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West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
February 21, 2007
Minutes
Attending: Bob Cifone, Michael Dolan, Mary Lou Enoches, Michael Pillagalli, and Ed Smith
Township Representatives: Ken Lehr, Sharon Lynn, Pat McIlvaine. and Kent Wise
Meeting called to Order: 7:00 PM by Vice Chair Mary Lou Enoches
After a review of the minutes submitted for the January 17, 2007 meeting, a motion was made by Michael Pillagalli to accept the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Bob Cifone
and passed.
The Financial Report dated January 31, 2007 was reviewed. Sharon Lynn said that Megan Zug has asked for a comparison of projected 2007 budget spending to amounts spent in prior years to
identify shifts/cuts in allocations for budget line items.
Michael Pillagalli asked if funds have been taken out of the Restricted Park Capital Account. Sharon Lynn informed that funds were transferred from this account to cover costs for the Robert E. Lambert Park in 2006. There were no additional questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.
Parks:
Kent Wise reported that the crew is continuing winter maintenance efforts, including servicing the Township's trucks and equipment. Additionally the crew is cleaning, sanding, and repainting the trash barrels located at the various Township parks. Kent Wise said the crew is in the process of moving equipment and parts into the Turner Lane facility and adding new shelving to provide additional storage in the Turner Lane garage area. Finally, Kent Wise reported that the Parks Department continues to assist the Roads Department in times of inclement weather.
Recreation:
Ken Lehr reported on the Summer Recreation Program, informing that the Township had received complaints resulting from a conflict with Summer Recreation Program registration and area First Holy Communion services. Ken Lehr stated that as a result, the Township shifted the Summer Recreation Registration to April 28th and May 5th.
Ken Lehr said that he and Sharon Lynn completed the interview process for the new Assistant Park and Recreation Director/Summer Recreation Coordinator position. At this time the Township had
narrowed the selection down to two candidates with the final decision expected within one week. The new position will have joint responsibilities including overseeing the Summer Recreation Program
and providing assistance to Ken Lehr with his Park and Recreation activities. Ken Lehr said that the Board of Supervisors budgeted funding to have Al Roth provide training for the Summer Recreation
responsibilities of the new position.
Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Teen Program informed that there was nothing new to report on the program at this time.
Friends of the Park: Ken Lehr reported for the Friends of West Goshen Parks, informing that the next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for the first Thursday in March (March 1st).
Ken Lehr said letters were sent out to past sponsors to sponsor this year's Summer Concert Series. Faulkner Auto of West Chester has already agreed to provide sponsorship again this year. Ken Lehr reported that Peggy Niemeyer will continue to organize the crafters for this year's Community Day activities.
Old Business:
Ken Lehr reported on the Summer Concert Series, informing that he would have the finalized schedule for the 2007 program for review at the March Park and Recreation Board meeting. Ken Lehr stated that he planned to meet with a representative from the Chester County Pops Orchestra to inform them it would not be possible to push back the start time to accommodate concerns the group has about performing in the direct sunlight that shines on the amphitheater between 6:00 and 8:00 PM.
Ken Lehr, reporting on Community Day, said that shortly after the last Park and Recreation Board meeting, he received a call from a representative from ACAC.
ACAC may have an interest in providing sponsorship for a headline band. Ken Lehr indicated he should know the status of the proposed sponsorship by the end of February.
Ken Lehr reported on upcoming bus trips, informing that the February 21st trip to the Franklin Institute to see the King Tut Exhibit went well. The next bus trips on the schedule are the March 5th trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show and the April 15th trip to Washington, DC (joint venture with the Borough of West Chester) for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Ken Lehr indicated that the process of planning the summer trips is underway. The Township is planning to offer a trip to Yankee Stadium and a trip to Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty (new destination). Ken Lehr indicated that he would provide an update on the summer trips at the March Park and Recreation Board meeting.
Ken Lehr reported on the March 10th "Teen Scene" at ACAC, informing that he was looking for volunteers for the event. Ken Lehr stated that "Teen Scene" is a good event that requires volunteer help to ensure the teens behave in an orderly fashion. "Teen Scene" is scheduled for Saturday, March 10th from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
Ken Lehr reported on the Senior Water Walking sessions at ACAC, informing that all of the sessions were filled (six people per session) with a wait list.
Ken Lehr indicated that ACAC expanded the program to allow the wait listed participants to jjoin in the scheduled program sessions. Ken Lehr stated that ACAC would not allow any additional people to participate from this point forward. Ken Lehr reported that he has been in contact with Ida Ladner of ACAC to offer Senior Water Walking sessions again in the fall. She indicated that ACAC was planning to double the fee ($50.00) for the fall sessions.
Ken Lehr reported on the "Senior Exercise Sampler" program, informing that six people have signed up for the initial offering of this program.
The program will be organized by Ida Ladner and will focus on six different aspects of fitness. 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 that the Township is partnering with Ageless Exercise to offer basic and intermediate yoga at the West Goshen Township Administration Building.
The Township's original plan was to offer basic sessions on Tuesday evenings between 6:30 and 7:30 PM, beginning February 27th and intermediate sessions on Thursday evenings. Ken Lehr indicated that at this time there was enough interest to fill one session. The programs would be combined into one class on Thursday nights. Cost for the series of five sessions is $50 for West Goshen residents, $60 for non-residents.
Sharon Lynn provided an update on the Jerrehian property, informing that there was not much new to report at this time.
Sharon Lynn indicated that the Township is looking to get a count on the deer population located within the property. The developer (Pulte) would be asked to cover the cost of this effort. Sharon Lynn stated that a deer management program would need to be in place when the property is developed.
Ken Lehr reported on Robert E. Lambert Park, informing that as a result of the cold weather and snowfall, the Township has not been able to open the skatepark during the last month.
Sharon Lynn indicated that the Township received an email from a visitor to the dogpark indicating that some dogs are experiencing sickness after attending the park, perhaps because some visitors are not picking up after their dogs. Ken Lehr reported that he has visited the dogpark, and indicated that everyone seems to be happy with the facility, and that the bulk of people appear to be cleaning up after their pets. Kent Wise informed that a member of his crew reports to the dogpark each day to provide clean up support. Kent Wise indicated that in spite of the snow and cold weather, people continue to use the dogpark. Additionally, Kent Wise indicated that the crew spent time on Monday and Tuesday (February 19th and 20th)
cleaning up the ice at the dogpark. Sharon Lynn and Ken Lehr reported that they have followed up on complaints received to ensure that the dogpark provides a safe pet-friendly environment.
Ken Lehr stated that the Township has received requests for additional dogparks within the Township.
New Business:
Ken Lehr reported on the 2007 Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society Citizen Symposium, indicating that a letter from Robert Griffith pertaining to this event was included in everyone's information packet. The symposium will be offered on Sunday, March 25th from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. Ken Lehr asked anyone planning to attend the event to contact him by March 1st.
Ken Lehr, reporting on the Egg Hunt and Decorated Hat Parade, distributed bags containing Easter eggs along with assorted candy to each Park and Recreation Board member with instructions to
fill each Easter egg with candy and return the stuffed Easter eggs to the Township Building during or before the next Park and Recreation Board meeting. The Egg Hunt is scheduled for Saturday, March 31st at 10:30 AM with a raindate of Saturday, April 7th.
Ken Lehr noted that this year's event would be held at Community Park. All volunteers are asked to arrive at Community Park by 9:00 AM to help with preparations and hide the eggs.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for March 21, 2007.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ed Smith
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