|
West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
May 21, 2008
Minutes
Attending: Bob Cifone, Jennifer Dobbins, Mary Lou Enoches, Jerry Napiecek, Michael Pillagalli, Nancy Pine, Ed Smith, and Megan Zug
Township Representatives: Casey LaLonde, 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 April 16, 2008 meeting, 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 April 30, 2008 was reviewed. There were no questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.
Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crews are busy cutting grass and grooming the Township's ballfields. Kent Wise stated
that three crews are required to keep up with this effort: two crews are cutting grass and the third crew is doing the trim work. Kent Wise informed that repairs have been made to the tube slide at
Hamlet Crest Park that was damaged by vandals several weeks ago. The replacement parts cost the Township $785.00 and required additional time for installation. Kent Wise informed that the play
schoolbus donated by the Friends of West Goshen Parks in memory of Robert McCardell has been installed at Coopersmith Park. Kent Wise reported that the crews spent a week trimming/cutting shrubs and
doing bed work at the Township Building. Kent Wise indicated that the crews started working on the beds at Community Park this week (week of May 19th). Kent Wise said two summer
helpers (Timothy Camlin and James Forsythe) have recently started assisting the Parks crews. Finally, Kent Wise reported that there were no new instances of vandalism at the Township parks.
Recreation: Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Recreation Program, reported that registration sessions were held on Saturday,
May 10th (8:00 AM to 11:00 AM) and on Saturday, May 17th (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM). Tom Steines offered thanks to Jerry Napiecek, Michael Pillagalli, Nancy Pine, and Ed Smith
for providing support. Tom Steines informed that there was a light turnout at the second day of registration. At this time there are 91 campers registered at Barker Park, 81 campers registered at
the Community Park, and 47 campers registered at Coopersmith Park. Last year, the final totals were 110 registrants at Barker Park, 120 at Community Park, and 88 at Coopersmith Park. Tom
Steines said anyone interested in registering a child for the 2008 program can do so at the West Goshen Township Administration Building. Non-residents can now register for the program. Tom
Steines reported that all of the Counselor positions have been filled at this time. The Summer Recreation staff orientation is scheduled for Saturday June 7th from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The orientation program will include first aid and CPR instructions provided by Good Fellowship Ambulance Company. The first aid and CPR instructions are scheduled to begin immediately after the lunch break (around 12:30 PM). An orientation session for the Junior Councilors is scheduled for Wednesday, June 11th. This
session does not include first aid or CPR training. The 2008 Summer Recreation Program is scheduled to begin on June 23rd and run through August 15th.
Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Teen Program, informed that registration sessions were held on Saturday, May 10th (8:00 AM to 11:00 AM) and Saturday, May 17th (9:00
AM to 11:00 AM). At this time there are 22 campers registered for the program compared to 21 for the 2007 program. The 2008 Summer Teen Program is scheduled to begin on June 23rd and run through August 15th.
Friends of the Park: Megan Zug, reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks, informed that the annual membership meeting is
scheduled for Thursday, May 22nd at Coopersmith Park. Megan Zug indicated that she would be stepping down from her position as Treasurer, and that Jennifer Dobbins is on the ballot for the open position. Megan Zug reported that the secretary position is still open at this time. Megan Zug informed that the fundraising for the Summer Concert Series is ongoing. Ken Lehr reported that the Friends of West Goshen Parks received a $25,000 contribution from Paul March (nephew) on behalf of the estate of Jesse March. Paul March indicated Jesse March regularly attended the Sunday night concerts at the Community Park and requested the donation be utilized to benefit West Goshen Township Park and Recreation programs. Ken Lehr stated that the funds could be set up as an endowment where the income could be utilized to support the Summer Concert Series. Megan Zug suggested placing the funds in an interest bearing account so the Friends and Township can designate how the funds should be utilized. Casey LaLonde indicated that the Township would send a letter of thanks to the estate for the generous donation. Michael Pillagalli asked if the general public was aware of this donation. Ken Lehr said Paul March indicated Jesse March would not have wanted public acknowledgement for the donation. Ken Lehr indicated that the members of the Friends of West Goshen Parks and the Park and Recreation Board should look for ideas on how the donation could be used, and that the Township should extend the courtesy of informing Mr. March on how the donation funds would be utilized. Mary Lou Enoches stated that a donation like this confirms that the events and recreation opportunities the Township is providing touches many people. Additionally, Mary Lou Enoches indicated the members of the Park and Recreation Board would want to have input on how the funds will be spent suggesting they should be utilized for something associated with the Summary Concert Series. Michael Pillagalli indicated that the Township should find a way to acknowledge the donation without identifying any names. Additionally, Michael Pillagalli stated that Township residents would be astonished at the generosity of this donation and indicated this knowledge may inspire others to do something similar. Ken Lehr asked if a committee should be set up to come up with recommendations on how the donation funds should be utilized. Casey LaLonde indicated recommendations for how to utilize the funds should come from the Friends of West Goshen Parks and the Park and Recreation Board. Mary Lou Enoches, Jerry Napiecek and Nancy Pine volunteered to serve on the new committee. Megan Zug reported arrangements are underway for the dedication of the new playground equipment (play schoolbus) at Coopersmith Park. Megan Zug reported that she has transitioned the Treasurer duties of the Friends of West Goshen Parks over to Jennifer Dobbins.
