April 18, 2007

West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
April 18, 2007
Minutes

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

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

Meeting called to Order: 7:01 PM by Vice-Chair Mary Lou Enoches

Mary Lou Enoches began the March Park and Recreation Board meeting by leading those present in a moment of silence for former Park and Reaction Board member Anna Highley and former Police Officer Bob Holland (Officer Friendly) who passed away in the preceding weeks.

Pat McIlvaine introduced Casey LaLonde as the Interim Township Manager for West Goshen Township. Casey LaLonde has served five years as Township Manager for East Coventry Township and has a master's degree in Public Administration.

After a review of the minutes submitted for the March 21, 2007 meeting, a motion was made by Bob Cifone to accept the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Michael Pillagalli and passed.

The Financial Report dated March 31, 2007 was reviewed. Megan Zug asked for a status on her request for a comparison of projected 2007 budget spending to amounts spent in prior years for the purpose of identifying shifts/cuts in allocations for budget line items. Ken Lehr indicated that Jeanne Denham would be able to provide the requested information. There were no other questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.

Parks: Kent Wise reported that the parks crew was busy with spring cleanup efforts and cleanup required after the latest wind storm. Kent Wise informed that work continues on the Township's ballfields, stating that everything looked good for opening day. Kent Wise reported that cleanup efforts were also required to remove a downed trees at Coopersmith and Community Parks. Kent Wise informed that the restroom facilities at Community Park and Coopersmith Park and the concession stand at Community Park have been opened for the season. Kent Wise indicated that the panels surrounding the ramps at the skatepark are starting to crack in the corners. Work will be required to correct this issue. Kent Wise said that the grass management contractor completed overseeding the fields at Community Park and Hallowell Field. Kent Wise reported that the playground equipment purchased by the Friends of West Goshen Parks (two spring animals and a melody maker) came in today (April 18^th). The new equipment would be installed at Community Park when time permits.

Recreation: Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Recreation Program informed that he and Tom Steines completed the counselor interviews on Friday April 13^th. The Township would make offers to fill out the staff. Registration for the Summer Recreation Program is scheduled for Saturday, April 28^th and Saturday, May 5^th. Ken Lehr indicated that he and Tom Steines would need at least two additional volunteers to support the first day of registration. Michael Pillagalli and Ed Smith offered to provide support for the first day of registration. Ken Lehr asked all volunteers to arrive at the West Goshen Township Administration Building by 7:30 am on Saturday, April 28^th.

Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Teen Program informed that he and Tom Steines met with Jen Dobbins and Gary Brignola (original members of the Summer Teen Program subcommittee) to review feedback received from parents of children attending the program and discuss ideas on how to better market the program. Ken Lehr informed the feedback indicates parents are happy with the program. Suggestions on how to better market the program include public announcements and distribution of fliers at public and Catholic schools that serve Township residents, distribution of fliers at local businesses and placing an advertisement in the Daily Local News "Weekender" section. Registration for the Summer Teen Program is scheduled for Saturday, April 28^th and Saturday, May 5^th.

Friends of the Park: Megan Zug, reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks, said that the general membership meeting is scheduled for the first Thursday in May (May 3^rd) at Barker Park. Megan Zug said the Friends have received $3,250 in cash donations for the Summer Concert Series to date. Additionally, Megan Zug said the Friends have received memorial contributions for Robert McCardell. The Friends are looking for ways to utilize these contributions to honor Robert McCardell for his service to the Township.

Old Business: Ken Lehr, reporting on the Egg Hunt and Decorated Hat Parade, said the weather was cold for this year's event but attendance was actually higher than for pervious events held at Coopersmith Park. This may be a result of having better parking capabilities at Community Park. Ken Lehr indicated that everything went well for the first offering of the Egg Hunt at Community Park.

Ken Lehr reporting on the Battle of the Bands informed that this year's event is scheduled for Saturday, May 5^th. Ken Lehr indicated that fliers advertising the event were sent to the area middle schools, high schools, and other selected areas. Michael Pillagalli suggested distributing flyers for the event at ACAC. Mary Lou Enoches said that her musician friend (John Smith) would be willing to be a judge for the event again this year. Ed Smith also volunteered to be a judge for this year's event. Ken Lehr informed that the rain location for the Battle of the Bands is the Fugett Middle School.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Summer Concert Series, informed that the schedule for the 2007 program has been finalized. Information on the Summer Concert Series is listed below:

Date	Theme	Featured Performers	Location
June 10^th	Children's Concert	Makin' Music	Community Park
June 24th	Irish Rock Concert	The Hooligan's	Community Park
July 8th	Pops	Chester County Pops Orchestra	Community Park
July 22nd	Concert Band	Chester County Concert Band	Community Park
August 5th	Motown Revisited	Special Blendz	Community Park
August 19th	Country Western	Straight Shooters	Community Park

