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

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

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

The review and approval of the minutes submitted for the August 15, 2007 meeting was deferred until the October 17, 2007 Park and Recreation Board meeting since the quorum required for approval was not present.

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

Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crew is still busy cutting the grass at the Township parks.  Additionally, the crew spent a lot of time preparing for and cleaning up after this year's Community Day festivities. Kent Wise, reporting on the Box Elder pond issue, said that PECO installed a meter at the pond site and the permanent six bubbler (diffuser) aeration system is now in place. Kent Wise indicated that the parks crew is working with the roads crew to replace the stormwater pipe that feeds into the pond.  Additionally, Kent Wise informed that the existing vegetation surrounding the marsh area of the pond has been killed off and will be replaced by new plantings to help filter the run-off that enters the pond.  New fencing has also been installed to keep the geese from entering the pond and two new swales have been constructed to help filter run-off from neighborhood properties in order to reduce/eliminate fertilizers from entering the pond. Kent Wise indicated that the cleanup effort is long-term and expensive with regards to manpower and funding. Progress is being made at this time. Kent Wise reported that the Township has taken care of the grub damage at Richard C. Cloud Park and Community Park.  Kent Wise informed that the grass management contractor completed the work including overseeding the baseball field at Richard C. Cloud Park, Hallowell Field and the soccer fields at Community Park. Kent Wise indicated that the crew would overseed the common areas at Community Park and skatepark.  Kent Wise said that vandals struck Coopersmith Park, damaging the doors to both restrooms.  Kent Wise indicated that the deadbolts and doorframes had to be replaced, and stated that the Township would install padlocks to protect the facilities.  Additionally, the Township is looking into the feasibility of installing security cameras at the site. Kent Wise reported that vandals have been digging up and removing plants in the flower beds located inside the dogpark. Finally, Jerry Napiecek stated that Community Park looked outstanding for Community Day, and offered thanks to Kent Wise and the crew for their efforts to make this year's event a success.

Recreation: Tom Steines provided the final report on the 2007 Summer Recreation Program, informing that this year's program was a success.  He stated that everyone had a good time in a safe environment.  Tom Steines offered thanks to Al Roth and Ken Lehr for their help and guidance, and to Kent Wise and his crew for their support.  Tom Steines reported that there were no major injuries and indicated that the knowledge gained from this year will aid in making next year's program even better.

Tom Steines provided the final report on the 2007 Summer Teen Program, indicating that this year's program was a good experience for the teens. Tom Steines indicated that the community service projects also went well.  Tom Steines reported that daily attendance ranged between six and twelve participants, and that attendance for the field trips ranged between twelve and fifteen participants.  Tom Steines indicated that these totals were down from the first year of the program (2005) but were up from last year (2006).  Tom Steines informed that the Township would review ideas on how to better market the Summer Teen Program, stating that it is difficult to get information about the program to the parents of teens.

Friends of the Park: Jerry Napiecek, reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks, read from an email sent by Megan Zug stating that the Friends were happy to help with another successful Community Day.  The Friends raised about $900.00 from jug contributions and selling raffle tickets.  Additionally about $1,000.00 was received in crafter fees; however, the Friends have refunded two fees ($30.00 each) and expect to pay for the replacement of a crafter's tent due to damage caused by the helicopter's landing and taking off.  Jerry Napiecek stated that the Township would need to reconsider where to land the helicopter for next year's event.  The Friends did receive an $80.00 check from K&G pizza, which was $20.00 more than required based on their Community Day pizza sales. Jerry Napiecek 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.  Jerry Napiecek indicated that he received an email from Megan Zug expressing her concern over difficulty she is having making the Park and Recreation Board meetings.  Additionally, Jerry Napiecek informed that Megan Zug asked if there were any guidelines as to the minimum number of meetings a Park and Recreation Board member needs to attend each year. Ken Lehr reported there is no minimum number identified in the Pennsylvania Second-Class Township Code for Park and Recreation Board members. Jerry Napiecek stated that Megan Zug always attends the Park and Recreation Board functions, and indicated it should be Megan's decision as to whether she remains as a Park and Recreation Board member. Pat McIlvaine informed that some of the boards will not allow members to miss more than four meeting in a calendar year, and suggested considering an option where Megan Zug and Lee McFadden share a Park and Recreation Board membership position. The idea of creating an ad-hoc nomination committee to look at was to improve attendance at Park and Recreation Board meetings and events was discussed.  Jerry Napiecek volunteered to be on that committee and suggested also including Megan Zug since she had voiced concerns over not being able to attend all of the Park and Recreation Board meetings.  Ken Lehr indicated he would contact Megan Zug on this topic.

