West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
January 16, 2008
Minutes

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

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

Meeting called to Order: 7:08 PM by Chair Mary Lou Enoches.

After a review of the minutes submitted for the November 14, 2007 meeting, a motion was made by Jerry Napiecek to accept the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Michael Pillagalli and passed.

 The Financial Report dated December 31, 2007 was reviewed. Megan Zug stated based on the reported figures, it appears that the Township is under budget by around $64,000 for 2007. Ken Lehr informed this is a result of some line items actually being under budget for the year and the fact that some events/items in the original budget did not occur in 2007. Ken Lehr stated the budget for the Community Day headline band was an example of an item that did not require funding. Jerry Napiecek asked about the fact that the Parks materials line item appeared to be $23,000 under budget for 2007. Kent Wise informed the funds the various leagues pay to the Township for the use of the athletic fields goes back into this budget line item. There were no other questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.

Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crew completed leaf cleanup efforts on good weather days. Additionally, the crew completed emptying two large bins at the Turner Lane facility containing bedding and playground mulch using the material at the Community Park. Kent Wise said the crew is working on a project at Community Park that includes digging footers and laying down a stone bed under the picnic tables so the tables will not have to be moved each time the grass is cut. Kent Wise reported that the crew has also started winter maintenance efforts, including changing the oil, replacing the oil filters, checking the belts, hoses and sharpening the blades on the Township's mowers, and servicing the chainsaws and weed trimmers. Additionally the crew is cleaning, sanding, and repainting the trash barrels located at the various Township parks. Kent Wise reported that a contractor was brought in to rewrap the fence at the skatepark. Kent Wise indicated that the original fence was not a heavy enough gauge. Additionally, Kent Wise informed that the bottom rail of the fence was also moved up to prevent the skate boarders from accidentally damaging the new fencing. Kent Wise indicated that the fencing surrounding the tennis courts at Robert E. Lambert Park is also showing signs of wear and that the Township may have to rewrap this fencing in the future. Kent Wise reported that the dogpark was closed on January 3^rd. Signs have been posted informing that the dogpark would remain closed until April 1^st. At this time, the Township has not made a decision as to whether the dogpark will reopen.  Mary Lou Enoches stated that the issues pertaining to the dogpark need to be addressed, and informed that many people like to use the dogpark. Dr. Robert White reported that two Township employees have been bitten while performing maintenance/clean-up tasks at the dogpark and indicated that one of the employees had to get a series of rabies shots. Additionally, someone super-glued the fountain located within the dogpark in an open position. Another concern is that the size of the dogpark may be too small to support the amount of traffic utilizing the facility. Kent Wise said the crew spends a lot of time each week at the dogpark cleaning up after visitors. Kent Wise reported that the crew spent the entire morning of January 3^rd cleaning up at least 50 piles of dog waste. He indicated that the people utilizing the park are not cleaning up after their pets. Kent Wise said he did not feel the Parks crew should be responsible for this type of cleanup effort. Dr. Robert White indicated that a decision on the future of the dogpark would be made by the end of February or early March. Representatives from the Township plan to visit other dogparks of similar size in the area to determine if there is something different the Township can do to make operating the facility feasible going forward. Michael Pillagalli asked if there are any ideas on how the space could be utilized if a decision was made to permanently close the dogpark. Kent Wise indicated that an option would be to use this area for a playground, and/or volleyball/beach ball courts. Dr. Robert White informed that if a decision is made to eliminate the dogpark, the Township would have to return the grant money it received to develop the facility. Mary Lou Enoches stated that the Township should take a look and see what other municipalities are doing to make their dogparks feasible and give the best effort possible to keep the dogpark alive. Mary Lou Enoches asked if there were any larger areas available to relocate the dogpark if a decision is made to close the facility at Robert E. Lambert Park. Michael Pillagalli stated he would like to know the costs/hours required to maintain the dogpark in comparison to the costs/hours required for the rest of the Township parks. Kent Wise informed that in addition to the costs associated with cleanup efforts at the dogpark, the Township also budgets $5,000 a year for dog bags so visitors can clean up after their pets. Michael Pillagalli requested that he be included in any advisory meeting scheduled pertaining to the fate of the dogpark. Casey LaLonde reported he along with other Township representatives would visit other dogparks prior to the February Park and Recreation Board meeting and informed he would have a report on their findings ready to present at that meeting.

Recreation: Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Recreation Program, informed that confirmation letters have been set out to returning counselors. Tom Steines indicated that he is looking forward to mixing up the activities to make the 2008 program new and exciting for the campers.

Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Teen Program, informed that at least one of the counselors from last year's program confirmed that he would return. Tom Steines indicated that he is also looking to line up some community service projects for this year's program.