Ken Lehr, reporting on Community Day, informed that there was nothing new to report at this time.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Township bus trips, informed that he received several complaints from patrons attending the April 15^th to Washington, DC asking for a refund because of the inclement weather conditions encountered on the day of the trip. Ken Lehr indicated most of the people attending the Washington, DC trip tried to make the best of it in spite of the bad weather. The bus driver was willing to drop off participants wherever they wanted to go. Ken Lehr stated he would distribute copies of the trip survey report at the May Park and Recreation Board meeting. Ken Lehr reported that the Township lined up two 47 passenger buses for the May 12^th(tour New York City on your own) trip, one 54 passenger bus for the June 23^rd (Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty) trip and two 54 passenger buses for the August 4^th Yankee Stadium trip. Ken Lehr informed that the Township has received suggestions to offer a bus trip to Gettysburg. Additionally, Ken Lehr indicated that the Township was reviewing the feasibility of offering a bus trip to Cape Cod in 2008.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Senior Water Aerobics sessions at ACAC, informed that the spring sessions for the program ended in April. Ken Lehr indicated the dates for the fall program would be finalized in the summer. Ken Lehr informed ACAC was planning to double the fee (up to $50.00) for the fall sessions.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Senior Exercise Sampler program, informed that the final session for the program was held on Friday March 23^rd. Ken Lehr informed that no one attended the makeup for the March 16^th session that was cancelled due to inclement weather. Ken Lehr indicated the Township would not be offering any reimbursement for the March 16^th session.

Ken Lehr reported that the Township is partnering with Ageless Exercise to offer Basic and Intermediate Yoga at the West Goshen Township Administration Building. Six people signed up for the initial offering of the program. Ken Lehr indicated the feedback on the initial offering was positive. The Township is looking to offer a joint Yoga/Pilate class in May.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the proposed Animal Planet Expo, informed that the planned meeting with an ad-hoc committee to review the proposal did not take place prior to the April Park and Recreation Board meeting. Ken Lehr indicated that he and Kent Wise met with a representative from the Animal Planet Expo last week. Ken Lehr indicated that at this time it is unlikely representatives from the Animal Planet Expo would choose Community Park for the site of their August event. Kent Wise expressed concern that Community Park is not large enough for an event of this size. Additionally, Kent Wise stated that there was concern over the timeframe for the event, which requires two days for setup, one day for the actual event and one day to break down. Kent Wise informed that organizations pay fees for the use of the soccer field. The field would not be available for the duration of the Expo (four days). Also, since the Expo is a rain-or-shine event, the soccer field at Community Park could have significant damage in the event of inclement weather. There also is concern about staffing and supporting an event the size of the Animal Planet Expo one month prior to Community Day.

Pat McIlvaine provided an update on the Jerrehian property, informing that there was nothing new to report at this time.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Robert E. Lambert Park, informed that he has had discussions with Dave Fairman about celebrating the first day of summer and International Go Skate Boarding Day on June 21^st at the skatepark. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township would waive the skatepark fees for the day. Dave Fairman's shop would provide prizes. Ken Lehr indicated that Dave Fairman would provide experts on selected nights at the skatepark offering instructions for those attending. Additionally, Ken Lehr said the Township would offer skateboarding clinics. Finally, Ken Lehr reported that the Township is considering offering a skateboarding camp run by professional skateboarders as long at this would not interfere with the Township's Summer Recreation Program.

New Business: Ken Lehr informed that the 2007 Eagles schedule has been released and stated there is a 4:15 PM game scheduled on October 21^st. Ken Lehr suggested scheduling Harvest Day festivities from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on October 21^st. The date would be about one week prior to Halloween and not in direct conflict with an Eagles game.

Ken Lehr reporting on the 2007 Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society Citizen Symposium informed that Park and Recreation Board members Mary Lou Enoches and Bob Cifone attended the event. Mary Lou Enoches stated she truly enjoyed the classes and got the most out of motivational speaker Randy Snow. Bob Cifone confirmed that the motivational speaker was the highlight of the day. Nationally known speaker Mark Fenton discussed the benefits walking provides to the health and fitness of communities. Pat McIlvaine offered thanks to Mary Lou Enoches and Bob Cifone for attending the symposium.

Michael Pillagalli asked if there have been any discussions/decisions on what movies will be part of this year's fall movie series. Ken Lehr indicated the schedule and movie selection would be finalized in July. Ken Lehr informed that Shrek III would be available in October in a 16 mm format. Additionally, Spiderman III could also be available. Ken Lehr reported the Township is still in the process of ordering a DVD player and a digital video projector.

Pat McIlvaine informed that she had a discussion with a gentleman (Jack Enright) at Fred Beans Ford. Pat McIlvaine indicated that Mr. Enright organized a $4,000 donation to East Goshen Elementary School for playground equipment as well as many other donations. Pat McIlvaine stated she was instructed by Mr. Enright to have someone contact him from the Township to discuss opportunities where donations could be helpful. Ken Lehr stated he would meet with Lee McFadden and pass this information along to him.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for May 16, 2007.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ed Smith


	Copyright 2008, West Goshen Twp.