West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
March 18, 2009

Minutes

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

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

Meeting called to Order: 7:02 PM by Chair Mary Lou Enoches

Megan Zug asked to update the attendance list for the February 18^th submitted minutes to indicate she attended the meeting. A motion was made by Jerry Napiecek to accept the minutes with the revision. The motion was seconded by Bob Cifone and passed.

 The Financial Report dated February 28, 2009 was reviewed. Ken Lehr distributed a document that provided a description of the fund categories detailed in the Treasurer's Report. Ken Lehr said that the Capital Reserve – Park Loan represents funds set aside as security for the bond supporting the purchase of the West Goshen Community Park. The document explained this bond was paid off in December 2008 and indicated that the fund will be re-allocated by the Board of Supervisors. The document also gave an explanation of the Restricted Park Capital Account, the Parks and Recreation Board Special Funds Account and an explanation of the General Fund Budget line items.

Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crew completed construction on two of the four new park benches. Three of the new benches are designated for the dogpark. Kent Wise said that the Township officially opened the ballfields on March 15^th. Kent Wise stated that the crew spent time over the last few weeks working on the fields, getting them ready for the upcoming season. Kent Wise reported that the crew completed maintenance efforts, including sanding and painting, on two of the Township's trailers. Kent Wise indicated that one of the trailers was inspected today (March 18^th) and the other trailer would be inspected tomorrow (March 19^th). Kent Wise reported that the crew started spring cleanup efforts on the days the weather cooperated. Kent Wise informed that the restroom facilities at Community Park were opened yesterday (March 17^th), but that there were problems with the facilities at Lambert Park. The facilities should be open by next week at the latest.

Recreation: Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Recreation Program, informed that the Township is focusing on lining up counselors. At this time, sixteen members from last year's staff will return. This includes all three of the head counselors. Tom Steines said that nine positions remain open for the 2009 program. Tom Steines reported that the Township has received thirty applications for the nine open counselor positions. At this time ten of the applicants have been interviewed. The Township will accept applications for the counselor positions through March 30^th. Additionally, Tom Steines reported that the Township is looking to fill fourteen junior counselor positions. At this time, 24 applications have been received for these openings. The Township will accept applications for the junior counselor positions through April 30^th. Registration for the Summer Recreation Program is scheduled for Saturday, May 9^th and Saturday, May 16^th.  Counselor orientation (including first aid and CPR training provided by Good Fellowship) is scheduled for Saturday, June 13^th from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. The 2009 Summer Recreation Program is scheduled to begin on June 22^nd and run through August 14^th.

Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Teen Program, informed that there is one returning counselor and two positions open at this time. The Township will accept applications for the Summer Teen Program positions through March 30^th. Tom Steines informed that he is researching options for new activities that can be offered as part of this year's program, including a new form of orienteering.  The 2009 Summer Teen Program is scheduled to begin on June 22^nd and run through August 14^th.

Friends of the Park: Ken Lehr reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks informed that Jennifer Dobbins provided a written report with information about the two open officer positions (Vice President and Secretary) the Friends of West Goshen Parks plan to fill at the May 7^th annual membership meeting. Ken Lehr informed that John Herley is a potential candidate for the Vice President position. Additionally, Ken Lehr reported several people have expressed interest in supporting the Friends of West Goshen Parks as a result of the article included in the Township's Winter Newsletter. Jennifer Dobbins informs in her report that Ken Lehr has put together a Friends of West Goshen Parks brochure that could be distributed to families attending Township events. Jennifer Dobbins writes that the brochure gives examples of what the Friends of West Goshen Parks offers to the community. Jerry Napiecek asked if the officers of the Friends of West Goshen Parks are reviewing/implementing any of the recommendations provided by the consultant (Susan Lohoefer) several years ago (2006). Ken Lehr informed that the Friends of West Goshen Parks have prioritized the recommendations provided by the consultant and are working to implement the items in manageable chunks. Megan Zug asked what is holding up the movement of funds from the Jesse March bequest to the interest bearing account(s) recommended by the Park and Recreation Board. Ken Lehr stated he needed to sync up his schedule with Jennifer Dobbins and indicated he would follow-up on this issue to get the process moving.

