MINUTES

RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD:                           LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP

REGULAR MEETING:                                                      MARCH 27, 2019

 

The following were in ATTENDANCE:

BOARD MEMBERS:                                                          TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL:

Greg Mahon, Chairman                                                          Wendy Hayden, Township Representative

Susan Parry, Vice Chairman                                                   Tina Thomas, Recording Secretary

Robert Pelles                                                                          

Scott Duncanson

Charles Angelo

James Kaiser                                      

 

 

Mr. Mahon called the March 27, 2019 Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board to order at 7:00 pm.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Ms. PARRY moved to approve the minutes from the February 27, 2019 meeting.  Mr. DUNCANSON seconded the motion.  Motion carried 6-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT:  HIGHLAND ESTATES

No one from the public is present to comment. Mrs. Hayden reported that general park maintenance is continuing and debris cleanup, as weather allows. Wood chipping will begin soon.

Mr. Phil Roder, 3452 Lisburn Road, was present at tonight’s meeting to speak to the Board regarding drainage issues at the dog park. Due to the location of the gate for the large dog park being at the lowest part of the park, standing water and mud is an ongoing issue. He noted with appreciation that the Township has recently spread wood chips in the park, but states that more work is needed to alleviate the problem. He inquired about the possibility of the gates being combined into one large gate at the top of the park. Mr. Mahon stated that the Board will make crews aware of the need for a temporary fix and arrange to meet with the Township to discuss the possibility of future structural changes. He stated that the Recreation and Parks Board will also be looking at it during their upcoming Park Tours this spring. Mr. Roder offered to help with spreading the chips if needed. He spoke about the people who use the dog park regularly communicating with each other, but they would like to receive more updates from the Township. He would be willing to act as a liaison between the dog park and the Township if that would be helpful. Mrs. Hayden stated that the water will be turned at the park during the second week of April.

LIASON REPORT – COMMISSIONER HOLTZMAN

Commissioner Holtzman is absent so there is no liaison report.

RECREATION AND PARKS STAFF REPORT

Mrs. Hayden provided the following Parks Operation Staff update: 

• New aluminum bleachers were purchased for both fields at Pete’s Park.
• Mowers, weed eaters, and chainsaws are in the shop for pre-season maintenance. This is almost completed.
• A contractor was hired and has completed spraying foam insulation in the rooftop crawl space at the Barn. This upgrade will make the Barn more energy efficient since there was previously no insulation present there.
• There is a part-time position open for a janitor at the Barn. If you know of anyone looking for some easy part-time work in the evenings and weekends, please let Human Resources know.

ACTIVITIES REPORT

Mrs. Hayden provided the following Activities update: 

• Trinity High School has been using the outfields at Wass Park, Yetter Field, and Field #2 for practices during the month of March. The infields are still too wet to work with. Hopefully in the next two weeks there will be some improvement in the infields drying out.
• Pavilion and Barn reservations for LACP are ongoing, with calls coming in every day. The Easter Seals will hold its summer camp at the Barn for two weeks in July/August. There are twelve weddings booked this year, along with many family reunions and birthday parties.
• Wendy has also learned that DCNR has reached out to Erin Trone, Assistant Township Manager, and Dan Flint, Township Engineer, regarding the grant that was awarded for Fun Fort renovations. They want the consultant, Century Engineering, to come back for another review before the grant is awarded. This will delay the anticipated spring start of fun fort renovations.

OLD BUSINESS

• A flyer was included in this month’s packet for the annual Easter Egg Hunt to be held Saturday, April 13^th. Volunteers are to meet in the Barn at 8:30am to get organized. Residents of the Woods are stuffing the eggs. Mr. Angelo is unable to attend but Mrs. Hayden will find a substitute for him.
• The events happening at the Gardener’s Gathering have been finalized and a flyer for this was also included in the packet and in the Township’s spring newsletter. Rebecca Davis, Lower Allen Township MS4 Coordinator, will provide information to participants regarding the new stormwater program and fee. Greg Black of Black Landscaping will educate participants on choosing the correct trees and shrubs for their property as well as caring for them after planting. There will also be a Plant Swap held at the Tot Lot pavilion, including a raffle. Ms. Parry will be heading up this popular annual activity. Donation letters will be sent out.

NEW BUSINESS 

Mr. Angelo provided an update on the Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee. He spoke about the previous week’s meeting being very encouraging and productive. The consultants hired by the Township, Simone Collins, were present and provided maps of troublesome intersections and gaps in the existence of sidewalks. They looked for ways to get through the Township. They also have maps that show routes where people commonly walk and run. Timeline was discussed and Mr. Angelo feels it will be a short turnaround, with quick fixes like sidewalks. Our consultants also worked on the borough of Camp Hill’s pedestrian and bike trails and are knowledgeable about the guidelines for signage, rules for the space of the paths, and required distance for paths from roadways. They are hoping to find more ways to connect people to the Lower Allen Community Park. Sometimes stormwater areas can be used for paths. He requested that everyone keep an eye out for places in need of sidewalks and small pathways that connect neighborhoods. Suggestions can be e-mailed to Simone Collins.

ADJOURN 

The Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board adjourned at 7:42 pm.

Next meeting is Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 7:00 pm.