West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
July 19, 2006
Minutes

Attending: Bob Cifone, Mary Lou Enoches, Jerry Napiecek, and Megan Zug

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

Public Representatives: Matt and Peter Edwards – local Boy Scout and his father

Meeting called to Order: 7:03 PM by Chairman Jerry Napiecek

After a review of the minutes submitted for the June 21, 2006 meeting, a motion was made by Bob Cifone to accept the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Jerry Napiecek and passed.

The Financial Report dated June 30, 2006 was reviewed. Ken Lehr and Sharon Lynn answered questions pertaining to the purpose and source of funds for the various accounts listed on the Financial Report. There were no additional questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.

Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crews spent the majority of time over the last four weeks preparing the Robert E Lambert Park for the July 16^th grand opening. The majority of the remaining time was spent cutting the grass and taking care of the ballfields at the various Township parks. Kent Wise said the installation of the new swings and see-saw at Community Park has been completed. All of the new equipment is working well.  Kent Wise reported that the recent storms resulted in a loss of a crabapple tree at Community Park.  Kent Wise stated that the crew has also spent time cleaning up after the latest round of bad weather.

Recreation: Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Recreation Program informed that the Township had received a letter from Al Roth informing of his decision to resign from his duties as Summer Recreation Coordinator upon the completion of this year's Summer Recreation Program.  Ken Lehr informed that Al Roth offered to help with the training of his replacement.  Al Roth has given 31 years of outstanding service to the Township in helping the Summer Recreation Program grow from 15 campers in the initial year the program was offered to current levels (around 300 campers). Al Roth has indicated he does not want any fanfare honoring his service and/or celebrating his retirement.  Al Roth will continue to support various Park and Recreation activities including the Home Run Derby at Community Day.  The 2006 Summer Recreation Program is scheduled to through August 18^th.

Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Teen Program informed that the attendance numbers for this year's program are down.  The decrease is in part due the extremely hot conditions encountered over the last few weeks.  Ken Lehr said he expects the attendance for the July 20^th trip to Brandywine Picnic Park to be good.  The 2006 Summer Teen Program is scheduled to run through August 18^th.

Friends of the Park: Megan Zug reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks informed that only two people attended the July 5^th Board of Directors meeting. Much of the discussion centered on Community Day.  Megan Zug indicated that the Friends of West Goshen Parks have committed $5,000 to the Township via their fundraising efforts.  Megan Zug said the Friends of West Goshen Parks have secured around $6,000 in donations at this time. Megan Zug stated that the members of the Friends of West Goshen Parks are excited about being included in the ceremonies for the July 16^th grand opening of the Robert E. Lambert Park.  Megan Zug asked if the Township could post a notice on the Community Park sign(s) to solicit Crafters for Community Day.  Finally, Sharon Lynn presented Megan Zug with a check for $500 donated to the Friends of West Goshen Parks by Wawa.

Old Business: Ken Lehr reporting on upcoming bus trips informed that the Township is planning a fall return trip to Yankee Stadium on September 30^th.  Ken Lehr indicated that the Yankee's have not posted the start time for the September 30^th game at this time.  Ken Lehr reported that the Township is planning an open bus trip to New York City on December 2^nd, a trip to Radio City Music Hall on December 11^th, and a February 2007 trip to the Franklin Institute to see the King Tut Exhibit.

Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Concert Series said the June 25^th U.S. Navy Jazz Band concert was moved to Pierce Middle School due to inclement weather. Ken Lehr indicated that only 70 people attended this concert.  Kent Lehr said about 1,200 people attended the July 9^th Irish rock concert featuring Blackthorn.  The next concert will be the folk concert featuring Jeffrey Gaines on July 23^rd.  Information on the Summer Concert Series is listed below:

Ken Lehr reporting on the July 4^th Decorated Bike Parade said around 300 people attended this year's event. Ken Lehr stated those attending were thankful for the return of the event.  Ken Lehr stated it was difficult to line up the required volunteer support because this year's event was held on the actual July 4^th holiday.

