MINUTES

RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD:                           LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP

REGULAR MEETING                                                       MARCH 28, 2018

 The following were in ATTENDANCE:

BOARD MEMBERS                                                            TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL

Greg Mahon, Chairman                                                          Wendy Hayden, Township Representative

Susan Parry, Vice Chairman                                                   Erin Trone, Assistant Township Manager

Richard Grove, Secretary                                                       Julie Echterling, Recording Secretary

Bob Pelles                                                                              

Scott Duncanson                                                                    

Charles Angelo                                              

 

Mr. Mahon called the March 28, 2018 Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board to order at 7:03 pm.

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

Mr. GROVE made a motion to approve the minutes from the February 28, 2018 meeting.  Ms. PARRY seconded the motion.  Motion carried 6-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT: 

Highland Estates

There were no public comments.  Mrs. Hayden stated general park maintenance, as weather allows, is being performed. 

LIAISON REPORT – COMMISSIONER HOLTZMAN

Commissioner Holtzman was unable to attend the meeting.

RECREATION AND PARKS STAFF REPORT/ACTIVITIES REPORT

Mrs. Hayden discussed the following Park Operational Staff Report: 

• The large dog side, of the dog park has been wood chipped. Crews put down 120 cu. Yds.

(16 large dump truck loads), before the last snow storm hit, during the middle of the month. Work was completed yesterday, and the dog park was officially back open today. 

• Repaving will be underway, any day now, for some roadways at LACP. This job will wrap up by April 20th. 
• Tree trimming along the Allendale Park fence, was completed during the month.

            Mrs. Hayden discussed the following Activities:

• The ball fields were prepped, early in the month, for the first Trinity and Cedar Cliff youth league practices, at Wass Park and Pete’s.  The teams managed to get a few days on the fields, in between snow storms.  
• The 2018 Easter egg hunt was a success.  Approximately 200 children and their families attended the event.  No problems or concerns were reported. 

NEW BUSINESS

LACP-Fun Fort

Mrs. Trone stated the Township is applying for a grant for the Fun Fort project this year.  The Township came in second place last year and wasn’t awarded the grant.  She asked the Board to consider signing a letter to support the project.  She spoke about the feature of the Fun Fort design.  The cost of the project is $390,000.  She would like to include the letter in the application which is due April 11^th.  She hopes to hear back on the grant by the fall and then start the bidding process.  She stated the match of the grant would be paid through the fee in lieu of recreation fund.  Discussion ensued. 

Ms. PARRY made a motion to sign the support letter for the Fun Fort grant submission.  Mr. ANGELO seconded the motion.  Motion carried 6-0.

Memorial for Jim Chianos

Mrs. Trone provided the Board an email from Mr. Vernau.  When the Chianos’ family went out to see the field at Wass Park, they realized the field they wanted named after Jim was Yetter field.  They made a suggestion of having a sign at LACP Park with arrows “Welcome to the James “Greek” Chianos memorial softball fields.  The Board liked the idea as they felt the Wass Park field wasn’t upgraded and was small for the honor.  The Board discussed Wass Park and LACP for memorials for Mr. Chianos.  A suggestion was made to have the sign at LACP and a small plaque honoring Mr. Chianos for his hard work at Yetter field.  The Board agreed.  Mr. Mahon suggested the members think about it and decide next month.

OLD BUSINESS

Easter egg Hunt-Recap

Mr. Mahon thought the hunt went well considering the snow on the ground.  Mr. Angelo suggested having a time where families could have their kid’s picture taken with the Easter Bunny.  Discussion ensued.  The event this year, was a lower turn out than normal, the Board agreed to look into having pictures taken at the Barn/Gazebo after or before the egg hunt and maybe offer coffee and refreshments next year. Regular attendance for this event is over 500, and it may not be feasible, due to parking and budget restraints.

Gardeners Gathering-April 28th

Ms. Parry stated they have the session’s setup for the Gathering.  Mrs. Hayden passed out the donation letters to everyone.  Mr. Mahon, Mr. Duncanson and Mr. Grove volunteered to help Ms. Parry with the event.  Mrs. Hayden will take care of the refreshments and Ms. Parry will bring the projector, water containers, and coffee maker.  There is one more meeting before the event and all the final details will be discussed in April.

OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. Grove spoke about the roundabouts being built in the summer months on Lisburn Road between Arcona and Rossmoyne.  He mentioned this as it may have an impact on any events at LACP.  Mr. Mahon recognized Mr. McCurdy and his two sons in the audience.  The boys are working on a badge for Boy Scout and were required to attend a public meeting. 

ADJOURN

The Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board adjourned at 7:52 pm. 

Next meeting is Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 7:00 pm.