Centre Region Parks & Recreation Board /
Centre Regional Recreation Authority
Approved Summaries of December 2007 Meetings

Due to weather conditions, the regular meeting of Th 13 Dec 07 was rescheduled for Fri 14 Dec 07. However, a quorum was not present so the meeting was scheduled for Mon 17 Dec 07. Both meeting summaries are included here.

FROM FRIDAY, 14 DEC 07 (No quorum present)

I.         CALL TO ORDER and ROLL CALL

Vice Chair Sue Mascolo called the meeting to order at 12:30 P.M.

Board members attending (3 of 6): Sue Mascolo, Kathy Matason, Donna Conway. Borough Council Liaison (nonvoting) Craig R. Humphrey also attended.

Absent: Ms. Ricketts, Mr. Harpster, and Ms. Solic due to the rescheduled meeting

Staff members: Director Ronald J. Woodhead, Recreation Supervisor - Sports & Fitness Jeff Hall, Aquatics Supervisor Todd Roth, Recreation Supervisor Programs & Special Events Beth Lee, Recreation Supervisor - Nature Center Molly Hetrick, Senior Center Director Barbara Lindenbaum, Park Supervisor Greg Roth, Office Manager Diane Ishler.

Guests: James Steff, COG Executive, Joseph Banks and Ann Donovan representing the Tudek Community Gardens Committee 

Due to the lack of a quorum, the regular business of the Board was postponed until Monday, 17 Dec 07 at 12:15 pm at the Center Region Senior Center.

II.       COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Ms. Ann Donovan, representing the Tudek Community Gardens Coordinating Committee, spoke to the Board conveying their concerns. These concerns include the possible garden fee increase and the capital and maintenance work that was done and charged against the garden revenue causing a shortfall. The committee felt that they should have been informed that the maintenance and capital fees would be more than the garden revenue. Mr. Banks, who originally started the garden plots before they were turned over to CRPR for maintenance and operations, also spoke (at length) concerning the same subject. He stated that with some special phone calls that mulch and other needed items could be received free by donations. He also requested a petty cash fund for the garden committee to purchase little items needed for the garden operation.

Ms. Mascolo thanked Ms. Donovan and Mr. Banks for their input and stated that the Board would be meeting again soon and would discussion the Garden Plot fees further. It was noted that the distributed fee proposal for 2008 did not call for any fee increases for Garden Plots.

III.      ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned until Monday, 17 Dec. 07, at 12:15 pm in the Centre Region Senior Center. All in favor.

FROM MONDAY, 17 DEC 07 (with a quorum present)

I.         CALL TO ORDER and ROLL CALL

Chair Cindy Solic called the meeting to order at 12:15 P.M.

Board members attending (4of 6): Cindy Solic, Sue Mascolo, Roy Harpster, Kathy Matason. Borough Council Liaison (nonvoting) Craig R. Humphrey also attended.

Absent: Ms. Ricketts and Ms. Conway with advance notice

Staff members: Director Ronald J. Woodhead, Recreation Supervisor - Sports & Fitness Jeff Hall, Recreation Supervisor Programs and Special Events, Aquatics Supervisor Todd Roth, Recreation Supervisor - Nature Center Molly Hetrick, Senior Center Director Barbara Lindenbaum, Park Supervisor, Greg Roth, Office Manager Diane Ishler.

With a quorum present, the regular meeting scheduled for 13 Dec, rescheduled for 14 Dec, and rescheduled again for 17 Dec 07, reconvened.

II.       COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC - none

III.      BOARD ORGANIZATION -

The Board reorganization will take place at the January meeting. Ms. Solic has served on the Board/Authority for ten years, the maximum consecutive service allowed by Patton Township. Also leaving the Board/Authority is Craig Humphrey, the State College Borough Council Liaison. Both were wished well and asked to attend the January meeting for an appreciation presentation.

IV.      APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes of the November meeting were approved on a motion by Ms. Mascolo and seconded by Mr. Harpster. All in favor.

V.        ACTION ON VOUCHERS

The vouchers for November were approved on a motion by Ms. Matason and seconded by Ms. Mascolo. All in favor.

VI.      COMMITTEE REPORTS

COG Ad Hoc Regional Park Committee -The committee postponed deciding about the funding for the capital projects since the elected officials on the committee will change beginning January 2008. They did discuss about the parking agreements for the two pools. Mr. Kunkle notified the committee that zoning turned down the zoning variance for Whitehall Road Parklands so the closing will have to be moved to March. Mr. Amick from the Centre County Amateur Softball Association attended to provide input on Hess Field and its possible sale. Harris Township has been actively seeking a way to save the field for softball games. Both Eastern Fast Pitch and the Keystone Games are planning to use Hess Field for their competitions. The committee was in favor of Harris Township continuing to pursue this complex. Ms. Solic asked if the pools would still keep going forward. Mr. Woodhead indicated that yes the pools are still going forward and he will update later in the agenda. The next meeting is 17 Jan 08.

Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Advisory Committee - Ms. Hetrick reported that the committee discussed the fee policy for the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center and their recommendation is included with the fee policy later in the agenda.

Municipal Boards & Committees: Issues & Updates by Board Members

- College Twp. Parks & Recreation Committee: Ms. Matason reported that they held a meeting November 19 and they are going to do a resident survey of what the needs are; they are reviewing a parking ordinance which will go to the Planning Committee, they looked at the parks budget. The Council approved an adopt a highway program. Discussed stream buffers and ask for clarification.

- Borough of State College: Mr. Humphrey reported that Central Parklet has new lights.

- Harris Twp. Park & Recreation Committee: Mr. Harpster reported that Harris is working on the official map and new playground equipment arrived.

- Patton Twp. Rec. Advisory Committee: Ms. Solic reported that Patton Township discussed the completion of Circleville Park and the development of Bernel Park. A resident of Patton Township wrote a letter complaining about dogs without leashes in Patton Woods. Also, some people have been bothered by dogs there.

- Ferguson Township: Discussion on Tudek Gardens as part of the fee policy discussion.

- State College Area School District: No report.

VII.     STAFF REPORTS

November 2007 Activity Report - No other comments

Nature Center 2007 Program Report - Ms. Hetrick reported on the end of the year 2007 for the nature center. The visits, reservations, camps, and special events were all higher in 2007. There were 93 volunteers who contributed 1,000 hours at Millbrook. Mr. Woodhead related that it was a good year for the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center.

Winter/Spring Leisure Guide - The 2008 Winter/Spring Leisure Guide will be published and in the Centre Daily Times on 6 Jan 08.

Active.Net Progress Report - Mr. Woodhead related that the staff had completed two days of Active.Net training and will be completing five more days this week. January 2 we will start to use Active.Net in the office only; the customers will be able to use starting in March 2008. The Board members will have discussions on how to handle providing this internet service to customers.

Whitehall Road Parkland Master Site Plan - Mr. Woodhead explained that the $40,000 grant application for the Whitehall Road Parkland Master Site Plan was not approved. Mr. Woodhead explained that the purchase of the property had to be postponed so it is not surprising that the grant was rejected at this time.

COG Finance Committee - Concourse, the financial firm hired to help with the funding of the pools and regional parks, proposed that the COG use a bank note for the pool funding because it was cheaper than a bond. Chris, their representative, will compile information from various finance organizations to help select the appropriate financial vendor. All the municipalities are supporting the pools.

CIBCC Nomination - Mr. Woodhead informed the Board members that the staff had nominated the Board/Authority for a quality of life award given by the CIBCC. He also listed all the other nominations.

Keystone Recreation , Park, and Conservation Funding - Mr. Woodhead distributed a letter from Senator Jake Corman in response to the letter sent by the Authority expressing opposition to the use of funds from Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation for Hazardous Sites Clean-up. The letter from Senator Corman related that the bills concerning the use of these funds for Hazardous Sites Clean-up was on hold due to opposition.

2008 Agency Budgets - Mr. Woodhead stated that it is expected that each municipality will pass the budget but there are some comments that have been made. Mr. Woodhead would like the Authority to respond to the municipal comments as they relate to the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center. The other comment asks for a capital budget from the COG so municipalities can plan their finances in the future.

Supervisor Highlights:

Jeff Hall, Recreation Supervisor - Sports and Fitness - The fall activities are wrapping up; youth activities are finished. Mr. Hall is getting the Winter/Spring sports and fitness programs ready including new programs such as Lacrosse. He also informed the Board that Little League is starting a girls softball program; it will be a competitive program.

Beth Lee, Recreation Supervisor - Programs & Special Events - She is finishing 2007 and focusing on the Winter/Spring Leisure Guide that will be published and in the Centre Daily Times on 6 Jan 08. She is also preparing for summer programs especially summer camps.

Molly Hetrick , Recreational Supervisor - Nature Center - She is working on Spring and Summer programs; reaching out to schools and preparing for summer camps. She is also working on marketing ideas to fill current programs.

Todd Roth, Aquatics Supervisor - He is working on spring and summer programs and pool renewals. Mr. Woodhead informed the Board members that Mr. Roth received his 5 year award from the COG at the recognition event.

Greg Roth, Park Supervisor - The lights are on at Slab Cabin Park for sledding and the ice skating rink at Blue Spring in Boalsburg is due to go in this week. An additional 15 ft of Boardwalk has been added. The PCC crew has a new crew leader and they are working on the electrical in the Wetlab at Millbrook Marsh Nature Center barn.

