PARK & RECREATION BOARD
MINUTES – NOVEMBER 14, 2006
The regular meeting of the Park & Recreation Board of
the
Makefield was held in the
Those present:
Park & Recreation Board: David Fritchey, Chairman
Patricia Bunn, Secretary
David Gordon, Member
Francis McDonald, Member
Others: Terry Fedorchak, Township Manager
Donna Liney, Recreation Director
Greg Caiola, Supervisor Liaison
Absent: Henry Carpenter, Park & Rec Vice Chairman
Richard Jutkiewicz, Park & Rec Member
Andrew Newbon, Park & Rec Member
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ms. Bunn moved, Mr. Gordon seconded and it was unanimously carried to approve the Minutes of October 10, 2006 as written.
DISCUSSION AND MOTION ON MEMORIAL PARK PHASE II
Members of the
Saracini, and Liuba Lashchyk were present along with Maria Lansing. Mr. Fritchey
congratulated the Committee Members on the Memorial dedication ceremony and the
Memorial itself.
Mrs. Godshalk thanked everyone for all their help and support with the project. She
stated Memorial Park was planned eight to nine years ago, and the 9-11 Memorial was
later incorporated into the Park. She stated a number of people have commented
favorably on the view of the entrance; and she is concerned that if some of the items that
were planned before the Memorial was built are constructed, it will change that look.
She stated a number of people have also commented that nothing should obstruct the
view from the road. Mrs. Godshalk stated they have proposed some changes to the
Memorial Park Plan which they would like to present to the Park & Recreation Board.
November 14, 2006 Park & Recreation Board – page 2 of 8
Mr. Fritchey stated there is an extensive history as to the development of the Park with
considerable input on the Plan that is presently in place from the citizen constituency of
the Township as well. He stated in the packet Ms. Liney has included much of the
history of what they have been trying to do and the needs they are trying to meet at the
Park.
Ms. Lashchyk stated they understand the Board is considering proceeding with Phase II.
She stated the Memorial Committee was looking at the Plan that was proposed two years
ago taking into consideration Mrs. Godshalk’s concerns as well as the Park & Recreation
Board’s interest in an arboretum. She stated she feels the idea of the arboretum would tie
in together the two elements of the Park separating the active and passive elements of the
Park. She noted the location where they would propose the arboretum to be located and
stated people could donate trees for the arboretum.
Mr. Fritchey stated in a historical context, the arboretum they were discussing involved
approximately one hundred different species of trees which would be interspersed
throughout the Park and identified by common name, genus, and species. There was also
discussion that individual people could purchase trees as memorials for family members.
He stated they were also anticipating Park benches as well.
Mrs. Godshalk stated they are already receiving requests from people about the
possibility of donating park benches. She stated the Committee has also suggested that
the arboretum be called Heritage Arboretum.
Ms. Lashchyk stated they felt the area adjacent to the Memorial should be a passive area.
She showed Scheme 1 and stated they would recommend that the softball field be pushed
to the north and that the roadway be moved slightly. She noted Scheme 2 which shows a
natural, passive maze area for children.
Ms. Ellen Saracini stated the Park is 62 ˝ acres and was designed to be 50% passive and
50% active. She stated the Memorial comprises 2 ˝ acres and backs up to the wetlands.
The area where the comfort station is located including the Memorial is only five acres of
passive recreation, and the passive areas throughout the rest of the Park would be the
walkways while the rest would be for various activities. She stated the Plan they are now
presenting would isolate an area of passivity with the Memorial. She noted the lighter
colored portion on their scheme, and stated these are areas which are for later phases.
Mr. Gordon asked if they are proposing the elimination of anything with their proposal.
Ms. Saracini stated one soccer field would be eliminated but there are two fields down
the street at Woodside. She stated the soccer field could be put on the right hand side of
the Plan. She stated when Memorial Park was considered, the additional fields were not
installed across the street from Elm Lowne which are now being proposed for organized
leagues. She stated at Memorial Pak this was only to be used for overflow when fields
November 14, 2006 Park & Recreation Board – page 3 of 8
when needed, and it was not to be for organized sports. She stated since Snipes is going
in, she does not feel the community will miss one soccer field. She stated they could put
it in at Memorial Park during a later phase if necessary.
