PALMER TOWNSHIP RECREATION MEETING

March 17, 2009

The regular monthly meeting of the Palmer Township Recreation Board was held on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. with all in attendance except Walker. Chairman Knox opens the meeting.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY – Nielsen had two corrections. Under the discussion with Roy Cortez the Board told him the fee would be $10 for each player that played and under Playground she stated we would be having peanut butter eggs but no other peanut products. After these changes were made the minutes were approved on motion by Worley, seconded, by Young, and agreed by all.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Nielsen submitted reports for January, February, and March. She noted she took out the $345 for the first aid in baseball and placed it in the misc. line. On motion by McBrairty, seconded by Young, and agreed by all, the treasurer report for March was approved as submitted.

PUBLIC COMMENT/CORRESPONDENCE –

Veteran’s Softball League – Over 50 – Joe Capanna was present and submitted information needed for the use of the Tracy field from April 1, 2009 to August 31, 2009 during the evenings until dark. He included their financial report, application, and insurance. There were 6 team rosters. Capanna informed the Board that over the years the field has been taken care of by the township and sometimes ballplayers helped out. He questioned if there was a limit as to what the league can do and how much. He also stated there is a continuing problem at the third base side that it slopes and there is a water problem there as well as at the batter’s box. He asked if they could use dirt to be raise this up but will that cause a flow problem. Board noted this is school district property and we lease it and we cut the grass but can we do anything else. There is a land agreement with the school district. This is to be researched. Knox noted if we use the fields we now have to contact Mr. Steckel, principal of Tracy School to inform him of who is using these fields. The Parks Department knows about this problem and Diane will speak with Kistler on this. On motion by Nielsen, seconded by Webb, and agreed by all, the Board approved the use of Tracy field for the Veteran’s Softball League.

Fourth of July Firecracker Race – A representative of the Family YMCA was present to get permission to again hold their annual race at Fairview Park on Saturday, July 4, 2009. They will start to set up around 6 a.m. and the race should be over by 12:30 or so. Last year they had 275 participants. They have been in contact with the police and will be working with them for assistance at street crossing. The insurance company will be sending in the insurance policy as well. This is a very well run race and they would like to have it annually. On motion by Worley, seconded by Nielsen, and agreed by all, the Board approved the Fourth of July Firecracker Race for the Family YMCA and waived all fees.

Daniel Cook – Bethel Memorial Baptist Church – Grube informed the Board that at the last meeting they approved the use of a field for the church if we were able to find one. The Veteran’s League (over 35) is allowing them to use their field every Friday from 6:30 to 8:00. Cook asked if this approval is just for this church or if 2 other groups could use it on a Friday night if they were not. Young and Worley both felt the approval is only for the church. Other Board members agreed and noted maybe in the future they could look into this. Cook also noted that they would like to change the date of the use. They just want to extend it a few more days.

On motion by Webb, seconded by McBrairty, and agreed by all, the Board approved the use of the Tracy field from March 23 to August 14.

Bob Smith and Tom Adams were present with plans for sports fields the current property that township purchased at the Palmer Complex as well as the remaining land at Charles Chrin Community Center. Smith informed the Board that they had received a cost estimate for the township engineer to do a master plan for this area but noted that they did not have anything budgeted for this. Smith stated the Board had no intentions of not putting a particular field in or putting in a particular field, there are no set plans for any of these fields. The concept plans were reviewed. The Palmer Complex fields would consist of 7 ball fields which includes field 4 which is a t-ball field. The fields at the community center would consist of two soccer fields, a parking area, legion field, band shell, tot lot; 2 tennis, 2 basketball courts and hockey. The tot lot would not have to be constructed as the Palmer BIP is installing a playground at the community center.

Plan 2 – this plan takes out the legion and replaces it with 3 smaller fields; parking lot; everything else is being left in. Young asked where the amphitheater was. Smith noted it was not put on this plan stating there were no donations for this so it isn’t proposed to be built.

