May 17, 2006

West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
May 17, 2006
Minutes

Attending: 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: 7:00 PM by Chairman Jerry Napiecek

After a review of the minutes submitted for the April 19, 2006 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 April 30, 2006 was reviewed. There were no questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.

Parks: Kent Wise informed that the number one priority for the Parks crew at this time is cutting the grass at the various Township parks. At this time, two crews are required: one for Community Park and one for the other Township parks. Kent Wise said the crew cuts the Township ballfields two times per week. Kent Wise indicated that the crew is able to do other type of work on bad weather days, including maintaining the Township's ballfields, mulching, bed work and planting perennials at Community Park. Kent Wise informed the crews applied forty yards of bed mulch at Community Park. Additionally, Kent Wise reported that the crew completed trimming and bed work at the Township Building. Kent Wise reported that the Township had purchased 100 yards of playground safety mulch that will be used to top off the play areas at the various Township parks. Kent Wise said the summer helpers started work on May 10th. Ed Smith stated that the East High School Baseball barbeque was held at Community Park, and indicated he received many good/positive comments on the facilities and appearance of Community Park.

Recreation: Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Recreation Program informed that after two dates of registration, there are still openings at all three parks. At this time there are about 90 campers registered for Barker Park, 130 for the Community and around 60 for Coopersmith Park. The Summer Recreation staff orientation is scheduled for Saturday June 3rd from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The orientation program will include first aid and CPR instructions provided by Good Fellowship Ambulance Company. The first aid and CPR instructions are scheduled to begin immediately after the lunch break (around 12:30 PM). Jerry Napiecek stated the new counselors (John Acchione and Lauren McCormack) did a great job supporting Summer Recreation registration. Jerry Napiecek indicated the second day of registration on May 13th was busy. The 2006 Summer Recreation Program is scheduled to begin on June 26th and run through August 18th.

Ken Lehr reported that sixtyeen teens have registered for the 2006 Summer Teen Program to date. Michael Pillagalli asked if there were sign-up counts available for the clinics. Ken Lehr indicated he did not have the clinic sign-up counts at this time. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township eliminated the street hockey clinic and added a field hockey and a volleyball clinic for this year's program. The 2006 Summer Teen Program is scheduled to begin on June 26th and run through August 18th.

Friends of the Park: Megan Zug reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks informed that the following officer positions have been approved: Lee McFadden (President), Pat Kelly (Vice-president), Megan Zug (Secretary) and Ryan Kelly (Treasurer). Megan Zug said the fundraising for the Summer Concert Series is underway and indicated that the members of the Friends would also provide support at the June 11th Children's Concert. Finally, Megan Zug reported that between 25 and 50 people provided contributions that will be utilized for new swings at the Community Park.

Old Business: Ken Lehr reporting on the "Get your Lawn and Garden off Drugs" workshop said that 50 to 60 people attended the joint venture supported by West Goshen, East Goshen and Willistown Townships. Ken Lehr stated the event was well received and indicated that four of the attendees pre-registered through the West Goshen Township web site. Ken Lehr said the Townships are looking at the feasibility of offering a composting workshop in the fall.

Ken Lehr reporting on the Senior Water Aerobics sessions at ACAC informed there was not much new to report at this time. ACAC would be willing to offer Senior Water Aerobics sessions again in the fall/winter timeframe.

Ken Lehr reporting on the "Battle of the Bands" informed that three bands performed in this year's program. Seven to ten bands normally participate in this event. Ken Lehr stated the quality of the three participating bands was good and informed that the winning band "Durant" would perform as part of the festivities for the grand opening of the Township's new park. Ken Lehr offered thanks to Ed Smith for providing support judging this year's event.

Ken Lehr reporting on upcoming bus trips informed that the May 27th trip to Yankee Stadium has been sold out and indicated there is a wait list. The June 10th trip to RFK Stadium is about ¾ filled at this time. Ken Lehr reported the Township is planning a fall return trip to Yankee Stadium on September 30th. Jerry Napiecek indicated that he would be the bus captain for this trip. Ken Lehr said he received an email indicating the Township would be able to get tickets for a February trip to the Franklin Institute in 2007 to see the King Tut Exhibit. Ken Lehr indicated the Township would also like to make arrangements for a second (warm weather) date to see this exhibit. Ken Lehr stated the Township is planning to line up buses for each trip to the Franklin Institute.

Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Concert Series distributed a sign-up sheet asking the members of the Park and Recreation Board to volunteer to provide support for one or more of the concerts. Information on the Summer Concert Series is listed below:

Date	Theme	Featured Performers	Location
June 11^th	Children's Concert	John Flynn	Community Park
June 25^th	Big Band	U.S Navy Jazz Band	Community Park
July 9^th	Irish Rock Concert	Blackthorn	Community Park
July 23^rd	Folk Concert	Jeffrey Gaines	Community Park
August 6^th	Motown revisited	Special Blendz	Community Park
August 20^th	Latin	Synthesis	Community Park

Ken Lehr reporting on the July 4^th Decorated Bike Parade said flyers advertising the event would be sent to the area schools in two weeks. Ken Lehr informed that the Friends of West Goshen Parks would not be organizing this year's event and indicated that the Township would need volunteers to be judges and provide support for the event. The Decorated Bike Parade is scheduled for Tuesday, July 4^th at 10:00 AM.

Ken Lehr reporting on Community Day informed that there was nothing new to report at this time. The next Community Day planning meeting is scheduled for 6:00 PM on Wednesday, June 21^st prior to the next Park and Recreation Board meeting. Ken Lehr indicated he would place reminder stickers on the June meeting packets.

Ken Lehr reporting on Harvest Day began a discussion on the 2006 event informing there are concerns about holding the event at Coopersmith Park due to parking constraints resulting from the development of the Margarita's Restaurant property (including the parking lot). Ken Lehr informed that Bob Cifone had asked during the April Park and Recreation Board Meeting if it would be possible to utilize the grass area and/or pave the area between the playground and the current parking lot to pick-up the 75+ parking spaces that would be lost with the development of the Margarita's Restaurant property. Kent Wise expressed concern that the slope and configuration to this area would limit access from and to the proposed parking area to one car in and out at a time. Additionally, utilizing this area for parking would require relocating the load/un-load area for the hay wagon resulting in traffic flow issues. Michael Pillagalli indicated that he agreed with Kent Wise's assessment of this proposed parking solution. Megan Zug stated that her understanding of the parking area proposal was that the Township would level and pave the area between the playground and the current parking area and the new parking area would be utilized for events in addition to Harvest Day. Kent Wise informed that any plans to fill-in/level and pave this area would require surveys, permits and an engineering study. Michael Pillagalli stated it would take at least a year to get through the approval process since this area of Coopersmith Park is designated a wetlands area. Jerry Napiecek asked if it would be possible to utilize the East High School parking lot for Harvest Day. Ken Lehr stated there are concerns over what to do to entertain the people waiting to ride on the hay wagons. Additionally, Ken Lehr suggested a remote parking solution would limit the attendance for the event. Kent Wise stated it would be feasible to have Harvest Day festivities including hay wagon rides at Community Park. Jerry Napiecek stated the Township should plan for an alternative site for 2006 Harvest Day and indicated Community Park is the only viable option. Jerry Napiecek stated the Township would face the same issues (parking at Coopersmith Park) with the Egg Hunt next year.

Kent Wise indicated there are two Eagle Scout projects underway within the Township. One project would be to build a Japanese Garden in the back of the Community Park. The other project would be to construct a sixteen by sixteen foot picnic area containing two picnic tables and plantings at the South Concord Road Park.

Pat McIlvaine provided and update on the new Township park. At this time, no date has been established for the grand opening. Pat McIlvaine informed that all coordination with Dave Fairman is going through Sharon Lynn. Kent Wise informed that all of the dogpark equipment has been installed. Installation of the playground equipment is underway. Michael Pillagalli said a recent article in the Philadelphia Inquirer indicated that several skateparks in Philadelphia were being closed as a result of constant vandalism.

Pat McIlvaine provided an update on the Jerrehian property, informing that the Township is still working on issues (side walks, drainage, trails etc.). It would be one year to eighteen months before any construction would begin. Pat McIlvaine stated the Township wants all traffic issues resolved prior to the start of construction. Michael Pillagalli asked if there has been any thought to having part of the community association fees designated for covering part of the Township's cost associated with maintaining this property. Pat McIlvaine indicated there would be legal issues involved with having the association fees designated for this expense. Michael Pillagalli asked if it would be possible to utilize some of the Township's existing funds to purchase additional land at this site. Pat McIlvaine indicated the builder (Pulte) would not be willing to sell any additional land to the Township.

New Business: Ken Lehr informed that Harry Helms has asked the Township for permission to use the Community Park for a Flag Retirement Ceremony on June 17^th. Ken Lehr indicated he would be unavailable to provide support for this event. Jerry Napiecek indicated he would be available to support his ceremony on June 17^th at 10:00 AM.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for June 21, 2006.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ed Smith



	Copyright 2008, West Goshen Twp.