Mr. Fritchey stated the fields that were in the approved Plan for Memorial Park are
important to the community as they were to be used by those in the community who were
not involved in organized play. He asked about the pavilions, and Ms. Lashchyk stated
they are still being shown and have not been moved. Ms. Saracini stated they proposing
moving the one softball field back toward the other one and moving it away from the
Memorial. She stated they could put the one soccer field next to the tennis courts if they
still wanted to include it. She stated they are also proposing shortening the parking area
so it leaves the area open.
There was discussion on the possible need for parking to accommodate buses if this is
necessary and possible locations for this were shown on the Plan. It was noted there are
school buses, etc. coming to the site; but it does not seem that they are getting numerous
buses at the same time.
Ms. Saracini stated they receive numerous comments from people about the Park and the
fact that they did not feel they should clutter up the area of the Memorial. She stated they
want to preserve the sense of serenity and passivity. She stated they feel they can do this
and still not take anything away from the Park as they feel it should be a celebration of
life. Mr. Fritchey stated he feels there should be a balance and still meet the needs of the
community.
Mr. Caiola asked how much room is currently between the
proposed softball field, and Ms. Bunn stated she feels it is 80’. Ms. Saracini stated
through their years of fundraising, the Schools have continued to make donations and
the Park is very much in the forefront of the children as they remember 9-11. She feels
the children are taking ownership of the Park.
Mr. Caiola stated he does not feel there would be a problem moving the softball field if it
is feasible, but he would not want to lose a soccer field.
Ms. Bunn stated she does want to see a professionally-designed Arboretum. Ms. Bane
stated she feels they could have this, and there could be an advertisement campaign to get
trees donated. Ms. Bunn stated she feels the arboretum should stretch throughout the
Park. It was noted that Ms. Lashchyk is a professional landscape architect.
Mr. Fritchey stated Plans he has seen do identify where certain species should be
located. Ms. Bunn stated when they have a Plan like this, it will be easier to get
donations.
November 14, 2006 Park & Recreation Board – page 4 of 8
Mrs. Godshalk stated Ms. Lashchyk has already worked into the Plan, the trees which
have been donated. Mrs. Godshalk stated they have had $500,000 worth of trees donated
outside of the Memorial area. Ms. Bunn stated the Park & Recreation Board has not seen
an arboretum plan, and she feels there should be an architect’s Plan which should be
reviewed by the Park & Recreation Board and the Environmental Advisory Committee
which is in favor of native plants.
Mrs. Godshalk asked what is included in Phase II, and Ms. Liney stated the Park &
Recreation Board recommended skinned softball field with back stops, play area roller
hockey court, and if funds were available, to proceed with additional parking.
Mr. Fritchey stated his concern is the residents were comfortable with the design and
density on the approved Plan, so if they are making changes, they need to be sensitive to
their concerns. Ms. Bane suggested moving the volleyball courts to a different location
and install the soccer field they were considering eliminating in that location.
Mr. Gordon stated he feels that three soccer fields that are not permitted seems more than
sufficient. He questioned why they felt there was a need for four soccer fields.
Mr. Fritchey stated soccer is a big sport in the Township, and they felt if there were
fields available, children would be spontaneously able to play. Mr. Gordon suggested
that they save the space for a soccer field for a future phase; and if it is necessary at some
point in the future, they could then build it.
Mr. McDonald stated he is in favor of moving the softball field away from the Memorial,
but is not in favor of losing something that was agreed to. Mr. Fritchey stated the Park
was identified to as being needed by the Township back in 1992 to meet the need for a
place where families could go or where there could be space for pick-up games.
Ms. Bunn stated she feels the engineer should look into whether or not the changes being
recommended could be made based on the grading, etc. Mr. Fritchey stated he feels if
there is a radical change, they would have to invite the community back in to review it.
Mrs. Godshalk stated the other thing that is very advantageous in the Park is the
walking/bikepaths. She stated many people are already walking on the Paths and are
coming to the Park from the adjacent neighborhoods and incorporating the other paths
will be very advantageous.
