PARK & RECREATION BOARD
MINUTES – FEBRUARY 21, 2006
The regular meeting of the Park & Recreation Board of
the
Those present:
Park & Recreation Board: David Fritchey, Chairman
Henry Carpenter, Vice Chairman
Richard Jutkiewicz, Member
Andrew Newbon, Member
Others: Donna Liney, Recreation Director
Greg Caiola, Supervisor Liaison
Patricia Bunn
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Carpenter moved, Mr. Jutkiewicz seconded and it was unanimously carried to approve the January 10, 2006 Minutes as written.
PRESENTATION BY YARDLEY MAKEFIELD SOCCER CLUB OF THEIR PROPOSAL TO INSTALL ALL WEATHER FIELD TURF
Mr. Mike DiMaio, YMS Facilities Director, was present and introduced Roger Deininger,
YMS President, and Dan Driscoll, Forever Green representative. Mr. DiMaio stated
Forever Green is one of the companies they are looking at for the turf field. He stated at
the January Park & Recreation Board meeting a number of questions were raised about
the proposed project. Mr. DiMaio noted the letter he provided to the Park & Recreation
Board on the matter. He stated they recognize that the project needs to be reviewed with
the Park & Recreation Board, the Board of Supervisors, and YMS general membership
because of the size of the project. Mr. DiMaio stated he did discuss the project with the
Township Solicitor and the Township Manager and they considered what would need to
be included in a future possible Lease of the field as well as a number of other Township
and legal issues. He stated both Mr. Fedorchak and Mr. Truelove indicated their
concerns could be satisfied in a legal document. He also discussed the project with the
Township engineer, Mr. Majewski, and they discussed what Plans and Permits would be
needed. Mr. DiMaio stated Mr. Driscoll can address installation, maintenance, and
warranty issues.
February 21, 2006 Park & Recreation Board – page 2 of 14
Mr. Driscoll provided a cost analysis done by UCLA. He stated the first page shows the
comparison of usage between sod and turf and shows a ten to one ratio. They also show
a cost per use. The sod field shows $1,000 on a sod field and $69 per use for a turf field.
Mr. Newbon asked if there is a factor included for down-time to let the fields regenerate
as it relates to the sod. Mr. Driscoll stated this is factored in which is why you get $70
per use versus $1,000. Mr. Driscoll stated the new material is completely different from
the prior nylon fields. Mr. Driscoll stated their firm does a 100% rubber product and is
the newest technology. He stated they are the quality leaders. He showed samples
including a 33 oz product which is a multi-purpose field for anything but football, a 55 oz
product, and a 50 oz product. He stated this relates to the weight per square foot of the
fiber. He showed the
product which is currently used at the
Mr. Driscoll stated they should look for a fiber that will last eight to ten years. He stated
they recommend that they choose something that is more than 48 ounces. He also noted
that the quality can be judged by looking at the backing of the product. Mr. Driscoll
stated the way they have designed their product, there is no rubber “fly-out” on the field.
Mr. Driscoll also noted the “G-Max” rating which is a safety rating. He stated a
manicured sod field would have a rating of 140 and their fields are typically at 95 to 100.
This number relates to the amount of energy that is absorbed in the turf. He stated 90 to
105 is optimum. He stated they also use a drain mat that keeps the field dry. He stated
you can use any aggregate provided they get a 95 compaction rate. He stated they would
tie into the existing drainage. He noted the drawing provided. Mr. Newbon asked if they
would have to replace the drain mat if they have to replace the surface in ten to twelve
years, and Mr. Driscoll stated they would not as there is no wear and tear on the drain
mat. Mr. Driscoll stated they should also look at the backing. He stated a good backing
which will last twenty to thirty years, cannot be sewn and would have to be glued. He
noted with the glue product used, they will not have any seam ruptures.
Ms. Bunn asked the difference in cost between the two products being shown, and
Mr. Driscoll estimated it to be $.05. Ms. Bunn asked which product they are proposing,
and Mr. DiMaio stated they are still discussing this and are considering ball roll, etc.
Mr. Fritchey asked about impact from temperatures, and Mr. Driscoll stated when it was
95 degrees in August at the Truman Football Camp, at the surface it was 103 degrees.
