Centre Region Parks & Recreation Board / Centre Regional Recreation Authority
Approved Minutes of Regular Meeting - As revised
Thursday, 14 Feb 08 at the COG Building Forum Room
I. CALL TO ORDER and ROLL CALL
Chair Sue Mascolo called the meeting to order at 12:15 P.M.
Board members attending (6 of 6):
Sue Mascolo, Roy Harpster, Donna Conway, Dr. Donna Ricketts, Kathy Matason, Chris Hurley.
Staff members: Director Ronald J. Woodhead, Recreation Supervisor - Sports & Fitness Jeff Hall, Aquatics
Supervisor Todd Roth, Recreation Supervisor Programs and Special Events Beth Lee, Recreation Supervisor
- Nature Center Molly Hetrick, Parks Supervisor Greg Roth, Office Manager Diane Ishler.
Guests: Mr. James Steff, COG Executive Director; Alan Popovich, HP Architects; Todd Smith, ELA Group
II. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC - none
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the January meeting was approved on a motion by Ms. Conway and seconded by Ms.
Matason. All in favor.
IV. ACTION ON VOUCHERS
The vouchers for January were approved on a motion by Mr. Harpster and seconded by Mr. Hurley. All in
favor.
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
COG Ad Hoc Regional Park Committee - Mr. Harpster reported that the Ad Hoc Regional Park Committee
reorganized for 2008 electing Dan Klees as Chairperson and Cliff Warner as Vice-Chair. They also
discussed financing the two pools and parklands. The committee appears to be in favor of Harris
Township’s continuing efforts to secure future operations of the Hess Softball Field Complex (they
want to work closely with CRRA). Mr. Woodhead added that at their February meeting next week,
the committee will review the 7 proposals submitted by firms to prepare the Master Site Plan for the
Oak Hall parklands. They will decide on the process to make the selection to prepare the Master
Site Plan.
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Advisory Committee - Mr. Woodhead gave an update on the Capital
Campaign for the Spring Creek Education Building. He indicated that they are working to have the
$1.25m authorized by the state released by the Governor.
Municipal Boards & Committees: Issues & Updates by Board Members
- College Twp. Parks & Recreation Committee: Ms. Matason reported that College Township had
their reorganization meeting and that she is the new chairperson. The committee also
discussed the Country Inn (motel) re-submission, traffic at the old Corning plant and the fact
that the Sheetz project at South Ridge is starting to move.
- Borough of State College: No report
- Harris Twp. Park & Recreation Committee: Mr. Harpster reported that Harris Township is still
trying to secure a trail to Rothrock State Forest. They also discussed Harris Township 2008
park improvement plans.
- Patton Twp. Rec. Advisory Committee: Mr. Hurley reported Patton Township is working on the
Bernel Road Park. The supervisors approved the Master Site Plan but the construction will
probably will not start until 2011; YSM was the consultant. Patton Woods was used for
Search & Rescue Training exercises recently. The projects for 2008 involve paths at
Ambleside Park, swings at Oakwood Park, more work at Circleville, Graysdale and at the
Carnegie Drive Tot Lot.
- Ferguson Township: No report
- State College Area School District: Dr. Ricketts reported that the school district held a Summer
Youth Fair that was very successful and included a display by CRPR.
VI. STAFF REPORTS
January 2008 Activity Report - No other comments
2007 Annual Program Report - Mr. Woodhead explained that this report was complied from the seasonal
program reports presented during 2007.
Fund Balance Report as of 1 Jan 08 - Mr. Woodhead presented the Fund Balance Report which details the
funds carried into the new year and used to reduce municipal contributions for 2008.
CBICC Award - Mr. Woodhead reported he, Ms. Mascolo, and Mr. Harpster will attend a dinner hosted by
CBICC for those nominated for awards. The CRPR Board members were nominated and are in the
top three being considered for the “Quality of Life” Award.
Other pending grants or award applications - Mr. Woodhead will keep the Board up-to-date on the
progress of these grants or award applications.
- State Capital Grant for the Nature Center (seeking release of funds.)
- PA Conservation Corps Grant Application (to extend for the 7th consecutive year)
- PA Fish & Boat Commission to assist in funding a new “Flyfishing for Bass” Youth Camp at the
nature center.
