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Approved Minutes of Regular Meeting
Thursday, 10 May 07 at the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Barn
I. CALL TO ORDER and ROLL CALL
Chair Cindy Solic called the meeting to order at 12:15 P.M.
Board members attending (5 of 6): Cindy Solic, Roy Harpster, Sue Mascolo, Donna Conway, Kathleen
Matason. Borough Council Liaison (nonvoting) Craig R. Humphrey also attended.
Absent with advance notice: Dr. Mawritz
Staff members: Director Ronald J. Woodhead, Recreation Supervisor Sports & Fitness Jeff Hall, Recreation
Supervisor Beth Lee, Aquatics Supervisor Todd Roth, Recreation Supervisor - Nature Center Molly
Hetrick, Office Manager Diane Ishler.
Absent with advance notice: Senior Center Director, Barbara Lindenbaum; Parks Supervisor Greg Roth
Guest: Dr. Richard Marboe
II. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC - none
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the April meeting were approved on a motion by Mr. Harpster and seconded by Ms.
Conway. All in favor.
IV. ACTION ON VOUCHERS
Following a question on turf maintenance materials, the vouchers for April were approved on a motion by
Ms. Matason and seconded by Ms. Conway. All in favor.
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
COG Ad Hoc Regional Park Committee - Mr. Woodhead reported that the Ad Hoc Regional Park Committee
began discussions about the possibility of a standing Capital Committee for COG. They are to
continue the committee structure discussions at their next meeting on 17 May 07.
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Advisory Committee - Ms. Matason reported the Advisory Committee met
18 Apr 07 to hear a presentation by the PSU Center for Sustainability about their Master Site Plan
and their future DCNR grant application. The PSU Center was initially surprised to learn about the
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center and had therefore modified their presentation to recognize
community-based operations in their proposal. The committee will now be working on a
recommendation about a possible Letter of Endorsement from the Authority to accompany that
grant application to DCNR. There is some concern about the impact of the expanded PSU center
may have on existing groups in the area.
Municipal Boards & Committees: Issues & Updates by Board Members
- College Twp. Parks & Recreation Committee: Ms. Matason reported they met on 16 Apr 07 and
reviewed their 5-year Capital Plan. They also discussed a letter from Dr. Rose from
PennDOT concerning a new “Fieldstone Park” and the student-developed plan. In addition,
they discussed the proposed Grass Recycling Bin for Dalevue Park and the committee
decided ask Council to not to place a bin at Dalevue Park. Their next meeting is 21 May 07.
- Harris Twp. Park & Recreation Committee: Mr. Harpster indicated that some members of Harris
Township (and from other municipalities) traveled to Lewisburg separately to view the their
new park and the PlayWorld Systems factory there.
- Patton Twp. Rec. Advisory Committee: Ms. Solic reported that Patton Township accompanied that
trip to Lewisburg and toured PlayWorld Systems, then went to the park. She thought the
park was the best part; it was beautiful and the equipment had kids all over it.
- Ferguson Township: No report.
- Borough of State College: No report.
- State College Area School District: No report.
VI. STAFF REPORTS
April 2007 Activity Report - Mr. Woodhead had nothing to add to the report.
Program Registration & Revenue Update - Mr. Woodhead reported the revenue is about $30,000 ahead of
last year as of 30 Apr 07, with $22,000 of that being the grant reimbursement for the Park Forest
Pool Master Site Plan. The Fly-fishing Camp, Canoe Camp and Wetlands Camp are all full with Park
Forest KidVenture Camp almost full. The SCAHS KidVenture Camp has relatively low registrations.
Ms. Hetrick is planning to offer a second week of Youth Canoe Camp.
“Indoor Sports Facility” Update - Mr. Hall updated the Board members on the discussions taking place
concerning indoor sport facilities. The YMCA has indicated that they would take the lead in the
operation of a large multi-sport facility. Three different groups have expressed an interest in
building a large sports facility: C3 Sports (Christ Community Church) are building their own facility
on the Benner Pike; Baseball Heaven (c/o Christian and Tammie Duran) want to start an indoor,
commercial baseball facility; and the YMCA wants to build an indoor multi-sport facility. The YMCA
would take the lead role with other community groups with suggested sites being the Rockview
Property, the COG Oak Hall or Whitehall Tracts, the property owned by Paul Rittenhouse across
from Hess Field, and possibly other PSU property. Since the Bellefonte YMCA is involved with the
SC YMCA on the discussion, it was thought it might be best to have the facility between Bellefonte
and State College. The committee discussed a possible meeting with Jake Corman, Mike Hannah,
County Commissioners and Benner Township Supervisors to discuss the Rockview property. Any
municipal or COG involvement is also being discussed by the Ad Hoc Regional Park Committee. Mr.
Woodhead indicated that he was researching the use of the Oak Hall tract or the Whitehall Rd
parklands for the indoor facility. Given the “outdoor recreation” restrictions involved with the Oak
Hall acquisition grant, PA DCNR would likely require repayment of the grant funds. In addition,
leasing these lands to a private organization such as the YMCA would be problematic with the PA
DCNR funding. This discussion will be continued.
“CRPR Night” at the Spike’s Baseball Game - Ms. Lee stated that CRPR has purchased 200 Spikes tickets to
re-sell for “CRPR Night at the Spikes” on Sunday evening, 26 Aug 07. CRPR will sell the tickets at
the regular Spike’s price ($7) and retain the difference between the $5.50 paid for the tickets for
Youth Recreation Scholarships. CRPR can obtain more tickets if necessary.