He stated it is important that the sub base is done correctly.
Mr. Newbon noted the maintenance tool, and Mr. Driscoll stated they have a tool called a
groomer which can be pulled behind a tractor and it will work similar to a rake.
Mr. Newbon asked if the field comes pre-lined; and Mr. Driscoll stated it does and most
lines will be done in the factory. He stated the arc would have to be done on the field at
the time of installation.
February 21, 2006 Park & Recreation Board – page 3 of 14
Mr. Caiola asked about water penetration, and Mr. Driscoll stated they perforate
approximately every three inches and anything up to 4” of rain will evacuate down
below.
Mr. Driscoll was asked about installation time, and Mr. Driscoll stated it would take a
maximum of six weeks for a football field and five weeks for a soccer field. He stated if
it is done in October it would take six weeks because of the weather. If it is done in the
summer, it would take five weeks.
Mr. Heilferty asked about water quality coming off the field. Mr. Driscoll stated he has
not tested for this but does not feel there are any issues or they would have been
contacted by the environmental people. He stated it is a polyethylene base with a rubber
base and they use recycled rubber. He does not feel there are any environmental issues.
Mr. Bray asked about geese droppings. Mr. Driscoll stated the geese do not tend to go
toward these fields.
Mr. Fritchey stated he feels this looks like a good product and if they can expand the
usage, this will be a win/win proposition for YMS and the Township. He stated he
personally is uncomfortable with having a Lease as opposed to some kind of permitting
arrangement. He stated he does not feel the residents of the Township as a whole will be
sympathetic to a Lease, as he feels the Township residents, if they are at a public park,
would feel they should be able to use a field if it is not being used since the Parks are
bought and paid for with tax dollars. He does feel they could give YMS a 24/7 Permit so
that they could use it whenever they wanted; however, to have it leased to a private entity
even if it is a non-profit, he feels will be a public relations nightmare. Mr. DiMaio stated
there are public park leases to youth organizations done all the time. He stated one of the
issues YMS has is that they are going to finance part of this; and in order to get financing
for a field such as this, the Finance Company is going to want to know that they have it
tied up and would not want to give YMS an eight-year loan and know that the Township
could take the field off them at some point in time. Mr. Fritchey stated he feels that any
bank they are dealing with would want the Township to indemnify them in the event that
something catastrophic would happen with YMS. Mr. DiMaio stated he does not feel
they will look to the Township since this is a private venture they are doing. He stated
YMS would also get a better rate than the Township and the way to do this is to have a
Lease in place. He stated he did not feel the Township wanted to indemnify the Club.
Mr. Carpenter stated he feels there is a way to comply with the law without involving the
Township. He stated he feels use of the turf will go a long way to clear up some of the
problems with field usage. He stated he still feels the Township still needs to be
protected. Ms. Bunn asked about the Lease. Mr. Carpenter stated he agrees with
Mr. Fritchey and does not feel the Township, under Pennsylvania Law, can sign a Lease,
but feels they can insert wording that will satisfy everyone such as “License, Exclusive
February 21, 2006 Park & Recreation Board – page 4 of 14
Permitted Use.” Mr. Fritchey stated he would prefer “Exclusive Permitted Use” as
opposed to “Lease.” Mr. Newbon stated he feels the issue with a “Lease” is the
precedent being set. Mr. DiMaio stated he feels they can work out some language such
as a “Ten Year Permit” that would be satisfactory to everyone. He will discuss this with
Mr. Truelove. Mr. Newbon stated by having the turf on a field with lights, they will be
able to use it much more often than currently. Ms. Bunn stated the lights will still need to
go out at the pre-determined time. Mr. Newbon stated this type of field will also help if
there are water restrictions in the future.
Mr. Caiola stated they have discussed that utilizing this field will positively impact the
surrounding fields as they will not have to use those fields. Mr. DiMaio stated they are
indicating that they will not be practicing on them seven days a week the way they are
now so that by the time they are playing a game, there is no grass left on the field which
is what has been happening. Mr. Deininger stated there were problems with Fields C and
D because they were the two lighted fields and there were forty-eight travel teams and in-
house teams practicing every night. Mr. Caiola asked if they foresee problems with
Lacrosse or other sports not wanting to use Boehm or Pennwood and wanting to use
Macclesfield because it is more convenient. Mr. Deininger stated to this point there has
not been a scheduling issue between soccer, Lacrosse, and football although it has been
tight. He stated they have worked with Ms. Liney and the other user groups to make sure
it works. Mr. Fritchey stated Fields C and D have been basically soccer fields.
