West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
April 15, 2009

Minutes

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

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

Public Representatives: Christine Suhadolnik (Boarder Line Skate Park)

Meeting called to Order: 7:03 PM by Vice-Chair Jerry Napiecek

After a review of the minutes submitted for the March 18, 2009 meeting, a motion was made by Bob Cifone to accept the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Jennifer Dobbins and passed.

The Financial Report dated March 31, 2009 was reviewed. There were no questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.

Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crew completed spring cleanup efforts and is busy cutting the grass at the Township parks. At this time the crew has cut the grass at the all of the Township parks one time and the grass at the Township ballfields multiple times. Kent Wise said the crew spent time applying "Turface" (sports field conditioner) to the basepaths at the Township ballfields. Additionally, work was completed to fix a drainage issue at the Community Park softball field. Kent Wise reported that the crew installed three new park benches at the dogpark and is currently doing bed work at Community Park. Kent Wise informed that the water has been turned on at Coopersmith Park to support a picnic schedule for that facility next Sunday (April 19^th). At Box Elder Pond, the fencing to deter geese from entering the pond has been extended and work to clear out the berm area surrounding the pond has been completed. Additionally, the outflow pipe for the pond has been raised to allow the water level to rise another eight inches for better aeration. Finally, Kent Wise indicated that 25 bayberry plants were planted at the bottom of the berm. The Township would continue to add more plantings around the pond to get the environment as natural as possible. Jerry Napiecek stated that Community Park looked great for the Egg Hunt and thanked Kent Wise and his crew for the work on the facility. Kent Wise reported that vandals struck again at Barker Park, breaking a window at the restroom facility. Kent Wise informed the original damage was repaired but indicated it appears the vandals are trying to attack the facility again by damaging the wire mesh that covers the windows of the restroom.

Recreation: Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Recreation Program, informed that this year's program is scheduled to begin on June 22^nd and run through August 14^th. The program will again take place on Mondays through Fridays. Tom Steines informed that the Township interviewed around fifty candidates for the ten open counselor positions. At this time eight of the ten open positions have been filled. Additionally, Tom Steines reported the Township is looking to fill twelve to fifteen junior counselor positions. The Township expects to have around fifty applicants for the open positions. 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 (8:00 AM to 11:00 AM) and Saturday, May 16^th (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM). Volunteers are asked to be at the Township Building by 7:30 AM to provide support for the first day of registration. Counselor orientation (including first aid and CPR training provided by Good Fellowship) is scheduled for Saturday, June 13^th from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Tom Steines reported that he is trying to schedule all field trips for the upcoming season on Fridays to minimize the amount of support required from Kent Wise and his crew on Fridays. Tom Steines indicated that the registration fee for the program would include four field trips. Additional field trips, including such activities as swimming, bowling, and water slides, will be offered at an additional cost per trip. Tom Steines informed that afternoon sports clinics would be offered from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM in field hockey, skateboarding, tennis, soccer, basketball, tee ball and lacrosse. Casey LaLonde began a discussion of the planned fee increase for both the Summer Recreation Program and the Summer Teen Program. The Board of Supervisors requested a proposal for a 30% increase in fee revenue from these programs. Ken Lehr stated that he distributed copies of notes and a fee worksheet pertaining to the fee increase at the beginning of the Park and Recreation Board meeting. Casey LaLonde indicated that the new proposal would again feature a stratified fee structure for West Goshen residents that would provide discounts for families with multiple children. The new fee structure will be in place for the 2009 program. The new fee structure for Township residents is $200.00 (one-child family), $350.00 (two-child family), and $100.00 for each addition child. Non-residents will be charged a flat fee of $300.00 per child. Jerry Napiecek stated that the West Goshen Township Summer Recreation Program is still a bargain considering what is being offered for the children.

Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Teen Program, informed that the head counselor from last year's program will return this year. The new fee structure will be in place for the 2009 program. The new fee structure for Township residents is $200.00 (one-child family), $350.00 (two-child family) and $100.00 for each addition child. Non-residents will be charged a flat fee of $300.00 per child. The Summer Teen program is 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, said the two open officer positions (vice-president and secretary) would be filled at the May 7^th annual membership meeting. Jennifer Dobbins said that the Friends of West Goshen Parks are starting to get donations from local business to support activities that are planned for this year.

