Palmer Township Recreation Board

November 18, 2008

The regular monthly meeting of the Palmer Township Recreation Board was held on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. with all members in attendance. Chairperson Nielsen convened the meeting.

MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER MEETING – on motion by Knox, seconded by Young, and agreed by all, the minutes of the September meeting were approved as written.

TREASURER’S REPORT – No report. Need reports from September.

PUBLIC COMMENT –

Nielsen read a thank you from the VIA thanking Palmer Township for their help in their very successful run they held this past summer.

Nielsen read a thank you from Ginny Bloss for the flowers and cards she received for the passing of her husband Elwood Bloss who was a very big supporter and helper for Palmer Township.

Reports –

Baseball – Young reported that William Webb is the new commissioner. He also noted that they need coaches. Rich Freiler informed Young of fines for missed meetings and forfeits. Webb will forward the address to Athletic Association treasurer to send a check to cover these fines.

Basketball – Walker reported that Commissioner Barry Fulmer send him a listing of fees that he needs checks for to cover referee charges. It is for $8700. Discussed how to pay this, either through the township or the AA. Walker to get a list of the coaches to get checks written by the township.

Budget – Nielsen noted she approved the softball purchase of $800 for bats which are required for next year.

Softball – Young noted they were in search of a commissioner.

Wrestling – Webb stated everything is going well. There is a tournament this week at the Community Center and their season starts next week. He stated that the starting age for wrestling is 5 and this has been approved by the Board of Supervisors. He would like suggest that we add that the children have to be in kindergartner. Board discussed this and decided to keep just the age – keep it consistent as it is in other sports.

Football - Worley noted the season is over and all gear has been returned. Nielsen congratulated the winning teams and thanked Zeke Bellis and Jim Worley for everything the staff did this past season as well as past years. Bellis has been involved for 31 years; Worley 24 years.

Playground – Nielsen noted everyone knows there are going to be budget cuts. Will know what they are doing after budget meeting.

Soccer – Knox reported there is a new commissioner; Chuck Runfeld and Sara Lieberman will be the assistant. They had two teams win championships and their year-end banquet was held at the community center. Everything worked out well. He also noted that most of the equipment has been returned.

Lacrosse – Knox noted sign ups ready and Jill from the Community Center was in attendance and noted that Doerner had asked for gym time in February, 3 days a week. Board noted the season doesn’t start until March 1^st so nothing before that.

Development – Kontos Foods – Located in the Palmer Industrial Park off of McFadden Road. On motion by Young, seconded by Worley, and agreed by all, the board recommended recreation fees be paid in lieu of land.

Young then spoke about the extension that Easton Suburban Water Authority is putting on which will extend to Nulton Avenue. He stated that this Board had discussed the bike path that was in conjunction with Maple Shades development which will be closing Laubach Lane and the direction of the path. This Board has recommended that the Water Authority construct the bike path down Hartley Avenue but noted that at the planning meeting last week they decided to leave the open space for the path and put it in at a later date when required. Young felt this Board needs maps of bike path and we need to look at trail system to make sure the pieces make sense and will connect. He asked if this Board wants the path down Nulton Avenue as well as down Hartley Avenue. Board feels it should be. This path will be a 12’ paved path.

Charles Chrin Community Center – Jill Lichey was in attendance. Dan McKinney was attending another meeting. Jill reported that Dan will be attending the Athletic Association meeting this week. She also reported that the Center purchased 2 large cork boards and would like the AA to post information there. She also noted that Dan will become the Director of the Palmer Pool. He will oversee the programming, etc. of the pool. There are a lot of programs, events that can be done at the pool in conjunction with the Community Center. Jill also noted they will be running some sports camps and science camps next year. They want to meet with the wrestling\basketball commissioners for some programs for these camps. Young asked for them to please consider the ages that the township goes by and noted ages are stated in our recreation plan of the township.

Jill noted that the registration for basketball and wrestling went well. Wrestling gave an informational packet which was very helpful. She suggested all sports provide this to type of packet for the respective sport sign up as it was very helpful for the workers as well as the residents’ questions. Jill stated whatever they can do to help the sports programs, the AA or the Recreation Board they should let them know.

Webb noted he spoke with McKinney and discussed the insurance coverage. McKinney informed him that anything that takes place on the Community Center’s property is covered by their insurance. This includes any off season sports, as long as this event goes through them.

New Business –

Nielsen submitted a form she received from Hanover Township which is a “talent bank form” which lists all their groups/organizations/boards. It’s a form that the residents can get and state what they would be interested being involved with in their township. She feels this is a good idea for the newsletter. Township had one a long time ago just like this. Grube to forward it to the township manager.

Nielsen then distributed a paper she received at a recent Board of Director’s meeting of the Athletic Association which discusses an increase in the registration fee. She highlighted what area municipalities charged and noted she feels this should not be approved until the by-laws are done. She also suggests if this suggestion every gets approved that this money be put in different bank accounts or c.d.’s but under the township control. Board agrees that the by laws have to be complete before this subject can go any further. Board discussed how this fee was started and why and their feelings on this. This has to go to the supervisor/liaison to discuss. Walker motioned to recommend that this does not go through to the Board of Supervisors for approval. Knox seconded this motion. Young questioned what the intent is for this, what are we going to do about this? Bob Smith arrived at the meeting and the Board discussed this registration fee with him. He noted this was just some ideas that were put together from some AA Board members and that it wasn’t discussed or voted on by the AA so the Recreation Board doesn’t need to take action on this yet. Young discussed some of the Board’s concerns. Smith will find out this week the status of the by laws. Board feels some of these itemized items are not AA issues. There was lengthy discussion with Smith on the feelings of the Athletic Association and Recreation Board this registration fee subject. Smith stated a new AA Board is coming in and these 2 Boards have to work together.

Walker withdrew his motion and Knox withdrew his second.

There being no further business to come before the Board Nielsen wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and on motion by Worley, seconded by Webb, and agreed by all, the meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m.

Diane Grube, Corr. Sec.