PALMER TOWNSHIP RECREATION BOARD

September 18, 2007

The regular meeting of the Palmer Township Recreation Board was held on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at 7:50 p.m. Members present were Nielsen, Worley, Knox and McBrairty. Supervisor Liaison Smith was also present. Tom Adams, Director of Public Services Departments was also in attendance. Chairperson Nielsen opened the meeting.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING – Nielsen stated that the township manager had reviewed the minutes and there were two items he corrected. The mats that the community center director got through a grant were for tumbling not wrestling and he also commented on the nets that were purchased for baseball/softball. Nielsen stated they were purchased in the beginning of the season and not at the end due to money being left over in that particular sport’s budget. After the changes and notes were made the minutes were approved on motion by Worley, seconded by Knox, all agreed by all.

Tom Adams, Director of Public Services was in attendance and talked about a request he received from Kate Brandes of the Northampton County Conservation District, who is working with the Bushkill Stream Conservancy to do some stream bank restoration. They asked for permission to do this work. There would not be any financial obligation to the township. The asked about a floating island. Recreation Board was not in favor of this or a proposed fishing pier. Adams noted this is just their proposal and wanted comments from the Boards. Recreation Board was in favor of the plantings stating they were a good idea but they have to watch the fishing areas.

Adams noted they are also working on plans for Mill Race. He stated it would be approximately $15,000 to cover a small portion of this project which entails filling in along the stream banks and possibly having a small path to go to the stream. He reviewed it with the Board and noted that there are other Boards that have to.

Adams and Smith also reviewed the budget items that were discussed in budget meetings.

Parking lots at Riverview and LaBarre Parks. At a recent Board of Supervisors meeting it was decided to use the money that was earmarked to pave these parking lots towards the land acquisition at Palmer Complex along with a small portion of the area being blacktopped next to the bathrooms. Adams noted for 2008 budget he requested money for the next payment for the land at the Palmer Complex along with a request to construct bathrooms near field 3 with running water. Labarre parking lot to be paved in 2008. Recreation Board members feel Riverview parking lot should be filled in with stone since there are many pot holes but doesn’t feel it has to be paved.

Adams also noted that he put money in the budget to run electric to the pavilion at Riverview Park. This park/pavilion is used very heavily. Also the westerly parking lot at the community center to be paved in 2008.

LaBarre Park field – to remove the existing softball fence and install a new one for girls softball. There was discussion on how to keep the cars out of the park, from parking in the out field. Put up signs or somehow install a chain across the handicap spaces to prevent people from driving thru onto the fields. Also he would like to install security lights in 2007 and more in 2008.

Briarcliffe Park – replace the lower baseball field fence and install a fencing to separate upper field and lower field. Request for new backstop storage boxes; a shed at the new Mill Race field; backstop mats. Also discussed new galvanized fencing or vinyl coating. Vinyl coating is a better way to go. Adams to get a quote for them. Young always feels that the fence and poles should be the same color and Board feels we also have to compare the life of the fence. Picnic tables and a large swing set for Mill Race is proposed. Adams also noted they will be repairing the cracks in the bike path. They will be milled. Adams also noted that he spoke with Young and they discussed the widening of the first phase of the bike path. This section is only 8 feet wide with new ones being 12 feet wide.

A request from adult volleyball was forwarded to the Board to have the cracks repaired. Adams noted he received this and added this to the request along with the tennis courts posts at the one Wolf’s Run park; A water fountain for the Palmer Complex and outfield top covers. Adams noted there is a small parking lot at the cul-de-sac on Anthony Court that will be turned over to the township shortly. This is adjoining the bike path so is a good parking place for vehicles. New dug outs at the Palmer Complex. Worley asked if there could be a fan put in at the refreshment stand. It is very, very hot when closed up. It is so hot when closed up that the heat effects all machinery in there. Adams to get a quote on a fan.

Smith discussed the wrestling mat racks. He had a set of prints for these racks and noted that the cost is very high. There was discussion on this as to what to do with the mats. They are stored in the basement of the municipal building but they should be in the community center. Smith noted they will be discussing this at Thursday night’s Athletic Association meeting. As far as the wrestling mats go the Athletic Association approved to pay for half the cost of the mats which ended up being $11,000. They then put tournament money in on top of this. McBrairty stated they need to get these mats ordered now. These mats would be used in the multi purpose room and they cover the entire room. These mats are practice mats and can be folded up and carried away. Wrestling has $6,000 in budget for a mat. Nielsen will address this with the manager at their budget meeting. Smith stated he will go with Cheryl to this budget meeting.

Knox stated the Parks Department did a great job with the fields at Mill Race and noted it is a real nice park. Looks good!

Reports –

Baseball – Worley read from 5 pages that showed equipment that has not been returned. Phone calls should be made or letters sent out stating that this equipment is to be returned immediately. Board feels there has to be a system put in place to get this equipment returned. Suggested that if equipment is not returned they can not play the next sport; maybe have a charge when the equipment is distributed. Knox asked for the names and if they are playing soccer Knox will stop them from playing. Maybe the Commissioner should go to the coaches home and get this equipment, if it is there. Board also discussed possible rules that should apply to parents’ conduct at any games in any sport. Rules/regulations to be discussed further and should be made part of the sign up for each sport.

Budget – Nielsen will meet with Manager next Monday.

Maintenance – Worley asked whatever happened with the phones/alarm system repairs at the field house. Grube will check into this.

LaCrosse – The township still needs a check to cover the unpaid balance for equipment for Circle Systems and the bill for socks still has to be paid.

Board members discussed baseball shirts and Nielsen asked if the kids keep them? Worley stated he hoped not, they are not allowed to if the township pays for this equipment. Member asked who does these shirts and was told Kampus Klothes.

LaCrosse turned in 2 budgets. These were discussed.

Some Board members feel starting our meetings at 7:30 does not allow some commissioners/coaches to get to these meetings on time. On motion by Knox, seconded by McBrairty, and agreed by all, the Board approved the changing of the time for the Recreation Board members to 8:00 p.m. for the months of August, September, October and November.

On motion by Worley, seconded by Knox, and agreed by all, the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

Diane Grube, Corr. Sec.