West Goshen Township
 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
 November 15, 2006
 Minutes

Attending: Les Bair, Bob Cifone, Mary Lou Enoches, Jerry Napiecek, Michael Pillagalli, and Ed Smith

Township Representatives: Ken Lehr, Pat McIlvaine, Dr. Robert White, and Kent Wise

Public Representatives: Boy Scout Troop 21 – Carol Snyder, Kyle Snyder, Chris Moore, and Kevin Fein

Meeting called to Order: 7:05 PM by Chairman Jerry Napiecek

After a review of the minutes submitted for the October 18, 2006 meeting, a motion was made by Mary Lou Enoches to accept the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Michael Pillagalli and passed.

The Financial Report dated October 31, 2006 was reviewed. There were no questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.

Parks: Kent Wise reported his crew spent the last three weeks cleaning up leaves at the various Township parks. Kent Wise indicated the crew had to return to some of the parks five or six times to complete the clean-up effort. Kent Wise informed on days of inclement weather, the crew worked on sanding and painting the grills at the Township parks. Kent Wise reported the water supplies to the ballfields and concession stand have been shut off for the winter. Kent Wise indicated the crews still have to shut down the bathroom facilities at Barker Park and the new skatepark. Kent Wise stated he did not know if the Township was planning to have Santa arrive at the Community Park in December. He would try to leave the Community Park facilities open to support Santa's visit. Kent Wise reported the basepaths at Flagg Field have been edged and maintained with diamond text and TURFACE (sports field conditioners). Kent Wise said the Township has also purchased materials to construct new bleacher stands for Hallowell Field. Kent Wise reported the crew spent one day cleaning up down trees at Coopersmith Park. Kent Wise stated there were no new incidents of vandalism to report. Mary Lou Enoches commented on how well Community Park looked at Harvest Day, stating the Township has found a new home at Community Park for this popular event. Kent Wise indicated he would like to see Harvest Day moved to the Jerrehian property once that site is developed. Finally, Kent Wise said the crew has overseeded the dogpark three times to date, but still can not get grass to grow in that facility.

Recreation: Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Recreation Program informed there was nothing new to report on the program at this time. The 2007 program is scheduled to run from June 25^th through August 18^th.

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

Friends of the Park: Jerry Napiecek reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks via an email from Megan Zug informed that the Friends are not in favor of moving up the start time for the Community Day headline entertainment stating this would cut into the time the crafters market their goods. Pat McIlvaine asked if the Friends would be underwriting the cost of the Summer Concert Series entertainment. At this time the Friends have committed to providing $6,500 for the Summer Concert Series and Community Day with the potential for additional funds depending on the success of their fundraising efforts. Pat McIlvaine said the Board of Supervisors have concern over the rising costs associated with Community Day ($25,000.00 for the 2006 event) stating there have been discussions on whether the event should be continued. Additionally, Pat McIlvaine stated the members of the Board of Supervisors are looking for the Park and Recreation Board to identify possible cuts for Community Day expenses. Dr. White indicated the Board of Supervisors would like to see the tradition of Community Day continue if the costs for the event can be scaled back. Mary Lou Enoches stated the Township should not stop presenting a Community Day because of cost but should instead work together with the members of the Park and Recreation Board to identify an acceptable budget for the event. Mary Lou Enoches suggested going with a headline band in the $1,000 price range (instead of $5,000) and indicated the Township should establish a fee/charge for patrons utilizing the caricaturists and attending presentations like the puppet show. Dr. White informed the 2007 Budget has $10,000 allocated for Community Day, and that there is still a $150,000 shortfall in the overall 2007 budget for the Township. Dr. White indicated everything on the 2007 Township budget is up for review at this time. Michael Pillagalli and Kent Wise stated that Community Day was supposed to be a one-time event to celebrate the opening of Community Park. The event was well received and as a result, the Board of Supervisors wanted to continue the event going forward. Michael Pillagalli stated he would not want to see Community Day scaled back to the point where people stop coming to the event. Mary Lou Enoches suggested the Township should look for additional fundraising opportunities to support Community Day. Dr. White informed that Kelly Cifone has done a lot of fundraising for events like Community Day, and stated this would be an option. Ken Lehr reported that up until two years ago, the fundraising efforts by the Friends of West Goshen Parks covered the entire cost of the headline entertainment at Community Day. Ken Lehr stated the Township could sell tickets to Community Day patrons that could be used for activities like the pony rides and the moonbounce. Dr. White stated the Park and Recreation Board may not be able to sell tickets for activities at Community Day. Ken Lehr suggested trimming the budget allocated for caricaturists, informing that the Township spent $2,000 in 2006 for an activity that serviced about 200 people. Additionally, Ken Lehr stated a need to look at the allocation for the puppet show, informing the cost for 2006 Community Day was $1,000. The members of the Park and Recreation Board unanimously support continuing the tradition of Community Day at the Community Park. Mary Lou Enoches suggested meeting with the members of the Friends of West Goshen Parks to review options for Community Day and determine if having the Crafters at the event is still feasible going forward.

Old Business: Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Concert Series, said the Board of Supervisors will recognize the sponsors for the 2006 Summer Concert Series on December 13^th at 4:00 PM. Jerry Napiecek will represent the Park and Recreation Board at this annual event and Lee McFadden will represent the Friends of West Goshen Parks.

Ken Lehr reporting on Community Day indicated there was nothing else to report at this time. Jerry Napiecek informed that he drafted a letter stating the desire of the members of the Park and Recreation Board to limit political campaigning at all future events like Community Day. Pat McIlvaine and Dr. White indicated they would review the letter at the next meeting of the Board of Supervisors.

