West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
October 17, 2007
Minutes

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

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

Friends of the Park: Peggy Niemeyer

Meeting called to Order: 7:10 PM by Chairman Jerry Napiecek

The review and approval of the minutes from the August 15, 2007 meeting was deferred until the October 17, 2007 meeting because the quorum required for approval was not present at the September 19, 2007 meeting.  After a review of the minutes submitted for the August 15, 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.  Additionally, Ken Lehr informed that the information for the September 19, 2007 meeting had to be submitted as "Meeting Notes" since a quorum was not present for that meeting and stated that the September meeting notes would not have to be approved by the members of the Park and Recreation Board.

The Financial Report dated September 30, 2007 was reviewed.  There were no other questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report. 

Parks: Kent Wise reported that as a result of the recent rainfall, the crew is back to cutting the grass at the Township parks. Kent Wise said several hundred new plantings (plugs) have been located at the marsh edge of the Box Elder pond to help keep geese out. Additionally, Kent Wise indicated that work to thin out the growth along the back of the pond berm is underway. Kent Wise reported that the crew is doing some tree and bed work at Community Park and the West Goshen Township Municipal Complex.  Kent Wise noted that plants are being removed to open up the beds at the Municipal Complex. Kent Wise informed that the restrooms (floors, ceilings and walls) at Barker Park have been cleaned and primed. Kent Wise reported that the crew completed efforts to overseed four acres of common area at Community Park and Robert E. Lambert Park (excluding the dog park). Rain came just in time to support this effort. Kent Wise said the Township received a check from the insurance company to pay for replacing the Barker Park sign that was damaged by a motorist. The Township is currently working with a company in Edgemont to replace the damaged sign at a cost of $2,125.00.  Kent Wise indicated that padlocks have been installed on the Coopersmith Park restroom doors and the lock hasps on the double doors have been shored up to protect the facilities from vandalism.

Recreation: Tom Steines provided a final report on the 2007 Summer Recreation Program. He said this year's program was a success, and that everyone had a good time in a safe environment.  Tom Steines indicated that the program did receive competition from ACAC.

Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Teen Program, said the final report the 2007 program was included in the Park and Recreation Board information packet.  Tom Steines indicated that the Township is getting the surveys back that were mailed out in early August.  Overall, Tom Steines said that parents loved the community service projects and the teens favored the field trips. Tom Steines reported that the three new counselors did a good job and indicated a desire to return for next year's program.

Friends of the Park: Megan Zug, reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks, said the next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for the first Thursday in November (November 1^st) at 7:00 PM. Megan Zug reported that the Friends received checks from K&G pizza and the Stadium Grille for Community Day sales, and indicated that she expected to receive a check from John Leary (concession stand) and the end of the fall baseball/soccer season. Megan Zug informed that the Friends received generous donations in honor of Bob McCardell and are looking for suggestions on how to spend the money in a way to best honor Mr. McCardell's years of service to the Township. Kent Wise stated that Bob McCardell was heavily involved with the home and farm equipment shows that were held at Coopersmith Park.   Michael Pillagalli indicated that Bob McCardell was also very dedicated to Springton Manor.  Megan Zug reported that the Friends would look to find a good fit for the donations suggesting an option could be to use the funds to purchase playground equipment that resembles farm equipment for one of the Township Parks.

Old Business: Ken Lehr, reporting on the Summer Concert Series, informed that a 2007 wrap-up meeting was held prior to the October Park and Recreation Board meeting. 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.  Ken Lehr informed that the schedule would not conflict with Father's Day or the Turk's Head Music Festival. Ken Lehr stated that the themes/performers being considered for the 2008 Summer Concert Series are Children's Night, Big Band (West Chester Band or Chester County Concert Band), Motown (Special Blendz), Latin, and Country Western (Straight Shooter).  Additionally, Ken Lehr indicated the consensus of those present at the wrap-up meeting was to try and line-up Irish band Blackthorn for Community Day and Goodfellas (recommended by Lee McFadden) for one of the Summer Concert Series events.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Community Day, informed that a 2007 wrap-up meeting was held prior to the October Park and Recreation Board meeting.  Ken Lehr indicated that the consensus of those present at the wrap-up meeting was to see if Blackthorn would be available to perform as the headline act for the 2008 Community Day festivities. Megan Zug stated she would like to see the Township include Alex's Lemonade Stand as part of the 2008 program. Ken Lehr informed that Peggy Niemeyer would not coordinate the crafters for the 2008 program.  Tom Steines would be in charge of that task with assistance from Peggy Niemeyer, Ken Lehr, and Mary Lou Enoches.  Jerry Napiecek expressed concern for Tom Steines, stating that the effort required for coordinating the crafters may conflict with his Summer Recreation Program responsibilities.