- PA Center for Local Government Excellence (for the cooperation related to the nature center)
2008 Free Swim Day Proposed - Dr. Ricketts moved that Saturday, May 31, be a Free Swim Day (free
admission day) at both the Park Forest and Welch swimming pools. Ms. Matason seconded. All in
favor.
January Program Updates - Ms. Ishler reported that registrations and reservations were going very well
with the use of Active.net. She also reported that the customers were really happy to receive their
receipts by email and were looking forward to being able to register on line (in April).
Summer Camp Registrations (that opened 1 Feb) - Ms. Lee reported that 112 children were registered for
KidVenture at the South Building and 132 at Park Forest. Wee KidVenture registrations have been
slower but they will pick up. Ms. Mascolo asked if the camps couldn’t go longer in August, but Ms.
Lee indicated that she has a hard time keeping staff who want to have some time off before they
have to go back to school. Martial Arts camps are also going well.
Ms. Hetrick reported that she has three camps for the nature center: Canoe, Flyfishing and
Wonderful Wetlands. All three are full. She is trying to plan another Canoe Camp and has applied
for a grant to fund a second flyfishing camp.
2008 Sports Field Reservation Process - Mr. Hall was actively surveying the groups who use the sports
fields and most were not surprised that an expanded policy with a permit fee had been instituted.
The deadline for requests to reserve sports fields for the spring/summer season is 1 Mar 08. Mr.
Hall will then review the request, issue the invoices, and when paid, will issue the permits. This
will be the first year that fees will be charged. He is also reviewing what to do for un-permitted
groups who damage the fields. A special sign will be posted at each sportfield site (17 sites). The
sign will indicate about the reservation system, that permit holders receive priority use as scheduled,
that no play is permitted if there is standing water on the field and that no alcoholic beverages are
permitted. Mr. Harpster and Ms. Mascolo suggested another sign be place on the backstop.
Internet Access - Mr. Woodhead referred to an attachment that had been sent to the Board in their packets. It refers to the processes and schedules for registrations (phone, fax, mail, etc.) and a
recommendation for beginning the live Internet registration for our customers when the Summer
Leisure Guide is published (Sun., 6 Apr 08). The staff recommended a policy that allows all forms
of registration immediately upon the publication of the Leisure Guide (in the CDT and on the
website), but the Internet registrations, when authorized by staff, be limited to a maximum of 50%
of the capacity of each program. The staff would be able to recommend changes for the future after
we have experienced the live Internet registrations. Mr. Hurley moved that the staff recommended
policy be approved. Ms. Conway seconded. All in favor.
Supervisor Highlights:
Beth Lee, Recreation Supervisor - Programs & Special Events - Ms. Lee introduced Robin Bang, an intern
from Penn State, who will be working with us for twelve weeks. She has worked with Ms. Lee and
Ms. Hetrick before. Her focus will be special events and has been assigned responsibility for the
Easter Egg Hunt and for the Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt. Ms. Lee also related that the Hip Hop
Dance instructor has an audition to dance in Los Vegas. Ms. Lee is advertising for the programs
and is starting the Summer Leisure Guide.
Beth Lee for Barbara Lindenbaum Senior Center Director - Ms. Lindenbaum was unable to attend the
meeting so Ms. Lee reported for her. The Senior Center Oil Painting Class and Tai Chi are doing
very well. A trip to Gettysburg is being planned.
Greg Roth, Park Supervisor - The ice rink in Blue Spring Park was up and being used and was packed on
Martin Luther King Day. However, now it is closed due to the condition of the ice. The sledding at
Slab Cabin is very popular. Mr. Woodhead and Mr. Roth interviewed 6 of 39 applicants for the
Park Caretaker I position.
Jeff Hall, Recreation Supervisor - Sports and Fitness -The programs for Winter/Spring are full or almost
full. He is getting ready for summer and finding places to hold programs. Mr. Harpster asked about
the CRPR Girls Softball signups in light of the new Little League Girls program. Mr. Hall indicated
that Little League had extended their deadline due to low enrollment. Their registration is to be
closed before ours so that the girls have a chance to sign up with us if there isn’t enough for Little
League girls league.
Todd Roth, Aquatics Supervisor - In December, the Authority approved the use of rain checks when storms
close the pools. Mr. Roth distributed sample copies of the rain check tickets to be used.
