West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
June 17, 2009

Minutes

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

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

Public Representatives: Bruce and Vincent Ruggeri from Boy Scout Troop 65 in Exton

Meeting called to Order: 7:00 PM by Chair Mary Lou Enoches

After a review of the minutes submitted for the May 20, 2009 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 May 31, 2009 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 ballfields. Kent Wise indicated that the crew has been able to keep up with this effort in spite of the constant rain. Kent Wise informed that the crew is also busy doing bed work, including trimming/planting flowers and shrubs and controlling weeds at Community Park. Kent Wise indicated that a similar effort is also being done at the Township Building. Kent Wise reported that the crew also spent time adding wetland type plants (leftover from the Box Elder Pond project) to a section of the bottom of the basin at the Bicking Drive retention basin where a new berm was added last fall. Kent Wise indicated that the crew is in the process of adding plantings to another section of the basin. This effort would continue through the remainder of the summer until the entire bottom of the basin is covered. Kent Wise informed that work still needs to be done to add plantings to the berms. Kent Wise reported that the crew is getting ready for the Summer Recreation Program at Barker, Coopersmith, and Community Parks. Kent Wise informed that work to clean up graffiti at Barker Park has been completed. Additionally, Kent Wise reported that the men's room at Community Park was also the target of vandals (graffiti) which required the facilities to be repainted.

Recreation: Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Recreation Program, said that counselor orientation was held on Saturday (June 13^th). Junior counselor orientation was held tonight (June 17^th). Tom Steines stated that many of the counselors and junior counselors are returning from last year's program. At this time, there are 94 campers registered at Barker Park, 82 campers registered at Community Park, and 45 campers registered at Coopersmith Park. Additionally, there are currently 31 campers registered for the Summer Teen Program (up from 29 last year). The Summer Recreation and Summer Teen Programs are scheduled to begin on June 22^nd and run through August 14^th.

Friends of the Park: Jennifer Dobbins, reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks, informed that the annual Board of Directors elections were held on May 7^th. Jennifer Dobbins reported that John Hurley will fill the position of Vice-President. The Friends of West Goshen Parks are still looking for someone to fill the open Secretary position. Jennifer Dobbins said that the Friends continue to add new members at a rate of four to six a month. Ken Lehr reported that the next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 2^nd at 7:00 PM.

Old Business: Ken Lehr, reporting on Township bus trips, informed that the June 20^th "New York City on Your Own" trip has been filled. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township has lined up three buses for the Friday July 24^th trip to Yankee Stadium. Ken Lehr reported that the seats are in a good location (second level in right field). At this time, one bus is completely filled and 1/3 of second bus is filled. Ken Lehr reported that the Township lined up two buses for the August 21^st trip to Citi Field for the Mets/Phillies game. At this time, ten spaces remain available. Ken Lehr stated that the Township would line up a third bus if needed.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Senior Water Walking at ACAC, informed that only two residents signed up for the June session. ACAC filled out the classes with their own clients. Additional summer sessions will be offered during the months of July and August. Each session will feature eight 45 minutes classes at a cost of $50.00 per session. The sessions target West Goshen residents 50 years of age and older.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Summer Concert Series, informed that the 2009 program started on June 7^th with a performance by the West Chester East High School Jazz Bands, drawing 250-300 people. Ken Lehr stated that the West Chester East High School Jazz Band is interested in making a return performance next year. Ken Lehr reported that about 400 people attended the June 14^th children's concert featuring John Flynn. Ken Lehr indicated that John Flynn performed one set of children's music and one set of folk music. Ken Lehr stated that this is one of the largest turnouts for a children's concert.  Next up on the schedule is the June 28^th classic and pops concert featuring the Shaw Strings and the popular Motown concert featuring Special Blendz. 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 2009 Summer Concert Series is listed below:

