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West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
November 18, 2009
Minutes
Attending: Les Bair, Bob Cifone, Jennifer Dobbins, Mary Lou Enoches, Jerry Napiecek, Michael Pillagalli, Nancy Pine, Ed Smith, and Megan Zug
Township Representatives: Ken Lehr, Tom Steines, and Kent Wise
Public Representatives: Dan Baxter (student) and Patti Baxter attending for a school civics project
Meeting called to Order: 7:00 PM by Chair Mary Lou Enoches
After a review of the minutes submitted for the October 21, 2009 meeting, a motion was made by Jerry Napiecek to accept the minutes as
submitted. The motion was seconded by Bob Cifone and passed.
The Financial Report dated October 31, 2009 was reviewed. There were no questions or comments pertaining to the Financial
Report. Ken Lehr provided an update on Megan Zug's question from the October Park and Recreation Board meeting pertaining to the difference in 2008 and 2009 totals for line item 82905 - General
Recreation Program. Ken Lehr explained the difference is a result of the Township pre-paying for bus trips in 2009 while in 2008 the bus trips were not pre-paid in advance.
Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crew was busy with leaf clean-up efforts at Township
parks. Work on this task is almost complete. Kent Wise informed that the crew started shutting down the restroom facilities for the winter. Kent Wise indicated that the facilities at
Barker Park were shut down today (November 18th) and stated that the facilities at Coopersmith Park would be shut down tomorrow (November 19th). At the Bicking Drive retention basin, work to clean
out the creek line all the way down to South Concord Road has been completed. Finally, Kent Wise reported that a new park bench was installed at Community Park. The crew is also doing clean-up
work on the beds at the park getting ready for next year.
Recreation: Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Recreation Program, informed that there
is not much new to report at this time. Tom Steines indicated that he would start drafting letters for returning counselors in December, and that he had a great group of counselors and junior
counselors from the 2009 program. Les Bair asked who oversees the hiring of the counselors and junior counselors. Tom Steines informed that he and Ken Lehr facilitate the interviews for all
counselors and junior counselors. Tom Steines informed that in 2009 there were 28 counselors (25 for the Summer Recreation Program and 3 for the Summer Teen program) and 14 junior counselors. Tom
Steines stated that all of the counselors and junior counselors are paid an hourly rate. Les Bair asked when the Summer Recreation and Summer Teen Programs are reviewed. Mary Lou Enoches
informed that Tom Steines provides a status on both programs as part of each Park and Recreation Board meeting. Les Bair stated that the fee structure for these programs needs to be reviewed,
indicating that she did not believe the Township charges enough for the programs. Michael Pillagalli informed that the Township is committed to a fee structure where the revenues taken in cover 50%
of the cost of the program. Ken Lehr indicated that there was a fairly substantial increase in the fees for both programs in 2009 and stated that there was a drop in registrations for the Summer
Recreation Program this year. Tom Steines indicated that the Township is looking at the feasibility of offering an all day program in the future. Mary Lou Enoches informed that many families
have both parents working, and that these families are looking for an all day program for their children. The members of the Park and Recreation Board expressed concern that returning counselors may
not be available to support a full-day program. Megan Zug asked if there was any follow-up with the campers that did not return for the 2009 program to get an understanding of why the registration
numbers declined in 2009. Megan Zug stated that the Township needs to know why the numbers declined before making any decision to overhaul the current program. Mary Lou Enoches suggested that Les
Bair and Michael Pillagalli form a task force to come up with recommendations for the program. Mary Lou Enoches indicated that the Township could consider offering an all day program at the largest
of the Township's parks. Kent Wise expressed concern that an all day program at Community Park would not allow enough time for the crews to properly maintain the park during the duration of the
summer programs. Jerry Napiecek suggested that the all-day program could include a weekly field trip (one day each week) to free up time to allow the crew to perform the required maintenance at
Community Park. Kent Wise said that activity at the Community Park ballfields normally starts at around 2:30 PM. An all day program at Community Park could impact the ability of the crew to
perform required maintenance on the fields.
Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Teen Program, informed that there was nothing additional to report at this time.
Friends of the Park: Jennifer Dobbins, reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks, informed
that the Board of Directors met on Thursday, November 12th. Jennifer Dobbins informed that Lee McFadden has resigned from his position of president effective immediately, and that vice-president
John Hurley would step up and assume the role of president through May 201,0 when the next officer elections take place. Additionally, Jennifer Dobbins reported that Peggy Niemeyer would serve as
interim vice-president until the May 2010 officer elections take place. Jennifer Dobbins stated that she would continue to serve as treasurer and informed that the position of secretary still
remains open. Ken Lehr and the members of the Park and Recreation Board offered thanks to Lee McFadden for all of the outstanding work he has done while serving as president of the Friends of West
Goshen Parks. Jennifer Dobbins reported that a primary goal for the Friends of West Goshen Parks is to identify ways to increase community awareness of the Friends. Jennifer Dobbins informed
that information about the Friends was distributed at Harvest Day. This only generated a small number of responses. Additionally, the Friends of West Goshen Parks are looking at the feasibility of
locating document holders at local businesses containing literature about the Friends and the activities they support. Bob Cifone suggested contacting local restaurants to see if
advertisements/information pertaining to the Friends could be added to their placemats. Ken Lehr informed that the Park and Recreation Department tried this approach several years ago with mixed
results. Mary Lou Enoches suggested that a representative from the Friends of West Goshen Parks should be available to speak at all Township events to promote the Friends. Michael Pillagalli
suggested adding text to the bottom of the Holiday Breakfast flier stating registration for the event is first come first serve indicating the Township would give registrations from members of the
Friends priority. Ken Lehr indicated that he had issues with this approach, suggesting this would give the appearance the Township was moving towards a private club type of environment. The
next meeting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks is scheduled for Thursday, January 7th.