Friends of the Park: Megan Zug reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks stated that attendance was good at the January 3^rd Board of Directors meeting. Megan Zug said elections will be held in May for the open Board/Officer positions. Megan Zug indicated that her term as Treasurer would be up at that time. The Friends of West Goshen Parks continue to look for volunteers to fill the open positions and provide support. The positions of Vice-President and Secretary will also be open at that time. Megan Zug reported that the Treasurer position requires about one hour per month. An accounting background is not a requirement. Megan Zug informed that the Friends of West Goshen Parks purchased new playground equipment in honor of Robert McCardell to replace the stagecoach at Coopersmith Park. Anyone interested in volunteering to help the Friends of West Goshen Parks should attend the next Board of Directors meeting scheduled for March 6^th at 7:00 PM and/or contact Ken Lehr, Lee McFadden or Megan Zug.

Old Business: Ken Lehr, reporting on the Summer Concert Series, said at this time the Township has lined up the entertainment for five concerts. Ken Lehr informed that a recommendation coming out of the Community Day planning session was to limit the Summer Concert Series to five concerts and focus the fundraising efforts on offsetting the costs of lining up a headline band for Community Day. Mary Lou Enoches made a motion to reduce the Summer Convert Series from six to five concerts for the 2008 program. The motion was seconded by Megan Zug and passed unanimously. Information on the 2008 Summer Concert Series is listed below:

Ken Lehr, reporting on Community Day, informed that a planning meeting was held prior to the January Park and Recreation Board meeting. Ken Lehr informed that the unanimous opinion of all attending this meeting was to continue offering Community Day with changes to the format of the event. Ideas discussed included shorting the event to 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, eliminating the crafters, lining up an antique car club to display their vehicles, lining up Hot Air Balloons and possibly offering rides in a tethered balloon, arranging for a kite club to provide demonstrations, and expanding the food options to include a "Taste of West Goshen" theme.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Township bus trips, informed that the Township is starting to sell tickets for the trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show on March 3^rd. The March 29^th trip to Washington, D.C. is about 1/3 filled at this time.  Ken Lehr indicated that the May 17^th trip to Gettysburg that was to be a joint venture with the Borough of West Chester has been cancelled at this time due to a scheduling conflict with the Borough of West Chester. 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 May 4^th and August 16^th. Ken Lehr indicated that the May 4^th trip would offer the more expensive seating ($59.00 instead of $25.00) and that the Township would line up two buses for this game. The Township plans to line up three buses for the August trip to Yankee Stadium. Other trips include the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (April 19^th  Note: the April ferry schedule will not be available for another two weeks), New York City (June 21^st) and a trip to Cape Code in the October 1^st to 6^th timeframe. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township is also planning a return to Shea Stadium on September 6^th, but that Mets tickets are not yet on sale at this time. Jerry Napiecek asked if there is anything to report on a possible casino bus trip and/or a trip to Lancaster that would include a show/performance at the American Music Theater. Ken Lehr indicated these could potentially be a good fall trips for 2008.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Senior Water Walking, informed that ACAC was planning sessions in January, February, March, April, and May in the spring 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 due to the popularity of the program, the Township is offering a winter Yoga-Pilates Fusio" session from February 12^th through March 11^th. Ken Lehr indicated that Township would also offer a winter/spring session from March 25^th through April 22^nd and a third session from April 29^th through May 27^th.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Adventure Boot Camp for women, informed that about a half-dozen people signed up for the fall offering of the program. As a result, the Township will offer three sessions in the winter and spring. The sessions will run from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM on Monday through Friday at West Goshen Community Park. The first session will run from January 21^st through February 15^th; the second session will run from March 3^rd through March 28^th and the third session will run from April 14^th through May 9^th.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Annual Holiday Decorations Workshop, informed that as a result of an increase in demand, the Township offered 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). Ken Lehr informed that Kelly Cifone provided the instructions/guidance. About 35 patrons took part in this year's workshop.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Holiday Breakfast at the Stadium Grille, informed that this year's event featured two seatings from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 15^th and Sunday, December 16^th. Ken Lehr reported that Saturday's event was a sell-out and indicated that about 70 people attended Sunday's offering. As a result, the Township will again offer two seating for the 2008 festivities.

Jerry Napiecek began a discussion on the proposed Park and Recreation Board Handbook, informing that all of the changes discussed at the November Park and Recreation Board meeting have been incorporated into the final draft version of the document. Megan Zug requested a change in the verbiage replacing the reference to "Chairman" with "Chairperson" or "Chair". Mary Lou Enoches stated that it is nice to have two more members on the Park and Recreation Board in reference to the addition of Ken Lehr and Kent Wise as voting members of the Park and Recreation Board. Dr. Robert White indicated that there is still is an opening for one more member and an alternate member. Megan Zug indicated that Lee McFadden would be willing to attend any Park and Recreation Board meeting that she is unable to attend, and stated that Lee McFadden could also serve as an alternate member. Mary Lou Enoches made a motion to accept the draft version of the Park and Recreation Board Handbook with the noted changes discussed. The motion was seconded by Jerry Napiecek and passed unanimously.