Mr. Deininger stated football had such a huge turn-out that they used Fields E, G, and
part of F and YMS basically used Fields C and D for the fall under the lights; and
because of this the football fields and C and D are currently 60% dirt and they will need
to re-seed again in the spring. Mr. Fritchey stated there are also earth compaction issues,
and Mr. Deininger agreed and stated they have purchased equipment to help with this
problem. Mr. Fritchey stated he assumes that on the turf field they will not have this
problem even if there is more usage, and Mr. Deininger agreed. He stated by being able
to use Field C all the time it will also take some usage off of the other fields. He stated
they could practice only on the perimeter of Field D and let the grass grow so that it can
be a game field. Mr. DiMaio stated they are not looking to give up fields as they will
need the other fields for games. It will, however, help improve the quality of the other
fields as they can save them for the games which they are not able to do now. He noted
their numbers are still growing. Mr. Deininger stated they have to pay
Community College to practice on their turf. Mr. Fritchey stated this proposal will also
save the Township money in terms of maintenance.
Mr. Newbon asked if there is a way, if they wanted to share the space with lacrosse, that
they could put temporary lines over the existing lines, and Mr. Driscoll stated you can do
this similar to what is done with a regular turf field with paint that is water soluble.
Mr. Newbon asked if
being proposed, and it was noted while it is a turf field, it is older and not as good as the
quality of the Forever Green product.
February 21, 2006 Park & Recreation Board - page 5 of 14
Mr. DiMaio asked if the Park & Recreation Board would recommend that they go to the
Board of Supervisors with the proposal. Mr. Carpenter suggested they look further into
the financial side and come back to the Park & Recreation Board with assurance that this
can be done financially. He stated they would not necessarily have to have a
commitment from a bank but should be able to indicate that the banks are willing to work
with them. Mr. DiMaio stated they feel that by the late March Board of Superviosrs
meeting, they would be ready to make that presentation with a measure of comfort.
Ms. Bunn suggested that they also have the legal language worked out prior to going
before the Board of Superviosrs and suggested they not use the word “Lease.”
Mr. Caiola agreed and suggested that they continue to work with Mr. Truelove to resolve
this issue. Mr. DiMaio asked Mr. Caiola would recommend that they provide to the
Board of Supervisors a summary of all the issues a few weeks prior to the meeting, and
Mr. Caiola agreed and also suggested that they speak to Mr. Santarsiero to see if they can
come before them during an Agenda session as opposed to having a public meeting.
Mr. Fritchey asked when they would like to do the installation, and Mr. DiMaio stated
they would like to do it in October. He noted the turf companies are already booked for
this summer. He stated they also feel they can get a better price in the fall. Mr. Fritchey
stated while they have discussed installing a fence to keep out vehicles, he assumes
people would still be able to go onto the field when YMS is not using it. Mr. DiMaio
agreed that other people will most likely use it at times where there is not a permitted use.
Ms. Bunn asked if it is an easy repair if the field is damaged in any way, and Mr. Driscoll
stated they would have to cut out the damaged portion and seam in the new turf. He
stated because their firm is nearby, they could have someone readily available to replace
it. Mr. Driscoll stated they have had vandalism situations in the past at other locations.
Mr. Fritchey asked that they come back at the March meeting of the Park & Recreation
Board to discuss the legal language on use and the financial issues. Mr. Newbon stated
he feels they would be willing to make a recommendation to the Board of Superviosrs at
that time.
Mr. Caiola asked if they have looked at other companies to insure the price is
competitive. Mr. Driscoll stated they will be very competitive on the price.
Mr. DiMaio stated they have looked at other companies, but one of the reasons he was in
favor of Mr. Driscoll’s product was the fact that it is designed not to have “fly-up.”
He stated they are also competitive on their quotes.
Mr. Jutkiewicz asked about the insurance costs due to the proximity to the River.