Old Business: Ken Lehr, reporting on Township bus trips, said that the November 7th trip to the Guggenheim Museum featuring a guided tour provided by Inez Starr was well received. Ken Lehr indicated that this was the first time the Township offered a trip to a museum. Responses from trip participants indicate that there is interest in additional trips to museums going forward. Suggestions for future Township museum trips include the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Nancy Pine reported that the only negative comments from people attending the Guggenheim Museum trip pertained to the lunch arrangements, stating that many of those attending did not like the family style lunch arrangements. Ken Lehr informed that the Township lined up three buses for the December 7th trip to Radio City Music Hall. At this time, two buses are filled and fifty seats are still available. Ken Lehr indicated that he is getting concerned that the trip will not sell out. The travel agent who helped organize the trip can utilize ten of the available tickets. Additionally, Ken Lehr reported that the Township originally lined up four buses for the December 12th "Tour New York City on Your Own" bus trip. At this time, two of the buses have been filled and there are still twenty seats open on the third bus. As a result, the Township has cancelled the fourth bus and will only utilize three buses for this trip.
Ken Lehr, reporting on the Township's Yoga and Pilates fitness program, informed that the Township would offer a fall session from Thursday
November 5th through December 10th. The cost of the class (five sessions) is $60.00 for Township residents and $70.00 for non-residents.
Ken Lehr, reporting on Senior Water Walking at ACAC, informed that there were only two Township residents registered for the November
session. Ken Lehr indicated that these sessions would be held regardless of how many Township residents register since ACAC would fill out the classes with their own clients. Ken Lehr reported
that registrations by Township residents have appeared to drop as a result of the increase in registration fees. This will be the last Senior Water Walking class offered until 2010.
Ken Lehr, reporting on the 2010 Summer Concert Series, informed that he has made contact with representatives from several bands pertaining to the
2010 program. At this time the Township has lined up "Special Blendz" for the July 11th concert and the "Barbone Street Jazz Band" for the June 27th concert. Ken Lehr
reported that he also sent an email to the agent for "The Jimmies" (New York based children's band) to determine their availability for the 2010 program.
Ken Lehr, reporting on Harvest Day, informed that this year's event was a success in spite of less than favorable conditions. Heavy rains
saturated Community Park on the Saturday prior to the event making it impossible to run the haywagons along their normal route. Dorine Hannum suggested an alternate route that had the haywagons run
on the paved areas from the gazebo through the overflow parking lot. Ken Lehr indicated that the alternate route worked very well allowing everyone to enjoy a ride on the haywagons while still
providing enough parking to support the crowds attending the event.
Ken Lehr, reporting on the Holiday Breakfast at the Stadium Grille, informed that this year's event will feature two seatings, on December 19th
and December 20th from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. The cost of the event is $10.00 per person. At this time 30 people have signed up for the December 19th seating and 36 people have signed up for the
December 20th seating. Ken Lehr reported that the Stadium Grille can accommodate up to 110 people for each seating. Last year's attendance was around 70 people for each seating. Ken
Lehr asked the members of the Park and Recreation Board to let him know which day(s) they are available to provide support for the event. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 8:45 AM to help with the
set-up. Finally, Ken Lehr informed that he would purchase a new supply of icing and would make sure there were enough gingerbread cookies on hand for both seatings.
Ken Lehr, reporting on the Annual Holiday Decorations Workshop, informed that the Township would offer three sessions this year on Tuesday December
15th (7:00 PM), Wednesday December 16th (7:00 PM) and Thursday December 17th (7:00 PM). At this time, eight people have signed up for the first session and three to four have signed up for the other
sessions. Ken Lehr offered thanks to Kelly Cifone for volunteering to be the craft instructor for the workshop.
Ken Lehr reporting on the Robert E Lambert Park informed that starting November 30th, the Skate Park would be closed on weekdays until the end of
February. The Skate Park will remain open on weekends from 10:00 AM to sunset. Additionally, the Skate Park will be open from 10:00 AM to sunset on Monday December 28th through Friday January
1st (WCASD holidays).
New Business: Mary Lou Enoches informed that she had discussions with several members of the Park and Recreation Board
pertaining to the 2010 officer positions. Mary Lou Enoches said that Nancy Pine expressed a willingness to serve as the chair for the Park and Recreation Board in 2010. Additionally, Jerry
Napiecek indicated he would be willing to serve another term as vice-chair. Michael Pillagalli stated that he would be willing to serve as the secretary. Bob Cifone made a motion to nominate
Nancy Pine for the position of chair, Jerry Napiecek for the position of vice-chair, and Michael Pillagalli for the position of secretary. The motion was seconded by Megan Zug and approved.
Ken Lehr began a discussion on a memo from Casey LaLonde included in the Park and Recreation Board member's packet pertaining to changes to
field usage fees. The memo states the proposed fee usage schedule will convert the existing fee schedule into one that utilizes two-hour blocks of times and charges the leagues based on actual field
usage. Under the current
fee structure, the larger leagues pay an annual $5,000.00 fee while leagues that schedule nine or fewer games are not charged for the use of the fields. Jerry Napiecek stated that most of the league baseball games typically take more than two hours suggesting the Township should consider a fee structure based on three-hour or one-hour time slots. Megan Zug asked if the Township is looking to recover a percentage of the cost of maintaining the fields via the field usage fees. Kent Wise informed that the Township currently pays a subcontractor for ongoing field maintenance including top dressing, overseeding and weed control for the various ballfields. It was his understanding the new fee structure is being implemented to make sure everyone using the fields pays a fair share of the maintenance costs.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for January 20, 2010.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ed Smith
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