Megan Zug informed that the Friends of West Goshen Parks have decided against doing the soda cart for this year's Community Day.   Megan Zug stated the soda cart was not profitable and required a lot of volunteer support.  Megan Zug indicated that the plan would be to allow the food vendors sell drinks and donate a portion of the profits to the Friend of West Goshen Parks.  Ken Lehr said he spoke to a Polish Water Ice vendor and indicated the vendor would work with John Leary to locate a freezer in the concession stand for Community Day and have John Leary handle sales.  Megan Zug reported that the Friends of West Goshen Parks are trying to line up someone to support an Alex's Lemonade stand at Community Day. The members of the Park and Recreation Board asked if Pat McIlvaine could contact Rich Muth (has a Lemonade Stand) on this issue. Finally, at this time only twelve crafters have signed up for this year's event.  Peggy Niemeyer will be placing an advertisement in the Town Talk to try to solicit additional crafters for this year's event. The 2006 Community Day is scheduled for Sunday, September 10^th with a rain date of Sunday, September 17^th.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Harvest Day, said there was nothing new to report at thins time.  The 2006 Harvest Day festivities will be held at Community Park on Sunday, October 29^th.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Robert E. Lambert Park, said everyone had a great time at the dedication for the new park on Sunday, July 16^th.  The skatepark that is part of the new facility is currently being staffed from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.  Once school starts, the hours will be adjusted to 4:00 PM to sunset. The fall operating hours have not been finalized at this time.  Sharon Lynn stated she is very pleased with how the new Park is operating at this time and offered thanks to Kent Wise and his crews for their efforts to make the opening of the new park a great success. Sharon Lynn indicated the Township was looking into the feasibility of offering canine classes at the new dogpark. The members of the Park and Recreation Board expressed concern about offering classes at the new dogpark.

The Board of Supervisors is considering imposing a smoking ban at the some or all of the Township parks.   This consideration was sparked by complaints from a mother who indicated several of the skaters were smoking at a picnic table at the Robert E. Lambert Park.  Mary Lou Enoches suggested the smoking ban could be implemented at only the Robert E. Lambert Park, because of the age group the park attracts and the close proximity to Wawa makes it easy for the patrons to purchase cigarettes.

Sharon Lynn provided an update on the Jerrehian property, informing it would take from two to four years for Pulte, the builder, to get all of the approvals required to begin construction at the site.  Sharon Lynn said the members of the Park and Recreation Board could have access to view the reports on the Jerrehian property if there were any questions/concerns.

Kent Wise provided an update on the feasibility of recycling trash at Community Park.  Kent Wise said the Township tried recycling and indicated the people attending the park put trash in the recycling containers that resulted in the crews spending much of their time sorting through the trash to remove the inappropriate items. Because of this, recycling trash at the Community Park is not feasible at this time.

Pat McIlvaine on behalf of the Board of Supervisors offered thanks to Kent Wise and his crew, Sharon Lynn, and the Friends of West Goshen Parks for their efforts in making all of the Township facilities and events first class. Pat McIlvaine asked Megan Zug why the Friends of West Goshen Parks were no longer passing the donation jug through the crowd during the Summer Concert Series. Megan Zug stated that the Friends of West Goshen Parks questioned if it was proper to pass the donation jug at a free concert and stated the decision was made to locate the donation jug at the information table.  Kent Wise reported the donation of dry goods has been down for the 2006 season.

New Business: Public representative Matt Edwards inquired about the fall Movie Series schedule. Ken Lehr explained the schedule is finalized in late July to allow the Township to offer movies before they become available for home viewing. Matt Edwards asked if it would be possible to line up Bam Margera for an appearance at the Robert E Lambert Park.

Jerry Napiecek confirmed that the Township would be supporting the pocketbook booth at the Goshen Fair 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).

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM.  The next meeting is scheduled for August 16, 2006.

     Respectfully Submitted,
     Mary Lou Enoches and Ed Smith

Copyright 2008, West Goshen Twp.