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West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
January 17, 2007
Minutes
Attending: Michael Dolan, Mary Lou Enoches, Jerry Napiecek, Michael Pillagalli, Ed Smith, and Megan Zug
Township Representatives: Ken Lehr, Dr. Robert White, and Kent Wise
Public Representatives: Boy Scouts/Parents – Adam Barbato, Debbie Barbato, Richie Blackburn, and Keri Blackburn (Citizenship Merit Badge)
Meeting called to Order: 7:05 PM by Chairman Jerry Napiecek
Megan Zug asked to update the submitted November 15, 2006 minutes on page two within the section pertaining to the Friends of West Goshen Parks to state, "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." Additionally, Dr. White
asked to update the minutes on page 4 within the Jerrehian property update to state, "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."
A motion was made by Michael Pillagalli to accept the minutes with the revisions. The motion was seconded by Mary Lou Enoches and passed.
The Financial Report dated December 31, 2006 was reviewed. There were no questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.
Parks:
Kent Wise reported that the crew has shut down the water supplies at the Township parks and completed winterizing all bathroom facilities and the concession stand at Community Park. Kent Wise said work on two new bleacher stands for Hallowell Field has been completed. Additionally, new shelving for supplies has been added to the storage building at the skatepark. Kent Wise reported that a new flagpole was installed next to the gazebo at Community Park. Kent Wise indicated that the crew would complete work on the associated mulch bed and plantings in the spring. Kent Wise said the crew also completed heavy trimming at Community Park, cutting back
the beds in the playground area. Kent Wise reported that the crew is performing winter maintenance on every piece of the Township's equipment, including checking the belts and hoses
and sharpening the blades on the mowers, and servicing the chain saws and weed trimmers. Additionally the crew is cleaning, sanding, and repainting the trash barrels located at the various Township
parks. Kent Wise said the Parks Department would be sharing the storage facilities at Turner Lane with the Road Department. Finally, Kent Wise informed that the Township experienced vandalism
at Hamlet Crest Park where some of the playground structures were spray painted over the Christmas holiday weekend.
Kent Wise indicated that the crew has been able to clean up most of the damage at this time.
Recreation:
Ken Lehr, reporting on the Summer Recreation Program, said confirmation letters have been sent out to returning counselors. Applications will be accepted through the first week of March. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township would be accepting applications through January 26th for the new Assistant Park and Recreation Director/Summer Recreation Coordinator position. The 2007 program is scheduled to run from June 25th through August 18th.
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: Megan Zug, reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks, said there was a decent turnout for the January 4th Board of Directors meeting. Meg Zug stated there were discussions about headline band options for Community Day that would be feasible within the budget constraints for this year's program. Additionally, Megan Zug indicated she planned to talk with Kent Wise to identify areas/opportunities for the Friends to support the Township Parks through the donation of Park Property (playground equipment/swing sets etc.). Megan Zug informed that Peggy Niemeyer will continue to organize the crafters for this year's Community Day activities. The next meeting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks is schedule for the first Thursday in March.
Old Business:
Ken Lehr, reporting on the Summer Concert Series, said that both Special Blendz and the Chester County Concert Band are available to perform at this year's program. Ken Lehr informed that he had also contacted a representative from the Chester County Pops and indicated that the group has concerns about performing in the direct sunlight that shines on the Amphitheater during the Summer Concert start time (6:00 PM). They asked if the Township would consider having a later start time (8:00 PM) to accommodate their concern. Ken Lehr expressed concern over the impact shifting the hours for the concert (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) would have on the adjoining neighbors of the Community Park. Ken Lehr informed he would contact the group to see if an earlier start would be acceptable
Ken Lehr, reporting on Community Day, provided an update on the budget concerns for the event. The 2006 budget was $10,000 and the event ran $5,000 over that budget.
Ken Lehr indicated that the 2007 budget is allocating $8,825 for this year's program. Ken Lehr stated that based on this information, there would not be enough in the budget to cover the cost of a headline band. Ken Lehr reported the Township would look to line up a more affordable local band for this year's event. Additionally, the Township would have to look into establishing a fee/charge for the caricaturists to allow that activity to continue. Dr. White offered a correction, informing that the budget for 2007 Community Day is $10,000, and indicated $8,825 of that budget has been utilized to date.
Ken Lehr, reporting on bus trips, informed that the December 2nd open bus trip to New York City and the December 11th trip to Radio City Music Hall both went well. Ken Lehr offered thanks to Les Bair and Pat McIlvaine for serving as bus captains on the December 2nd trip and to Mary Lou Enoches for serving as bus captain on the December 11th trip. Ken Lehr said he did receive feed back from patrons. About 29% of those attending the December 11th Radio City Music Hall felt the trip began too early. Mary Lou Enoches stated Ken Lehr did an excellent job organizing these bus trips. Ken Lehr said fliers for the March 5th trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show (joint venture with the Borough of West Chester, East Goshen Township and Willistown Township) and the April 15th trip to Washington, DC (joint venture with the Borough of West Chester) for the Cherry Blossom Festival were included in everyone's information packet. Ken Lehr reported the Township is also planning a bus trip on February 21st to the Franklin Institute to see the King Tut Exhibit. This trip has sold out, and there is a waiting list at this time. Ken Lehr informed the cost for the February 21st trip is $50.00 per person including the ticket to the Franklin Institute.
