MINUTES

RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD:	LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING	September 27, 2023
The following were in ATTENDANCE:
BOARD MEMBERS	TOWNSHIP PEPRSONNEL
Greg Mahon, Chair	Helen Grundon, Administrative Assistant
Scott Duncanson, Vice-Chair	Tom Stambaugh, Parks Supervisor
Robert Pelles	Renee’ Greenawalt, Recording Secretary
Rick Grove
James Kaiser
Susan Parry

Mr. Mahon called the September 27, 2023 Regular Meeting of the Lower Allen Township Recreation and Parks Board to order at 7:00 pm.

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Mr. Pelles motioned to approve the minutes from the May 24, 2023 Regular Meeting. Ms. Parry seconded. The motion carried 6 -0.

Mr. Kaiser motioned to approve the minutes from the June 14, 2023 Regular Meeting. Mr. Pelles seconded. The motion carried 6 -0.

Mr. Grove motioned to approve the minutes from the June 28, 2023 Regular Meeting. Mr. Pelles seconded. The motion carried 6 -0.

Mr. Pelles motioned to approve the minutes from the August 23, 2023 Regular Meeting. Mr. Kaiser seconded. The motion carried 6 -0.

PUBLIC COMMENT – Beacon Hill Park
Mr. Kaiser noted he lives near the park and has not heard about any issues. Members briefly discussed the proposed plan under development for the radar site. Mr. Grove indicated that the plan was tied to grant funding which will impact the timing of installation work.

TOWNSHIP STAFF REPORT
Ms. Grundon presented the Recreation and Parks Staff Report. She noted that the need for baseball field maintenance was minimal. Fencing was replaced at Cedar Spring Run Park. At LACP staff had completed weeding at the dog park and edging at the Fun Fort.  Additionally, the concession stand was finished. At Yellow Breeches Park an invasive tree was removed, and some mild grading improvement done, and a silt fence added. She reported that garden plot letters were ready to be sent out to residents. She also noted that the organization that adopted LACP would be walking the trails and conducting a clean-up the following weekend.  The rentals are booked until November and once the Board of Commissioners approves the fee schedule for 2024, she will move forward with rentals for 2024.  Rates for field rentals will be increased.

OLD BUSINESS
Ms. Grundon provided a report of the Yappy Hour event held on September 21. It was well attended by participants and vendors, and she received positive feedback. She noted that several of the vendors expressed interest in having the event twice per year, potentially in both fall and spring. Some recommendations for the next one include more signs and possibly some type of give-away swag items.

Mr. Mahon provided an update on the situation discussed at the last meeting regarding Highland Park. He noted his conversation with Township Manager Vernau, during which he summarized the concerns expressed by residents and the thoughts of the Recreation and Park Board. Mr. Stambaugh noted that he had not heard of any recent complaints. Ms. Grundon said that security cameras would likely be included in the proposed budget and referenced Commissioner Nagy’s comments from the last meeting regarding the issue related to public safety.

Mr. Duncanson suggested the idea of hosting a pocket party at Highland Park with the intention of using the event to engage the neighborhood kids to take ownership in the park, though it was noted that the kids causing the mischief were not necessarily those who lived within the neighborhood. A pocket park party might also inspire more residents to use the park more frequently, which will in turn deter mischievous behavior.

Ms. Parry thanked Mr. Stambaugh for his efforts in maintaining the parks. Mr. Mahon asked for an update on the bench swing at Highland Park. Mr. Stambaugh said he had been researching options but did not have approval to purchase anything yet.

NEW BUSINESS
Ms. Grundon introduced for discussion that the United Cerebral Palsy of Central Pennsylvania is celebrating their 70^th anniversary and has expressed interest in installing a memorial bench or a tree at one of the township parks in recognition. She referenced the administrative policy which supports this, noting that any signs included in the memorial must be approved by the Township and presented to the Recreation and Parks Board. She asked members to provide feedback about specific locations for the memorial. Ms. Grundon indicated that she would provide more information about the idea at a future meeting. Members discussed an option to place the memorial in a location where they would replace existing benches versus putting one in a new spot.

ADJOURN
The Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board was adjourned at 7:41 PM.  The next meeting will be October 25, 2023 at 7:00PM.