Old Business: Ken Lehr, reporting on Township bus trips, informed that the March 28^th trip to Washington, DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival went well, but expressed disappointment with the bus service provided by David Thomas Tours. Ken Lehr said that the Township was promised a non-stop trip to Washington, DC, but the driver demanded to stop during the trip. As a result, Ken Lehr indicated that it would be hard for the Township to utilize David Thomas Tours for any future bus trips. Ken Lehr reported that at this time 41 out of the 57 seats for the April 18^th trip to Gettysburg have been filled. Ken Lehr said the Township has two buses lined up for the May 2^nd trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. At this time, there are still eighteen seats available. Ken Lehr reported the Township was able to purchase tickets for the May 17^th trip to Nationals Park to see the Phillies play the Washington Nationals. At this time, 28 of the 54 available seats have been filled. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township lined up one bus for the June 20^th "Tour New York City on Your Own" trip. At this time, twelve people have signed up for the trip. Finally, Ken Lehr reported that group tickets for the Yankees (Yankee Stadium) went on sale but stated that none of the games made available were weekend games. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township is tentatively looking at Wednesday, September 16^th and Tuesday, September 29^th for trips to the new Yankee Stadium. Additionally, tickets for the Mets (Citi Field) were only made available for games in April and May. Ken Lehr indicated that the Township is looking to schedule a trip on August 22^nd when the Phillies play the Mets.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Township's fitness programs, said that the second session for the Yoga-Pilates class started yesterday (April 14^thh). The cost of the 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 and May sessions are filled. Ken Lehr indicated that ACAC would not offer any additional classes until the fall, and indicated 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, informed that this year's event went well and the attendance numbers were good in spite of the very windy conditions. Ken Lehr noted that participation in the Decorated Hat Parade was down from previous years.

Ken Lehr, reporting on the Summer Concert Series, informed that at this time he is still waiting on a reply from the Defense Department on the availability of one of the military bands for this year's program. Ken Lehr indicated that he would have confirmation from the Defense Department by the end of the week. At this time the Township still has to line up the entertainment for three of the concerts. Information on the 2009 Summer Concert Series is listed below:

Ken Lehr, reporting on the dogpark, informed that Kent Wise and his crews installed three new benches at the park. Kent Wise indicated that people attending the park are policing new visitors to make sure everyone is aware of the park rules and etiquette.

New Business: Public representative Christine Suhadolnik (Boarder Line Skatepark)  stated it was good to see all of the kids enjoy the facilities at the Township's skatepark.

 Bob Cifone provided an update on his findings pertaining to community gardens stating more Townships are setting aside land for this purpose. Bob Cifone indicated that he spoke with several residents in Delaware County, informing that there is a lottery system in place to determine who gets space in the areas set aside for community gardens. Additionally, Bob Cifone reported that Delaware County has a community garden established at Rose Tree Park. Bob Cifone stated that his findings indicate that a community garden must be located near a water source and have a good soil base to work with. In addition, the municipalities also line up someone to till the soil each growing season. Bob Cifone informed that he is still researching potential options for West Goshen Township, even though it may be too late in the season to offer community gardening for 2009. Many Lou Enoches asked is there were any locations within the Township that could be utilized for community gardening. Bob Cifone indicated that his first thought was the area at the Community Park that was used for the monster truck rides last Community Day. Finally, Bob Cifone indicated he would continue to do research on community gardens and provide an update at the May Park and Recreation Board meeting.

Casey LaLonde informed the members of the Park and Recreation Board that the Township has made a decision to pull their deposits from Sovereign Bank. Casey LaLonde indicated that the FDIC insurance went up and Sovereign Bank decided to pass on the increase ($115/month) to the deposit holders. Cases LaLonde reported the Board of Supervisors approved two other banks, and indicated that the transfer of assets to the new bank will take place by the end of the month and be reflected on the April month-end Treasurers Report. 

Casey LaLonde provided an update on the status of the Jerrehian property informing there was nothing new to report at this time. Casey LaLonde indicated there was extensive surveying activity at the site last week.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35PM. The next meeting is scheduled for May 20, 2009.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ed Smith