MINUTES

RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD:                           LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP

REGULAR MEETING:                                                      NOVEMBER 18, 2020

The following were in ATTENDANCE:

BOARD MEMBERS:                                                          TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL:

Greg Mahon                                                                            Thomas Vernau, Jr., Township Manager

Susan Parry                                                                             Tina Thomas, Recording Secretary

Richard Grove                                                           

Robert Pelles  

Scot Duncanson

Charles Angelo

 

Mr. Mahon called the November 18, 2020 Zoom Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board to order at 7:03 pm. The meeting was hosted by Township Manager Tom Vernau.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mr. GROVE moved to approve the minutes from the October 28, 2020 meeting.  Mr. PELLES seconded the motion.  Motion carried 6-0.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

Allendale/Creekwood Parks

Mr. Mahon referred to Mrs. Hayden’s report where she said that Township staff are working together to collect leaves throughout the Township. Leaf collection in the parks is performed as time allows. Final leaf pickup will be completed the week of December 7^th. Mr. Mahon noted that Allendale will be getting saddle swings.

Mr. Vernau noted that the Commissioners voted to put the budget on the table at their last meeting. He said it includes $20,000 for the creation of Pickleball Courts at Wass Park. He anticipates the work being done in the spring with four sets of permanent Pickleball nets being installed. There is also money in the budget for projects at the other parks as well. Ms. Parry asked if instructions would need to be provided for people who are not familiar with how to play and Mr. Vernau replied that a kiosk with the rules has been suggested. Mr. Angelo is in favor of using a QR code which could be scanned with a phone. Mr. Mahon added that it would be a good idea to advertise it to the public with something on the website. Mr. Vernau will also put it in the Township winter newsletter.

 

LIASON REPORT – COMMISSIONER HOLTZMAN

Commissioner Holtzman is absent from the meeting.

 

RECREATION AND PARKS STAFF REPORT

Mrs. Hayden was unable to attend the meeting but provided the following Parks Operation Staff update: 

• Trash collection is ongoing at all Township parks.
• Leaf collection started Monday October 19^th. Parks will be raked and leaves collected as time and weather allow.
• Towards the end of October, a vehicle drove through Pete’s Field at a high rate of speed, causing substantial damage to the perimeter fencing, bleachers, and backstop. An insurance claim has been filed for the damages which total approximately $12,000. The damaged steel and wood bleachers will be replaced with aluminum ones.

 

ACTIVITIES REPORT

Mrs. Hayden provided the following Activities update for the meeting: 

• All youth and adult sports activities have been completed for the 2020 season. Field request forms will go out to the participating leagues in late December to be returned for scheduling in mid-February 2021.

Mrs. Hayden noted that we are still facing trying times. Events and get-togethers seem to be a distant memory. She speaks to many residents and non-residents daily. People are cautious about who they spend time with, mostly trying to keep within their small circle of humans. She said that we can only hope that 2021 brings a more optimistic overview for all of us. Safety to all involved has to be a priority moving forward. Mrs. Hayden added that she would like to wish everyone a safe Holiday Season.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Mr. Mahon asked how plans for the Recreation Ad Hoc Committee are going. Mr. Vernau said that it is still going to happen but is temporarily on hold. Some of the meetings could be held by Zoom but he would also like some to be in person. Mr. Angelo is planning to serve on the Committee and Mr. Vernau invited anyone else to participate that can. He said that events are up in the air depending on the situation and based on Commonwealth guidelines. Mr. Vernau added that the Commissioners are interested in doing strategic planning again, perhaps in 2022.

Ms. Parry asked if there has been a loss in park revenue in 2020. Mr. Grove replied that park revenues are down by one-third to one-half, or $6000 -$8000.  

 

NEW BUSINESS

• 2021 Meeting Schedule
• 2021 Park Tours
• 2021 Event Schedule: This is anticipated to include the usual events such as Gardeners Gathering and the Egg Hunt.
• 2021 Reorganization: This will be completed in January. There are no members up for reappointment. Mr. Mahon thanked the Board for allowing him to serve as the chair. He is ready to step down from the position and he would like to see Mr. Angelo serve as Chairman. This will be decided in January.

 

ADJOURN

The Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board adjourned at 7:34 pm.

The next meeting will be Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 7:00 pm.