PARK & RECREATION BOARD
MINUTES – OCTOBER 12, 2004
The regular meeting of the Park & Recreation Board of
the
Vice Chairman Smith called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Those present:
Park & Recreation Board: David Fritchey, Chairman (joined meeting in progress)
Ron Smith, Vice Chairman
John Kuebler, Secretary
Patricia Bunn, Member
Henry Carpenter, Member
Richard Jutkiewicz, Member
Andrew Newbon, Member
Others: Terry Fedorchak, Township Manager
Donna Liney, Recreation Director
Frank Fazzalore, Supervisor Liaison
James Majewski, Township Engineer
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ms. Bunn moved, Mr. Jutkiewicz seconded and it was unanimously carried to approve the Minutes of June 8, 2004 as written.
It was noted that while there was a Road Tour held on July 15, 2004, there was not a quorum so no Minutes can be approved for that meeting.
APPROVAL OF RENEWING LMT POOL CONCESSION STAND CONTRACT WITH M.L.E. ENTERPRISES
Ms. Liney stated the Food Services Agreement to operate the Snack Bar at the
Community Pool is up for renewal. She stated M.L.E. Enterprises continues to work with
the Township in an effort to address cleanliness in the eating areas, upgrade menu
offerings, and respond to the concerns expressed by Pool membership. She suggested
that the Park Board recommend to the Board of Supervisors a Contract renewal in the
amount of $3,000 for the 2005 Pool Season for M.L.E. Enterprises. She stated the
Township will continue to assess the progress of this contractor in meeting the needs of
the Pool membership.
October 12, 2004 Park & Recreation Board – page 2 of 8
Ms. Bunn moved, Mr. Jutkiewicz seconded and it was unanimously carried to
recommend to the Board of Supervisors renewal of the Contract with M.L.E. Enterprises
as discussed.
RECREATION DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Ms. Liney noted the information included in the Park Board’s packets regarding a letter
from Yardley Baseball’s Insurer, K & K Insurance Group,
notifying
Township that the policy issued to Dr. Buckley was cancelled as of May 26, 2004. She
added that the Parks Department has not had a response from Yardley Baseball regarding
their request for an explanation, nor has payment been received for the spring user fees.
Ms. Liney stated the Township has received an offer from the Pennsbury Athletic
Association to replace the existing scoreboard at the
Baseball Complex with an exact replica at no cost to the Township. She thanked PAA on
behalf of the Township.
Ms. Liney noted the written summary from Dr. Roberts included in the Board’s packet of
items Dr. Roberts would like to see consider when planning the Snipes Tract.
Ms. Liney reported that the Lower Makefield Seniors have resumed full activities for the
fall including their bocce and golf leagues. She stated their Halloween Party is scheduled
for October 27, 2004 at 4:00 p.m.
Ms. Liney reported on the successful YMS Columbus Day Boys Soccer Tournament held
this past weekend at
requires a high level of coordination from the many volunteers from YMS, and she
thanked them for their efforts which resulted in a successful event.
Mr. Fritchey joined the meeting at this time.
There was further discussion about Yardley Baseball and the fact that the Township has
received no response to their letter to Dr. Buckley sent in July. Mr. Carpenter stated any
future Applications by Yardley Baseball should require that they follow the rules.
Mr. Smith stated he does not feel any future Applications should be given consideration
since it appears they did not have insurance when they were playing in the spring.
Ms. Bunn stated Dr. Buckley had also indicated on two prior occasions that he would be
offering fall Baseball, and this has not been the case. Mr. Newbon stated Dr. Buckley
should be required to provide proof of insurance for the time they were playing baseball
in the spring as well as payment to the Township of all outstanding fees. Mr. Kuebler
stated since the Township has received no response to their written request, Yardley
Baseball should not be eligible for anything further. Mr. Fazzalore asked if Ms. Liney
October 12, 2004 Park & Recreation Board – page 3 of 8
sent out the letter registered mail, and Ms. Liney stated she did not but could send it out
again registered mail. Mr. Fedorchak asked that Ms. Liney draft a letter and provide it to
him for review before it is sent out.
Mr. Fazzalore asked about the letter from the Chief of Police regarding safety items.