Mr. DiMaio stated there is an industry eight year guarantee on the field. Mr. DiMaio
stated the Club is covered through the Soccer Organization for their play, so as far as
liability, they should be covered. He stated he feels the Bank may want some
comprehensive insurance for catastrophic situations – flood, lightening, etc. and they will
February 21, 2006 Park & Recreation Board – page 6 of 14
have to price out and pay for this. Mr. Majewski stated the entire field is in
the flood area although he understands that it did not flood. Mr. Fritchey reminded the Board about
Mr. DiMaio stated they will return in March after researching some of the outstanding
financial and legal issues and then look for a recommendation to go to the Board of
Supervisors possibly the early April Agenda meeting.
Mr. Bray noted the water issue previously discussed when they indicated that no one had
complained about the water quality in the past. Mr. Driscoll stated he did not indicate
this, and had stated that no one had tested the water. Mr. Bray stated the Environmental
Advisory Council is concerned with environmental matters and feels they will want to
see some kind of documentation regarding water flows and any contamination that might
take place. He feels they should look into this if they want their project to proceed.
FIVE MILE WOODS PRESERVE ANNUAL REPORT
Mr. John Heilferty, Manager, was present with John Lloyd, Chair, and Jan McFarland
from the Friends of the Five Mile Woods.
Mr. Heilferty thanked Ms. Liney and her staff for their support of the Five Mile Woods.
He stated last year they acquired an additional thirteen acres and the house which was on
that property has been demolished. He will do a report for Mr. Fedorchak on this
property and initially feels they will try to maintain the grassed area in an “old field” state
that will not revert back to woods. He does not, however, want it to be a maintenance
issue so that they need to mow it on a regular basis. He feels an annual or bi-annual
mowing may be enough to keep it in the “old field” state and provide a different habitat
than what is currently at the Woods. He stated some of it is forested wetlands and
approximately three to four acres is a combination of grass and ornamental shrubs. He
stated possibly they can plant wildflowers in this area so that there is a different kind of
eco-system. He does not want there to be any parking in this area which he feels would
be a maintenance/security problem. He would like to install a sign at this location
announcing that this is the entrance of the Five Mile Woods Preserve. He noted the
Foulds location next door which they would like to acquire. While the property was put
up for sale, they did not come to the Township about acquiring it despite having worked
with them for many years on Eagle Scout projects. He stated one of the members of the
Five Mile Woods was made aware of the property being put up for sale and they went to
Mr. Fedorchak and the Township Solicitor and they are currently in negotiations with the
property owner and hopefully this land will also be acquired. This would add an
additional nine acres to the Five Mile Woods. He stated it is not the volume that
concerns him, it is the option of what could be done if that property was developed into
February 21, 2006 Park & Recreation Board – page 7 of 14
one or two new homes. Mr. Lloyd stated there is also another property contiguous to
the Woods which is back by the water tower owned by a
developer in
stated it is mostly wetlands. The developer has tried to develop it and also put it up for
sale. Mr. Heilferty stated this is a valuable piece of property which is wooded and it part
of the fall line. He stated the Board of Supervisors know they are interested in preserving
as much property as possible.
Mr. Heilferty summarized the past year’s activities. He reviewed the on-going problem
with regeneration of native vegetation which is having an adverse impact on the animals
living in the Woods. He stated the problem is with the deer as he has reported for a
number of years. He stated in December, 2004, they did a survey and identified between
fifty and sixty deer on or immediately adjacent to the Five Mile Woods Preserve of 300
acres. Assuming there is another 300 acres adjacent to the Woods, they have a patch of
land that is almost a square mile in size which can support less than twenty deer
according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other studies. He stated this is
causing the destruction of native vegetation to a point where there are serious problems
with the vegetation which was the reason the Five Mile Woods was purchased. He stated
the absence of vegetation is also having a negative impact on habitat for other animals
because of the large number of deer.
Mr. Fritchey stated the bottom line is that the Township has spent upwards of $2 million
to buy and preserve one of the last pieces of
being devoured by deer.
Mr. Heilferty stated he has done data collection on the site and educating himself about
the various deer management alternatives. He stated he is prepared this year to go to the
Board of Supervisors with a recommendation after reviewing the various alternatives.