Ken Lehr reporting on the Senior Water Walking sessions at ACAC informed that the February session has been filled. There were still openings for the March and April sessions.
Ken Lehr, reporting on the Annual Holiday Decorations, workshop informed that the Township has been offering this workshop since 1998. Normally 3-4 people attend the workshop. Ken
Lehr said that ten people attended last year's workshop, and 16-18 people attend this year's offering.
As a result of this increase, the Township offered a second session to accommodate those interested in attending.
Ken Lehr, reporting on the December 16th Holiday Breakfast with Santa at the Stadium Grille, informed that the 2006 event attendance was capped at 107. About 60 people had to be turned away. As a result, the Township is considering offering two seatings for the 2007 event. Ken Lehr informed the Stadium Grill was OK with offering two seatings on a Saturday (7:00 AM and 9:00 AM) stating everyone would need to be out by 10:30 AM to allow ample time to cleanup and prepare for their normal lunch business. Mary Lou Enoches asked if it would be feasible to offer the seatings on different Saturdays in December. Ken Lehr stated offering Holiday Breakfast with Santa seatings on multiple Saturdays in December would place a premium on available Saturday time during the month of December, potentially impacting the two bus trips normally planned to New York City. Jerry Napiecek stated he would prefer offering the seatings on two separate days, stating he had concerns with logistics of offering two seatings on one day.
Dr. White provided an update on the Jerrehian property. The real estate developer (Pulte) is currently in discussions with the Historical Society over plans to build on the
property. Dr. White indicated that the Historical Society does not want any construction on the property, and that Pulte may have to take this issue to court for resolution.
Dr. White stated actions/decisions by the court could override West Goshen Township ordinances.
Ken Lehr reporting, on Robert E. Lambert Park, said the Township would try to operate the skatepark on a weekend only schedule through the winter months. Ken Lehr stated the skatepark
would be closed during inclement weather conditions, and the Township would not remove snow from the skatepark facilities. Additionally, Ken Lehr reported that the attendant booth at the skatepark
is not heated and as a result, the skatepark would not open when temperature are not expected to be over 30 degrees.
Ken Lehr stated attendants have been utilizing space heaters to provide heat for the booth at this time. Ken Lehr informed that the Township opened the skatepark the week between Christmas and New Year's. Ken Lehr reported on the Saturday after New Year's, there were 30 patrons in the skatepark, 50 patrons in the dogpark and another 20 patrons in the playground facilities. Ken Lehr informed that the Township received a request to allow bikes in the skatepark. At this time the Township's response is that bikes and skateboarding are not compatible simultaneous activities within the confines of the skatepark. Additionally, there is concern that the bikes would lead to significantly greater wear on the equipment in the park.
New Business: Ken Lehr reported on a request by Karen Gaffney on behalf of the Chester County Down Syndrome Interest Group for use of Community Park on Sunday, October 7th for the seventh annual "Buddy Walk". The event will feature a one-mile walk designed to promote awareness and inclusion of persons with Down Syndrome and serves as the group's primary fundraiser. Ken Lehr indicated that the event has been held at the Community Park the last several years.
Ken Lehr reported on a request by Carol Hessler on behalf of the Arthritis Foundation for the use of the Community Park on Saturday, April 14th for the first annual "Walk for Arthritis". The event is a joint venture with the Arthritis Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania, ACAC, and the Chester County Hospital. Carol Hessler estimates 150 to 200 walkers are expected to participate in the inaugural event.
Ken Lehr informed that he and Sharon Lynn have been in contact with Ida Ladner at ACAC looking to offer more programs like the well-received Senior Water Walking. The initial thought is
to offer grandparent/grandchild activities at the ACAC pool facilities.
Ken Lehr reported that the Township is planning to present a "Senior Exercise Sampler" program offering seniors six ways to stay fit. This six-week program will take place at the West Goshen
Township Administration Building on Fridays between 2:15 and 3:00 PM. Each week will focus on a different aspect of exercise.
Ken Lehr reported the Township is partnering with Ageless Exercise to offer Basic and Intermediate Yoga at the West Goshen Township Administration Building. Basic sessions will take place
on Tuesday evenings between 6:30 and 7:30 PM beginning February 27th. Intermediate sessions will take place on Thursday evenings beginning March 1st. Cost for the series
of five sessions is $50 for West Goshen residents, $60 for non-residents.
Dr. White reported that the new storage facilities at Turner Lane do not have the required sprinkler system and as a result, the Township can not get an occupancy permit for the facilities.
Dr. White said the cost of the sprinkler system is $30,000, and indicated the funds for this project would come out of the Township's Capital Reserves account.
Dr. White reported that the Board of Supervisors reviewed the letter Jerry Napiecek drafted stating the desire of the membership of the Park and Recreation Board is to restrict political
campaigning at all future events like Community Day.
Dr. White informed that the Board of Supervisors was in agreement with the request and stated there will be no political activities permitted at future Community Day events.
Members from a Boy Scout Troop attended the January Park and Recreation Board meeting a part of their requirements for the "Citizenship in the Community" merit badges.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for February 21, 2007.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ed Smith
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