He asked specifically about the bikepath on
not sure if any money was set aside in escrow for this bikepath. He stated there was an
ongoing discussion about how close the bikepath should be to
could be located ten to twenty feet away and “snake” its way
down to
Mr. Fedorchak stated the Board of Supervisors does have concerns about the steepness of
the hill. Mr. Fazzalore stated the developer should escrow for this if they have not
already done so. He stated the traffic has increased in this area because of the Golf
Course. He stated they should consider the bikepath in this location further because of
the steep drop to
serpentine path, but it is very difficult to work. He stated work is also going to be done at
the
Mr. Fazzalore stated if they are not going to do anything, they still need to get the money
from the developer.
SUPERVISOR LIAISON’S REPORT
Mr. Fazzalore stated the Board of Supervisors is now considering the Budget, and 2005
will be a very difficult year. He stated they have run through all their reserves, and taxes
have not been raised for a number of years other than for open space purchases. The next
Budget meeting will be held on October 26, 2004 at 4:00 p.m.
Mr. Fazzalore stated there will be a special meeting of the Board held on October 25,
2004 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss Matrix. Mr. Fazzalore stated he feels it is a good
compromise.
Mr. Fazzalore stated the Township is moving ahead with Memorial Park and will borrow
$1 million and see how far this will go. Mr. Fedorchak stated Bouche & James has just
completed the bid specs, and the Township engineer and Township solicitor are
reviewing these. Sometime in the next week, they hope to let it out for bid for at least
thirty days or even longer to get more competitive bids. They are hoping that in addition
to the roadway, they will also be able to install some recreational venues so that it will
have more of the feel of a Park. They took out the “Comfort Station” which they had
estimated would cost $350,000. Hopefully in early December, the Board of Supervisors
will review the bids and award the contract and get Phase I under construction.
October 12, 2004 Park & Recreation Board – page 4 of 8
Mr. Fedorchak stated he has been meeting with Liuba Lashchyk, the architect for the
Memorial; and she has indicated the design project is approximately 80% complete.
He feels the design phase will be completed in the foreseeable future. This will also go to
the Board of Supervisors for approval. Bid specs will then be let out for the Memorial.
Mr. Fritchey stated it appears that groundbreaking for the road could be in the spring.
Mr. Fazzalore stated none of the Township money will be going toward the Memorial
itself. Mr. Fazzalore stated initially it was indicated that the Memorial would cost
between $500,000 and $600,000 but now it is estimated it will cost $700,000 because of
additions the Memorial Committee has proposed. They have raised approximately
$500,000. No specs have been prepared for the Memorial yet. Mr. Fazzalore stated the
Township has only seen designs. Mr. Fedorchak stated he hopes to meet with members
of the Design Committee next week to determine the outstanding issues and see if the
Township can assist them to get the project moving forward as quickly as possible.
Mr. Fedorchak stated the Township is moving ahead with their portion and will therefore
fulfill their promise to the Committee.
Mr. Newbon asked the status of the Golf Course finances. Mr. Fazzalore stated the
Golf Course has been very successful for its first three months. Mr. Fedorchak stated
revenues have exceeded plan every month, and expenditures have been right on the line.
Mr. Fazzalore stated while he does not golf, he has talked to a number of golfers who
have used the Course, and they all had positive comments.
REVIEW OF
Ms. Liney stated the Park & Recreation Operating Budget for the year 2005 was put
together with an effort to hold the line at the present Park and Recreation millage. She
stated in light of the loss of Fee-In-Lieu Revenue, which in the past has helped cover
Park & Recreation Debt Service, the Township continues to do everything possible to
keep costs in line yet continue at a reasonable pace with improvements and necessary
repairs. She stated one loan payment will be satisfied in 2006. She noted the Preliminary
Budget for 2005 does include funds for Memorial Park Phase I. Ms. Liney stated some
funds are available to move forward with another significant improvement next year, and
during the July Road Tour many excellent park projects were discussed. One project
under consideration would be either construction of a 90 foot ballfield on the Samost
Tract which the Township estimated in July would cost approximately $100,000. An
Alternative project would be lighting Field H and possibly Field F at Macclesfield at an
estimated cost of approximately $100,000.
