PALMER TOWNSHIP RECREATION BOARD

MAY 15, 2007

The regular monthly meeting of the Palmer Township Recreation Board was held on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. with all members in attendance except Worley, McBrairty and Walker. Also in attendance were Supervisor Liaison Robert Smith and Public Services Director Tom Adams. Chairman Nielsen convened the meeting.

MINUTES OF THE APRIL MEETING – On motion by Knox, seconded by Young, and agreed by all.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Hold until next month.

PUBLIC COMMENTS –

Dave Barker – Ultimate Flag Football League – Mr. Barker was in attendance to request a field for their league to use a field in Palmer Township from September 9 to November 18. Players must be 18 years old or older. He spoke of the league and the sponsors that they have and that there are other municipalities that do have this sport. He noted they were looking at the Palmer complex or LaBarre fields. Five man football team; 11 players on a team; Sunday games and 24 teams in a season. They would play between 20 – 24 games a day and need three fields. Barker stated that this is flag football, nothing rough. Nielsen noted they would not be permitted to use LaBarre or Old Orchard Parks due to the residential area. She asked about Penn Pump Park and Board members noted it was unusable, is very stoney due to the floods. Barker noted they really like the Palmer complex. The parking was good as well as the size of the fields. They were told that there is fall baseball and then football so it would not be available and they asked about the lower field near the garage. They would have to get port-a-potties. There games generally start at 9 a.m. and last game starts around 1:30 – 2:00. There is a waiver that teams would have to sign as far as insurance goes. They will be meeting with their agent and they will be getting insurance. They were asked who does lining of the field and he noted that they use cones or powder chalk if that would be allowed. They are in the Allentown area playing now. They wanted to get a league in this area. They have used an area at Fairview for practice. Board member noted that insurance is needed. Barker stated they do not use metal cleats and they will not play on wet fields. The officials will make this decision along with the teams. If it rains the night before they will not play the next day. Nielsen stated right now we do not have a field for them especially since they need three and they will not put them in a residential area and there is no parking at LaBarre Park. They questioned using Fairview. They measured the fields and in between the fences there would be enough room for two fields. Nielsen noted they would discuss this and an application was given to Mr. Barker. Insurance is needed with Palmer Township being named as an additional insured for the season. Someone will get back to him after this is discussed, either way.

Northampton County – there is a request from Northampton County to use fields at Tracy for a softball tournament for Saturday, September 22, 2007. Knox noted it was okay with him, it would not impose a problem for soccer. There is an example of an insurance certificate attached and noted that they would have to have one with Palmer Township. They will have to have port a potties. On motion by Marc, seconded by Bellis, and agreed by all, the Board approved the use of the Tracy field for Northampton County on September 22, 2007. Diane will get in touch with them and collect the fee.

Twin River Longhorn – Rich Freiler submitted an application requesting the use of Fairview Park Legion Field August through October. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and noon to 7 p.m. weekends. They would practice and hold games there. They are not sponsored by Recreation Board. Board noted they would need insurance and that they can not have the fields every day and since it is for kids outside of Palmer there will be a charge. Also they can not have it in August during Community Weekend. Rich is to attend the next Recreation Board meeting. Diane will get in touch with him.

Board members stated they feel the fields/parks are in terrible shape throughout the township. The weeds are high at the fences; everything is neglected. The parks need to be cleaned up. Adams noted that the summer help is just starting. Board members feel that all the fields need a lot of attention especially LaBarre Park. Smith stated that he has inspected the parks and submitted a list of everything that needs to be addressed to Adams. Adams noted he is working on this. The fields have to be put back in shape. Board feels the Parks Department needs help, they need more workers, that the township has to supply more workers to this department. Board commented very strongly about the shape of the fields/parks and the manpower in the department. Smith noted there are so many areas that need so much attention but there is no plan to get it done. It has to get worked on. There are things right now that have to get done. Can some of the work be subbed out? What about the cutting of the detention ponds? These issues have to be addressed now. Adams and Smith are working on this. Adams feels more has to be put into the budget for next year.

Reports –

Baseball – Nets for batting cages were discussed. Bob Florich was going to take care of this but he didn’t and now they don’t have the money for them. Board looked in the miscellaneous and maintenance budgets and noted that money was earmarked or used for something else. There may be money in softball. Scott Helm will check on this. Some Board members feel it is too late in the season to purchase these nets. Board will check at the end of the year to see if there is any money.

Softball – Young stated everything is going well. Season almost over.

Football – Dates set for sign ups and they will be going in the newsletter and on the web.

Playground – Nielsen noted all instructors have been hired and she will be meeting with them before the start in June. Same set up as last year.

LaCrosse – Knox noted the season is just about over. Todd Doerner was happy with the way things went this year and he has received a lot of compliments. They beat Forks!!!!!! Bellis noted the AA has a few items that have to be addressed with Todd. Knox noted he needs more help.

Development – Young reviewed with the Board the plans for Parkview Estates Phase 7 and Hay Terrace South on Kathryn Street. Hay Terrace – Young noted there is property that he could construct two homes and have one driveway. Board received information on the play area for this development and Nielsen will be in touch with Jensen to discuss this playground equipment. Board feels fees should be paid in lieu of land. On motion by Young, seconded by Bellis and agreed by all, the Board voted to recommend recreation fees be paid in lieu of land.

Parkview Estates – Young stated this plan is still showing the connection of the bike path in the future. When is that? Where are the recreation area in this development? What happened to it? Diane will check with Jensen to see where the recreation is. Any action on this plan will be held until they hear from the Planning Director. Board wants to know where the recreation is and when the bike path will be put in. On motion by Young, seconded by Bellis, and agreed by all, the Board voted that action on this plan be tabled until the previously approved tot lot and bike path connection are completed in this phase.

Tom Adams informed the Board that if they have a wish list for the 2008 budget please send it to him. It’s never too late to get the list started.

Adams informed the Board that there was a break in the Palmer complex water line. Today trenching was done and some lines for the water fountain were run.

Bellis asked if there is anything being done as far as revamping the complex since this is the time to do it. Anything needed to be laid out differently, in different locations/positions. Adams had a drawing of the area and it was reviewed. Smith and Board reviewed some ideas they have on the complex. It was noted that cars are not to be parked at the refreshment stand they are to be in the parking lots. A parking lot is needed very badly. Young feels the priority is to get water to the fields, for the kids. This is very important. A temporary fix has to be done. They have been using the gator to get drinks to the kids. Adams noted he could ask to have money put in 2008 budget for the engineering firm to review this complex and see if anything has to be changed there. Get all ideas to Smith or Adams for this complex as well as any other parks.

Young stated he felt the recreation fee money could be used towards a parking lot here. Recreation Board would like to see the ins and outs of this recreation fee money. They would like to see what was done in the past with it.

Adams noted he feels it is a good idea for all to go visit the Parks and get a wish letter together for 2008 budget. The Board should arrange a trip around the township and Adams and Van Horn should attend.

Village at Mill Race field was discussed again and was asked when are we getting it. Jensen will be asked about this.

Board discussed having the 2-2-2 committee get together to discuss scheduling and activities at the community center.

On motion by Bellis, seconded by Young, and agreed by all, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m.

Diane Grube, Corr. Sec.