MINUTES

RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD:	LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING	OCTOBER 27, 2021
The following were in ATTENDANCE:
BOARD MEMBERS	TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL
Greg Mahon	Thomas G. Vernau, Jr., Township Manager
Richard Grove	Michelle Kilgore, Recording Secretary
Robert Pelles
Scott Duncanson

 

Mr. Mahon called the October 27, 2021 Regular Meeting of the Lower Allen Township Recreation and Parks Board to order at 7:01 pm.

 

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

Mr. GROVE motioned to approve the minutes from the September 22, 2021 Regular Meeting.  Mr. PELLES seconded.  The motion carried 4-0.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was none.

 

COMMISSIONER LIAISON REPORT

Neither Commissioner Holtzman nor Commissioner Villone were present for the report.  Mr. Vernau stated that Commissioner Holtzman took a fall recently and was undergoing medical treatment.

 

RECREATION AND PARKS STAFF REPORT – HEATHER DOUDEN

ACTIVITIES REPORT – HEATHER DOUDEN

Ms. Douden was not present for the meeting.  Mr. Vernau indicated he would speak on her behalf for both the Recreation and Parks Staff Report, and the Activities Report.

• Stambaugh has been out on medical leave but stated mowing and ballfield maintenance is going on at the general parks. There is only one person working right now at the general parks.
• Peters’ update on the LACP:
  • Mowing and ballfield maintenance is taking place.
  • Cleaning and prepping the pavilions and barn for rentals is taking place.
  • Installation of new lighting in the upper level of the barn is complete, and the lighting for the lower level will be completed as time and weather permit.
  • In progress at the barn is installation of new wiring, digital timers on the exterior lights, and installation of an electric lock on the new bathroom door.
  • There are plans to take down the volleyball nets and tennis nets next week.
  • Transitioning to Fall cleanup of leaves after the last mowing of the season.

Mr. Duncanson asked for feedback on the recent Dillsburg soccer tournament.  Mr. Vernau stated he heard it went very well.

Mr. Mahon stated he visited the barn for the first time since the improvements were made, and that he is impressed.  Mr. Vernau reported that Mr. Plank resigned.

Mr. Mahon reported that the swing set at Highland is now fully installed.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Manager’s Response to Park Recommendations Letter:

Mr. Vernau summarized the letter that was provided in that evening’s meeting packet.  He identified all the recommendations from the Recreation and Parks Board that were included in the 2022 budget, and also those that were noted as future projects beyond 2022.

Those included for 2022 were:

• A new play structure for Highland Estates Playground.
• Playground equipment for older kids at Cedar Spring Run Park.
• One tennis court to be converted to 4 pickleball courts at LACP (Upper Pavilion).
• Funding for facilities study at Beacon Hill Radar Park.
• Algae treatment for the pond at LACP – Underbrush clearing will continue as schedules permit.
• Minor items such as replacement of deteriorating park signs, replacement of flat plastic swings with saddle swings, additional sand for the volleyball court at Wass, and removal of the dead tree at Allendale will be coordinated by Staff.

Mr. Duncanson suggested that for the pond at LACP, recruitment of volunteers from the “Adopt-a-Park” program would be beneficial, in preparation for capital improvements down the road.

Mr. Vernau asked for clarification on the requests for soil enhancement at Church field, and trail repair at Cedar Spring Run.  Mr. Duncanson replied that the youth baseball field at Church field needs more dirt to properly level the playing field and therefore improve drainage.  Mr. Duncanson said that the treated posts on the trail have deteriorated, and the rock grill stones could use rebuilt.  Mr. Vernau added the steps also need rebuilt.

Improvements that would be considered beyond 2022:

• Boat access improvements at Yellow Breeches and Creekwood Parks. Vernau’s staff will be applying for a grant to help supplement costs of these projects.
• Developing a walking path around perimeter of LACP. The Board would need to make a recommendation to close the driving range.
• Develop disc golf course at LACP.

Discussion ensued over the disc golf course.  LAT would need to determine whether they wish to have a recreational-style 9-hole course, or a regulation size course that would allow for more competitive play.

 

NEW BUSINESS

2022 Meeting Dates

Mr. Mahon noted that meeting dates for 2022 were included in the packet and requested Board approval so that Staff can advertise them.  The Board indicated they approve of the 2022 dates.

 

ADJOURN:

The Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board Adjourned at 7:36PM.

 

 

The next meeting will be November 17, 2021 at 7:00PM.