Robert Jones, Chairman Gloria Zimmerman, Supervisor

Robert Ziltz, Vice Chairman Earl Hoffman, Supervisor

Stephen Millard, Secretary/Treasurer

BUSINESS

Discussion with Park and Recreation Board. Bob Leonard, Chairman of the Park and Rec Board addressed the Supervisors by reviewing the Park and Rec Comprehensive Plan, addressing the strengths and weakness identified in the plan. The following items identified in the plan have been addressed:

1. Improved schedule for park maintenance

2. Adopted ped path plan

3. No change in the condition of the soccer field at Fishing Creek Elementary School

4. Improved programs for all ages

5. Program guides published in the Township newsletter

6. Promotion of programs through Marquee and newsletter

7. Goals set for all programs

8. Participant surveys at all programs

9. Capital budgets established through FILO and Park Development funds

Mr. Leonard stated that the comp plan, administratively, does need to be updated. A new goal that has been identified in the last year is an indoor community facility. This has now become the number 1 priority. This has also become a Township issue and was addressed by a Township Building Committee. In the interim the Park and Rec board pursued the rental of activity space outside Township-owned space. He thanked the Board for approving the rental of space at the Funeral Directors Association. The biggest problem in finding activity space is the lack of focused direction. The Supervisors have identified at least 5 different directions to address the space problem and there has been no progress.

Mr. Leonard then asked the Board the following three questions:

1. Is the Park and Rec Board moving too fast in terms of programs, facilities, or improvements?

2. Is the Park and Rec Board overspending the budget, general or capital?

3. Would the Supervisors object to Parks and Rec getting into the Bingo business?

The Fire Company has explored stopping their weekly bingo games. In light of this news there has been some discussion about offering bingo games. Mr. Yost stated initially bingo was designed for non-profits, specifically fire companies, but he would check into it.

Mr. Jones reminded everyone that the Supervisors have commissioned Bink Architectural Partnership to evaluated the current Municipal building, and give the Supervisors direction on how to increase space for Township activities. He also felt that the Park and Rec board is not moving too fast, rather it is in a catch-up mode to correct years of little or no offerings to Township residents.

Mrs. Zimmerman calculated that only 2 of the 15 weaknesses identified in the comp plan as outlined by Mr. Leonard still remain to be addressed. She stated this was a commendable effort.

Mr. Millard stated the activities have been on a sharp incline recently however the affects on the budget should start leveling off. He did ask about the great focus on baseball activities and perhaps expanding programs beyond the Baseball association. There are approximately 1300 kids under age 18 in the Township. The baseball association serves approximately 300 children from 6 to 18 years old.

Mr. Ziltz expressed concern with the rental space and its’ impact on the budget. He recognized the need to build enrollment in programs, which influenced his ultimate decision to approve leasing the space. He does not feel the Park and Rec Board is moving too fast but there has been what feels like an abrupt shift in focus to buildings from parks.

There was a discussion on the restrictions for use of FILO funds. It can be used for a single purpose facility for Township wide activities. For neighborhood activities it must be used within a 1-½ mile radius. There was also discussion about funding the Ped Path. Mr. Leonard said there should be a separate funding path for the Ped Path. There was general discussion on the origin of funds for a community building. Mr. Ziltz stated that the budget must balance with no increase in taxes. How funds are moved within departments should be addressed based on needs.

Bob Rogers felt this meeting with the Supervisors was very valuable and would like to see quarterly workshops with the Supervisors. He also felt that more coordination was needed between the Ped Path committee and the Park and Rec Board regarding funding, timing, etc.