Ms. Lashchyk stated they are going to be planting some additional trees in the fall. These
are River Birches which they are proposing for the basin area. Ms. Bunn asked if these
are part of an existing Plan. Ms. Saracini stated they know the plan for the Park, and they
know where they will fit and not interfere with any fields. Ms. Lashchyk stated they are
following the Plan from the Township engineer. Ms. Bunn stated before anything else is
November 14, 2006 Park & Recreation Board – page 5 of 8
planted, she feels they should show it to the Park & Recreation Board for anything that is
outside of the Memorial since the area outside of the Memorial itself is under the
supervision of the Park & Recreation Board. Mr. McDonald stated this is especially true
if it involves any changes.
Mr. Fedorchak stated this must go back through the initial stages of the Land
Development Plan process so everyone can agree as to what it will look like. He stated
the Board of Supervisors will have to discuss this; and if they are in agreement with
moving it forward, they can create a Sub-Committee and the Board can assign the
Township engineer to work with that Sub-Committee to fine tune the latest revision to
see if once they put in these new venues within the confines of the Park, it will actually
work. Mr. Fritchey stated he assumes that they will refer this matter to the Township
engineer. Mr. Fedorchak stated they would have to amend the existing Land
Development Plan. Mr. Fritchey stated he feels strongly that they should move forward
with this as quickly as possible. He stated he would not want to see them lose another
year in developing Phase II. Mr. Fedorchak stated they do not have a line item in the
2007 Budget for Phase II yet. He stated if they had money set aside for 2007, they would
need final engineering for Phase II, put it out to bid which could take six to nine months,
and they could possibly break ground sometime in 2007 although he does not feel the
work would be completed until 2008. He stated they must first get an idea what they all
agree to conceptually for Phase II; and once this is accepted, they would then go to the
Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors for an amendment to the existing
Land Development Plan.
He stated they did this before when they added the
Reflection.
Mr. Fritchey stated if they were not having this meeting tonight, they could have had
money in the Budget for Phase II at the next Budget meeting and then put it out to bid in
January. Ms. Bunn stated they would need to get bid specs together first. Mr. Fedorchak
stated if they were going to proceed with the original proposal, assuming there was
money in the Budget, they could have had the whole thing considered next year. He
stated now it appears they are making significant changes, and it will require a different
procedure. Mr. Fritchey stated he does not feel what is being proposed is significant.
Mr. Fedorchak stated he feels they should discuss this with the solicitor to determine how
he views these changes. He stated he does not feel anyone would object to what has been
suggested. He stated he does not feel going through the Planning Commission and Board
of Supervisors would take that much time. Mr. Fritchey stated he does not want to see
the project delayed for a year for what he feels are minor changes. Mr. Fedorchak stated
this assumes that there is money in the Budget. He stated at the last Budget Session, they
did discuss the possibility of proceeding with Phase II and discussed the fact that is not in
the Budget at this time. Mr. Fedorchak stated the have just started the Budget process.
November 14, 2006 Park & Recreation Board – page 6 of 8
Mr. Fritchey stated in Phase II they had originally discussed installation of the skinned-in
softball field with the backstop, a play area, a roller hockey court, and if any funds were
remaining, install additional parking. Mr. Fritchey stated he does not feel it is a major
change if they move the softball field 100 yards. Ms. Bunn stated this would depend on
the grading. Mr. Fritchey stated he feels they need the opinion of the Township engineer
on this and then they could proceed with the rest of Phase II. He does not feel this would
have a major impact on anyone.
Mr. Fedorchak stated he will bring this matter up to the Board of Supervisors at their
Budget meeting Monday night to request approval to have the engineer look at this.
Mr. Caiola stated he feels if they can eliminate the fourth soccer field, it would make it
easier. He asked the Board and Recreation Board’s recommendation on this, and
Ms. Bunn stated she feels they are split two to two on this.
Mrs. Godshalk stated if the Park & Recreation Board would give their consensus to go
ahead with these slight changes, Mr. Fedorchak could advise the Board of Supervisors of
this.
Mr. Gordon stated Pee Wee Soccer has become very big and those eight and under are
playing on smaller fields. He stated possibly they could make the fourth field smaller.