New Business: Ken Lehr, reporting on the Egg Hunt and Decorated Hat Parade, informed that this year's event is scheduled for 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 15^th with a raindate of Saturday, March 22^nd.  Ken Lehr 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. Megan Zug expressed concern about the amount of goose droppings in the area of the Community Park utilized for the Egg Hunt last year. Kent Wise indicated that the geese have not presented as much of a problem this year and that he plans to rope off the area required for the small children's Egg Hunt located within the soccer field to deter the geese from landing there. Kent Wise said that if there is a cold spell prior to the event, the Township would not be able to open the restroom facilities and portable toilets would need to be brought in to support the event.

 Ken Lehr informed that he included a note from Michael Dolan in the Park and Recreation Board member information package. The note thanked the members of the Park and Recreation Board for the fruit basket sent to him as a token of concern for the passing of his father. Ken Lehr offered thanks to Jerry Napiecek for making the arrangements to have the fruit basket sent to Michael Dolan.

 Ken Lehr informed the members of the Park and Recreation Board that Bob Cifone's mother recently passed away. Mary Lou Enoches made a motion to send something from the Park and Recreation to Bob Cifone as a token of concern for the passing of his mother.

Ken Lehr informed that the Township received a request from Robin Clarke, Director of Special Events for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation requesting the use of Community Park on April 26^th from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM for their "West Chester Great Strides" walk to cure Cystic Fibrosis. Kent Wise indicated that an event of this size would require support from two Township employees and a police presence for traffic control. Additionally, the Township would incur expenses associated with maintaining the restroom facilities and removal and disposal of trash. Because the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a charitable organization, the Township does not currently charge a fee for this type of event. Mary Lou Enoches suggested allowing the organization to use the Community Park, but assessing a fee to cover the cost of the removal and disposal of the trash. Casey LaLonde indicated that he had a meeting scheduled for the next day to review the costs associated with this type of event.  Michael Pillagalli stated that if the Board of Supervisors agrees, the Township could assess some type of surcharge for an event like this so the funding does not come at the expense of the West Goshen Township taxpayers. Mary Lou Enoches asked what would be a feasible charge for an event like this. Dr. Robert White stated that the Township could realistically charge a fee that would be equal to the cost to the Township of the services provided. Dr. Robert White estimated the cost to be about $1,000 for event of this size. Additionally, Dr. Robert White indicated that he did not believe that the Township should close the walking path at Community Park for the duration (seven hours) of this event. Megan Zug suggested the Township should establish a fee structure for this type of event that would cover 100% of the cost of services provided when the event is sponsored by a for-profit organization and 50% of the cost of services if the event is sponsored by a charitable organization. Additionally, the members of the Park and Recreation Board felt there should be a limit of three of these type events allowed in a calendar year. Mary Lou Enoches stated that another option is to assess a flat charge by the hour for this type of event. Dr. Robert White indicated that he believed the Township should recover their costs/expenses for events like this. Kent Wise indicated that the charge/fee should take into account the number of people attending the event. Dr. Robert White informed that the Board of Supervisors would develop a fee structure using the input provided by the Park and Recreation Board.  Megan Zug stated Casey LaLonde should be given time to determine the actual costs associated with events of this type and using this information as input into developing a fee structure.

Ken Lehr began a discussion on a request the Township received from Peter Rathman, the director for the USA Hockey National Championship for Girls requesting the use of the Community Park on April 2^nd to support the opening ceremonies for an event to be held at Ice Line. The group would like to utilize the amphitheater from 7:30 PM until around 9:30 PM and estimates approximately 900 athletes would participate. Additionally, local residents would also be invited to attend the ceremonies. At the conclusion of the ceremonies, there would be fireworks shot off from the Ice Line parking lot. Mary Lou Enoches asked if a permit is required for the fireworks. Ken Lehr indicated a permit is required. Michael Pillagalli stated the 900 athletes participating in the event would take up all of the available parking at the Community Park so only the local residents able to walk to the Community Park would be able to attend.  Michael Pillagalli suggested allowing the group to use the Community Park but charge them the maximum fee. Dr. Robert White stated a fee of $2,500 would be reasonable for an event of this size. Mary Lou Enoches indicated that there was not enough information available at this time to make a decision on allowing the organization to use the Community Park. Due to the timing of the proposed event, a decision needs to be made prior to the February Park and Recreation Board meeting. Jerry Napiecek indicated that he would sit in on a meeting pertaining to this request to get more details on the proposed event.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40PM. The next meeting is scheduled for February 19, 2008.

   Respectfully Submitted,
   Ed Smith

Copyright 2008, West Goshen Twp.