There would be a walking path around the perimeter at the Palmer Complex and a well for watering the fields in case of a dry summer. If we would have to use public water it would be extremely expensive. Smith noted they would like to erect a utility building behind the refreshment stand - 40 x 60 stone pad. This is a good size and all the field maintenance equipment could fit in. He stated we need this paved area to the fields as well as the parking closer to the fields. We are in need of parking as well.

Future fields – there is a possibility of lighting since there is lighting in the parking lot. As far as the bathrooms there would have to have a separate tank, can’t extend sewer – have to go over school property and it is too long a run.

Worley noted he would like to see hardball out of Fairview Park but really likes the parking lot idea.

Plan 3 - take out 2 multi purpose fields and put in the legion field except this field can not have lights. This is at the west end of the area and would have to go to Bethlehem Township for approvals.

There were many ideas brought up tonight and there is a lot for the Board to think about. Smith stated there is a 10 year build out agreement with Charlie Chrin and we are in year five of the agreement. The sprinkler system is a big item; we really need to get water to these fields. This Board has to get their ideas together and discuss it. Smith then went through a list of what this Board has to review and put in priority order. Need to review this with the comprehensive plan as to what was planned then.

Plumbing in the field house; exhaust fan in refreshment stand; the stairs to the press box; the flag pole needs a light; renovations of the football field; sprinkler system and layout; hand drags on baseball fields; walking path around the complex for all fields; electric has been run to the batting cages but would like to have concrete pads; the wrestling mats are constantly being moved between the community center and the municipal building. We need mat racks so they can be stored at the community center during off season and not have to be rolled up and constantly moved; soccer needs a score board; outside basketball courts at the community center.

Maintenance of fields was discussed. Adams informed the Board that the grant for the Smithco has been approved but it will be a while before the money is received. Smith noted he would like to see a second bathroom at the field house; trophy cases for all sports; lighting of baseball/softball field. He also noted that the AA has talked about coaches background checks. Feels this is very important and that there are very strict rules to go by for these. Smith also stated there are two door issues at field house and felt that the field house needs to be refurbished. Young reminded everyone that the new park at Fox Run Estates is going to ours but we have to build it; the proposed park at Woodridge Falls area would be a private park if it is built inside the condominium area; Smith stated the township would need to purchase more lots in the “garden” area.

Reviewed garden area – Smith noted there has been a legal issue for this area but it has been settled and the township is now purchasing 9 more lots. Adams noted it will be long term plan to acquire the remaining lots in garden area. The township’s yard waste site in this area and would have to be relocated if there was a park built in this area.

The Recreation Fund monies were reviewed. There is a starting balance of $249,000 for 2009. The projected income for this year is $443,000. Adams reported that we have a grant of $200,000 from DCNR for the bike path as well as money from the County. This grant from the County is a “matching grant” which Palmer’s share would be $80,000. This money is coming out of starting balance. When the Community Center was planned it was approved with two entrance ways and only one has been completed. Penn Dot approved this and this needs to be done soon as well as the detention basin. The Township will be purchasing the materials for this and Charlie Chrin will be donating the labor and equipment. The cost for materials will run approximately $195,000. There was a discussion on having the bike path some place, connect with this roadway since the new development, Maple Shades, is making Nulton Avenue, just south of the entrance of the community center, a bike path. This would be a great place to have it connect. Also, there is the 3^rd payment to the school district for the property we purchased at Palmer School and there are 2 more payments left. The township will also use some of this money for purchasing some of the lots in the garden area and approximately $2,000 for some blacktopping at Fairview Park.

Expenses from this account should come to this Board for review. Adams noted the Township is putting in for a grant for an upgrade to the pool. There has never been a major upgrade and it really is in need of one.