Ken Lehr reporting on Movie Nights informed that 50 to 60 people attended the October 21^st presentation of "March of the Penguins". Ken Lehr said that a budget request was submitted for funding to allow the Township to go into a joint venture with the Borough of West Chester for the purchase of a DVD player and a digital video projector in 2007. Information on Movie Nights is listed below:

Date

Movie

Location

Attendance

October 7th

Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Community Park

80

October 21st

March of the Penguins

Community Park

50 - 60

Ken Lehr, reporting on Harvest Day, said about 400 people attended this year's event on a bitterly cold/windy day. Ken Lehr indicated attendance was down this year attributing the decline to the weather conditions and head to head competition with the Eagles. Mary Lou Enoches stated Kent Wise and his crews put in a lot of effort and did an outstanding job to ensure that the first Harvest Day at Community Park was a success. Jerry Napiecek asked about the cost for the pumpkins for this year's event. Ken Lehr informed the average price for a pumpkin this year was about twenty cents. Michael Pillagalli informed he observed patrons taking as many as eight pumpkins in a wagon and suggested the Township should look for ways to ensure patrons only take one pumpkin per child.

Ken Lehr, reporting on upcoming bus trips, informed that the Township has added a third bus for the December 2^nd open bus trip to New York, indicating there was a long wait list (20+) after two buses were filled. As a result of adding the third bus, the December 2^nd trip will now depart from the Community Park to allow for ample parking for those attending. Les Bair volunteered to be the bus captain for the third bus. Ken Lehr informed that there are still 22-24 openings for the December 11^th trip to Radio City Music Hall. Ken Lehr reported the Township is also planning a bus trip on February 21^st to the Franklin Institute to see the King Tut Exhibit. At this time, there are only eight seats available for the February 21^st trip. As a result, Ken Lehr informed that the Township is looking to line up a second date for the King Tut Exhibit. Ken Lehr confirmed that the trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show on Monday, March 5^th and the trip to Washington, D.C for the Cherry Blossoms on April 15^th have been finalized.

Ken Lehr reporting on the November 18^th Teen Scene at ACAC said that registration for the event is slow. The breakdown for the registrations includes ten from ACAC, four from the Borough of West Chester and 26 from West Goshen Township. Ken Lehr stated the event will run from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM, and indicated that the Township is looking for volunteers to help staff the check-in and check-out activities. Jerry Napiecek indicated he would able to provide support for the event.

Ken Lehr reporting on the Senior Water Aerobics sessions at ACAC informed that the November session has been filled. Additional Senior Water Aerobics sessions are planned for February, March and April in 2007.

Ken Lehr reporting on the Annual Holiday Decorations workshop said between ten and twelve people attended last year's workshop. Ken Lehr indicated that at this time, fifteen people have signed up for the workshop. As a result of this increase, the Township has scheduled two dates for the workshop. The first offering is scheduled for Thursday, December 7^th from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a second offering on Thursday, December 14^th.

Dr. White provided an update on the Jerrehian property, informing that the Jerrehian family and the real estate developer (Pulte) have signed off on a conditional usage plan for the property that includes 114 acres of property and five miles of trails designated for recreational usage. Pulte is currently in the process of obtaining the required permits to proceed with development. Dr. White indicated that Pulte would be responsible for reconstructing the existing trails and bridges located on the property. The trails would be mulched (not paved). Pulte would also be responsible for providing $1,350,000 to the Township's Restricted Park Capital Fund and $3,000,000 for off-site traffic improvements. Dr. White said Smart Growth would be providing an alternative approach for developing this site. Their finalized plan should be available by next summer. Dr. White reported that development efforts are expected to begin in the spring of 2008.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Holiday Breakfast at the Stadium Grille, informed that the event is scheduled for Saturday, December 16^th. All volunteers are asked to arrive at the Stadium Grille by 8:45 AM to help with preparations. Les Bair, Mary Lou Enoches, and Jerry Napiecek indicated they would be able to provide support for the event. Ken Lehr informed that the Stadium Grille was also available on Sunday, December 17^th if an overflow date is required. Additionally, the Township could look to add an early shift (7:00 to 9:00 AM.) on December 16^th. Ken Lehr stated the Township would only look to add a second sitting if the wait list grows to twenty or more. A decision on offering a second sitting would need to be made by early December. Mary Lou Enoches recommended filling one date stating there are concerns with logistics of offering two sittings on one day. The members of the Park and Recreation Board recommended limiting the Holiday Breakfast with Santa to one sitting for 2006.

Ken Lehr reporting on Robert E Lambert Park informed that as of November 1^st, the skatepark would operate on a weekend only schedule through mid-December. Ken Lehr indicated thatat that time, the Township would make a decision on winter operating hours for the skatepark.

New Business: Ken Lehr reporting on the 2007 officer positions informed that members are normally nominated to hold the officer position for a two one-year terms. The current officers completing the first year of their terms are Jerry Napiecek, Chair, Mary Lou Enoches, Vice-Chair, and Ed Smith, Secretary. The members of the Park and Recreation Board made a motion to have Jerry Napiecek, Mary Lou Enoches. and Ed Smith continue to serve a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary respectively for 2007.

Jerry Napiecek reviewed the contents of a letter he drafted stating the desire of the members of the Park and Recreation Board is to limit political campaigning at all future events. The members of the Park and Recreation Board were in agreement with the contents of the draft. Jerry Napiecek indicated he would forward the letter to the Board of Supervisors for their review.

Pat McIlvaine presented each member of the Park and Recreation Board with a keychain containing the Park and Recreation Board member's initials and the Township emblem. The key chain is in appreciation for the service provided during 2006.

Members from Boy Scout Troop 21 attended the November Park and Recreation Board meeting a part of their requirements for the "Citizenship in the Community" merit badges.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for January 17, 2007.

     Respectfully Submitted,
     Ed Smith

Copyright 2008, West Goshen Twp.