Old Business: Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Concert Series said the final concert for the 2007 season was held on August 19^th featuring "Straight Shooter".  Due to inclement weather, the concert needed to be moved inside.  Ken Lehr indicated he had a difficult time contacting a representative from the school district to line-up the rain site for the concert and, as a result, the Township was forced to hold the event at the Township Administration Building.  Ken Lehr said that thirty people attended the concert.  Ken Lehr suggested scheduling a Summer Concert Series wrap-up/planning meeting for 6:00 PM on October 17^th.  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/Orchestr a

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

30

Ken Lehr, reporting on the 2007 Community Day, informed that this year's event was successful.  Attendance figures were about the same as 2006. Jerry Napiecek noted that there was a poor turnout for the headline band.  Ken Lehr suggested scheduling a Community Day wrap-up/planning meeting for 6:30 PM on October 17^th.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Movie Nights, informed that the voting for the movie selection resulted in a tie for third place and, as a result, the Township would present four nights of family friendly movies during this year's program.  Ken Lehr informed that the Township would use the new digital video projector at this year's program, allowing for rear-projection. Ken Lehr distributed a sign-up sheet asking the members of the Park and Recreation Board to volunteer to provide support for one or more of movie presentations. Information on Movie Nights is listed below:

Date

Movie

Location

Attendance

September 29th

Charlotte's Web

Community Park

October 6th

Flushed Away

Community Park

October 13th

Happy Feet

Community Park

October 20th

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Community Park

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 that the arrangements for the musical entertainment "Makin Music" have been finalized. Ken Lehr informed that the pumpkin run is scheduled for the Tuesday prior to the event (October 16^th).  Finally, Ken Lehr reported that East Goshen's Harvest Day activities are planned for the weekend before, so their hay wagon would be available for West Goshen Township on October 21^st.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Township bus trips, said that feedback from Tom Steines and Jerry Napiecek indicate that the September 15^th trip to Shea Stadium was a success. Ken Lehr informed that the Township would look to offer a return trip next year, with a possibility of two buses. Ken Lehr reported that the September 22^nd trip to Yankee Stadium has sold out. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township has lined up three buses for the December 1^st trip to New York City.  At this time, 100 seats have been filled. Additionally, the Township has lined up two buses for the December 3^rd trip to Radio City Music Hall.  25 seats have been filled.  Ken Lehr reported that the Township is looking for a bus captain for the Radio City Music Hall trip.  Finally, Ken Lehr informed that the Township's 2008 bus trip schedule would be filled with trips that have had a proven record like the Philadelphia Flower Show, Washington D.C., and the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township is also 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 the proposed fall Teen Night, informed that ACAC is currently focusing their efforts on their teen basketball league and, as a result, would not offer a fall Teen Night. Ken Lehr stated that ACAC would like to offer a Teen Night in March. Ken Lehr indicated that last year's fall Teen Night was lightly attended, stating that the spring event was more popular.

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.  There would be more information to share once ACAC's spring calendar is available.

Ken Lehr reported that the Township is offering two Yoga-Pilates sessions this fall. The classes will be held on five consecutive Tuesdays starting on October 16^th and running through November 13^th.  The classes being offered are a Yoga-Pilates for Teens class (6:30 PM to 7:15 PM) and a Yoga-Pilates Fusion class (7:30 PM to 8:30 PM).  Ken Lehr informed that the Township is looking for a minimum of seven participants for each session

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

New Business: Ken Lehr informed that the Township received a request from Henderson High School students Emily Bruce and Meghan Trahey for use of Community Park on Saturday October 20^th for the purpose of holding a benefit activity day on behalf of Pediatric Cancer Research at A.I. Dupont Hospital.  Ken Lehr indicated that the Township also has a movie presentation scheduled for 7:00 PM that night. Jerry Napiecek stated that the event is a good idea, but indicated that it would be hard to shut down the entire park for this event.  Kent Wise indicated that there would also be conflicts with soccer games scheduled on October 20^th.  Mary Lou Enoches suggested allowing the event to have limited access to Community Park, including the pavilion and the volleyball courts. Jerry Napiecek asked if it would be feasible to hold the event at Barker Park.  Kent Wise informed that if the event was held at Barker Park, the Township would need to have someone open and close the park at the Township's expense. Additionally, even if the event were held at the Community Park, the crew would still need to provide support cleaning up the trash and bathroom facilities.  Mary Lou Enoches stated that the Township should inform Emily Bruce and Meghan Trahey that Community Park is already being utilized on October 20^th but the pavilion would be available.

Pat McIlvaine asked for an update on the donations collected during Community Day festivities for the Coatesville Veterans' Hospital.  Kent Wise informed that he and Dorine Hannum spent about 1½ hours sorting and bagging the donations. Kent Wise indicated that Peggy Niemeyer had arranged for a contact person (Andy) at the hospital.  Kent Wise stated that the representatives from the hospital were very grateful to Peggy Niemeyer and the Township for organizing this effort. Ken Wise reported the Hospital representatives were going to write a letter of thanks to Peggy Niemeyer and the Friends for their efforts. Kent Wise stated that he would be willing to support another effort for the Coatesville Veterans' Hospital in the future.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.  The next meeting is scheduled for October 17, 2007.

     Respectfully Submitted,
     Ed Smith