Ken Lehr reporting on Movie Nights informed that the Township's new digital projector is receiving rave reviews from those attending the presentations. Both the picture and sound quality are much improved.  Additionally, Ken Lehr informed that the Township's new equipment allows the projector to be set-up behind the screen. Ken Lehr distributed a sign-up sheet asking the members of the Park and Recreation Board to volunteer to provide support for the final presentation stating not much help is needed unless the presentation is moved indoors due to inclement weather.  Information on Movie Nights is listed below:

Date

Movie

Location

Attendance

September 29^th  

Charlottes Web

Community Park

400

October 6^th

Flushed Away

Community Park

300

October 13^th  

Happy Feet

Community Park

150

October 20^th

Harry Potter

Community Park

Ken Lehr reporting on Harvest Day said that this year's activities are scheduled from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, October 21^st.  All volunteers are asked to arrive at Community Park by noon to help with preparations and set up the pumpkin patch.  Ken Lehr indicated that the pumpkin run took place yesterday (October 16^th). The Township purchased 516 pumpkins (down from last year). Prices for pumpkins were up this year.  Ken Lehr indicated that as a result, the Township would need to enforce the one pumpkin per child rule at this year's event.  Ken Lehr reported that he purchased additional cider, stating the expected warmer weather would increase the demand for cold drinks.  Ken Lehr informed that he received notification from the Swiss Farms store on the corner of Paoli Pike and Route 352 that there was a scheduling conflict and that they would not be providing lemonade at Harvest Day.  Finally, Ken Lehr offered thanks to Franklin Video for providing the prize for the person guessing the weight of the large pumpkin at Harvest Day.

Ken Lehr reporting on Township bus trips, informed that surveys from the September 15^th trip to Shea Stadium and the September 22^nd trip to Yankee Stadium were included in the Park and Recreation Board information packet.   Ken Lehr said that for the Yankee Stadium trip, heavy traffic resulted in the drive from approach to the George Washington Bridge to Yankee Stadium taking two hours.  Ken Lehr stated that in spite of this delay, the buses arrived in time for the start of the game, due to a rain delay. The game went into extra innings, resulting in the buses not returning to West Goshen until 11:00 PM. Ken Lehr reported that the December 1^st bus trip to New York City (three buses) is filled.  Additionally, the December 3^rd trip to Radio City Music Hall (two buses) has one bus filled and about forty seats remaining on the 2^nd bus. Finally, Ken Lehr informed that the Township's 2008 bus trip schedule would be filled with trips that have had a proven record like trips to the Philadelphia Flower Show (March 3^rd), Washington D.C. for the Cherry Blossoms (March 31^st) and the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.  Ken Lehr indicated that he has been in touch with Sharon Lynn, and that the Township is looking to offer a trip to Cape Cod (joint venture with Borough of West Chester and East Goshen Township) in early October 2008.  

Ken Lehr, reporting on Senior Water Walking, informed that the fall sessions are filled at this time.  Ken Lehr indicated that ACAC was planning to offer sessions next year. He indicated he would have more information to share once ACAC's spring calendar is available.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Yoga-Pilates sessions, informed that the Township was looking for a minimum of seven participants for each session. Ten have registered for the first (September/October) session and eight have registered for the October/November session.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Holiday Breakfast at the Stadium Grille, informed that this year's event will feature two seatings, on December 15^th and December 16^th from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. The cost of the event is $10.00 per person.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Robert E. Lambert Park, informed that the skatepark would not open on weekdays after the time change (November 4^th) through March 2008.  Ken Lehr indicated that the skatepark would remain open on weekends during this timeframe, weather permitting.

