West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
August 20, 2008
Minutes

Attending: Jennifer Dobbins, Mary Lou Enoches, Michael Pillagalli, Nancy Pine, Ed Smith, and Megan Zug

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

Meeting called to Order: 7:00 PM by Chair Mary Lou Enoches

After a review of the minutes submitted for the July 16, 2008 meeting, a motion was made by Michael Pillagalli to accept the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Nancy Pine and passed.

The Financial Report dated July 31, 2008 was reviewed. Mary Lou Enoches stated that she reviews the report each month and questioned whether everyone understands what the numbers mean. Mary Lou Enoches suggested inviting one of the supervisors to the next Park and Recreation Board meeting to review the budget and explain the various categories and what they apply to. Mary Lou Enoches indicated that the negative balance in line item 82905 (General Rec Program) was confusing. Ken Lehr explained that the negative balance was a result of the Township receiving proceeds for an event before incurring expenses for the event (e.g. the Township receiving money from participants for a bus trip before the Township has to pay for the bus and the event). There were no additional questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.

Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crew is busy cutting grass and grooming the Township's ballfields. Kent Wise informed that the crew is also trimming and mulching the beds at the Township Building. Kent Wise reported that the retention basin located on 6-8 acres of a wooded lot off of Bicking Drive is one of four basins the Township currently owns. A creek runs directly behind the back berm of the basin. The Township wanted to open up the creek line and remove the dead oak trees in that area. The Parks crew had to clear the area adjacent to the back berm of the basin in order to get a tree service truck access to the work zone. This enabled the work to be done without having to access any of the adjacent neighbors' properties. The Township is waiting for someone from Yerkes to come in and survey the property line. Kent Wise informed that he planned to add a berm to the fourth side of the retention basin. At this time, only three sides of the retention basin have a berm. Kent Wise indicated that members of the Roads crew would assist with this task. Finally, Kent Wise reported that all of the basins owned by the Township are over 30 years old and that they would all need work to keep in compliance with new regulations.

Recreation: Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Recreation Program, informed that the 2008 program ended on August 15^th. Tom Steines offered thanks to Kent Wise and his crew for helping to make this year's program a success. Tom Steines reported that a member of the staff suffered a soccer related knee injury during this year's program. Tom Steines informed that the 2008 program featured eight field trips, sports, and a talent show to wrap up the program at the amphitheater. Tom Steines reported that surveys have been sent out to the parents of the children attending this year's program and that he would present a full report at the September Park and Recreation Board meeting. Ken Lehr informed that he was very pleased with the counselors this year, stating that they had good leadership qualities.

Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Teen Program informed that the 2008 program ended on August 15^th. Tom Steines indicated that the daily attendance for this year's program was up 50% over last year. Tom Steines reported that he distributed surveys to the participants during the last week of the program, and that he would also mail out copies to their parents tomorrow (August 21^st). Tom Steines stated that he had great counselors for the 2008 Summer Teen Program.

Friends of the Park: Jennifer Dobbins reported that the Friends of West Goshen Parks held a Board Meeting on July 17^thThe next Board meeting is September 4^th, at which time The Friends plan to finalize their recommendation for the bequest by Jesse March.

Old Business: Ken Lehr, reporting on Township bus trips, informed that the Township sold out three buses for the August 17^th trip to Yankee Stadium. He, Jerry Napiecek, and Ed Smith were the bus captains for the trip. Ken Lehr said that a couple that signed up for this trip did not attend due to a medical emergency. This resulted in the buses departing 10-15 minutes late. Ken Lehr reported that the October 2 ^- 6 trip to Cape Cod has sold out. The Cape Cod trip is a joint venture between East Goshen Township, West Goshen Township, and the Borough of West Chester. Ken Lehr indicated that 52 seats have been sold with the breakdown being 22 from West Goshen Township, 24 from East Goshen Township and 6 from the Borough of West Chester. Ken Lehr provided an update on the holiday trips, informing that 30 of the 90 seats available for the December 1^st trip to New York (Radio City Music Hall) have filled, 40 seats have been sold for the December 13^th open bus trip to New York City (three buses lined up) and no tickets have been purchased at this time for the December 6^th trip to Lancaster (American Music Theater).

