West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
October 22, 2008
Minutes

Attending: Jennifer Dobbins, Bob Cifone, 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 September 17, 2008 meeting, a motion was made by Bob Cifone to accept the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Nancy Pine and passed.

The Financial Report dated September 30, 2008 was reviewed. There were no questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.

Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crew continues to stay busy cutting grass and grooming the Township's ballfields. Kent Wise reported that with help from the road crew, construction of the new berm at the Bicking Drive retention basin is complete. The only remaining task is to locate plantings at the bottom of the basin. Kent Wise indicated that this work may not be done until spring 2009. Kent Wise informed that the crew removed the Community Day Monster Truck ramp at Community Park and regarded and reseeded the area. Kent Wise reported that the "Advanced Horticultural Solutions" contractor was brought in to top dress, aerate, and overseed the soccer fields at Community Park. Finally, Kent Wise informed that the crew started fall leaf clean-up efforts yesterday (October 21^st).

Recreation: Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Recreation Program, informed that he and Ken Lehr attended the National Recreation and Park Association conference in Baltimore last week. Tom Steines indicated that he attended a summer camp workshop that focused on teen programs.  Mary Lou Enoches asked if there were things that could be added to our programs, and if the Summer Recreation Programs provided by West Goshen Township were similar to what other municipalities offer. Tom Steines indicated that each municipality represented at the workshop had unique programs with different objectives. Tom Steines stated that comparing the West Goshen programs to the programs offered by the other municipalities was like comparing apples to oranges.

Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Teen Program, indicated that there was nothing additional to report at this time.

Friends of the Park: Jennifer Dobbins, reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks, said that several members were on hand at Harvest Day providing support. Jennifer Dobbins stated that this year's event featured a large crowd with plenty of pumpkins for everyone to enjoy. Jennifer Dobbins reported that the Friends of West Goshen Parks are now starting to focus on the upcoming Holiday Breakfast scheduled for December 20^th and 21^st at the Stadium Grille. The next Board of Directors meeting for the Friends of west Goshen Parks is scheduled for Thursday November 6^th at 7:00 PM.

Old Business: Ken Lehr, reporting on Township bus trips, informed that survey results from the October 2-6 trip to Cape Cod were included in the Park and Recreation Board information packet. The trip was a joint venture between East Goshen Township, West Goshen Township, and the Borough of West Chester. Ken Lehr stated that the consensus is the trip was worthwhile and should be offered again. Ken Lehr reported there was a wait list for this year's trip that included twelve West Goshen Township residents and ten East Goshen Township residents. The Borough of West Chester had only four participants for this year's trip, and as a result are not interested in participating again next year.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Summer Concert Series, said that a 2008 wrap-up meeting was held prior to the October Park and Recreation Board meeting. The consensus of those attending the meeting was to go back to offering six concerts in 2009 and move the start time for the concerts to 6:30 PM. The dates for the 2009 Summer Concert Series are June 14^th, June 28^th, July 12^th, July 26^th, August 9^th, and August 23^rd.  Ken Lehr informed that the schedule would not conflict with Father's Day or the Turk's Head Music Festival. Ken Lehr stated that the themes/performers being considered for the 2009 Summer Concert Series are Children's Night, Irish Rock (Blackthorn), Motown (Special Blendz), Country Western, Jazz/Swing and 50's/60's music and Big Band. Megan Zug asked if the Township should consider offering a Latin theme concert for their 2009 program.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Community Day, informed that a 2008 wrap-up meeting was held prior to the October Park and Recreation Board meeting. Ken Lehr indicated that options were discussed that included the continuation of Community Day as usual, continuation of a modified Community Day, discontinuation of Community Day and replacing Community Day with a different event. Ken Lehr stated that the consensus of those present at the wrap-up meeting was to not offer Community Day next year and consider offering other events. A follow-up meeting will be held at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, November 19^th to finalize the decision on the future of Community Day.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Harvest Day, informed that this year's event was held on a perfect weather day that resulted in a very large crowd. Ken Lehr reported that the average price for a pumpkin was up this year, resulting in the Township opting for smaller pumpkins and allowing everyone to take home two. Ken Lehr informed that the Township purchased 800 pumpkins for the event, and estimated only 15 to 20 were left at the end of the day.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Movie Nights, informed that the final presentation for the 2008 series ("Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull") is scheduled for Saturday, October 25^th. Information on Movie Nights is listed below:

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Holiday Breakfast at the Stadium Grille, informed that this year's event will feature two seatings, on December 20^th and December 21^st from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. The cost of the event is $10.00 per person. Ken Lehr indicated that he would not be available for this year's event. Tom Steines would be on-hand to provide support. Ken Lehr reported that he would distribute a sign-up sheet ant the November Park and Recreation Board meeting asking members to sign-up for specific assignments to support the event.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the dogpark, informed that there is nothing new to report at this time.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the bequest from Jesse March to The Friends of West Goshen Parks, said that a sub-committee consisting of Jennifer Dobbins, Nancy Pine, Peggy Niemeyer, Jerry Napiecek, and Ed Smith would meet at 6:00 PM prior to the November Park and Recreation Board meeting to strategize on what type of interest bearing account should be utilized for the donation.

New Business: Nancy Pine offered thanks to the members of the Park and Recreation Board for the fruit basket sent as an expression of sympathy on the passing of her mother.

Michael Pillagalli said that he tried to call the Township at 3:00 PM last Friday (October 17^th) and indicated that he was not able to get in contact with anyone at that time. Ken Lehr said that the Township switched to a four-day week. All utilities are turned down the end of day on Thursday each week to conserve energy. Michael Pillagalli suggested that the Township should have a message on the answering machine to inform people the Township offices are closed when they call on a Friday.

Mary Lou Enoches asked the members of the Park and Recreation Board to contact Sandy Turley and let her know if they are planning to attend the appreciation dinner scheduled for Saturday, November 15^th.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:23 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2008.

   Respectfully Submitted,

    Ed Smith