He provided documentation on the deer management alternatives. He is also working
with a wildlife biologist from
of deer management. He will continue with an educational campaign and increase the
number of newspaper articles done on the subject. He reminded the Board about the deer
exclosures previously constructed and noted the amazing plants which are now growing
in those areas. They will do a formal survey of the plants inside the exclosures as
compared to the outside areas and will do an article on this information. He has
continued to work with Mr. Fedorchak in making the public aware of the problem.
He reviewed lethal and non-lethal options. He feels he will be ready to make
recommendations to the Board of Supervisors by the end of this year or early next year.
Ms. Bunn stated some of these options are not accepted
methods in
noted specifically sterilization. She also stated there is a program called “Harvest for the
Hunt” where the deer are shot in a controlled environment and the meat is harvested and
given to a soup kitchen.
February 21, 2006 Park & Recreation Board – page 8 of 14
Mr. Heilferty stated whatever is done, they will require several layers of approval
including the Board of Supervisors and approval from the State. He stated he feels he
will contract with a wildlife biologist who has done this in the past for other public
entities and is familiar with the process. Mr. Heilferty stated not many of the sterilization
methods are approved although they are used in some cases as experimental situations.
He noted one which was done in
drugs which are used as they are not FDA approve drugs; and if used, the deer must be
tagged so that it not consumed. Mr. Heilferty stated in almost every instance where a
public entity was involved with a deer problem, they almost always choose some lethal
option such as a controlled hunt or use of a sharpshooter.
Ms. Bunn stated the Township and Mr. Heilferty are in a difficult position since if it is
State game land, the decision is handled by the Game Commission who comes in and
provides forty-eight hour notice that a sharp-shooting hunt will be undertaken. In this
case, the decision is being made by the Township. She noted the Township can call on
the Game Commission to handle this, and they may want to consider using their
expertise.
Mr. Jutkiewicz stated there is a lack of recreational opportunities for sportsmen in the area because of the development; and as a sportsman, he would welcome the opportunity to participate in a controlled hunt. He also noted the number of deer in the Township being struck by cars. Mr. Heilferty stated while there are concerns about deer collisions and Lyme’s Disease, his job as the Naturalist of the Five Mile Woods is to focus on the needs of the Preserve; and this is the argument he will advance with the Board of Supervisors. He stated the Supervisors may decide that the problem is larger than just the Five Mile Woods and may decide to do something Township wide. Mr. Fritchey stated he agrees that this is a problem throughout the Township.
Mr. Heilferty asked that they contact him with any more questions about this issue. He
noted he did meet with the Environmental Advisory Council recently and feels they will
be helpful in educating the public as well. He thanked the Park & Recreation Board and
the Board of Supervisors for their support. Mr. Bunn thanked Mr. Heilferty for all the
work he and the volunteers do at the Five Mile Woods.
Ms. McFarland stated they would like to invite the new Supervisors to come to the Five
Mile Woods. Ms. Bunn stated she feels this should be on the Supervisors’ Road Tour.
Mr. Lloyd stated they would also invite the Park & Recreation Board to include the Five
Mile Woods on their own Road Tour, and the Friends would be willing to give a guided
walk. Mr. Heilferty stated when Mr. Santarsiero came on the Board of Supervisors, he
did meet with them informally at the Five Mile Woods. Mr. Lloyd noted their Open
House events are also open to the public and the Supervisors are included in this. The
next one is scheduled for Sunday, April 23 from Noon to 3:00 p.m. Mr. Lloyd stated
they have applied for National Natural Landmark status.
February 21, 2006 Park & Recreation Board – page 9 of 24
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL/NATIVE PLANT UPDATE
Mr. Jim Bray was present. Mr. Fritchey thanked Mr. Bray for the information he
provided to the Board. He stated he understands that the EAC has recommended that the
Board of Supervisors adopt an Ordinance to be drafted by the Solicitor. Mr. Fritchey
stated he feels the practical effect of what has been proposed as Legislation is that the
Township will probably be the only group that will be bound by this. While it does apply
to developers as well, he feels the developers will do whatever is the least expensive.
