MINUTES

RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD:	LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING	JANUARY 26, 2022
The following were in ATTENDANCE:
BOARD MEMBERS	TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL
Greg Mahon	Rebecca Davis, Public Works Director
Richard Grove	Heather Douden, Administrative Assistant &
Robert Pelles	Event Planner
Scott Duncanson Josie Dougherty Susan Parry	Renee’ Greenawalt, Recording Secretary

 

Ms. Rebecca Davis called the January 26, 2022 Regular Meeting of the Lower Allen Township Recreation and Parks Board to order at 7:02 pm.

 

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Chair

Ms. Davis announced that nominations for the position of Chairperson were open. Mr. Pelles nominated Greg Mahon as Chair. Ms. Dougherty seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.

Vice-Chair

Mr. Mahon announced that nominations for the position of Vice-Chairperson were open. Mr. Pelles nominated Scott Duncanson. Ms. Dougherty seconded. The motion carried 6-0.

Secretary

Mr. Mahon announced that nominations for the position of Secretary were open. Mr. Pelles nominated Richard Grove. Ms. Dougherty seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

Mr. Grove motioned to approve the minutes from the October 27, 2021 Regular Meeting.  Ms. Parry motioned to approve the minutes. Mr. Mahon seconded.  The motion carried 6-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT – Wass Park

There were no public comments. Ms. Davis noted there was a damaged storage shed at Wass Park due to vandalism, and that a police report had been filed. Staff will be replacing lights for the tennis courts with LED bulbs. Additionally, pickle ball courts are being added.

COMMISSIONER LIAISON REPORT

Commissioner Villone presented the report. He noted that Commissioner Joshua Nagy had been appointed the liaison for the Recreation and Parks Board and that Commissioner Tom Kutz was the alternate. He affirmed that a liaison would be present for all meetings and that he would also stay involved. He welcomed Ms. Dougherty to the Board. He also reported the Board of Commissioners had approved an adjustment to the township fee schedule to account for the increased cost for a public safety officer to be present during facility rentals.

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORT

Ms. Davis introduced herself to the Board, providing details of her background and experience as a member of the township staff, primarily with the stormwater program. She noted she would be providing a monthly report to summarize public works projects.

Ms. Davis reported that staff have been undergoing training on geographical information systems (GIS). They are working on mapping the infrastructure in the parks for the purpose of asset management and budget planning This includes pavilions, trails, play structures, signs, etc… She noted future creation of pivot tables to show the lifespan of structures for proper planning purposes, and to use the data to develop story maps for reporting and budget forecasting.

Projects planned for Lower Allen Community Park include replacement of siding at the garage, new decking at the concession stand, and new wood chips for the dog park.

Two new play structures are budgeted for this year include a replacement at Highland Estates Park, through the COSTARS program, and the other at Cedar Run Park, which will be targeted for older children and includes a swing set, climbing wall, a zipline, jumping stones and a see saw type structure. Opportunity remains for further development of the space in the future at Cedar Run Park. Ms. Davis noted that both projects are scheduled to be completed in the spring.

Ms. Parry suggested holding another Yappy Hour event utilizing the new deck at LACP when it is completed.

There was a brief discussion regarding the previously proposed disc golf project for LACP. At this time, the sponsors are seeking outside funding to offset the cost.

 

TOWNSHIP STAFF REPORT

Ms. Heather Douden presented the Recreation and Parks Staff Report.

 

Park Operations

Ms. Douden noted the barn at LACP was closed during the months of January and February for maintenance. The new roof has been completed The upstairs floor has been waxed and the first floor will be done in February. Painting was completed in the lower level. She also reported that the township was currently interviewing candidates for the Janitor position.

Ms. Douden said that snow plowing, and salting was occurring as needed. Spring toys were being painted and an agreement has been executed with Brenneman & Company to construct four pickle ball courts at LACP on the site of one of the tennis courts.

Activities

Ms. Douden reported that LACP field use requests had been sent out for the upcoming spring sports season and were due back by February 10, 2022. She noted that all field usage will be booked.  She also stated that nineteen pavilion and thirty-one barn rentals were already scheduled for 2022 with many requests for applications coming in. She also noted no changes to the fee schedule except for a $20 increase in the alcohol deposit for the security guard.

OLD BUSINESS

Easter Egg Hunt – April 9, 2022

Ms. Douden reported feedback from nursing home facilities a level of discomfort in participating to fill eggs due to the ongoing pandemic. There may be a need to seek alternative options, such as local Girl Scout troops.

Gardeners Gathering – April 30, 2022

Ms. Parry reported on recent contact with the Cumberland County Watershed Specialist who indicated some potential issue with obtaining the rain barrels previously used. Members discussed the possible need to lead the event without assistance from the Cumberland County Watershed. The event will be published in the township newsletter and in a press release. A registration fee should cover the cost of materials.

Ms. Davis noted the event aligned as an outreach opportunity for the MS4 Program and noted the possibility of applying for a grant through the PA Water Company to fund future events.

Other workshop topics discussed included bees and pollinator plantings, as well as a presentation on foraging.

NEW BUSINESS

Ms. Dougherty proposed consideration of holding a beer and wine festival, capitalizing on the local breweries and wineries in and around the township. Commissioner It was noted the previously held Yappy Hour was a very popular and well attended event. Ms. Dougherty added that she had relevant contacts and would be willing to take the lead on organizing such an event. Township staff will check on insurance and liability issues that might arise.

Reviving the Yappy Hour was also discussed. Ms. Douden suggested considering a Friday or Saturday evening for the event and said she would try to confirm a date before the next meeting.

 

ADJOURN:

The Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board Adjourned at 8:11 PM.

The next meeting will be February 23, 2022 at 7:00PM.