PALMER TOWNSHIP RECREATION

April 17, 2007

The regular monthly meeting of the Palmer Township Recreation Board was held on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 with all members present except Young. Also present was Supervisor/Liaison Robert Smith. Chairman Nielsen opens the meeting at 7:30 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH – Knox noted that at the March meeting the discussion was to purchase the soccer padding out of the Miscellaneous Budget no the Soccer Budget. After this change was made the minutes were approved on motion by Worley, seconded by Knox, and agreed by all.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Worley distributed this report and noted that there were two unknowns on the township printout that he did not have a purchase order for. Diane will check on these. The report was then approved as written on motion by Knox, seconded McBrairty, and agreed by all.

PUBLIC COMMENT/CORRESPONDENCE –

The Board received a copy of a request that was sent to the township manager from an Archaeology Society requesting the use of the property behind the Municipal Building. Diane Grube spoke with this gentleman and he was requesting a use of any property in Palmer for approximately two hours on Saturday, April 21. Grube suggested using Penn Pump Park and he was very happy with this. Board agreed with this.

Tom Lisinicchia – Catz Baseball – Lisinicchia was requesting the use of the Palmer fields for two Lehigh Valley Catz baseball camps. One will be held June 18 to 22 and the other one from July 9 to 13. This is the fourth year they have been doing this and the age group is 6 to 13. It will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. On motion by Knox, seconded by McBrairty, and agreed by all, the Board approved this request.

Rev. Milton Buitron – Grace Assembly of God Church – Bethlehem Township was present requesting the use of Fairview Park for a small carnival - flyer attached. Reverend Milton stated he would like the community to know of their church and discussed what they would like to have at the park. He stated he would like to have a “small” carnival, something like what Palmer Township holds there. The electric that is there is not sufficient for what they are asking. The inflatables are not a problem and the cooking of hot dogs would not be a problem if they used a grill. Breakfast will also be made on grills. Oil changes are not allowed in park area. Bruce Lake was in attendance and stated that this is for scheduling the oil change, not actually doing it on site. Reverend stated they will not have a flea market and he was told the Petting zoo would not be allowed by the Stat but pony rides are allowed. Smith stated that any individual businesses that would be coming into the township would need individual insurance policies. These businesses will have to submit insurance policies adding Palmer Township as additionally insured. The Board told the Reverend that he has to find out what is needed as far as electric, and he needs to contact all who will be involved in this for their insurance. He asked how much electric is in the pavilion and what it could hold. Diane will check with Bob Van Horn for this information. Board stated this will be on hold until applicant comes back to Board and the fee will have to be adjusted for the type of event requested. Smith stated that the pavilions are for a family type event and they are not for large events, except the Palmer Weekend. If this request is for a small carnival event and they are asking for it and it will outgrow our pavilion and the park will not be able to handle this. This will definitely have to get the approval by the Board of Supervisors. What about water supply and what about extra bathrooms. These are all things the Reverend needs to get. He stated there will not be a charge for anything that they are making and they will be advertising this. He also stated he has not contacted Bethlehem Township since they like Fairview Park. Reverend Milton thanked the Board and will get in touch with Diane when he gets the information needed.

REPORTS –

Adult Recreation – Grube noted Mike Walters from the Co-Ed Sunday League brought all necessary papers into her. Liability forms and the money to cover the cost of using the pavilion. Walters asked the Board’s input on two 16 year olds on a team. If their parents sign the liability form would there be a problem with them being on a team. Board feels whatever the league policy is they were okay with it. Grube also reminded Walters that the police will be patrolling the grounds and there is to be absolutely no alcohol in the ball field area, just the pavilion area.

Baseball – Worley reported that the Junior Legion assignments are done and everyone else will be going to Bushkill Valley team. Apparently the numbers are slim as there are only 12 kids on a team with Bushkill Valley and some kids are double rostered.

Basketball – Walker noted they are getting ready for next season. There was to be a meeting with the commissioner and some other members regarding the use at the community center.

Egg Hunt –Everything went great! There was a very large crowd. It was a record 33 seconds for 2,000 eggs!

Maintenance – Knox asked about the grates for the windows for the shed at Keystone. Diane will check with Van Horn on this. This is the $220 charge that Worley questioned.

Playground – Nielsen stated it was staffed and will be meeting closer to the starting date.

Soccer – Knox noted signups start April 30^th and flyers are out to schools. Knox asked for permission to hold the Blue Mountain clinic sometime in July. On motion by Knox, seconded by Bellis, and agreed by all, the Board approved the use of Keystone Park for this clinic.

Development – Young was not present but the Board did review the one set of plans. On Motion by Walker, seconded by Worley, and agreed by all, the Board voted to request fee to be paid in lieu of land for the Nicos/Majestic plan. Bellis motioned to table the plan for Parkview Estates until Young returns. This was seconded by McBrairty, and agreed by all.

LaCrosse – Bellis stated there were a few small problems that they have been taken care of. There are a lot of players for this sport.

NEW BUSINESS -

Liaison Bob Smith reported that the Recreation Board is on the Board of Supervisors meeting agenda for May 7^th at 7:00 p.m.

He stated that the township has fertilized and seeded the football field; did two baseball fields; took most of benches out and are replacing them with aluminum benches. The portable backstop is back on Field and the roadway is blacktopped in front of refreshment stand and the stand is up and running for Lacrosse. Smith noted that he bought a drag for the gator and is in the process of trying to get a second gator. This piece of equipment is so useful to all. He also stated that he will be meeting with Tom Adams on field situation. Knox asked about the Keystone field and Smith noted they will be seeding 4 acres; and fertilizing. Smith discussed with the Board the purchasing of the fields at Palmer School and that there should be some new planning for the fields at the Community Center. The Recreation Board should have a large input on this.

On motion by Bellis, seconded by Worley, and agreed by all, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

Diane Grube, Corr. Sec.