Mr. Fritchey stated he feels if they are interested in getting a 90’ field quickly, lighting
Field H provides the greatest opportunity to resolve the situation in the short term. This
would increase the amount of playing time available for next year. He added that while
October 12, 2004 Park & Recreation Board – page 5 of 8
he is not opposed to constructing a 90’ field at Samost, he is concerned that they have not
had the opportunity to get input from the residents. He stated going through the public review process for such a field would probably mean that it would not be built until 2006 and would not therefore be available for the 2005 season.
Mr. Fazzalore stated the Township has been re-evaluated by he County, and the value of
they indicated that the Township could only raise their taxes 10% in the first year (2005).
The Board of Supervisors has decided that the 10% increase must go into the General
Fund so no other funds will be getting an increase in 2005. The increases in the Pension
costs and other fixed costs took up almost all of the 10% which left nothing for anyone
else. He stated they need to survive 2005; and in 2006, they will be free to go above the
10% restriction and raise taxes. Mr. Fazzalore stated sewer taxes are also going to go up
because of dramatic increases in this area. Mr. Fazzalore stated he will not vote in favor
of deficit spending.
Ms. Bunn asked what kind of percentage increase they are anticipating for 2006.
Mr. Fazzalore stated they have a number of things that must be done. Mr. Fedorchak
noted the amount being shown reflects operating expenses versus operating revenues.
For the year 2005, they are showing $170,000 more than they are taking in. He stated
they are carrying over a balance which makes up the difference so that they end up with a
plus. Mr. Fritchey stated there is a beginning cash balance of $200,000 so that they will
wind up with $31,000 by the end of 2005. Mr. Fazzalore stated he does not feel that
$31,000 is sufficient to deal with any emergencies that may come up.
Mr. Kuebler stated the issue at this time is whether to spend $100,000 for lighting a field
or save it for an emergency. Mr. Fritchey stated a decision should also be made whether
they want to proceed with Samost. Mr. Fedorchak stated they are in the process of
borrowing $3 million; $1 million of which is going to be dedicated to Phase I of
Memorial Park. There are also some open space purchases to be made. Mr. Fedorchak
stated there may be an opportunity to get the $100,000 for lighting the fields from this
borrowing if they do not want to take it out of the Park & Recreation Budget. He would
suggest moving forward with something – either construction of a 90’ field at Samost or
lighting existing fields at
Board determine what they would prefer. He stated the Board of Supervisors can then
consider this at their Budget meeting. He stated he needs to know from Mr. Majewski
how much it will cost to light Field H and how much it would cost to construct a 90’
baseball field.
Mr. Fritchey stated he feels they should go through the normal planning process in a
comprehensive fashion with Samost and review the Plan with the neighbors to get their
input before coming up with a Final Plan. He feels this will take a number of months.
He feels they should proceed with lighting Field H at this time. Mr. Fedorchak stated if
October 12, 2004 Park & Recreation Board – page 6 of 8
they wanted to construct a baseball field, they would advise the neighbors of this and
follow the procedures for a Land Development Plan which would involve review by the
Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Fritchey stated he feels it
would be better to plan the entire Park at one time rather than one time for a baseball
field, one time for tennis, etc.
Mr. Carpenter asked Mr. Morrison representing PAA which option he would prefer.
Mr. Morrison stated they would prefer lighting the fields at Macclesfield.
Mr. Carpenter moved and Mr. Kuebler seconded to recommend to the Board of
Supervisors lighting at
constructing a 90’ baseline baseball field at Samost within the confines of the 2005
Budget.
Mr. Smith stated Field F should be considered as lighting at that location would have
a minimal impact on the surrounding area. He asked how much it would cost to light
Field F, and Mr. Majewski agreed to look into this.
Mr. Newbon stated if they added another 90’ field, they would get a lot more usable
space. Mr. Morrison stated a new field would probably take two to three years before it
was in playing shape. Installation of lights would enable them to use the fields much
more quickly. He stated he also feels a new field would cost more than $100,000.
Mr. Dennis Wysocki stated the investment for the lights doubles the useful capacity of
the field during the week. Mr. Smith stated because the light standards are already on
Fields E and G, it should make it easy to light Field F.