Bob Cifone provided an update on his findings pertaining to community gardens. He checked into the field area next to Christ Community Church on Phoenixville Pike. The water well located on the property has been filled in. Bob Cifone indicated that the site would not be a candidate for a community garden due to the lack of accessible water. Bob Cifone said a website for the American Community Gardening Association (ACGA) provides guidance on what needs to be done. Kent Wise indicated that most of the Township's park area is already being utilized. Mary Lou Enoches stated that the Township should put something in the newsletter asking if anyone would be willing to donate the use of their property for a community garden site. Michael Pillagalli suggested using some of the 150 acres of open space the Township is schedule to receive as part of the Jerrehian property conditional usage plan for a community garden.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Robert E. Lambert Park, informed that the skatepark will hold festivities on June 21^st as part of the "Go Skateboarding Day" celebration. This event will be free to the public and prizes will be given away as part of the festivities. West Goshen dads in attendance will receive a West Goshen coffee mug. Ken Lehr informed that the skatepark will also feature Fairman's Team Rider Days on the second Tuesday of each month through October. Attending participants will be able to get pointers from expert skateboarders and staff members. Additionally, Ken Lehr informed that the Township is partnering with Fairman's to offer weeklong skateboarding camps July 20^th to 24^th and August 17^th to 21^st. Ken Lehr reported that he met with the skatepark staff to re-emphasize the skatepark rules that require all riders to wear helmets, kneepads, and elbow pads. Ken Lehr indicated that he also sent out emails to users of the skatepark, emphasizing the use of the required safety equipment. Ken Lehr indicated that he is seeing improvement in the utilization of safety equipment at the skatepark. Mary Lou Enoches indicated that she got a call from Dave Fairman informing that he has received complaints from parents of skateboarders pertaining to the required use of kneepads at the skatepark. Ken Lehr informed that the Township's insurance carrier indicated that the Township would lose coverage of the skatepark if the elbow and knee pad requirements were eliminated. Ken Lehr indicated that, based on this information, the Township would continue to enforce the use of knee and elbow pads going forward. Ken Lehr reported that the skatepark attendants are getting a lot of verbal abuse from parents of skateboarders pertaining to the knee and elbow pad regulations. Ken Lehr said he instructed the attendants to contact him if there are any issues. Ken Lehr stated that members of Dave Fairman's staff are also required to wear knee and elbow pads. Only professional riders are exempt from this rule. Bob Cifone indicated that he did not believe professional riders should be exempt from the Township's skatepark rules and made a motion to require everyone using the skatepark (including the professional riders) to wear the required safety equipment including knee and elbow pads. The motion was seconded by Michael Pillagalli and passed unanimously. Ken Lehr will notify Casey LaLonde of the Park and Recreation Board recommendation that all skatepark users (amateur and professional) be required to wear helmets, kneepads, and elbow pads. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township has a good working relationship with Dave Fairman that benefits the Township and visitors the skatepark. Finally, Ken Lehr informed that there were no updates or issues pertaining to the dogpark.

New Business: Ken Lehr, reporting on the July 4^th Decorated Bike Parade, indicated that this year's event is scheduled for Saturday, July 4^th at 10:00 AM with a rain date of Sunday July 5^th. Ken Lehr stated that the Township would need volunteers to be judges and provide support for the event. All volunteers should arrive at Community Park at 9:00 AM.

 Ken Lehr, reporting on upcoming theatrical performances, informed that the Township is planning to present a Commonwealth Classic Theatre Company Production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Community Park on Saturday, July 18^th at 7:00 PM. The rain date for the event is Sunday, July 19^th at 7:00 PM.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Movie Nights, informed that there has been a change in policy at Disney that would allow releases of movies to be presented outdoors in the late August to September timeframe. As a result, Ken Lehr indicated thata he is trying to line up "Hannah Montana" for a September 19^th showing, Disney's "Earth" for a September 26^th showing, "Monsters vs. Aliens" for an October 3^rd showing, and a showing on October 10^th that will be chosen by Township residents. Ken Lehr reported that information on the 2009 Movie Nights would appear in the Township Newsletter. Jerry Napiecek suggested having ballots for the "resident's choice" movie presentation available at Summer Concerts. Ken Lehr emphasized that all dates are tentative at this time and indicated that the dates are also close to the projected release dates of the movies.

Public representatives Bruce and son Vincent Ruggeri from Boy Scout Troop in Exton informed that they were attending the June 17^th meeting as part of Vincent's efforts working towards an Eagle Scout Badge. Bruce Ruggeri stated he found the discussion pertaining to the safety equipment rules at the skatepark interesting. Ken Lehr confirmed that the Township would continue to enforce r the required helmets, knee, and elbow pads.

Ken Lehr, reporting on Harvest Day, informed that the Philadelphia Eagles schedule is out. There is a Monday Night game on October 26^th and no game scheduled for Sunday October 25^th. As a result, Ken Lehr indicated that the 2009 Harvest Day would be scheduled for Sunday, October 25^th at Community Park.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35PM. The next meeting is scheduled for July 15, 2009.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ed Smith