Barbara Lindenbaum, Senior Center Director - She reported that a Senior Center participant died recently and left the center $10,000. When the funds are actually received, Mr. Woodhead related that COG would probably make the decision as to its use.

VIII.COMMUNICATIONS - none

IX.      ACTION ITEMS

Park Forest Pool Renewal Project Update - Mr. Todd Roth reported that the Patton Township Planning Commission approved the consultants report with few changes on 4 Dec 07 and the Patton Township Supervisor approved it on 12 Dec 07. There was good feedback from the participants at the consultant’s public presentation and at the swimmer’s meeting. Most of the questions were for clarification but there were some concerning the bathhouse and limited space that resulted in changes in the plan. The Board will see the new plan. The parking agreement is at the solicitor’s for review. Ms. Solic asked if the school district wasn’t already using the parking lot. Mr. Woodhead responded that they do use the lot but it is informal. The parking agreement will allow pool patrons to park in the Park Forest Middle School parking lots as well as allow the school to use the Park Forest Pool parking lot. Mr. Woodhead indicated that there was some discussion at the Ad Hoc Regional Park meeting about combining the two parking issues ( Park Forest and Welch). He related that the link will be in discussion only. Each pool will have a separate parking agreement with the school district.

Welch Pool Renewal - Master Site Plan - Mr. Woodhead explained that the General Forum selected Option #3 for the Welch Pool Renewal Master Site Plan but the Authority must also approved this Option. Ms. Mascolo moved that the Authority endorse concept Option III for the development of a master site plan for William L. Welch Pool; and furthermore that the cost of the project not exceed $5.4 million, which includes an assumption of 5% per year for inflation. Ms. Matason seconded. All in favor. The consultant will be on site to present the Welch Pool Master Site Plan to the Board and to the General Forum sometime in February. Ms. Solic expressed concern that Welch will be an uphill struggle.

Re-Appointment to Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Advisory Committee - The following persons were reappointed to the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Advisory Committee for an additional 2-year term to expire on 31 Dec 09 on a motion by Mr. Harpster and a second by Ms. Matason. All in favor.
                        -Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center         Mark McLaughlin
                        -Borough of State College                              Alan Sam
                        -State College Bird Club                                Mark Henry
                        -Centre Regional Planning Commission        Don Epp
                        -At-Large Appointment                                  Robert Ayer (CRPR Director Emeritus)

2008 Agency Fee Policy - Mr. Woodhead reminded everyone that funds not used go into the fund balance for that fund for the following year. Six fees are changing and others in 2007 policy will stay the same.

1) The Senior Center will have spaces set aside on the annual and monthly calendars as well as banner space that will be used for advertising called “Senior Calendar Partner” Policy.

2) The Pool Admission Fees proposed for 2008; consider only 2008 even though the chart included in the fee policy has listed possible 2009 and 2010 fees. Also, the “No-refund policy” for daily admissions was discussed. Due to the number of complaints received, Mr. Todd Roth, suggested that maybe this policy could be changed. There was a lengthy discussion that included the use of time stamps and rain checks. Ms. Solic suggested that a rain check worth $2 be given when the pool is closed for weather or other unusual incident without regard to the time spent in the pool. Ms. Mascolo moved that a rain check for $2 be given to each person when the pool closes unexpectedly without regard for the time spent in the pool. Mr. Harpster seconded. All in favor.

3) The Agency owns a PA System that is borrowed by the municipalities. In recent years, others have also wanted to borrow it and some have abused the usage. PA System can be rented at local rental businesses at large dollar amounts. Mr. Woodhead asked that a fee of $50 be charged for use at events that are not municipal events.

Mr. Harpster moved that the 2008 Fee Policy be approved. Ms. Matason seconded. All in favor. A copy of the changes in the fee policy for 2008 are part of these minutes.

Resolution #4-2007 for Grant Previously Approved by County Commissioners - Ms. Mascolo moved to accept the Resolution #4-2007 authorizing the Authority to receive the $200,000 PA DCNR grant for the Millbrook Marsh Capital Campaign as previously authorized by the Centre County Commissioners. Mr. Harpster seconded the motion. All in favor.

Resolution #5-2007 for PCC Grant Application for 2008-2009 - Ms. Matason moved that the Authority approve Resolution #5-2007 enabling the Authority to apply for another annual PA Conservation Corp grant for July 2008-June 2009. Mr. Harpster seconded. All in favor.

IX.      ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned by a consensus of the Board members.

THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING has been scheduled for
Thursday, 9 Jan. 08 at 12:15 PM, COG Building, Forum Room

These minutes were approved at the Board meeting on 9 Jan 08; they will now be distributed to Municipal Managers, SCASD and posted on the CRPR website.

Meeting summary prepared by Diane Ishler, CRPR Office Manager