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Summer Concert Series, informed that four of the five events had to be moved inside due to inclement weather. Ken Lehr indicated that fewer than 100 people attended the July 27^th Country Western Concert and 50-60 people attended the August 10^th concert. Ken Lehr indicated that he would schedule a wrap-up meeting for the 2008 season in October. Mary Lou Enoches stated that this year's concerts were excellent.  Information on the 2008 Summer Concert Series is listed below: 

Ken Lehr, reporting on Community Day, informed that a planning meeting was held at 6:00 PM prior to the Park and Recreation Board meeting. Ken Lehr said that at this time there is nothing new to report on preparations for the 2008 Community Day festivities.

Ken Lehr, reporting on theatrical performances, informed that the Township presented the Commonwealth Classic Theatre Company Production of "The Taming of the Shrew" at Community Park on Saturday, July 19^th at 7:00 PM. Ken Lehr indicated that over 200 people attend the event, setting a new attendance record for the Township. Ken Lehr reported that the performance was well received. This is the fourth time the Township has used this theater company for a Township event.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the "Watch Dogs," informed that there was nothing new to report at this time. Recommended improvements that have been implemented at this time including cards detailing three sets of rules: one pertaining to rules for dogs; one pertaining to rules for children attending the park; and one identifying the responsibility of visitors to clean up after their pets. Ken Lehr reported that the Township is looking at new surface ideas for the dogpark, stating that the fill dirt used in the initial construction was not screened and contained stones, because the dogpark was designed to be grass covered. Once the grass disappeared, the stones used in the original fill have been rising to the surface as the top soil begins to erode.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Harvest Day, informed that the 2008 festivities are scheduled for Sunday, October 19^th at Community Park. Ken Lehr indicated that arrangements to have members of the band "Makin Music" perform still need to be finalized.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the bequest from Jesse March to The Friends of West Goshen Parks, stated that a follow-up meeting would need to be scheduled to review interest bearing fund options for the donation. Ed Smith indicated that he would get information on Vanguard's Bond and Money Market funds for review. Ken Lehr indicated that he would schedule the follow-up meeting during the September 17^th Park and Recreation Board meeting.

New Business: Ken Lehr, reporting on the skatepark, informed that the final contest of a four event summer series skateboard tournament was held at the skatepark at Robert E. Lambert Park on Saturday, August 16^th. The tournament was sponsored by Fairman's. Tom Steinese reported that 75 people participated in the event and indicated that 150-175 people attended the event which started with registration at 9:00 AM and ended around 3:30 PM. Tom Steines stated that the disc jockey was good and that the event was a big day for the skatepark. Ken Lehr informed that the skatepark would be open from 10:00 AM to sunset through Labor Day. Starting on September 2nd the new fall hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM though sunset; Saturday, Sunday, and West Chester Area School District holidays from 10:00 AM through sunset. This schedule will be in place until Thanksgiving, when the skatepark will only be open on weekends and holidays through March. Ken Lehr reported that all of the attendants currently working at the skatepark are college students, and indicated that the enforcement of wearing helmets and pads is getting better but is still not 100%.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Movie Nights, informed that the Township is running a contest advertised in the Township Newsletter and website to have residents vote on what movies they would like to see included in the 2008 Movie Nights series. The voting would be done on the Township website and run through Wednesday September 10^th or at Community Day on September 14^th. Available choices include: Bee Movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Howl's Moving Castle, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Rings, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Speed Racer, Spider-Man 3, The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep and The Wizard of Oz. The dates for the 2008 series are Saturday's September 27^th, October 4^th, October 11^th and October 18^th. Ken Lehr indicated that he would distribute a sign-up sheet at the September Park and Recreation Board meeting asking the members to volunteer to provide support for one or more of the movies.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2008.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ed Smith