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West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
September 16, 2009
Minutes
Attending: Bob Cifone, Jennifer Dobbins, Mary Lou Enoches, Jerry Napiecek, Nancy Pine, Ed Smith, and Megan Zug
Township Representatives: Ken Lehr, Tom Steines, and Kent Wise
Meeting called to Order: 7:01 PM by Chair Mary Lou Enoches
After a review of the minutes submitted for the August 19, 2009 meeting, a motion was made by Bob Cifone to accept the minutes as
submitted. The motion was seconded by Jerry Napiecek and passed.
The Financial Report dated August 31, 2009 was reviewed. There were no questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.
Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crew is still busy cutting grass and grooming the
ballfields. Kent Wise said that this effort is taking a lot of time as a result of the loss of the summer helpers, scheduled vacations, and the abundance of rainfall. Kent Wise reported that an
invasive weed has been spreading through the infield and outfield area of Flagg Field for several years. Kent Wise stated that he has been trying to control the weed. Two applications of a new
chemical seemed to do the trick. Kent Wise reported that in addition to this weed control treatment, Flagg Field was over-seeded with 800 pounds of new grass seed. Kent Wise indicated that he
was very pleased with the results. Work to top dress Flagg Field is scheduled for next week. Kent Wise reported that the heavy rains over the last several weeks resulted in a lot of storm
damage at the Township's parks. Kent Wise stated that, on the positive side, there have not been any uprooted trees to clean up as a result of the recent storms. Kent Wise reported that work to
relocate the bleachers from Hallowell Field to the softball field at Community Park has been completed. Jerry Napiecek asked for an update on how the new recycle bins are working at the Township
parks. Kent Wise indicated that there were some issues over the first couple of weeks with Allied Waste picking up the recycle toters at some of the locations. Kent Wise informed that, at this
time, three recycle toters are being filled each week at Lambert Park. There is not much utilization of the recycle toters at Coopersmith and Barker Parks. Nancy Pine asked if a notification
could be placed in the newsletter to inform residents the Township is now providing receptacles for recycling at the Township's parks. Ken Lehr indicated that he would add this notification to the
next newsletter. Bob Cifone stated that the good response to recycling at the skatepark seems to indicate that children and young adults are more familiar with recycling and the environmental
benefits this practice provides.
Recreation: Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Recreation Program, informed that copies
of the end of year report were included in the Park and Recreation Board members' information packet. Jerry Napiecek asked Tom Steines if there were any concerns and/or complaints voiced to date
pertaining to this year's program. Tom Steines informed that several parents of young children expressed concern about sending their children on the field trips, fearing the children could get
lost or hurt. Tom Steines indicated that he provided an open invitation to the parents to attend the field trips to alleviate their concerns. Tom Steines reported that he received requests to
extend the Summer Programs an additional week, stating that families of campers where both parents work are finding it difficult line up care and activities for their child after the program
completes. Tom Steines informed that he also received requests to add golf clinics and more nature programs. Tom Steines stated that he tailors the activities for the Summer Programs based on
the experience and background of the counselors. Finally, Tom Steines reported that surveys for the 2009 program were recently mailed to the parents of campers. There would be a formal report
on the responses for review at the October Park and Recreation Board meeting.
Tom Steines, reporting on the Summer Teen Program, reported that the information provided for the Summer Recreation Program also applies to the
Summer Teen Program. Mary Lou Enoches, speaking for the members of the Park and Recreation Board, offered thanks to Tom Steines for an excellent job in making this year's summer programs a
success.
Friends of the Park: Jennifer Dobbins, reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks, informed
that the baskets raffled off during the August 23rd Blackthorn concert netted $791.00 for the Friends. Jennifer Dobbins indicated that feedback on the raffle was very positive. Thank you
letters have been mailed to the people donating the baskets for the raffle. Ken Lehr reported that the next Board of Directors election is scheduled for May 2010. Ken Lehr informed that there
is currently an opening for the Secretary position and stated that the President's position would become open in May 2010. Ken Lehr asked the members of the Park and Recreation Board to let him
know if there is anyone they know that would be interested in filling the open positions.
Old Business: Ken Lehr, reporting on Township bus trips, informed that the Township took three
buses for the August 21st trip to Citi Field for the Mets/Phillies game. Ken Lehr stated that this was the first trip to the new Mets Stadium and indicated the 3:00 PM departure time was too late for a game starting at 7:00 PM (a 2:00 PM departure time would be ideal). Jerry Napiecek indicated that there was also some confusion over where the buses would pick up the group after the game. Overall everyone seemed to be pleased with the first trip to Citi Field. Ken Lehr informed that the Township is taking registrations for the Fall/Winter trips that include a December 7th trip to Radio City Music Hall with dinner at Carmines for a cost of $145/person, a December 12th "Tour New York City on your own" bus trip for a cost of $35/person and a November 7th trip to the Guggenheim and Whitney Museums featuring a guided tour provided by Inez Starr for a cost of $79/adult, $75/senior (65 or older) and $65/Child under 18.
Ken Lehr, reporting on Senior Water Walking at ACAC, informed that there were no applicants for the September session. At this time the
October and November sessions are being filled. Ken Lehr indicated that these sessions would be held regardless of how many Township residents register, stating that ACAC would fill out the classes
with their own clients. Each session will feature eight 45 minute classes at a cost of $50.00 per session.
Ken Lehr, reporting on the Summer Concert Series, said between 1,000 and 1,200 people attended the August 23rd concert featuring
Blackthorn. Megan Zug asked if parking was an issue due to the large turnout. Ken Lehr said that the Township's traffic safety unit was onsite to provide support, and indicated that there were no
issues to report. Ken Lehr informed that he was in contact with representatives from Straight Shooter, and that the band may be available to perform in mid-October. Ken Lehr indicated that the
band was paid $600.00 for the rained out August 9th concert date. Ken Lehr expressed concern that patrons may not be expecting a Township concert in the October timeframe and as a result the
attendance may be light. Ken Lehr informed that a wrap-up/planning meeting would be scheduled for 6:15 PM on October 21st prior the Park and Recreation Board meeting. Ken Lehr indicated that
he would place a sticker on the October meeting package to remind the Park and Recreation Board members of this meeting. Information on the 2009 Summer Concert Series is listed below:
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