark attendant. Michael Pillagalli suggested taking a look at the plans for the new skatepark to make sure everyone is okay, expressing concern over both the parking and lavatory facilities. The school district is currently scheduled to provide the lavatory facilities as part of the athletic fields also planned for the site. Michael Pillagalli expressed concern that the facilities could be lost if /when the athletic fields are developed for a new elementary school. Kent Wise stated that the storage area currently under development could be converted into lavatory facilities if/when the athletic fields are developed. Kent Wise informed that the Township is targeting a May opening for the new skatepark. Michael Pillagalli asked if the Township had started looking for an attendant at this time. Ken Lehr indicated advertisements for the new position(s) were placed in the Township Newsletter and indicated he planned to post an advertisement at Dave Fairman's shops. Ken Lehr stated the applicants would be first aid certified and reported that the Township had received two applications to date.
New Business: Ken Lehr reporting on the Egg Hunt and Decorated Hat Parade informed he would distribute bags containing Easter eggs along with assorted candy to each Park and
Recreation Board member at the March Park and Recreation Board meeting. The Egg Hunt is scheduled for Saturday, April 8th at 10:30 AM with a raindate of Saturday, April 15th.
Ken Lehr reporting on the Battle of the Bands informed this year's event is scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Saturday, May 6th at the Community Park. Ken Lehr stated the Township is looking for judges that have a background in music education and/or have performed in a band. Ken Lehr informed that the winning band would be offered a chance to perform at Community Day.
Ken Lehr reported that ACAC asked the Township to participate with the Arthritis Foundation's exercise programs specifically designed for people with arthritis.
In March and April, a land-based exercise program including range of motion, strengthening and relaxation exercises, and health education would be offered. In June and July, an aquatic program providing a recreational series of gentle exercises in the pool would be offered. Through special arrangement with ACAC, West Goshen residents who sign up for either program through the West Goshen Park and Recreation Department would pay $100 per eight-week session, a $19 savings off the regular non-member price.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for March 15, 2006.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ed Smith
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