Molly Hetrick , Recreational Supervisor - Nature Center - Ms. Hetrick is working toward spring - filling
staff, applying for grants, and scheduling the school programs. She is working on summer camps,
programs, staffing. She is also hosting a retreat for the MMNC Advisory Committee and Board
Members to share ideas and plan for the nature center.
VII.COMMUNICATIONS - none
VIII. ACTION AND INFORMATION ITEMS
Pool Renewal Funding Strategy
1) - The Concord Public Finance Inc. provided a summary of who is responsible for different phases
of the pool funding and possible dates. A Finance Consultant and a Bond Counsel have been
retained by the COG General Forum to guide the pool funding. The maximum funding is $7.9
million established by the General Forum for 20 years. The projected annual repayment will be
approximately $604,000. On 25 Feb 08, joint municipal meetings are planned for the COG General
Forum where each body will act on their respective joint financing documents. The “Modified
COG Formula” will be used to fund the capital payment for the first ten years; the COG General
Forum will review that formula for the shares for the final 10 years of the capital payments.
2). - The Residency of 2007 Season Pass Purchases has been manually compiled and distributed to
the Municipal Managers. Mr. Woodhead cautioned that using the season pass data to determine
capital funding shares should not be an option - since 40% of the pool visits are by season pass
holders and 30% of the visits are from daily admissions. In view of the amount of money invested
by residents in renewing the pools (through their municipality), he discussed the possibility of
having a resident daily admission and a non-resident daily admission. The new photo ID season
pass can be used for other information including resident/nonresident. Staff will continue to
consider the resident/non-resident issue for daily admissions for the renewed pools.
3) - The life of the Authority has to be extended so lending for the pools can go forward. Mr.
Harpster moved to approve the Resolution which authorizes extending the corporate life of the body
for another 50 years, 2008-2058. Mr. Hurley seconded. All in favor. This will be voted on by the
municipalities at the COG General Forum meeting on 25 Feb 08.
Park Forest Pool Renewal Construction -
1) - Mr. Popovich related that changes had been made to the plans to include Green initiatives. He
reviewed all the items that are considered and what parts of the plans meet these Green initiatives.
He also related why some Green initiatives would not work for the pool. He then reviewed and
explained the estimated Project Costs. The total estimate is slightly over the budget so there are
alternates included that can be taken out of the project if the bids come in over budget. The project
plans will be sent to DCNR, Codes, and the Solicitor for review before being mailed out. Dr.
Ricketts moved to send the project documents to DCNR for comments. Ms. Conway seconded.
All in favor.
2) - Reviewed and discussed the parking agreement. Ms. Matason made the motion to provide the
proposed Shared Parking Agreement to the State College Area School District. Mr. Hurley
seconded. All in favor.
3) - At the 13 Mar 08 meeting of the Authority, they will be asked to authorize the submission of
the project plans to Centre Region Code Agency and to advertise for bids for the project in April.
4) - Timber removal process - Mr. Greg Roth indicated that the trees would first be checked for
disease. It will cost approximately $350 to have the trees evaluated as to can be cut down for
lumber and the quality of the trees. If the trees are good enough for lumber, an attempt will be
made to sell the trees, but if no one can be found to cut down the trees, CRPR park employees will.
Welch Pool Renewal - Master Site Plan - Mr. Woodhead reviewed the general issues supplied to the Board
members on the Agenda with the target construction date to start 3 Aug 09. Mr. Smith presented
some options for access and parking at the Welch Pool site. The options have not yet been provided
to the school district. The plans had to include the storm water system, access to the school as well
as to the Welch Pool, the bike path, sewer easement and sewer service. They tried to provide a win-
win situation for both CRPR and the school district. The last option that has a common access to
the parking, pool, and the South Building was recommended. Mr. Hurley moved that the
recommended option be moved forward to discussion with the School District. Ms. Matason
seconded. All in favor.
2008 Work Plan / Goals - Mr. Woodhead suggested that the Board members look over the 2008 Work Plan
to discuss at the next meeting.
Photo - A photo was taken of the Board for 2008.
X. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 1:55 pm on a motion by Ms. Ricketts and
seconded by Ms. Conway. All in favor.
THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING has been scheduled for
Thursday, 13 Mar 08 at 12:15 PM, COG Building, Forum Room
These minutes were approved as revised at the Board meeting on 13 Mar 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
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