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

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

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

Meeting called to Order: 7:03 PM by Chairman Jerry Napiecek

After a review of the minutes submitted for the June 20, 2007 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 June 30, 2007 was reviewed. Ken Lehr indicated that he revised the format of the new report comparing projected 2007 budget spending to amounts spent in the prior year to only include final budget values (approved and any revisions).  There were no other 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 and taking care of the ballfields at the various Township parks.  Kent Wise indicated that the abundant rainfall has kept the crew busy with grass cutting. Kent Wise informed that there is a paver job underway at Community Park that will provide a better access path for equipment from the shop area to the nearby gate. Kent Wise reported that the Township has hired a pond guru/consultant to help get rid of the duckweed that is covering the Box Elder pond. Kent Wise stated that the start of this project is planned for tomorrow (June 21^st). A manual process would skim the coating of duckweed off the top of the pond. Additional future steps include keeping flocks of geese from residing at the pond and reducing the wash from neighboring properties that contain high levels of fertilizers. Kent Wise reported that the consultant's fees are $85 per hour. The Township would pay an additional $2,500 in fees for the work scheduled on June 21^st. Kent Wise stated if the pond clean-up steps are not taken, there is a potential for a large fish kill at the Box Elder pond. Kent Wise informed that vandals struck Coopersmith Park. Windows were broken in the bathroom. At Barker Park, an elderly lady ran over the park sign.

Recreation: Ken Lehr, reporting on the Summer Recreation Program informed that the 2007 program will reach the half-way point this week. Ken Lehr informed that the field hockey (one registered) and basketball clinics (three registered) were cancelled. Ken Lehr reported that skateboard clinics are scheduled for Mondays (eighteen registered) and Thursdays (five registered). Ken Lehr indicated that there were no major issues to report at this time. The 2007 Summer Recreation Program is scheduled to run through August 17^th. 

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Summer Teen Program, stated that the 2007 program is going well. Ken Lehr said that 22 participiants registered for this year's program. Daily attendance is higher for this year's program (twelve to eighteen participants on average each day). Ken Lehr reported that participants will enjoy an outing at the Brandywine Picnic Park tomorrow (July 19^th). The 2007 Summer Teen Program is scheduled to run through August 17^th.

Friends of the Park: Ken Lehr, reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks, informed that the Friends have paid out $7,300.00 to date, surpassing their commitment of $6,500.00 for the Summer Concert Series. Ken Lehr indicated that the Friends are behind their targets for new and returning membership. Ken Lehr said that the Friends plan to send out a membership notice in the near future. Ken Lehr reported that the Friends did not have a quorum at their July Board of Directors meeting. Ken Lehr informed that the Friends have scheduled a strategic planning meeting on Wednesday, July 25^th to identify what is needed to support 2007 Community Day activities. Peggy Niemeyer reported that 14 crafters have already signed up to be part of 2007 Community Day activities. Peggy Niemeyer stated that she is receiving a lot of calls from crafters offering many different types of merchandise that includes clocks, frames for children's book pictures and shadow boxes. Peggy Niemeyer indicated that the sign at Community Park advertising Community Day is generating many calls from crafters.

Old Business: Ken Lehr reporting on the July 4^th Decorated Bike Parade indicated over 200 people attended this year's event. Of that total, 80 preregistered via the Township website. Ken Lehr thanked all of the volunteers for their effort to help make the 2007 Decorated Bike Parade a success.

 Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Concert Series informed that around 350 people attended the July 8^th Chester County Pops concert. Information on the Summer Concert Series is listed below:

Peggy Niemeyer began the discussion on Community Day by suggesting that the Township solicit donations for veterans (similar to how donations are solicited for Chester County Cares). Peggy Niemeyer said she had contacted the Coatesville Veterans' Hospital and indicated that plans are underway to organize a "Welcome Home Veterans" day on Saturday, October 27^th. Peggy Niemeyer stated representatives she talked with indicated that they are looking for donation of items like socks, tee-shirts, toiletries, snacks, gym bags, and backpacks that could be presented to the returning veterans and a sign of appreciation for their service to their country. Michael Pillagalli suggested the Township should advertise to solicit donations for the veterans to be collected on Community Day. Ken Lehr said he could still update the Township Newsletter with information pertaining to donations for the returning veterans. Kent Wise stated he would be willing to take all of the items collected to Coatesville to provide support for the proposed "Welcome Home Veterans" day. Michael Pillagalli suggested contacting Mars, Inc. to see if they would be willing to donate candy for this event directly to the Coatesville facilities. Ken Lehr reported the "Chester County Lawmen" are confirmed as the headline entertainment for this year's event. The next Community Day planning meeting is scheduled for 6:00 PM on Wednesday, August 15^th prior to the Park and Recreation Board meeting. The 2007 Community Day is scheduled for Sunday, September 9^th with a rain date of Sunday, September 23^rd.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Township bus trips, informed that the June 23^rd trip to Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty was a success, stating those attending liked the trip but felt the entire day was too rushed. As a result, Ken Lehr informed that the next time the Township offers this trip, the departure time would be moved up from 9:00 AM to 7:00 AM. The August 4^th trip to Yankee Stadium has sold out and the Township is planning a second 2007 Trip to Yankee Stadium on September 22^nd (2 buses, 28-29 seats already sold).  Ken Lehr reported the Township is offering a trip to Shea Stadium on September 15^th (1 bus, 30 seats sold) to see the Phillies play the Mets. 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 indicated that the Township is planning to add a trip to Gettysburg in the future and a trip to Cape Cod in 2008.

Ken Lehr informed that the Board of Supervisors did not approve the request to pay for the members of the Park and Recreation Board to attend Drexelbrook Country Club from 6:00 to 9:00 PM on July 26^th to celebrate this selection of Community Park by Main Line Today magazine as one of the best family parks in the western suburbs. Ken Lehr stated that he would try to get a group rate indicating the Township would need at least ten people attending to be eligible for this discount. Mary Lou Enoches stated that she may have enough people attending the event for the group discount and asked anyone interested in attending the event to contact her directly.

Ken Lehr said that West Goshen Township was voted one of the twelve best places to live by Money Magazine. The Township is recognized for its sense of community fostered by events like the Summer Concert Series and the July 4^th Decorated Bike Parade.

Ken Lehr provided an update on the Jerrehian property, informing that there was no news to report at this time.

Ken Lehr, reporting on theatrical performances, said about 150 patrons attended the presentation of "Romeo and Juliet" at Community Park on Saturday, June 30^th. The Township will also present "The Game of Love and Chance" at Community Park on Saturday, July 28^th at 7:00 PM.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Robert E. Lambert Park, said Dave Fairman will have skateboarding experts on hand to offer free coaching between the hours of 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM on July 11^th, 18^th and 25^th. The regular admission price will still be in effect during these dates. Ken Lehr said last week's session (July 11^th) was rained out. Ken Lehr said the staff at the skatepark was expanded to nine on July 1^st to allow for three equally staffed shifts per day during the summer months. Ken Lehr indicated that there were no new issues to report at the adjacent dogpark.

New Business: Ken Lehr confirmed that the Township would be supporting the pocketbook booth at the Goshen Fair this year. Ken Lehr distributed the sign-up sheet  and requested anyone interested in volunteering time to reserve the desired time slot(s).

Ken Lehr informed that he would have a sign-up sheet for Community Day activities at the August Park and Recreation Board meeting.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Movie Nights, informed said that distributors will no longer be releasing new issues in 16mm format and will not release DVD versions until the home release dates. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township is running a contest advertised in the Township Newsletter to have residents vote on what movie they would like to see included in the 2007 Fall Movie Series. Ken Lehr indicated that the available choices include: "Happy Feet," "Charlotte's Web," "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," "Jaws," "The Corpse Bride," "Rocky," and "Flushed Away." Anyone wishing to participate in the event are asked to vote for three selections. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township is keeping four nights reserved for Movie Nights in case a more recent release such as "Shrek the Third" or "Spiderman III" becomes available.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for August 15, 2007.

   Respectfully Submitted,
   Ed Smith