West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
August 15, 2007
Minutes

Attending: Mary Lou Enoches, Jerry Napiecek, Michael Pillagalli, Ed Smith, and Megan Zug

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

Public Representatives: George Tsiouris (K&G Pizza)

Meeting called to Order: 7:04 PM by Chairman Jerry Napiecek

After a review of the minutes submitted for the July 18, 2007 meeting, a motion was made by Michael Pillagalli to accept the minutes as submitted.  The motion was seconded by Mary Lou Enoches and passed.

The Financial Report dated July 31, 2007 was reviewed. There were no questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.

Parks: Kent Wise reported that  the number one priority for the crew at this time is cutting the grass at the Township Parks.  Kent Wise indicated that the abundant rainfall has kept the crew busy with their grass cutting.  Kent Wise informed that work has been completed on the paver job at Community Park, providing a driveway for equipment from the maintenance shop area. Kent Wise, reporting on the Box Elder pond issue, informed that the Township hired a pond guru/consultant John Monroe to assist with identifying the cause and developing a solution for the duckweed problem affecting the pond. Kent Wise said the parks crew had to skim a coating of duckweed off the top of the pond for a second time last week.  The Township has installed a temporary aeration system consisting of two bubblers (diffusers) powered by a generator (24x7) to stop/prevent a fish kill at the pond.  Kent Wise said the Township is waiting for PECO to install a meter at the pond site before implementing the permanent eight bubbler (diffusers) aeration system. Kent Wise reported that the long-term solution for cleaning up the Box Elder pond would consist of installing fencing and a series of new plantings to keep geese out of the pond, constructing swales to help filter run-off from neighborhood properties to reduce/eliminate fertilizers from entering the pond, adding new catch basins for street run-off that is currently entering the pond, and replacing the piping that currently feeds the pond from the existing catch basins.  Kent Wise stated that the neighbors located near the pond should start using organic fertilizers to help with the pond clean-up efforts.  Kent Wise indicated that the clean-up effort is long-term and expensive with regards to manpower and funding. Kent Wise estimated it would take one year to get all of the required upgrades and equipment in place, and between two and four years for the pond to clean-up. Kent Wise stated that the surrounding neighbors are pleased the Township is taking charge of the pond clean-up activities.  Kent Wise indicated he would like to see the Township hold public relations meeting(s) with the residents to educate them on what they can do to help with the clean-up efforts.  Pat McIlvaine suggested inviting the surrounding neighbors to a session at the Township Building to discuss what they can do to help with the Box Elder pond duck weed issue.  Pat McIlvaine indicated she would talk to Casey LaLonde to see if a meeting can be set up after Labor Day.

Recreation: Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Recreation Program said the 2007 program will end this Friday (August 17^th). Ken Lehr informed that the Township had to dismiss one of the junior counselors for posting threatening information on the "Facebook' website. Additionally, Ken Lehr indicated that one of the head counselors was out sick for the final week of the program. Ken Lehr reported that a junior counselor suffered an injured ankle playing soccer at Coopersmith Park last week.

Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Teen Program said the 2007 program will end this Friday (August 17^th).

Friends of the Park: Megan Zug, reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks, asked Ken Lehr for an update on their July 25^th meeting.  Ken Lehr informed that the meeting was to strategize for Community Day.  Megan Zug informed that at least seven new crafters have signed up to participate in this year's Community Day.  Jerry Napiecek said around 28 Crafters have currently signed up for the 2007 Community Day.  Megan Zug reported that the Friends have raised enough funds to cover the cost of the Summer Concert Series and the headline band for Community Day. The next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for the first Thursday in September (September 6^th) at 7:00 PM.

Old Business: Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Concert Series, said around 300 people attended the July 22^nd Chester County Concert Band performance and 500 people attend the August 5^th Motown concert featuring "Special Blendz".  The final concert for the 2007 is the August 19^th Country and Western concert featuring "Straight Shooter". Jerry Napiecek informed that the Greaseband is schedule to perform at West Whiteland Township's Miller Park on August 19^th (the same night as the final Summer Concert Series event).  Ken Lehr indicated he would coordinate the 2008 Summer Concert Series schedule with West Whiteland's program to avoid conflicts going forward.  Information on the Summer Concert Series is listed below:

Date

Theme

Featured Performers

Location

Attendance

June 10^th

Children's Concert

Makin Music

Community Park

600

June 24^th

Irish Rock Concert

The Brothers McGillian

Community Park

350-400

July 8^th

Strings/Orchestra

Chester County Pops Orchestra

Community Park

350

July 22^nd

Concert Band

Chester County Concert Band

Community Park

300

August 5^th

Motown revisited

Special Blendz

Community Park

500

August 19^th

Country Western

Straight Shooter

Community Park

Ken Lehr began a discussion on the 2007 Community Day, informing that there was a planning meeting at 6:00 PM prior to the Park and Recreation Board meeting.   Ken Lehr indicated a topic of discussion was a request made to the Township by George Tsiouris (K&G Pizza) to reconsider vendor/food objectives and allow K&G Pizza to participate in Community Day. George Tsiouris was present at the Park and Recreation Board meeting and expressed a strong commitment to the local community and his desire to be allowed to participate in the 2007 and future Community Days. George Tsiouris stated that K&G Pizza has been part of numerous Community Days presented by the Township.  The members of the Park and Recreation Board made a motion to allow K&G Pizza to be part of their 2007 Community Day event.  Mary Lou Enoches suggested going forward, K&G Pizza should utilize their normal business checks when sending proceeds to the Friends (15% of total sales) for Community Day pizza revenue. All food vendors at Community Day are asked to donate 15% of their revenue to the Friends of West Goshen Parks.  Ken Lehr said that Peggy Niemeyer has a sign-up sheet for Community Day activities and is looking for volunteers to fill out the available time slots.  Megan Zug stated volunteers are needed for the children's activities.  Finally, Ken Lehr said a DVD for the band "Goodfellows" was previewed during the Community Day planning meeting.  Ken Lehr indicated he would be in contact with a representative of the band to get pricing so they could be considered for future Township events.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Township bus trips, handed out copies of the survey report for the August 4^th trip to Yankee Stadium. Ken Lehr indicated the trip was a sell-out with two full buses of participants attending the game.  Ken Lehr informed that there are still eight seats available for the trip to Shea Stadium on September 15^th (one bus) to see the Phillies play the Mets.  Jerry Napiecek and Tom Steines will serve as bus captains for the Shea Stadium trip. Another 2007 trip to Yankee Stadium is scheduled for September 22^nd (two buses with 40 seats still available). Megan Zug indicated that there were references in the Yankee Stadium trip survey report asking if the Township could get better seats for the games.  Ken Lehr stated for weekend games, the Township has no choice in the available seating. For weekday games, the Township would be able to request better seats. Megan Zug asked if it would be possible to offer a trip to Yankee Stadium for a weekday game next year.  Ken Lehr stated the Township probably would not get as many people for a weekday game, and indicated the Township would consider offering a trip next year to Yankee Stadium for a weekday game with better seating.  Finally, Ken Lehr informed that the Township is planning an open bus trip to New York City on December 1^st and a trip to Radio City Music Hall on December 3^rd.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Movie Nights, informed that the Township is running a contest advertised in the Township Newsletter to have residents vote on what movies they would like to see be included in the 2007 Movie Nights series.  The voting would be done on the Township website and run through Labor Day. Available choices include: Happy Feet, Charlotte's Web, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Jaws, Rocky, The Corpse Bride, and Flushed Away.  Anyone wishing to may vote for up to three selections.  Megan Zug asked if it would be possible to have the voting extended through Community Day. Ken Lehr indicated he would extend the voting through Community Day and announce the winning selections at during Community Day festivities.

Ken Lehr reporting on Harvest Day, informed that this year's activities are scheduled from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, October 21^st.  Ken Lehr indicated the arrangements for the musical entertainment "Makin' Music" have been finalized. Kent Wise asked if East Goshen is planning their Harvest Day activities on the same day, stating that the Township would not be able to borrow East Goshen's haywagon if the dates are the same.  Ken Lehr asked if Michael Pillagalli could make arrangements to line up Phil and Linda Hicks haywagon for this year's event.  Additionally, Ken Lehr stated he would contact East Goshen Township to see if their hay wagon is available on October 21^st.

Pat McIlvaine provided an update on the Jerrehian property, informing that there was not much new to report at this time.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Robert E. Lambert Park, informed that the Township hired a new skatepark attendant slated to begin next week.  Kent Wise informed that one of his summer helpers was bitten at the dogpark and is currently going through a series of rabies shots. Kent Wise informed that the Township is still trying to track down the owner of this dog, and that he is considering locking down the dogpark anytime maintenance to the park is required.  Kent Wise reported he would like to lock down the dogpark between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM for grass cutting and required maintenance. Kent Wise indicated that the Township would post signs so patrons would know what times the dogpark would not be available.

New Business: Ken Lehr informed that the Township received a letter from Jennifer Laurence representing the West Chester-West Mom's Club requesting the use of the Community Park on Monday, September 10^th or Friday, September 14^th.  The club would like to hold a "fun walk" between 10:00 AM and 12:00 noon with donations benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer foundation.  Kent Wise indicated September 14^th would be acceptable.  Ken Lehr stated the club should be charged the $11.00 picnic fee since they are including a picnic lunch as part of the event.

Ken Lehr reported that the Township received a request from Evelyn DePietro representing the Swiss Farms store on the corner of Paoli Pike and Route 352 to participate in Community Day and provide free lemonade to patrons.  The members of the Park and Recreation Board suggested inviting Evelyn DePietro/Swiss Farms to participate in the upcoming Harvest Day activities since the food and beverage vendors have already been lined up for Community Day.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 PM.  The next meeting is scheduled for September 19, 2007.

     Respectfully Submitted,
     Ed Smith

Copyright 2008, West Goshen Twp.