Old Business: Ken Lehr, reporting on Township bus trips, informed that he had to line up a bus from Academy Coach for the
December 6th trip to the American Music Theater in Lancaster since Krapf's Coaches did not have a bus available for that date. The trip will feature 3-4 hours of shopping time, the
Christmas concert at the American Music Theater, and a family style dinner at the Good'N Plenty restaurant. Ken Lehr indicated that the cost of the trip will be in the $75.00 to $80.00 range per
person. The Township would start advertising for the trip in July. Ken Lehr reported that the August 17th trip to Yankee Stadium (with the tier reserved seats) sold out in three days (three buses), and that the Township has added a Tuesday, September 16th trip that will leave West Goshen Township at 2:00 PM and arrive at Yankee Stadium at 5:00 PM, allowing ample time to visit Monument Park prior to the 7:00 PM start of the game. Ken Lehr reported that the cost of the trip is $40.00 per person. The Township lined up two buses for the trip. Ken Lehr informed that the June 21st trip to New York City is sold out with a wait list. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township lined up two buses for the trip to Shea Stadium on Saturday, September 6th to see the Mets battle the Phillies. At this time 66-68 of the available seats have been filled. Ken Lehr reported that eleven people have signed up to date for the trip to Cape Cod. The buses for this trip will depart from the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry (Paoli Pike across from East Goshen Township Park) on October 2nd and return on October 6th.
Ken Lehr stated that 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 Senior Water Walking, informed that at this time all of the spring sessions are filled with a wait list. Ken Lehr
indicated that the Township would look to line-up the fall sessions in the early summer.
Ken Lehr, reporting on the Yoga-Pilates sessions, informed that the third/final session of this popular class is scheduled to run from April 29th through May 27th. The
cost of the session is $50.00 for West Goshen Township residents and $60.00 for non-residents. Ken Lehr indicated that he would meet with Ida Ladner to plan future sessions.
Ken Lehr, reporting on the Adventure Boot Camp which runs from April 14th through May 9th, informed that Fox 29 News's Sue
Serio provided live weather updates from the Boot Camp at Community Park last week.
Ken Lehr, reporting on the April 26th "Teen Scene" at ACAC, informed that the event was cancelled due to a low registration (18). Ken Lehr stated that this type of event historically does better in winter/cold weather months. Ken Lehr indicated that ACAC is planning some expansion next winter and can not commit to supporting an event like the "Teen Scene" during that timeframe.
Ken Lehr, reporting on the Battle of the Bands, informed that only one band signed up to compete at this year's event and as a result, this year's
Battle of the Bands was cancelled. Ken Lehr informed that the band that did sign up to compete ("Drop Out Academy") would be given the winner's prize ($300.00) contingent on the band performing at
the Skate Park on June 21st as part of the Township's "Go Skateboarding Day" festivities.
Ken Lehr, reporting on the Summer Concert Series, informed that this year's events are schedule to begin on June 22nd. Ken Lehr indicated he would
distribute a sign-up sheet at the June Park and Recreation Board meeting, asking members to volunteer to provide support for one or more of the concerts. Megan Zug asked to have advertisement for
the Community Day Headline Band Concert added to the Summer Concert Series fliers. Information on the 2008 Summer Concert Series is listed below:
|
