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

Township Representatives: Casey LaLonde, Ken Lehr, Tom Steines, Dr. Robert White, and Kent Wise

Friends of the Park: Lee McFadden

Meeting called to Order: 7:02 PM by Chairman Jerry Napiecek

Dr. Robert White provided updates to the members of the Park and Recreation Board on several items. In light of the fact that there were several Park and Recreation Board meetings in 2007 where a quorum was not present, Dr. Robert White indicated an option would be to reduce the number of Park and Recreation Board members from seven to five and to keep two alternate members.  This would reduce the minimum number of members required for the meeting from four to three.

On the topic of Community Day, Dr. Robert White stated options the members of the Park and Recreation Board should consider are:

     A) Schedule the event every other year and change the format.
     B) Eliminate the event and have an expanded Harvest Day. The
         expanded Harvest Day festivities would not include the crafters.
     C) Eliminate the event completely.

Dr. Robert White informed that the Township would be shutting down the dogpark for the winter months and is considering not reopening the facility. Dr. Robert White stated that the facility is popular, but indicated statistics show that less than half of the people using the facility are West Goshen Township residents.  As a result, the cost of maintaining the facility is exceeding the value for Township residents.  Dr. Robert White said options for use of the land include volleyball and/or shuffleboard courts.

Dr. Robert White provided an update on the Jerrehian property, informing that Pulte (builder) has terminated its relationship with the Jerrehian family and is no longer interested in developing the property.  Dr. Robert White reported that if the property were to be developed by another builder, the Township would still receive 115 acres for recreational purposes that were part of the original development plan for the site.  Michael Pillagalli suggested the Township should look into the feasibility of purchasing additional land from the Jerrehian estate. Dr. Robert White indicated that the county and state have grant programs. State Senator Andy Dinniman is looking into the feasibility of utilizing these funds to purchase 25 acres of the Jerrehian property containing the serpentine barrens to be used as open space and/or a potential living classroom for West Chester University.  Dr. Robert White indicated that the conditional use permits for the property expires in January 2008.  The Township would look to extend these permits going forward.

After a review of the minutes submitted for the October 17, 2007 meeting, a motion was made by Mary Lou Enoches to accept the minutes as submitted.  The motion was seconded by Les Bair and passed.

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

Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crew continues to cut grass at the Township Parks.  Kent Wise indicated that the crew is also proceeding with leaf cleanup efforts on good weather days. Kent Wise informed that the crew has shut down the water supply to the concession stand at the Community Park and would be shutting down the bathroom facilities at Coopersmith and Barker Parks on Saturday, November 17^th.  Finally, Kent Wise reported that the crew has also started winter maintenance efforts on the Township's snow removal equipment in preparation for the upcoming season.

Recreation: Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Recreation Program, informed that there would be nothing new to report until after the first of the year.

Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Teen Program, informed that there would be nothing new to report until after the first of the year.

Friends of the Park: Lee McFadden, reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks, informed that the last Board of Directors meeting for 2007 was held on Thursday, November 1^st.  Lee McFadden informed that at this time the, Friends have committed to providing a  $7,000 donation for the Summer Concert Series and Community Day music with the potential for additional funds depending on the success of their fundraising efforts.

Old Business: Ken Lehr, reporting on the Summer Concert Series, informed that the Board of Supervisors will recognize the sponsors for the 2007 Summer Concert Series and Community Day on December 12^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.  The dates for the 2008 Summer Concert Series are June 22^nd, June 29^th, July 13^th, July 27^th, August 10^th, and August 24^th.  Information on the 2008 Summer Concert Series is listed below:

Ken Lehr, reporting on Community Day, informed that he would like to establish a subcommittee to explore alternative approaches for Community Day going forward.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Movie Nights, said about 60 people attended the October 20^th presentation of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire".  This was the final presentation for the 2007 series.  Information on Movie Nights is listed below:

Ken Lehr, reporting on Harvest Day, said about 400 people attended this year's event.  Ken Lehr reported that the average price for a pumpkin was up this year which resulted in the Township enforcing a one pumpkin per child rule at this year's event. The members of the Park and Recreation Board stated that Kent Wise and his crew put in a lot of effort and did an outstanding job to ensure that Harvest Day at Community Park was a success.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Township bus trips, informed that the Township has added a fourth bus for the December 1^st trip to New York City.  Ken Lehr noted that the additional bus would be supplied by Hagey Coaches since Krapf's Coaches did not have any buses available for that date.  The December 3^rd trip to Radio City Music Hall (two buses) has sold out. Ken Lehr informed that the Township's 2008 bus trip schedule would feature trips that have had a proven record, including the Philadelphia Flower Show (March 3^rd), Washington, D.C. (March 29^th), the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (April 19^th), Gettysburg (May 17^th), New York City (June 21^st), and a trip to Cape Code in the October 1^st to 6^th timeframe.  Additionally, the Township is looking at offering a ski trip to the Poconos (Big Boulder Mountain) on February 15^th, as the West Chester Area School District will be closed on that date.  Tom Steines is in the process of finalizing the logistics for this trip. Ken Lehr informed that the Township is planning to offer as many Yankee Stadium trips as possible. Tentative Yankee Stadium bus trips (subject to ticket availability) are scheduled for April 5^th, May 3^rd, June 8^th, August 16^th and September 20^th.  Ken Lehr indicated the Township is also planning a return to Shea Stadium on September 6^th.  Mary Lou Enoches suggested the Township should also consider offering a casino bus trip and/or a trip to Lancaster that includes a show/performance at the American Music Theater.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Senior Water Walking, informed that the fall sessions are filled at this time. Ken Lehr indicated that ACAC was planning sessions in January, February, March, April, and May of 2008 for West Goshen Township residents.  Each session will feature eight 45 minutes time slots (1:00 PM to 1:45 PM on Tuesday and Thursday).  Because of the popularity of this program, each participant will be limited to a maximum of three months from the spring program.  The cost of each session is $25.00.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Yoga-Pilates sessions, informed that both sessions are filled at this time.  Ken Lehr stated that the Township was looking for a minimum of seven participants for each session.  Ten have registered for the first (September) session and seven have registered for the October/November session.  Due to the popularity of the program, the Township is offering another session for November/December.  Ken Lehr indicated that the Township would offer the Yoga-Pilates sessions again in 2008 starting in February.

Ken Lehr informed that the Township would be offering a new fitness program just for women, with the nationally accredited Adventure Boot Camp, instructed by Jen Brango. The sessions, which are scheduled from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM on Monday through Friday at West Goshen Community Park, will run through December 7^th.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Annual Holiday Decorations Workshop, informed that the Township would offer four sessions this year on Wednesday December 12^th (7:00 PM and 8:00 PM) and Thursday December 13^th (7:00 PM and 8:00 PM).    Kelly Cifone will again be the craft instructor for the workshop. Ken Lehr informed that the Wednesday December 12^th sessions have already filled.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Holiday Breakfast at the Stadium Grille, informed that this year's event will feature seatings from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 15^th and Sunday, December 16^th.  The cost of the event is $10.00 per person. Ken Lehr informed that Santa will be escorted to the Stadium Grille in a West Goshen Township police car. Ken Lehr distributed a sign-up sheet asking the members of the Park and Recreation Board to volunteer to provide support for one of the seatings. All volunteers are asked to arrive at the Stadium Grille by 8:45 AM to help with preparations. Michael Pillagalli stated we would need to get more icing for decorating the gingerbread men prior to this year's events.

New Business: Ken Lehr and Jerry Napiecek began a discussion on the draft copy of the Park and Recreation Board member attendance guideline document that was included in the information package for the meeting. The purpose of the document is to define expectations for the Park and Recreation Board members.  Les Bair stated that she felt the expectations documented in the draft were too stringent and asked if there was currently anyone on a wait list for the Park and Recreation Board membership.  Additionally, Les Bair stressed that the members of the Park and Recreation Board should not be the only volunteers supporting Township sponsored events.  Ken Lehr informed that at this time, there was no one on a wait list for membership on the Park and Recreation Board. Mary Lou Enoches suggested having two alternate Park and Recreation Board members.  If someone could not make a meeting, it would be his/her responsibility to contact an alternate member so there would be a quorum at the meeting. Michael Pillagalli indicated that he agrees to a point with the idea of setting guidelines for Park and Recreation Board members, but stated he would rather see all of the volunteer opportunities identified and allow the members to choose what events they can support.  Michael Pillagalli said he would like to see the guidelines state that a member must attend eight of the eleven monthly meetings in a calendar year and not miss more than two or three meeting in a row.  Kent Wise stated that the highest priority should be placed on attending the monthly Park and Recreation Board meetings. Additionally, Kent Wise stated that there is a long list of events offered by the Township and the only help supporting these events comes from the Park and Recreation Board members and members of The Friends of West Goshen Parks. Kent Wise informed that a consultant was brought in last year to help organize The Friends, and at this time the Township is not seeing results in the form of an increase in volunteers from The Friends.  Lee McFadden informed that there are currently around 60 members of The Friends, and stated the membership is open to providing help for more events. Ken Lehr reported that the first step outlined by the consultant was to get The Friends better organized as a board and organize/improve their fundraising efforts.  Ken Lehr indicated that at this time, both of these items have been addressed. Bob Cifone stated that it appears the only time the Township asks for volunteers from The Friends is for Community Day. Michael Pillagalli suggested adding $5.00 to the charge for the Summer Recreation Programs that would be used for a Friends membership.  Ken Lehr indicated that the Township legally may not be able to do this.  Mary Lou Enoches suggested having the Township ask for volunteers in the newsletter, stating that you get a better response if you can target people for their support. Jerry Napiecek suggested keeping the membership of Park and Recreation Board at seven members with two or more alternate members. Ken Lehr asked the members of the Park and Recreation Board to email him any feedback on the draft copy of the attendance guideline document and indicated he would send out a revised copy prior to the January Park and Recreation Board meeting.

