West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
June 20, 2001
Minutes

Attending: Les Bair, Bob Cifone, Dan Dixon, Kathy McDevitt, Michael Pillagalli, Jennifer Grey-Rice and Ed Smith

Township Representatives: Ray Halvorsen, Ken Lehr, Sharon Lynn, Al Roth, Dr. White and Kent Wise

Friends of the Park: Peggy Niemeyer and Holly Neimeyer

Meeting called to Order: 7:05 PM by Chairman Dan Dixon

After a review of the minutes submitted for the May 16, 2001 meeting, a motion was made by Michael Pillagalli to accept the minutes as submitted. The motion was second by Les Bair and passed.

The Financial Report dated May 31, 2001 was reviewed. There were no questions of comments pertaining to the Financial Report.

Dan Dixon welcomed Jerry Napiecek to the meeting and informed that Mr. Napiecek will be taking a position on the Park and Recreation Board to fill a vacancy starting in July. 

Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crews are busy cutting the grass and maintaining the ball fields at the Township Parks. At the Community Park, flowers have been planted around the rock at the entrance of the park as well as the area surrounding the monument. Additionally, the crews have planted 6 Holly trees, 6 Rhododendrons and a Plumb tree in the area surrounding the tennis courts. At the Richard C. Cloud Park, the crews have also planted Daylilies. Kent Wise informed that work to install 5 new pavers at the Community Park Amphitheater is currently underway. The pavers will serve as the base for 5 new picnic tables and umbrellas that are scheduled to be installed in time for the next (July 1^st) Summer Concert Series program. Kent Wise reported that contractor Dave Graf will resume work to complete the dugouts at the Community Park on Thursday, June 21^st. Kent Wise informed that 2 new summer helpers (Spencer Clayton and Thomas Ralph) are scheduled to begin work within the next week. Kathy McDevitt informed that she is amazed by how much work Kent Wise and his crew are able to complete at the various Township Parks and offered thanks to them for their dedication and hard work. Kathy McDevitt stated that the work done around the Amphitheater at the Community Park is outstanding.

Recreation: Al Roth reporting on the Summer Camp program informed that over the last month, Ken Lehr assisted him in the process of interviewing 7 to 8 additional applicants for the 25 councilor positions required to support the Summer Camp program. Additionally, 32 junior councilors have been lined up bringing the total number of councilor and junior councilors for this year's Summer Camp program to 57. The Summer Camp Staff orientation was held on June 9^th and lasted from 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM. The orientation program included a review of the new Summer Camp "rules" booklet, CPR instructions and training, discussion on ideas for Arts/Crafts and "rainy day" activities. Al Roth stated that he is still looking for ways to improve all aspects of the Summer Camp program for next year. Al Roth informed that the first day of Summer Camp was Monday, June 18^th and stated that this year's program is off to a good start. Al Roth reported that there was 1 minor incident during the 1^st week of Summer Camp with a camper using inappropriate language. Al Roth informed that he has spoken to both the parents and the child to insure that this situation does not happen again. The 1^st trip for the 2001 Summer Camp program (Ice Line) is scheduled for Thursday, June 21^st. Dan Dixon asked if Township had registration numbers for this year's Summer Camp program. Ken Lehr informed that there are currently 104 children registered for Barker Park, 75 children registered for Coopersmith Park and 137 children registered for the Community Park.

Friends of the Park: Peggy Niemeyer reporting for the Friends informed that the Commerce Banks will donated $1,500 a year for the next 2 years in support of the Summer Concert Series. Additionally, the Friends have secured $5,500 in funding that should cover the entire entertainment costs for Community Day. Peggy Niemeyer informed that the membership count to the Friends of the Park has increased to 98 members. Peggy Niemeyer reported that at this time, the Township has received calls from 12 crafters that would like to participate in this year's Community Day. Peggy Niemeyer asked if Kent Wise would be able to place an advertisement on the letter sign at the Community Park to inform crafters about the 2001 Community Day. Peggy Niemeyer reported that the Friends are preparing for the July 4^th Decorated Bike Parade and indicated that the Friends are still working to line up judges for the event. Finally, Ken Lehr informed that the following businesses/organizations have provided donations for the 2001 Park programs.

Old Business: Ed Smith reporting on the VFW Bike Safety Program informed that between 40 to 50 children attended this year's program on Saturday June 2^nd. The attendance for this year's event was down about 50% from the previous year. Members from the VFW Post, along with Officer Friendly, Ken Lehr, Pat Kelly and Ed Smith helped staff the various stations of activities for this event. Each participant received a hat donated by Kelly's. Additional prizes included Bicycle Helmets new Bicycle(s) and Gift Certificates. Due to the small turnout for the event, many of the participants received multiple prizes. Ken Lehr informed that the Township advertised the Bike Safety Program on the back of the Summer Recreation flier as well as on the letter sign at the Township building. Additionally, members from the VFW Post 106 indicated that advertisement for the event had been distributed to the area schools.

