MINUTES

RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD:	LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING	FEBRUARY 23, 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 Josie Dougherty Susan Parry	Event Planner Renee’ Greenawalt, Recording Secretary

 

Mr. Mahon called the February 23, 2022 Regular Meeting of the Lower Allen Township Recreation and Parks Board to order at 7:00 pm.

 

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

Mr. Mahon motioned to approve the minutes from the January 26, 2022 Regular Meeting. Mr. Pelles seconded.  The motion carried 6-0.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT – Highland Park

There were no public comments.

 

COMMISSIONER LIAISON REPORT

Commissioner Joshua Nagy, the appointed liaison for the Recreation and Parks Board expressed his enthusiasm for participating in his role and offered his assistance for upcoming projects.

 

TOWNSHIP STAFF REPORT

Ms. Heather Douden presented the Recreation and Parks Staff Report. She noted that the mulch had been applied at Lower Allen Community Park and the dog park. She reported that the recent high winds had caused some damage to the roof at the upper pavilion and that facility staff would investigate to determine if replacements or repairs were needed. She also reported that Eric Ritchey had been hired as the new custodian at the barn and was looking forward to getting started. Ms. Douden reported on the vandalism at Highland Park where black sharpie markers were used on vehicles parked along the street and on signs. Most of it had been successfully removed. A similar incident occurred at Allendale Park. Police reports were filed, and discussion is occurring regarding the potential installation of cameras. Ms. Davis noted cameras were not currently budgeted but based on the frequency of incidents staff had researched the cost of installing cameras, which amounts to $6000 to install plus a monthly maintenance fee of $40. While trail type cameras would be less expensive, the resolution provided is poor. Ms. Parry asked if there were any signs which denote fines for violations on site as deterrents. Ms. Douden confirmed there were signs. She also noted that the shed closest to the softball field at Wass Park had been broken into, although nothing was taken.

Ms. Davis noted that she is researching potential grants that if successful, could offset the cost. Highland and Wass park, as well as the dog park and the Fun Fort would be prioritized. Ms. Parry suggested checking for grant opportunities through security companies.

Ms. Douden reported that contracts for Lower Allen Community Park had been sent out and that most fields are booked through November.

LACP contracts have gone out and most fields are booked through November. There are five barn rentals in March and the summer months are full for the weekends. Mr. Mahon asked whether the camp sites were being used. Ms. Douden said that campsites are booked but usage is inconsistent. Mr. Mahon also asked about the appropriation of rental fees. Mr. Grove noted that rental fees are deposited into the General Fund and not tied directly to recreation expenditures.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Easter Egg Hunt – April 9, 2022

Ms. Douden referred to the event flyer included in the meeting packet. Members agreed to meet at 9 AM to prepare for the event. She reported that donation request letters were sent to 20 local businesses. The Hershey Company donated candy that would be sent in March. Walmart will donate and is doing a team building project to stuff 500 eggs. Weis and Color Me Mine have made gift card donations. Ms. Douden suggested putting prizes into the goody bags. Elite Martial Arts will provide coupons for each goody bag. MS4 is creating a coloring page to educate children on water conservation. Cedar Run residents will stuff 500 eggs in late March and students from Trinity will meet at the barn to stuff eggs and goody bags. Ms. Douden said there are 5000 eggs and 300-400 goody bags to fill. She suggested meeting having volunteers meet during the weeks of March 14 and March 28. Ms. Davis volunteered to dress as the Bunny if there are no other volunteers available. Ms. Parry will serve as the announcer. 3-4 volunteers are needed at each pavilion group to “hide” the eggs and guard them until each event starts. Members decided to spread the times out to 30-minute intervals to begin at 10 AM, 10:30 AM and 11 AM

Gardeners Gathering – April 30, 2022

Ms. Parry reported that she and Ms. Davis would be meeting with representatives of the Conservation District from Master Gardeners and Master Watershed Stewards with more information to come on providing support for the event and the rain barrels, along with educators for presentations and assistance with construction of the barrels.

Ms. Davis spoke about a potential grant project in relationship to the event. The award is up to $7500 but would require a change in date for the event as the funds would have to be used this year. The project would offer educational programs for the event and be tied into an environmental credit from the stormwater fee.

Members discussed that the registration fee should cover at least half of the cost of the materials to construct the rain barrels. They also talked about the possibility of changing the date for the event. Ms. Douden noted there were no Saturdays available in May or June.

The consensus was to hold the original date and plan to move forward with the typical two program sessions (bees/pollination and stormwater/water conservation) at 10 AM and 11 AM with the plant sway to begin at 12:15 PM. Volunteers will meet at 9 AM on 4/30/22. Snacks and water will be provided, and the event will end by 1 PM.

Once the plans are confirmed following the meeting, a flyer and registration will be developed. Donations can be solicited from local garden centers and nurseries.

Ms. Douden referred to an old budget for the event which indicated an overall cost per rain barrel of $66. At the time, a grant from PA American Water offset the cost and participants were charged a $20 registration fee. Members felt that a $40 registration fee would be reasonable this year.

 

NEW BUSINESS

There was no new business to discuss.

ADJOURN:

The Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board Adjourned at 7:55 PM.

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