Ms. Bunn disagreed and stated the developers will have to follow this if it is part of the
Ordinance. She stated many of the developers do embrace this because it is good for the
land. Mr. Fritchey stated once the houses are sold, the residents are free to do what they
want. Ms. Bunn stated it is primarily for street trees and entrance plantings and is not for
plantings around the homes.
Mr. Bray stated under the existing regulations, developers are required to cede a certain amount of property to the Township; and on the developmental areas, they are required to plant vegetation. Under the terms of this proposed Ordinance, any vegetation to be planted must be native in origin. In addition, the Native Plant Ordinance will also apply to all Township facilities. This is done by a Resolution of the Board stating that it is their intention in all Township facilities to follow the dictates of the Native Vegetation Ordinance. Ms. Bunn stated this would only be for new Township facilities, and
Mr. Bray agreed. Mr. Bray stated this does not include grass. He stated this would also
not apply to an individual homeowner who is free to plant whatever they want provided it
is not on the noxious weed list from the State of
He stated they do hope that by the Township following this procedure, the homeowners
in the Township will become aware of this and will see the obvious benefits associated
with planting native vegetation, and will then follow suit in the future. To this end, they
have provided information on the Website regarding native vegetation. He stated the
Ordinance has not yet been drafted because the Township has a new environmental
engineer and solicitor with whom Mr. Bray will be working. He feels they will be able to
come up with a model Ordinance which other Townships will be looking toward. He
feels this is the mark of a very progressive Township. Mr. Bray reviewed his own
experience with plants; and noted while he is not an expert, he does know the experts to
go to.
Mr. Fritchey stated the principal land owned by the Township is park land so it does
constrain actions that the Park & Recreation Board may recommend with respect to park
land. Mr. Fritchey stated the comment made by Mr. Bray that this does not pertain to
ground cover, does eliminate a major issue. Ms. Bunn stated it does not apply to grass
and athletic fields. She noted there are other groundcovers that it would apply to.
Mr. Fritchey asked if this Ordinance would outlaw kudzu; and Mr. Bray stated it would
February 21, 2006 Park & Recreation Board – page 10 of 14
outlaw planting it; but noted kudzu and the issue of other invasives is another topic that
they may touch on in the Ordinance. Mr. Fritchey stated it does not appear that it intends
to include grasses, and Mr. Bray stated it does not apply to lawn grasses. Mr. Fritchey
stated that if they decided they wanted some bio-engineered grass that was particularly
durable and could withstand hard use, this would not be prohibited, and Mr. Bray agreed.
Ms. Bunn stated it would include street trees, ornamental plantings, and buffer zones.
Mr. Fritchey stated he is also concerned that one of the principal components of the Plans
for Memorial Park has always been an arboretum, and he now understands that the only
trees that could be planted in that arboretum that would be trees that would have been
here prior to 1682. Ms. Bunn stated there could still be a Class A arboretum using native
plants. She stated by planting native plants, they will create a balance back in nature that
currently does not exist. She stated this is done in many other communities.
Mr. Carpenter asked how much vacant land is left in the Township that will be developed
for which this Ordinance would apply. Mr. Majewski noted some large tracts of land
which could potentially be developed. Mr. Fritchey asked if there are any restrictions on
what crops can be grown by farmers in the Ordinance, and Mr. Bray stated there are not.
Mr. Fritchey stated he has a problem because biomes are dynamic. He stated there is a
constant change of flora and fauna because of migration patterns, climate change, etc.
Mr. Fritchey stated he feels it is warmer than it was 300 years ago so there are plants that
were in southern states 300 years ago that may actually be more suitable for this area
today. Mr. Bray disagreed noting climate change is a very slow process. He stated they
are not looking to do a restoration project. He stated they would not be in favor of
destroying existing plants. He stated the William Penn Foundation granted $26 million to
throughout the Park.
He noted Yardley’s
and he provided a brochure listing the native plants being used. He stated the plants they
are including in the Ordinance are localized and adapted the climate so that they tend to
be insect and disease resistant, and tend to need very little water when planted in the
appropriate places. He stated a number of the introduced plants have not stood the test of
time and do not co-evolve with the other plants, insects, and wildlife in the area.
Mr. Bray reviewed some of the downsides for introduced plants such as kudzu and multi-
flora rose include crowding out of native plants, and negative impact on wildlife.