Adams informed the Board that there is a tree replacement revitalization grant and it was reported to him that it is assured we will receive it. This would be for trees in front of the Community Center, the frontage Palmer Athletic Complex; fill in trees in Fairview Park and at the entrance to Briarcliffe Park/Palmer Pool. Labarre Park needs to be checked; there have been vehicles driving into park. Smith reported that he spoke with Kistler and he recommended taking the fence down along Fairview Avenue and hopefully replacing it. Knox asked if any Board member wanted to volunteer for a committee to review these concept plans; the list of items that need to be done and get the ideas back to this Board. Worley will chair the committee with Webb and Nielsen.

The Board needs to set a date for a township tour to go on-site at every park and field and see what is needed.

Adult recreation – Young reported that he spoke with Bill Raven about the Softball Association and informed the Board that there are two leagues that are playing under the Softball Association; Bill’s league and the co-ed league. Young will get in touch with Raven and let him know the Co-Ed League needs to attend a meeting.

Egg Hunt – Nielsen informed the Board that everything has been ordered and she is working on the eggs. Smith informed her that a businesswoman had approached him with a suggestion for prize eggs. Nielsen asked if they had any coupons she would appreciate it and add them to some of the plastic eggs.

Softball – Lichty reported that she had 60 girls signup for softball.

Playground – Nielsen reported on what happened at Board of Supervisors meeting with this year’s summer recreation program. There will not be a deadline for registration but there will be a $35 fee per child. There will be five instructors hired instead of six and the program will run six weeks instead of eight. Rainy days can be held in the community center as well as very hot days if they don’t go to the pool.

Development – Young had a plan for Woodridge Falls and informed the Board that the high tension lines are going to be buried. Walking path would be within the private section; this is to be looked into. Some of the neighbors are asking for a tot lot somewhere but some Supervisors are asking for a recreation fee instead. Young noted there isn’t any recreation in this area. Young feels there should be recreation in the back and if it is not built in the condominium area. Township should look for recreation in this area that others can utilize. Young to speak with Supervisor Lammi on this.

Community Center – Dan McKinney and Jill Lichty were in attendance and asked about the Egg Hunt and when it will be called to be held in the Community Center. Nielsen will make that decision in the morning if it is rainy. We will be at Palmer School at 8:30 a.m. on Good Friday to “hide” the eggs. McKinney also spoke on the clearances of coaches. All soccer coaches have to go through this but the league takes care of the expense of this and keeps all the information. This is something to really think about – it could be a “two edged” sword.

McKinney also noted that the Palmer BIP is planning a playground at the Community Center at the northeast quadrant. Nielsen distributed a sketch of proposed playground. He also noted that a private citizen gave a $5,000 donation for the project.

Baseball – Webb reported that practices start this weekend and junior legion is requiring to have coach background check. Will this be funded by recreation accounts or who? Knox informed him that he can put it through his budget but watch expenses and reminded him to put it into his budget for 2010. Will this make the township assume responsibility if anything goes wrong? The league will keep all the information; it does not come to township, unless of course there is a problem.

Webb showed the Board a baseball shirt that was from last year. The cost was $12. This shirt was returned and you could tell it was not taken care of. This is a waste of our money since it was a more costly shirt and cannot be used again this season. He would like to purchase 200 shirts for $5, use them for one season and then let the kids keep them. They would have PALMER across the front and a number on the back. Smith needs to check on this because it would be giving away township property. Definitely need to hold person responsible for care of the shirts. Maybe get a better quality shirt and have a 3 year use of the shirts. Webb to check on prices of better quality shirts and hold the parents responsible for the upkeep of them.

McKinney wanted to state that Jill takes care of all the registrations that come through the center and stated that she does a great job on this. She’s very organized and has everything in order in the computer system.

Young wanted to say that we lost a great man in Jim Spagnola. Smith told the Board he would approach the Supervisors if they would like to name something after Spag in his honor - the complex or something. This should be deferred to the Supervisors for action but feel the Palmer Complex should keep that name. Maybe a ball field or a specific room in a building. This is something the Board should think about and let Smith know.

No further business to come before the Board. On motion by Worley, seconded by Nielsen, and agreed by all, the meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.

Diane Grube, Corr. Sec.