Mr. Fazzalore stated he would like to see Mr. Fedorchak and Ms. Liney work on the
Budget to get it down to $0.
Motion carried unanimously.
REVIEW OF LMT COMMUNITY POOL PRELIMINARY 2005 OPERATING BUDGET
Ms. Liney stated the Pool dual slide feature will be open for the first time in 2005, and
they anticipate a positive response from the community. She stated the Pool Preliminary
Budget for 2005 will re-establish the cash balance closer to where it needs to be while
they continue to implement some modest improvements requested by the Pool
Membership in their survey, such as furniture and landscaping. She added this will be
the eighth year that the Pool has been able to hold the line on Membership Fees.
October 12, 2004 Park & Recreation Board – page 7 of 8
LEAGUE LIAISON REPORTS
Lower Bucks Lacrosse
Mr. Jutkiewicz stated they will be meeting tomorrow evening to discuss registration for
the 2005 season and hold election of new Board members.
Pennsbury Athletic Association
Mr. Morrison, outgoing President, presented plaques to Mr. Fazzalore and the Park &
Recreation Board. He also thanked Ms. Liney for her support.
Pop Warner Football
Mr. Kuebler introduced Dave Bollard, the President of Pop Warner Football.
Mr. Bollard stated in the 2004 season they had a substantial increase in their registrations.
They have 308 children in the Tackle Program, and 150 in the Flag Program. He stated
this year they had fourteen Tackle Teams, and next year they anticipate continued
growth. The season will end November 6. They have been invited to participate in the
Pop Warner Tournament in
field a team in each of the weight divisions. He noted that Lower Makefield Pop Warner
is the only League that guarantees every player a starting position regardless of ability.
They feel each player deserves a chance to develop as a player. They stress
fundamentals, sportsmanship, and fun and do not stress championships, etc. Every child
receives the same trophy. He stated this is why the program has continued to grow each
year. He stated they pick up children every year because of their platform. He stated other organizations are highly competitive. He stated Lower Makefield Pop Warner also stresses scholastics, and every player must maintain at least a C+ in order to participate in their program. They only practice two times a week as opposed to other organizations which practice four times a week.
Yardley Makefield Soccer
Mr. Dennis Wysocki reported on the Columbus Day Tournament which was very
successful. He thanked Mr. Morrison for recommending field lighting as opposed to
construction of another 90’ field as the lighting will also benefit soccer as well.
Mr. Smith stated the Columbus Tournament is probably the most renowned Tournament
on the East Coast and it brings recognition to
the Park & Recreation Department for their assistance.
October 12, 2004 Park & Recreation Board – page 8 of 8
Mr. Fazzalore stated he was very pleased when hearing advertisements about the
Tournament that they indicated it was in
Yardley.
Mr. Smith stated Registrations were good for YMS and he thanked the Township for
making the season a success to date.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Mike Cremeans representing Yardley-Makefield Tennis stated they would like to
have tennis facilities at the Samost Tract. He stated he would be able to build courts for
the Township at a fraction of the cost. Mr. Fazzalore stated the Township has to comply
with prevailing wage which does drive up the costs. Mr. Cremens stated they also have
the ability to raise funds to help build six to eight courts. He stated they would be in
favor of clay courts. He stated they are having problems with the Courts at Schuyler
because of parking and people driving by and yelling.
Mr. Smith suggested that he put together a proposal and they can discuss it as an Agenda
item at a future meeting. Ms. Bunn stated construction of the courts would have to be put
out to bid since they would be built on Township land. Mr. Fedorchak stated they still
have to go through the Land Development process and get input from the adjoining
residents. He stated this typically takes three to four public meetings.
Mr. Fazzalore stated he is still concerned with the fact
that
does not have a
the Township residents. He is concerned that the young people in the Township will not
vote in favor of a
gone on record as being in favor of the construction of a
Mr. Wysocki asked if tennis courts were part of the Memorial Park Plan, and
Mr. Fedorchak stated while they are part of the Plan, they
are not
There being no further business, Mr. Smith moved, Ms. Bunn seconded and it was unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
John Kuebler, Secretary