Mr. Bray stated they will include plant lists as part of the Ordinance, but the list will be
open-ended and cultivars are acceptable. Mr. Fritchey stated his concern is that there are
things being excluded which he feels are probably harmless.
Mr. Carpenter stated he does feel that conceptually this is an excellent idea and could
provide a resource for homeowners. He does, however, have a problem with it as an
Ordinance because it will not apply to anyone except for a few remaining developments
and the Township. He suggested they approach the Board of Supervisors with this as
either an Ordinance or as a Resolution which states that
February 21, 2006 Park & Recreation Board – page 11 of 14
use of these types of plants and include the list of plantings. Ms. Bunn stated unless it is
an Ordinance, they cannot enforce it. She also noted that if the Township did have to
replace plantings at one of their properties, the Township would also have to adhere to
the guidelines in the Ordinance. Mr. Majewski stated if it were an Ordinance, they could
request relief if there was something specific they wanted to plant. Mr. Carpenter stated
this is why he has a problem because the only entity that will probably be asking for
relief is the Township as he assumes the developers will follow it and it does not apply to
the regular citizens. Mr. Majewski stated he feels the developers would probably not
want to adhere to it but would do so if he were required. Mr. Carpenter stated he feels
that if it is a Resolution, the developers will recognize that they will have to follow it.
Mr. Newbon stated while he commends Mr. Bray with the work he has done, and he does
not have a problem with guidelines, he is not in favor of an Ordinance which would
require him or anyone else in the Township to have to plant the plants that are indicative
to the area. Mr. Majewski stated there is already a list of trees from which developers
must choose and this would simply be changing list. Ms. Bunn stated by approving this
list, they will actually be providing a much broader spectrum of plants. Mr. Bray stated
in
and if the Ordinance is not mandated, it will not happen. He stated the new Board of
Supervisors is committed to low-impact development for
the essential first step ingredient in low-impact development is a Native Plant Ordinance
because all responsible stormwater management new techniques embrace native plant
usage.
Mr. Fritchey stated one of the things they were interested in having in Memorial Park
which he is not sure is shown on the Final Plan, was to have
a
assumes that under this Ordinance, they could not do this. Mr. Caiola stated when they
made their presentation at the Board of Supervisors when the
discussed, those on the Committee had already decided on plantings, and he asked if that
plan still stands. Mr. Bray stated he feels it does. He stated he recognizes that they have
been working on that project for four years and they already had it planned out.
Mr. Caiola stated at the end of the meeting, he felt that it was decided that this would
apply going forward, and Mr. Bray agreed. Mr. Bray stated the architect has called him
on a number of occasions about some possible substitutions of native plants, and he did
provide some suggestions. Mr. Caiola stated they have provided numerous choices so
that people can find comparable native plants to something they may be interested in.
Mr. Bray stated when they discuss native, you are talking more regional than State lines.
Mr. Bray stated with regard to the
display garden, he could see this taking place even though the vegetation may not be
native if it is a small area for illustrative or educational purposes. Mr. Fritchey stated that
this was the point of having an arboretum. Mr. Heilferty stated that they could include in
the Ordinance that it exempts small, ornamental gardens for educational purposes.
Mr. Bray stated there is some danger to this if this includes certain types of vegetation.
February 21, 2006 Park & Recreation Board – page 12 of 14
He noted specifically Norway Maples which are notorious spreaders and choke out all the
vegetation beneath them. He stated he feels the best way to accomplish this would be an
an exception Ordinance and they would go to the Board requesting an exception.
Mr. Majewski stated at Memorial Park once it has gone through the Planning process,
they would not have to go back before the Board for approval to plant trees in the future.
He stated they would want to be careful with what they plant. Mr. Heilferty stated
whoever writes the Ordinance could possibly try to predict some of these situations and
include language that will not cause problems for the Township in the future.
SUPERVISOR LIAISON REPORT
Mr. Caiola reported on the change of professionals and noted they are particularly
pleased that Mr. Majewski is now working for their new engineering firm as this will
provide continuity. He stated they have also broken out some of the other work to
provide for firms with specific expertise working in those areas. Mr. Caiola stated they
have been interviewing for various Board and Commission vacancies and have a number
of people interviewing for the open seats on the Park & Recreation Board. They hope to
fill those vacancies by mid-March.