Ken Lehr reporting on Community Day informed that he is trying to line up 4 inflatable rides for Community Day and stated that at this time, the company he has contacted only has 3 rides available. Additionally, Ken Lehr indicated that he has not been able to find a company that can provide an inflatable "obstacle course". Dan Dixon stated that North Pole Productions did a good job with the inflatable rides last year and should be considered again for next year's. Ken Lehr reported that the Food, Pony Rides, Sports Contests are in place for this year's Community Day. Pat Kelly is in the process of obtaining the prizes for the Sports Contests. Kelly Cifone is still working on sponsors to cover the cost of the entertainment. At this time the Friends have secured $5,500 in funding due in part to a large donation from the Commerce Bank. Ken Lehr indicated that the advertisement for Community Day would state - Commerce Bank presents the "Grease Band". Kathy McDevitt asked if someone could contact WAWA to see if they would be willing to provide funding for Community Day suggesting that WAWA coffee mugs could be distributed during Community Day activities. Kathy McDevitt informed that she had a name and phone number for a contact at WAWA. The members of the Park and Recreation Board suggested having the next Community Day planning session at 7:00 PM on Monday, July 23^rd. Dan Dixon offered the use of his home for the upcoming meeting.

Ken Lehr reporting on the July 8^th bus trip to Baltimore to see the Phillies play the Orioles informed that all 3 buses (capacity of 141) have been sold out for the trip. The buses will depart from the Township building at 9:00 AM and leave Baltimore at 6:00 PM returning to the Township building at 7:30 PM. The cost of the bus trip is $29.00. Dan Dixon suggested utilizing the upper parking lot at the Community Park for the Baltimore trip stating that the lot could hold about 70 cars. Ken Lehr suggested using directional signs and the Township building letter sign to direct the people attending the Baltimore trip to the upper parking lot at the Community Park for parking. Peggy Niemeyer asked if it would be possible to mail a post card to everyone that has signed up for the Baltimore trip instructing them to park at the Community Park. Sharon Lynn stated that she did not want to use the Township letter sign for this purpose and asked if the Township could have someone onsite to help direct the cars for the people attending the Baltimore trip to the upper parking lot at the Community Park.

Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Concert Series informed that 450 people attend the 1^st event for this year on June 17^th featuring Makin' Music. The next event for the Summer Concert Series is "Mummers" night on July 1^st featuring the Woodland String Band. Information on the Summer Concert Series is listed below:

Dan Dixon indicated that Kent Wise and his crew did an excellent job preparing the Community Park for the 1^st event of the Summer Concert Series stating that the park looked great. Dan Dixon asked if the Township would be able to produce a 1-page flier listing all of the Summer Concert Series dates and performers. Ken Lehr indicated that he would generate a 1-page flier before the next concert.

Ken Lehr reporting on the 2001 "Holiday Event" informed that he had a meeting with the "Holiday Event" sub-committee after the May Park and Recreation Board meeting to discuss plans for this year's event. Ken Lehr indicated that the format for the 2001 event would be the same as last year. Ken Lehr informed that the members of the sub-committee discussed the possibility of utilizing a company that specializes in pre-assembled decorated light panels to provide decorations for this year's event. Additionally, Ken Lehr stated that the Philadelphia based U.S. Post Office singers were contacted to see if they would be available to perform at the 2001 "Holiday Event". A representative from this group indicated that they currently do not perform outside of the immediate Philadelphia area. Kelly Cifone is checking into the availability of a hand bell choir for the event. Peggy Niemeyer asked if someone from the Township could contact "Cast in Bronze" to see if they would be available to perform at this year's event.

Ken Lehr reporting on July 4^th Decorated Bike parade stated additional volunteers are still needed to help judge the contest. All members of the Park and Recreation Board indicated that they would be able to help out with the Decorated Bike parade. Ken Lehr informed that there would be several clowns making balloon animals for the children during the Decorated Bike parade and stated that there would not be any type of stage performance immediately following the event this year. Ken Lehr reported that the Township has 60 "participation" medals that would be presented to the children that take part in the parade. Peggy Niemeyer expressed concern that 60 medals may not be enough and recommended that 100 medals would be needed to ensure that all participants receive a medal. Finally, Peggy Niemeyer gave Ken Wise a list of the Friend's table and chair requirements for the Decorated Bike parade. The Decorated Bike parade is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 4^th. All volunteers are asked to arrive at the Community Park by 9:30 AM.

New Business: Dan Dixon reported that this would be the final meeting Kathy McDevitt would attend as a member of the West Goshen Township Park and Recreation Board. Kathy will be relocating to the New Jersey shore in the near future. Dan Dixon informed that Kathy McDevitt has served on the Park and Recreation Board since 1986 and stated that she has done an outstanding job providing many years of support for the Township. The members of the Park Board indicated they would miss Kathy McDevitt very much for the great service she provided to the community. Kathy McDevitt stated that it has been a pleasure serving as a member of the Park and Recreation Board and indicated that she is pleased to see the various Township Recreation programs grow to where it is today.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for July 18^th.

   Respectfully Submitted,
   Ed Smith