Mr. Fritchey moved, Ms. Bunn seconded and it was unanimously carried to advise the
Board of Supervisors that the Park and Recreation Board is in favor of exploring
tweaking the design to accommodate what has been recommended by the Memorial
Committee provided it does not derail the project for a year. They would ask that the
Township engineer look at this as quickly as possible to see if it can be accommodated.
It is the understanding of the Park & Recreation Board that any additions, changes, or modifications to the Memorial Park Master Plan would come before the Park & Recreation Board prior to those changes being made.
RECOMMEND 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. In the best interest of the Pool, the Township has
gone to a one-year Contract with the vendor. M.L.E. Enterprises continues to work with
the Township in addressing cleanliness in the eating areas, upgrading menu offerings
with more healthy and varied options, and responding to the concerns and needs of the
Pool membership. M.L.E. Enterprises was given a 99% Food Inspection rating by the
Bucks
recommend renewal of the Contract in the amount of $3,200 for the 2007 Pool season
November 14, 2006 Park & Recreation Board – page 7 of 8
which represents an increase of $100 or approximately 3% over 2006. She stated the
vendor does pay for the electric used in the concession stand. She stated the Township
will continue to assess the progress of this contractor in satisfying the needs of the Pool
membership.
Mr. Fritchey asked if the surveys indicated general satisfaction this year, and
Ms. Liney stated the majority have.
Mr. Gordon moved, Mr. McDonald seconded and it was unanimously carried to renew
the Contract as outlined by Ms. Liney.
SUPERVISOR LIAISON REPORT
Mr. Caiola stated they have had three Budget sessions and generally speaking the Park &
Recreation Budget has been met with substantial support. He stated this year is a tough
Budget year. He stated they want to keep the momentum going with the Park &
Recreation projects. He stated they are continuing to look at the Budget closely. They
will have another Budget meeting Monday and are trying to put together a Budget not
only for this coming year, but looking into the future years as well.
Mr. Fedorchak stated the Pool operation is in great shape and no increase in fees is being
proposed. He stated the Golf Course is also in very good shape. He stated the General
Fund and Park & Recreation are funded through the property taxes, and they are not
getting the increases they previously received. He stated they do have the Deed Transfer
Taxes which is important for the General Fund; and while last year they received $1.9
million, this year they may not reach the $1.5 million which was budgeted. He stated he
is concerned this will also be the case in 2008 as well. He stated this needs to be
considered when they discuss personnel and capital improvements.
RECREATION DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Ms. Liney stated Park & Recreation has had two Budget Work Sessions with the Board
of Supervisors. The Township continues to study all areas of the Park & Recreation
Budget. The Supervisors are weighing several recommended projects versus the costs to
determine what direction the Township can proceed as they address the long and short
term recreation needs of the community.
Ms. Liney stated the Board of Supervisors also reviewed the proposed 2007 Community
Pool Operating Budget. Plans are to bring in the pool consultant in the next two months
to discuss the proposed projects identified in the Pool Feasibility Study and Membership
Surveys.
November 14, 2006 Park & Recreation Board – page 8 of 8
Ms. Liney stated the good news is that the facilities are being heavily used.
Ms. Liney stated continuing with the policy of ongoing enhancement to facilities, Park &
Recreation has begun improvements to the three dugouts at
include roofing, on-deck areas, and concrete flooring. She stated they will also complete
improvements to the two remaining dugout areas at the Roelofs Complex. Ms. Liney
stated the Township has also scheduled deep tining and drilling on all nine infield areas at
Macclesfield, Stoddart, and Roelofs. She stated this is normal maintenance and helps
address drainage issues and improve surface play. She stated all twenty plus turf fields
will be overseeded to be ready for play next season.
Ms. Liney stated the Park crew has begun building maintenance for the winter at Roelofs
and Stoddart restrooms. She stated they will have all sites winterized by November 22.
Ms. Liney stated S & H Landscaping has begun work on the widening of the exit lane at
Macclesfield, and they expect to have that project completed by the end of the year.
There being no further business, Mr. McDonald moved, Mr. Gordon seconded and it was unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Patricia Bunn, Secretary