SCASD Inquiry into use of Haymarket Fields - Dr. Mawritz previously inquired about the possibility of using
the Haymarket Park softball field for the SCASD High School JV Girl’s Softball games & practices for
Spring 2008 and Spring 2009. Mr. Woodhead reviewed the details of the request process. There
was no response to date.
Supervisor Highlights:
Jeff Hall, Recreation Supervisor - Sports and Fitness - Spring programs are coming to an end; the final
Field Hockey session was last night (9 May 07). Start Smart Soccer session began with 30
participants and then in two weeks there will be 30 more (more classes were added). Start Smart
Golf has 10 participants and Start Smart Football has 8. The Youth and Adult Softball leagues are
going well. Ms. Solic asked about Lacrosse. Mr. Hall indicated that there is no lacrosse this year
since we could not obtain the necessary protective gear for players. Next year we will be applying
for a grant to obtain lacrosse equipment, but we can only apply if we do not have lacrosse program
in place.
Molly Hetrick , Recreational Supervisor - Nature Center - This is a very busy time at the Nature Center with
school groups scheduled. The first Earth Day celebration was a huge success with approximately
400 people in attendance. There were great displays and activities. All the Nature Center camps
are full and Ms. Hetrick plans to add a second week of canoe camp. Ms. Mascolo asked when the
second camp would be scheduled. Ms. Hetrick indicated that it would be M-F 8AM-5PM for 5-8th
graders, probably in August.
Beth Lee, Recreation Supervisor for Programs & Special Events - The spring classes are wrapping up but
the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is gaining popularity. Ms. Lee is getting ready for camp including hiring staff.
Touch-A-Truck will be offered again this year and Glenn Hawbaker, Inc will again be the primary
sponsor.
Todd Roth, Aquatics Supervisor - The pools appear to be in good shape and need mostly touch-up. Mr.
Roth started repainting yesterday and hopes to have Park Forest finished today. He is hoping to
have water in both pools by Photo Day on 19 May.
Ronald Woodhead reported for Greg Roth, Park Supervisor -Mr. Roth was attending a Deer Management
Seminar. Mr. Woodhead reported that the ballfields, pavilions, and restrooms are ready and the
crew will start planting Remembrance Trees tomorrow. Mowing is ongoing and a challenge. Turf
aeration, fertilizing and overseeding are complete for the spring. The Tudek dog park and
community gardens are being heavily used as are the parks. The PCC crew is working on the
Boardwalk extension and will be installing a kisok at Yoder Preserve.
Ronald Woodhead for Barbara Lindenbaum, Senior Center Director - Ms. Lindenbaum was hosting the last
in a series of “Boost Your Brain Power” sessions at the Senior Center. It was a very popular class
and participants have provided a great deal of positive feedback. This is the 19th year that Ms.
Lindenbaum has coordinated the Centre County Senior Games. The Senior Games registrations are
underway with 10 sporting events planned, including more indoor events and a 9/18 hole golf
event.
Ms. Mascolo asked how the Dog Park was doing and what plans there were for the park. Mr. Woodhead
indicated that students identified another field that could be used and presented their idea to the
Township.
VII.COMMUNICATIONS
The Authority was informed that the PCC grant had been approved for the sixth consecutive year. That
grant application was authorized by the Authority in December.
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
Park Forest Pool Renewal - It is hoped that a proposal can be presented to the Authority at the 14 Jun 07
meeting for architectural & engineering services for the construction project from Counsilman-Hunsaker and HP Architects, based upon the approved Master Site Plan from 2006.
Welch Pool Renewal - Land Lease - The Welch land lease has been signed by the School District and sent
to PA DCNR to obtain authorization to engage the firms of Counsilman-Hunsaker and HP Architects
for this project. It is hoped that a proposal can be presented to the Authority at the 14 Jun 07
meeting for planning services for the project.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Capital Campaign - Dr. Marboe presented information to update the Board
members of the status of the Capital Campaign and a proposed schedule to proceed with the
capital projects. So far the campaign obtained $760,000 from various stages including the silent
phase with major donors, municipalities, etc. The state has an approved line item for the Millbrook
Marsh Nature Center Capital Campaign and we must present specifics to the Governor with
evidence of matching funds. Mr. Marboe indicated that the education center is the first priority and
the costs must be reviewed.
The public phase of the campaign has been kicked off but not a lot of emphasis has been placed on
this stage of the campaign. The committee recognizes that this is an important venue for this type
of education. Mr. Woodhead indicated that a letter was sent to the County Commissioners asking
for their support through the allocation of $250,000 in the County Growing Greener funds.
Although not official, Mr. Woodhead understands that the Commissioners have approved $200,000
from their Growing Greener II allotment for the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Capital Campaign.
X. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Ms. Matason moved to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Conway seconded. All
in favor. Meeting adjourned at 1:10 PM.
THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING has been scheduled for Thursday, 14 June 07 at 12:15 PM, Orchard Park
These minutes were approved at the Board meeting on 14 June 07. They will now be distributed to
Municipal Managers, SCASD, and posted on the CRPR website.
Meeting summary prepared by Diane Ishler, CRPR Office Manager
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