 Ken Lehr began a discussion on the proposed manual each member of the Park and Recreation Board would receive as listed in the draft copy of the Park and Recreation Board member attendance guideline document.  The manual would contain the following:

     A)  A directory of Park and Recreation Board members
           and Key West Goshen Township staff officials.
     B)  A brief description of each of West Goshen's Parks.
     C)  Copies of the Pennsylvania Second Class Township
           Code and the West Goshen Township Code regarding the
           Park and Recreation Board.
     D)  A Treasurer's Report and Financial Statement for the
           Park and Recreation Department containing date for the most
           recently completed fiscal year.
     E)  A calendar of upcoming events supported by the Park
           and Recreation Department.
     F)  Park and Recreation Board minutes for the past year.

Mary Lou Enoches stated that the proposed manual is a good idea and suggested also providing a copy of the manual to the board members of the Friends. Les Bair suggested the new manual should also include a mission statement.

Jerry Napiecek began the discussion on the 2008 officer positions informing that he had discussions with several members of the Park and Recreation Board pertaining to the 2008 openings. Mary Lou Enoches expressed a willingness to serve as the chair for the Park and Recreation Board in 2008.  Jerry Napiecek indicated he would be willing to serve as vice-chair.  Ed Smith informed that he would be willing to serve another term as the secretary.  The members of the Park and Recreation Board unanimously voted for Mary Lou Enoches as chair, Jerry Napiecek as vice-chair, and Ed Smith as secretary for the year 2008.

 Jerry Napiecek began a discussion on a note the Township received from Michael Dolan informing the Township of his decision to resign as a member of the Park and Recreation Board.  In the note Michael Dolan also informs that his father passed away on October 12^th.  Jerry Napiecek suggested that the Park and Recreation Board should send Michael Dolan some token of concern for the passing of his father. Mary Lou Enoches made a motion to send a fruit basket to Michael Dolan.  The motion was seconded by Les Bair and passed.  Jerry Napiecek indicated that he would take care of ordering the fruit basket.

Jerry Napiecek, reporting on the new Community Day subcommittee, informed that the subcommittee would be responsible for developing ideas/recommendations for Community Day. Mary Lou Enoches suggested meeting one hour before the January 16^th Park and Recreation Board meeting to review options/ideas for Community Day. Jerry Napiecek indicated that waiting until the January Park and Recreation Board meeting may be too late, as the Community Day planning process begins early in the New Year.  Ken Lehr suggested the members of the Park and Recreation Board should brainstorm ideas prior to the January meeting.  Michael Pillagalli asked if there is a line item in the 2008 budget for Community Day. Ken Lehr indicated that there is a line item in the budget for Community Day, and indicated he would speak with Casey LaLonde to confirm funding available for Community Day or other alternative events.

Ken Lehr stated that the members of the Park and Recreation Board should think about ideas for utilizing the dogpark space in the event the Township decides to permanently close this facility.  Kent Wise stated the dogpark is too small and contains too much landscaping indicating the facility needs to be at least three to four acres in size to function properly.  Kent Wise reported the facility requires maintenance/clean-up effort of about five hours each day, stating that even with this effort the facility emits a bad smell. Additionally, Kent Wise indicated that there is always controversy between owners of large and small dogs because there currently is not enough space within the facility to designate separate areas for them.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.  The next meeting is scheduled for January 16, 2008.

     Respectfully Submitted,
     Ed Smith