RECREATION DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Ms. Liney stated the lighting project on Macclesfield Fields H and F continues to move
forward. The poles are being fabricated and Musco anticipates shipping them to
Macclesfield for installation by mid-March. She stated the electrical engineers are
investigating options for a wireless control system for the lights. Currently the plans are
that the lights will be activated via the user’s cell phone or a computer. An authorized
code will be required. The lights will turn on within a matter of seconds. The lights will
also be shut off in this way and it can be programmed to automatically shut off the lights.
You can also change the password on a regular basis. There is no key pad at this time.
As an additional enhancement, the engineers are studying an interface device which will
provide the ability to authorize swipe cards in the future as well. The control link system
will also allow for future tying in of up to eight fields in the Park. She stated they feel
that this plan will result in more efficient administration, lower costs, improved
community relations, and better control of the lighting in the Park.
Ms. Liney stated Park and Recreation will begin preparing the facilities for spring use
shortly, depending on the weather. Power raking infields, setting equipment such as
bases and netting, and reactivating the light and water systems will all be accomplished in
the next few weeks to bring the Parks online. Spring permits will be issued effective
early March and they have already had some of the user groups requesting field space for
spring tournament play. Ms. Liney stated it is always a challenge to satisfy field demand
February 21, 2006 Park & Recreation Board – page 13 of 14
and still perform the necessary slit seeding for turf recovery of the facilities. She stated
they will continue to seek the optimum balance between facilities’ utilization and the
required maintenance. The Township continues to receive multiple use requests for
fields this season, and they will continue to do their best in equitably allocating the fields
and meeting requests.
Ms. Liney stated Park and Recreation continues the pre-season preparations for the Pool
facility. Pool staff for 2006 has been identified by the Pool Manager and Assistant
Managers, with over 90% of the staff choosing to return. This year the Assistant
Managers will be obtaining advanced licenses required for swimming pool operation
which will provide more flexibility and safety for the Community Pool function. She
showed samples of the Guest Passes for completion of the Survey and everyone who
returns the Survey will be getting two Guest Passes with their Membership information
mailed to them. She stated the discount period ends March 3rd.
Ms. Liney stated Mr. Majewski has submitted a preliminary Snipes Revision Plan.
Mr. Majewski stated this addresses the Planning Commission’s concerns with the safety
of the entrance. They have also made adjustments to the circulation route. All but
seventy parking spaces are within the inner loop. This Plan also leaves room for more
fields. They have also made the location of the skate park more visible at the request of
the Planning Commission and the Police Department. He stated this is not an official
Plan at this point. He stated preliminary drainage designs have been done as well as
soils’ testing to look at feasibility of infiltration for stormwater. Mr. Fritchey stated at the
last meeting the Park & Recreation Board did recommend that they get Chief Coluzzi’s
input on the traffic flow. Mr. Majewski stated this will come back to the Park &
Recreation Board in an official form.
LEAGUE LIAISON REPORTS
Lower Bucks Lacrosse
Mr. Jutkiewicz stated their woman’s program has requested that they permit Macclesfield
in the absence of the boy’s program permitting it. Mr. Fritchey stated this is a problem
for the Park Board as the concept is that every organization that wants to be permitted has
to run a girls’ program and a boys’ program. He stated if the boys’ program is deciding
that they are not going to pay user fees, it will impact the girls’ program. He stated if there is going to be a succession from Lower Bucks Lacrosse, there should be an offering for a boys’ program. Mr. Jutkiewicz stated it does not appear that this will happen this year but most likely will happen next year. He noted their last Registration was in December and they cannot reformulate it. He stated they are not seeking Board permission to do a woman’s only program this season if this is the rule. He stated there is both a National and Regional body for Lacrosse. He stated they are now the largest
February 21, 2006 Park & Recreation Board – page 14 of 14
Lacrosse organization in
Mr. Fritchey stated they were always lenient with the percentages with Lacrosse to try to help them get the program started. He stated they will need to have a boys program next year, and Mr. Jutkiewicz stated this will be their goal.
There being no further business, Mr. Newbon moved, Mr. Carpenter seconded and it was unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 10:40 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
David Fritchey, Chairman