West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
September 17, 2008
Minutes

Attending:  Jennifer Dobbins, Bob Cifone, Mary Lou Enoches, Michael Pillagalli, Jerry Napiecek, and Ed Smith

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

Meeting called to Order: 7:03 PM by Chair Mary Lou Enoches

After a review of the minutes submitted for the August 20, 2008 meeting, a motion was made by Bob Cifone to accept the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Michael Pillagalli and passed.

The Financial Report dated August 31, 2008 was reviewed. There were no 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 reported that the Township had seven trees removed from the Bicking Drive retention basin where the creek runs directly behind the back berm. Kent Wise indicated that work has been done to stake out an area for a new berm that will be constructed over the next several weeks. Kent Wise informed that the crew spent the large part of the last week preparing for Community Day. The preparation at the Community Park included spreading 24 tons of sand over the volleyball courts and the sandbox at the playground, topping off the playgrounds and beds with mulch, and painting the trash cans. Mary Lou Enoches stated that Community Park looked great for Community Day. Kent Wise reported that the crew was still busy today (September 17th) cleaning up after this year's event.

Recreation: Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Recreation Program, distributed copies of a general overview/recap of the 2008 Summer Recreation Program to the members of the Park and Recreation Board. Additionally, Tom Steines distributed copies of surveys given to the parents of children attending this year's program to solicit feedback on how they feel about the program and suggestions for making the program better going forward. Mary Lou Enoches asked the members of the Park and Recreation Board to review the documents and bring up any questions/concerns at the October Park and Recreation Board meeting. Bob Cifone stated that he had a child in both summer programs and indicated that they loved both programs. The members of the Park and Recreation Board offered thanks to Tom Steines for his efforts and enthusiasm that helped make this year's programs a success.

Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Teen Program, distributed copies of surveys given to the parents of children attending this year's program. The members of the Park and Recreation Board were asked to review the documents and bring up any questions/concerns at the October Park and Recreation Board meeting. Mary Lou Enoches offered thanks to Ken Lehr, Tom Steines, and Kent Wise for their efforts in making the Summer Recreation and Summer Teen Programs a success, and stated that the Township and residents are lucky top have these people involved with the programs.

Friends of the Park: Jennifer Dobbins, reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks, said preparations for Community Day were finalized at their September 4^th meeting. Jennifer Dobbins stated that the raffles at Community Day were a success, generating $1,100 in revenue for the Friends of West Goshen Parks. Ken Lehr indicated that at this time, all of the prizes except two gift certificates have been picked up by the raffle winners.

Old Business: Ken Lehr, reporting on Township bus trips, said the September 6^th bus trip the Shea Stadium was rained out as a result of tropical storm Hanna. Ken Lehr said that the Mets would provide a full refund for the tickets purchased for the game, and that David Thomas Tours would issue the Township credit to be used on a future bus trip. Ken Lehr reported that Jerry Napiecek and Tom Steines provided support for the September 16^th trip to Yankee Stadium. This was the first weekday trip the Township has offered to Yankee Stadium. Tom Steines stated that it was a great trip with 105 people attending (two buses). Tom Steines informed that demand for the trip was strong, indicating that a third bus could have been filled. The buses departed from the Township at 2:00 PM for a 7:00 PM start, allowing people ample time to explore the Monument Park area of the facility. Jerry Napiecek suggested that the Township should consider leaving earlier for all future Yankee Stadium trips, pointing out that the primary parking area was full by the time the buses arrived for the August 17th trip. Additionally, the early departure time would provide a buffer if traffic problems are encountered. Jerry Napiecek reported that he received many comments from those attending the September 16th trip on how well the Township had everything organized for the trip. Ken Lehr provided an update on the holiday trips, informing that only twenty seats remain available for the December 1st trip to Radio City Music Hall. Additionally, at this time one of the three buses lined up for the December 13th open bus trip to New York City have been filled. Finally, to date no one has purchased seats for the December 6th trip to Lancaster.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Summer Concert Series, informed that a wrap-up/planning meeting would be scheduled for 6:30 PM on October 15^th prior the Park and Recreation Board meeting. Information on the 2008 Summer Concert Series is listed below:

Ken Lehr, reporting on Community Day, said that this year's event was held on a hot sunny day. As a result, the pony rides had to be moved to the shaded area next to the Amphitheater. Additionally, the threat of moderate winds resulted in the cancellation of the tethered hot air balloon rides. Ken Lehr indicated that there would be a Community Day wrap-up/planning meeting at 6:00 PM on Wednesday October 15^th prior to the next Park and Recreation Board meeting. Ken Lehr informed that the food vendors were happy, and stated that John Leary (concession stand) indicated that business was down this year. Mary Lou Enoches brought up a complaint, stating that she had to go to different vendors (and stand in two different lines) to get something to eat and a drink. This is a result of the decision to not allow the food vendors to sell drinks. Bob Cifone informed that the practice of not allowing the food vendors to sell drinks originated when the Friends of West Goshen Parks were selling sodas as a fundraiser. Mary Lou Enoches suggested spreading out the food vendors over the entire park area next year and allowing the food vendors to sell drinks. Michael Pillagalli suggested that the Township should consider not offering Community Day next year, stating more people attended the Special Blendz concert. Michael Pillagalli indicated that Community Day requires a lot of taxpayers' money for a five hour event, and recommended a decision on next year should be made prior to the start of the 2009 budget process. Jennifer Dobbins said that many of the people she spoke with were upset the crafters were not included in this year's event. Mary Lou Enoches stated that Ken Lehr, Kent Wise, and Tom Steines need to be consulted to get their opinions as to whether the Township should continue to offer a Community Day next year. Ken Lehr stated that he believed Community Day has evolved into a day for the kids and that the event could be re-branded as a family fun day. Ken Lehr indicated that he did not want to see the event completely go away. Mary Lou Enoches reported that she was amazed at how many people paid $6.00 to ride on the monster truck. Kent Wise indicated that he was disappointed with the attendance at this year's Community Day stating a lot of Township residents have stopped attending the event over the last 2-3 years. Additionally, Kent Wise informed that donations were down, indicating that only four barrels of donations were collected this year versus last year when the crew had to empty the collection barrels three times. Kent Wise recommended taking a year off or offering something new to attract more people. Mary Lou Enoches asked if visitors knew where the collection barrels were located. Jennifer Dobbins asked if the lack of attendance may come down to how the event was promoted. Tom Steines stated that this is only his second Community Day and he did not have an opinion to offer at this time. Jennifer Dobbins indicated that Lee McFadden and other members of the Friends of West Goshen Parks should be brought into the discussion to get their thoughts. Michael Pillagalli requested someone to provide the total cost figures for the entire event. Jerry Napiecek asked Casey LaLonde if the Township had received any feedback from the public on this year's event, and stated his observation that many of the people attending the event were not Township residents. Additionally, Jerry Napiecek suggested that the event could be branded as a family fun day indicating he would hate to see the event go away. Kent Wise recommended surveys should be sent out to residents to get their opinions/recommendations for the event or if they prefer to see their tax money used on a different venue. Kent Wise stated that the Township could utilize the website and Newsletter to solicit opinions from Township residents.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the dogpark, informed that here is nothing new to report 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 indicated that the arrangements for the musical entertainment "Makin Music" and the face painters have been finalized. Ken Lehr informed the pumpkin run is scheduled for the Tuesday prior to the event (October 14^th). All volunteers are asked to arrive at Community Park by noon to help with preparations and set up the pumpkin patch.  Finally, Kent Wise asked if Michael Pillagalli could make arrangements with Phil and Linda Hicks to line up their haywagon for this year's event.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the bequest from Jesse March to The Friends of West Goshen Parks, informed that a sub-committee consisting of Jennifer Dobbins, Nancy Pines, Peggy Niemeyer, Jerry Napiecek, and Ed Smith would meet 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: Ken Lehr, reporting on Movie Nights, informed that the voting for the movie selection has been tallied and that "Bee Movie", 'Speed Racer", "Water Horse" and "The Wizard of Oz" have been chosen for the 2008 program. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township also has the ability to get "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," and indicated that this would still fit within the current 2008 program budget. As a result, the Township will offer five movies during this year's program. 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 movie presentations. 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 seatings from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 20^th and Sunday, December 21^st. Ken Lehr informed that the Stadium Grille has been lined up for both days, and indicated that he would contact "Santa" to make sure he is available.

Casey LaLonde provided an update on the Jerrehian property, informing that the family presented a new conditional use plan and indicated that the members of the Planning Commission review the proposal last night (September 16^th). Casey LaLonde said under the new proposal open space will increase from 115 to 180 acres and would utilize existing trails and the 1902 road network. Casey LaLonde indicated that he would bring copies of the trail map to the next Park and Recreation Board meeting. Under the new proposal, 598 homes would be built (down from the original proposal). Townhomes and duplexes would be incorporated in the design with 50% of the development being age restricted (55+). Casey LaLonde said the members of the Planning Commission suggested adding pocket parks inside the development area. Mary Lou Enoches stated that she has lived along Rt. 100 for 35 years and expressed concern that the current road systems would not be able to handle the additional volume generated by this development. Casey LaLonde indicated that the Township would be required to improve various intersections under the existing conditional usage plan. Mary Lou Enoches indicated she would like to see more age restricted (55+) homes developed in order to reduce the impact on traffic congestion. Casey LaLonde indicated that the Township does not have any control over the amount of age restricted homes to be developed. Additionally, Casey LaLonde reported that the new conditional usage plan would not require a new school to be constructed. Casey LaLonde reported that the responsibility for the maintenance of the new pocket parks was still being determined, and indicated that the age restricted (55+) homes would be a gated community. Additionally, the serpentine barrens would be protected and given to the Township as part of the plan. Casey LaLonde indicated that he was pleased with the new proposal at first glance.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for October 15, 2008.

Respectfully Submitted,

Ed Smith