Pat McIlvaine provided an update on the Jerrehian property, informing that Pulte has terminated its relationship with the Jerrehian family and is no longer interested in developing the property. Pat McIlvaine indicated that Dean Jerrehian is trying to find another builder to proceed with some of the plans for the development of the property.  Pat McIlvaine reported that if the property were to be developed by another builder, the Township would still receive the 115 acres 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.

Peggy Niemeyer began a discussion on the donations collected during Community Day festivities for the Coatesville Veterans' Hospital, informing that representatives from the hospital were very appreciative of the donations. Peggy Niemeyer offered thanks to Mary Ann and Dave Fell for all of their efforts collecting donations for the veterans.  Additionally, Peggy Niemeyer offered thanks to Kent Wise and Dorine Hannum for sorting and bagging the donations. Peggy Niemeyer indicated that the Friends of West Goshen Parks would like to make this effort to collect donations for the Coatesville Veterans' Hospital an annual event.  Michael Pillagalli stated that this would make a great Summer Teen Program community service project.

New Business: Ken Lehr, reporting on the Membership and Nominations Committee, informed that he and  Jerry Napiecek formed the committee for the purpose of defining expectations for the Park and Recreation Board members and identifying candidates for the 2008 officer positions.  Jerry Napiecek stated he is looking for advice on how to address the situation where Mike Dolan has been unable to attend Park and Recreation Board meeting due to his father's illness.  Jerry Napiecek informed that Mike Dolan is in the second year of his term.   Michael Pillagalli suggested having a Township representative write a letter to Mike Dolan noting his attendance and Park and Recreation functions has been irregular and ask if he is still interested in continuing as a member of the Park and Recreation Board.  Additionally, Michael Pillagalli stated that the Township could appoint an alternate to serve until Mike Dolan can return.  Mary Lou Enoches suggested adding guidelines where a member of the Park and Recreation Board could be replaced if they miss three consecutive meeting.  Additionally, a suggestion was made to add two alternate Park and Recreation Board members to ensure there is always a quorum at the monthly meetings.  Megan Zug stated that she is looking for guidelines for attending Park and Recreation Board meetings, and asked if it would acceptable to attend via a conference call. Ken Lehr informed feedback from the Membership and Nominations committee would be presented at the November Park and Recreation Board meeting.

Michael Pillagalli began a discussion on whether the Township should continue offering Community Day. Michael Pillagalli informed that Community Day was initially supposed to be a one-time event to celebrate the opening of Community Park. Michael Pillagalli stated that attendance for the event has dwindled each year, and asked if the Township could/should do something different to improve attendance or not offer the event at all. Additionally, Michael Pillagalli indicated that he did not believe the attendance for this year's event was impacted by the Eagles game. Kent Wise stated that the Township offers so many events that it is starting to impact Community Day attendance.  Additionally, Kent Wise informed that the crew works hard the entire week preparing for Community Day and another day after the event for clean-up and that it is disappointing seeing the dwindling crowds.  Pat McIlvaine indicated that many of the patrons attending Community Day are not West Goshen Township residents, and stated the West Goshen taxpayers are the ones funding the event.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Annual Holiday Decorations workshop informed that the Township would offer two sessions this year, on December 12^th and December 13^th at 7:00 PM. Kelly Cifone will again instruct the workshop. Ken Lehr informed that the Township added the second session in response to the increased attendance/interest in the 2006 program.

Ken Lehr asked members of the Park and Recreation Board to contact Sandy Turley and let her know if they are planning to attend the appreciation dinner scheduled for Saturday, November 17^th. 

Ken Lehr reminded the members of the Park and Recreation Board that the November meeting would be held on the second Wednesday in November (November 14^th) since the third Wednesday in November is the day before Thanksgiving.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.  The next meeting is scheduled for November 14, 2007.

     Respectfully Submitted,
     Ed Smith

Copyright 2008, West Goshen Twp.