West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
June 18, 2008
Minutes

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

Township Representatives: Ken Lehr, Ed Meakim, 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 May 21, 2008 meeting, Megan Zug asked if it was appropriate to state the name of the person/estate responsible for the generous $25,000 donation to the Friends of West Goshen Parks. Ken Lehr stated that while the representatives of the estate did not want any public acknowledgement for the donation, he did not see any issues with including their names in the Park and Recreation Board minutes. As a result, a motion was made by Michael Pillagalli to accept the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Jerry Napiecek and passed.

The Financial Report dated May 31,2008 was reviewed. There were no questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.

Parks: Kent Wise reported that the Parks Crew is busy cutting grass and grooming the Township's ballfields. Kent Wise said the Township purchased fifteen tons of "Diamond Text" to replenish/maintain the infield basepaths on the Township's ballfields. Kent Wise reported that the Township contracted an electrician to fix the problem with the security lighting at the lower parking lot and pavilion at Community Park. Kent Wise informed that one of the Parks Department crew members is starting flowers from seed, bringing them to work and planting the flowers in the large beds at the Community Park. Additionally, Kent Wise reported that the crew is in the process of mulching the beds at Community Park. Kent Wise informed that the crew completed painting the walls and floor of the bathroom facilities and the outside walls of the storage facility targeted by vandals with graffiti at Barker Park.  Finally, Kent Wise reported that the crew would replace about 200 feet of the post and rail fencing at the entrance to Barker Park. This project would begin next Wednesday (June 25^th) and take two to three days to complete.

Recreation: Tom Steines reported that the 2008 Summer Recreation Program is scheduled to begin on June 23^rd and run through August 15^th. The eight week program will run from 9:00 AM until noon at Community Park, Barker Park and Coopersmith Park. At this time there are 93 registrants at Barker Park, 115 registrants at Community Park, and 58 campers registered at Coopersmith Park. The Summer Recreation staff orientation was held on Saturday, June 7^th from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. The orientation program included first aid and CPR instruction provided by Good Fellowship Ambulance Company.

Tom Steines reported the 2008 Summer Teen Program is scheduled to begin on June 23^rd and run through August 15^th. The eight week program will run from 9:00 AM until noon at Community Park.  Tom Steines said the 2008 program would have a new head counselor (Anthony Froncillo) with the other councselors returning from last year's program. Tom Steines reported that 26 campers signed up for this year's program (up from 21 in 2007). The first field trip is scheduled for next week at the Bowling Palace in Downingtown. Tom Steines said the community service projects include providing support/help for "Carnival Day" activities at Barker Park and Community Park, trail work at the Stroud Preserve, trail work at Springtown Manor, and providing support to Chester County Cares on a parcel of land maintained by Pete's Produce where the crops go to low income families.

Friends of the Park: Jennifer Dobbins, reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks, informed that the annual membership meeting was held on Thursday, May 22^nd at Coopersmith Park. Jennifer Dobbins reported that the following officer positions have been approved: Lee McFadden (President), Ryan Kelly (Vice-president) and Jennifer Dobbins (Treasurer). Jennifer Dobbins said the Friends continue to look for someone to fill the open secretary position. Jennifer Dobbins stated that the new play schoolbus at Coopersmith Park donated by the Friends of West Goshen Parks in memory of Robert McCardell looks great, and indicated that arrangements for the dedication ceremonies still need to be finalized.

Old Business: Ken Lehr, reporting on Township bus trips, informed that the June 21^st trip to New York City is sold out with a wait list. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township would start advertising in July for the planned December trips, including the December 1^st trip to New York (Radio City Music Hall), the December 6^th trip to Lancaster (American Music Theater), and the December 13^th bus trip to New York City. Ken Lehr informed that at this time, 97 of the 112 available seats for the September 6^th trip to Shea Stadium have been filled and that 75 of the 108 available seats for the September 16^th trip to Yankee Stadium have been filled. Ken Lehr reported that 21 people have signed up to date for the planned October 2^nd to 6^th trip to Cape Cod. 36 tickets would need to be sold to break even and allow the trip to be offered. The Cape Cod trip is a joint venture between East Goshen Township, West Goshen Township, and the Borough of West Chester.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Summer Concert Series, said this year's program will begin on June 22^nd with the Children's Concert featuring "Yosi and the Superdads".  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 the concerts. Information on the 2008 Summer Concert Series is listed below:

Ken Lehr, reporting on Community Day, indicated that a planning meeting was held at 6:00 PM prior to the Park and Recreation Board meeting. Ken Lehr stated that the idea of adding tethered hot air balloon rides was discussed. Additionally, Kent Wise provided a contact number for a vendor that provided games for a function recently held at the Community Park. Ken Lehr indicated that he would pursue these options for 2008 Community Day. Ken Lehr reported that he had contacted food vendors for the "Taste of West Goshen" theme and indicated he still needed to confirm which vendors would be present at this year's event. A follow-up planning meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 16^th prior to the next Park and Recreation Board meeting.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the "Watch Dogs," informed that the next meeting of the group is scheduled for Wednesday, July 2^nd at the dogpark. The "Watch Dogs" are regular visitors to the dogpark who have volunteered to make visitors aware of park rules and etiquette. Besides educating their peers of safe and sanitary dog park practices, "Watch Dogs" serve as liaisons with the West Goshen Park and Recreation Department and the Township Manager. Mary Lou Enoches indicated that she is getting positive feedback from dogpark users indicating that the operation is running smoothly at this time.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Harvest Day, informed that the 2008 Harvest Day festivities are scheduled for Sunday, October 19^th at Community Park.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the bequest from Jesse March to The Friends of West Goshen Parks, informed that a sub-committee met on Thursday, July 10^th to come up with recommendations on how the donation should be utilized. The sub-committee is recommending the funds be placed in an interest bearing account to provide income and fund small capital projects. The sub-committee identified two projects for consideration.

• Purchase and install a permanent Public Address system at the Community Park amphitheater.
• Purchase and install an awning/cover for the stage front at the Community Park amphitheater.

• Nancy Pine stated that the Township should request a copy of the Trust agreement to make sure the Township is following the letter for the Trust moving forward. Ken Lehr informed that Paul March (nephew of Jesse March) would send a copy of the Trust agreement to the Township. Ken Lehr indicated that Paul March stated that it would be OK to mention Jesse March's name in the Township newsletter as long as it was in conjunction with information pertaining to other additional fundraising efforts.

New Business: Ken Lehr reported that the Township is partnering with Fairman's to celebrate International Go Skateboarding Day on June 21^st at the skatepark. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township would waive the skatepark fees for the day and that Fairman's would provide prizes.  Additionally, Fairman's will have skateboarding experts on hand to offer free coaching.  Ken Lehr informed that the Battle of the Bands winner ("Drop Out Academy") would perform as part of the festivities.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the July 4^th Decorated Bike Parade, indicated that the Township would need volunteers to be judges and provide support for the event. The Decorated Bike Parade is scheduled for Friday, July 4^th at 10:00 AM.  All volunteers should arrive at the Community Park at 9:00 AM. The rain date for the event is Saturday July 5^th.

Ken Lehr, reporting on upcoming theatrical performances, informed that the Township will present a 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 began a discussion on a letter the Township received from resident Tina Brogan. The letter was in response to the Township's policy to not allow tennis lessons where the instructor is receiving payment or any other commercial activity at the Township Parks. In the letter, Tina Brogan indicated that her daughter's tennis instructor, Mr. Boubacar Toure, was banned from charging for tennis lessons at the Township's parks. Tina Brogan states that Mr. Toure would be willing to assist in any way with the development of a tennis program for West Goshen Township. Mary Lou Enoches asked what the Board of Supervisors position is on this issue. Ed Meakim informed that the Township does not want to get involved unless a decision is made to offer some type of Summer Tennis program. Megan Zug informed that the Borough of West Chester recreation has a tennis program at Hoopes Park and asked if West Goshen Township should consider offering a tennis program. Mary Lou Enoches indicated that the issues identified in Tina Brogan's letter have been brought before the members of the Park and Recreation Board and that the Township needs to send a response. Michael Pillagalli stated the Township needs to be careful that this does not lead to requests from other groups (soccer, football etc.) for Township sponsored programs. Kent Wise indicated that the Township Manager may have already responded to Tina Brogan's letter. Megan Zug asked Ken Lehr to confirm that a response had been sent to Tina Brogan. Jerry Napiecek asked what type of tennis clinic (beginner/advanced) is being offered as part of the Summer Recreation Program. Ken Lehr informed that the clinics are offered to introduce someone with a beginners skill set to a new sport.

Mary Lou Enoches asked if there is any update on the construction currently underway at the intersection of Turner Lane and Paoli Pike (next to the Acme). Ed Meakim informed that the development would include a restaurant but indicated he was not sure of their identity at this time.

Mary Lou Enoches asked if there is any update on the 300 year old weeping beach tree. Kent Wise informed that a letter was sent to Longwood Gardens, but the Township has not received a response back at this time. Additionally, the Township has not been able to get in contact with anyone from Bartlett Tree Service. This is the company that has previously done work on the weeping beach tree.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for July 16, 2008.

Respectfully Submitted,

Ed Smith