Old Business: Ken Lehr reporting on Township bus trips, informed that inclement weather (snow) forced the Township to cancel the March 2^nd trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show. Ken Lehr stated that the Township was able to get a refund from Krapf's Coaches and sell the tickets purchased for the event at a discounted price to the public. Ken Lehr reported that the Township added a third bus for the March 28^th trip to Washington, DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Ken Lehr said that all seats for this trip have been filled, and that there are currently twenty people on a waiting list. Ken Lehr stated that it was not possible to line up a fourth bus for this trip. Ken Lehr reported that 37 out of the 57 seats for the April 18^th trip to Gettysburg have been filled, and said that the Township has added a second bus for the May 2^nd trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. At this time, 77 of the 112 available seats for this trip have been filled. Ken Lehr offered thanks to Nancy Pine for offering to be the bus captain for the second bus. Nancy Pine asked if the trip would be offered to non-residents. Ken Lehr stated that the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island trip would be open to non-residents to fill the 2^nd bus. Ken Lehr informed the tickets for this trip were ordered in early March and as a result, seniors and/or children signing up for the trip now will have to pay the adult ticket prices to attend as there are no more discounted tickets available. Additionally, Ken Lehr reported that he was not able to purchase 10:00 AM ferry tickets. This resulted in the Township purchasing 11:00 AM ferry tickets that changed the departure time for the trip from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Ken Lehr reported that the Township was able to purchase tickets for the May 17^th trip to Nationals Park to see the Phillies play the Washington Nationals. Ken Lehr informed that the Township lined up one bus for the June 20^th "Tour New York City on your own" trip. Ken Lehr indicated that group tickets for the Mets (Citi Field) would be available on Sunday for games in April and May. Ken Lehr stated that the Township is looking to line up a game in August. These games would not be made available until sometime in June. Ken Lehr informed that he would not advertise for the trips until the Township receives confirmation of ticket pruchase. Finally, Ken Lehr stated that the group ticket information for Yankee Stadium is not available at this time.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Township's fitness programs, said that the February/March Yoga-Pilates will wrap up Tuesday (March 17^th). The next session will run from April 4^th through May 12^th. The cost of each session is $50.00 for Township residents and $60.00 for non-residents.

  Ken Lehr, reporting on Senior Water Walking at ACAC, informed that the April session is filled and that there is one opening for the May session. Each session will feature eight 45 minute time slots (1:00 PM to 1:45 PM on Tuesday and Thursday).  The cost of each session is $25.00 and is limited to West Goshen Township residents. Ken Lehr informed that ACAC will not be offering any additional classes until the fall and indicated that at that time the price for the class will increase to $50.00 per session.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Egg Hunt and Decorated Hat Parade, thanked the members of the Park and Recreation Board for filling Easter Eggs in preparation for this year's event. This year's event is scheduled for 10:30 AM on Saturday, April 4^th with a raindate of Saturday, April 11^th. In the event of inclement weather, Ken Lehr stated that he would post a message on the Township's voice mail and the Township's website. Ken Lehr asked all volunteers to arrive at 9:00 AM to help with the preparations for the event.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the dogpark, informed that there was nothing new to report at this time. Ken Lehr said that a new heater was installed in the skatepark office.

New Business: Ken Lehr informed that Bob Cifone attended the 2009 Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society Citizen Symposium at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. Bob Cifone said he attended a "diversity in the park" presentation and stated that West Goshen Township offers many different activities and sports which indicates the Township is doing the right things. Additionally, Bob Cifone informed that he attended a "land symposium" presentation that stressed opportunities for mixing the parks with the people. Bob Cifone indicated that attending the 2009 Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society Citizen Symposium was an enjoyable experience.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Summer Concert Series, informed that at this time the Township has lined up John Flynn for the June 14^th Children's Concert, Special Blendz for the July 12^th Motown Concert, and Blackthorn for the August 23^rd Irish Rock Concert. Ken Lehr indicated that he is trying to finalize the entertainment for the planned jazz band/swing band concert. Ken Lehr said he contacted the Defense Department to determine if any of the military bands would be available to perform as part of this year's program. Ken Lehr requested an update from the Defense Department by the end of March, indicating that, depending on their response, he may contact the Chester County Concert Band to see if they would be available to perform. Jerry Napiecek reported that he had contact with members of the Straight Shooter country band, who expressed a desire to perform for the Township as part of this year's Summer Concert Series. Jerry Napiecek indicated that the band performed as part of last year's program, but their concert had to be moved in doors due to inclement weather. Information on the 2009 Summer Concert Series is listed below:

Mary Lou Enoches began a discussion on a letter the Township received from Amy Harrington requesting the rules governing Robert E. Lambert Park be revised so scooters would be permitted at the facility. Ken Lehr said he talked to representatives from other recreation departments and was told scooters are generally categorized with bicycles and the consensus is they are not compatible with skateboards and inline skates. Ken Lehr stated that the Township's position is scooters would not be compatible with current activities at the skatepark and that policy is unlikely to change at this time. Kent Wise expressed concern about potential damage the scooters could cause to the Township's equipment at the skatepark. Mary Lou Enoches expressed concern about the insurance requirements that would be needed to allow scooters to utilize the skatepark. Casey LaLonde indicated that he believed the scooters would be an obstacle/hazard for people currently utilizing the skatepark.

 Bob Cifone reported that one if the topics discussed at the 2009 Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society Citizen Symposium pertained to utilizing Township open space for community gardens. Bob Cifone stated that this would provide a different/diverse way for the Township to utilize some of their open space. Mary Lou Enoches said that a community garden is a great idea, and asked Bob Cifone to research the idea so the topic could be discussed at the April Park and Recreation Board meeting.

Ken Lehr reported that Chester County Cares has gone out of business. The County will take over the operation. Ken Lehr stated the Township has already placed an advertisement in the write-up for the Easter Egg Hunt requesting patrons to bring dry good donations for the organization. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township would still collect the donated items and deliver them to the new county office. Kent Wise recommended that the Township should consider collecting donated items for the Coatesville Veterans Hospital. Kent Wise informed the Veterans Hospital wants/needs personal items and stated they would take all donated items that do not contain any form of alcohol. Jerry Napiecek suggested the Township should alternate giving the donated items the organizations listed above. Bob Cifone made a motion to alternate donated items between the two organizations stated above. The motion was approved by the members of the Park and Recreation Board.

Casey LaLonde provided an update on the status of the Jerrehian property, informing that there was nothing new to report at this time. Casey LaLonde indicated that the Township is waiting for the subdivision plans to be submitted for the property so the review process can begin.

Casey LaLonde said a request was received from Dr. Robert White requesting that his name be removed from the tennis courts at the Robert E. Lambert Park. He would prefer for the Township to wait until he retires to have something named in his honor. Mary Lou Enoches suggested taking down the sign and saving it for a later date. Kent Wise indicated that he would remove the sign at the Robert E. Lambert Park tennis courts. The members of the Park and Recreation Board gave their approval to this request.

Casey LaLonde provided an update on Hallowell Field. He said the Township has a verbal agreement with the School District that will allow the Township to use the School District field complex near the intersection of Pottstown Pike and Greenhill Road. Casey LaLonde reported that the complex consists of two ball fields and two multipurpose fields. Casey LaLonde indicated that the final lease agreement would be signed on April 15^th. Under the proposed lease agreement, the Township would get 85 to 90 percent of the field time and be required to pay a portion of the maintenance cost for the fields estimated to be about $42,000 a year. The lease agreement runs for 25 years with an option for either side to terminate the agreement with a 60 day notice. Casey LaLonde reported that the Township is already starting to relocate game times from Hallowell Field to the new complex. Casey LaLonde stated that pee-wee football leagues currently utilize Hallowell Field in the fall after dark. The Township would look at the feasibility of using the Hallowell Field lighting system at another facility. Nancy Pine stated that her understanding of the lease agreement is that the portion the Township pays for use of the facilities is based on a portion of the maintenance budget and indicated the amount the Township is required to pay could be negotiated each year. Additionally, because the Township is replacing the 3.5 acres at Hallowell Field with a 24 acre complex, the original grant funds for the creation of Hallowell Field will not need to be paid back.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50PM. The next meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2009.

   Respectfully Submitted,
   Ed Smith