Centre Region Parks & Recreation Board / Centre Regional Recreation Authority
Approved Minutes of Regular Meeting
Thursday, 10 Apr 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 (5 of 6): Sue Mascolo, Roy Harpster, Donna Conway, Kathy Matason, Chris Hurley.
Absent: Donna Ricketts, D.Ed - with prior notification
Staff members: Director Ronald J. Woodhead, Recreation Supervisor - Sports & Fitness Jeff Hall, Recreation
Supervisor Beth Lee, Recreation Supervisor - Nature Center Molly Hetrick, Aquatics Supervisor Todd Roth,
Parks Supervisor Greg Roth, Senior Center Director Barbara Lindenbaum, Office Manager Diane Ishler.
Guests: Robin Bang, CRPR Intern; Chris Gibbons, Concord Public Finance; James Steff, COG Executive Director; Jens
H. Damgaard, Esquire / Bond Counsel; Terry Williams, Authority Solicitor; Steve Yohannon, Jersey Shore
State Bank; James Rosenberger, State College Borough Council.
II. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC - none
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the March meeting were approved on a motion by Ms. Conway and seconded by Mr. Hurley. All in
favor.
IV. ACTION ON VOUCHERS
The vouchers for March were approved on a motion by Mr. Harpster and seconded by Ms. Matason. All in favor.
The Authority moved directly to VIII. Action & Information Items
VIII. Action & Information Items:
A. Pool Renewal Funding Process
Mr. Woodhead introduced Chris Gibbons who presented the pool renewal financing information. Mr. Gibbons
distributed a Concord Public Finance report, “Financing of Welch and Park Forest Pool Projects” and explained
the funding process. He explained that they solicited bank financing proposals from 24 banks and financing
institutions. Of the 6 proposals received, Jersey Shore State Bank’s 3.95% fixed rate for the entire 20-year
term (and pre-payable at any time) was the best proposal. Mr. Givens reviewed the information in the report
and explained that borrowing from the bank was more effective than issuing a bond because of the low fixed
rate provided by the bank compared to current bond rates.
Mr. Damgaard, Bond Counsel, has been meeting with COG staff and elected officials to finalize the funding
process for the pool renewals. The General Forum approved using the 2008 Modified COG Formula to decide
the share for each participating municipality for ten years, then revisit the method for deciding the shares for
the 2nd 10-year period. Each of the five municipalities had to review their respective debt filings in order to
participate, then execute a Participation Agreement and the Bank Loan Agreement. The date set for the loan
closing is 1 May 08. A construction (pass-thru) account must be set up by the COG (c/o the Borough Finance
Dept). The agreements have been reviewed by the Authority Solicitor, Terry Williams, and he stated the
agreements were in order and ready for action. Based upon that, Mr. Hurley moved and Ms. Conway
seconded that Authority Resolution 2-2008 and the other documents be approved. All in favor. The
resolution was signed and the meeting returned to the original order. The balance of the documents will be
signed at closing.
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Advisory Committee - Ms. Matason reported that the Committee met 3/19/08 and
discussed the results of the retreat held at the nature center. They reviewed the letter from Don Hamer
resigning from the MMNC Campaign Committee. The members then “brain stormed” to determine additional
actions to secure the release of the state Capital Funds for Millbrook Marsh Nature Center.
COG Ad Hoc Regional Park Committee - (See information later in the minutes.)
Municipal Boards & Committees: Issues & Updates by Board Members
- College Twp. Parks & Recreation Committee: Ms. Matason report that College Township is finishing
development of a Resident Survey and is hoping to distribute it this summer, maybe in the Township
Newsletter. The committee talked about a Dedication Ceremony for Fogleman Fields but decided to
wait until the restrooms are finished. She also reported on an item of interest: a request by Country
Inn Suites (hotel development) to the College Township Planning Commission to build between Hickey
Beer Distributor and UniMart. Because of its close proximity to the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center
wetlands, there are many concerns to this request and the proposal was tabled. Ms. Matason spoke
up as a citizen. She has also been appointed to the committee working on the Spring Creek Canyon
proposal (in Benner Twp.).
- Borough of State College: Ms. Conway reported, as a point of interest, that the State College Borough is
deciding whether to put designated bike lanes on South Sparks St. and eliminate the on-street
parking. A discussion followed.
- Harris Twp. Park & Recreation Committee: No report
- Patton Twp. Rec. Advisory Committee: Mr. Hurley reported they talked about the last phase of Circleville
Park. They were also updated on the discussion the township has had with State College Area School
District concerning vehicle and pedestrian access, parking and possibly restrooms since Circleville Park
borders the school district property. A grant application to the PA Department of Community and
Economic Development for swings and benches at Oakwood Park was approved by the state (with
thanks to Representative Conklin for his support of this funding). Mr. Hurley also indicated that the
Committee is working with some photographers from the PSU Geography Class 476 to help in
mapping at Patton Woods.
- Ferguson Township: No report
- State College Area School District: No report
VI. STAFF REPORTS
March 2008 Activity Report - Mr. Woodhead commented on the increase in registrations.
Active.Net New Release and service update - A news release from The Active Network regarding the CRPR service was
included in the agenda packet. Ms. Ishler reported that from 6 Apr 08 when the Leisure Guide was published
and the internet registration began through 10 Apr 08, 25% of the registrations were completed on the
Internet. $22,092 was received in those four days. She also reported that the use of the email to send
receipts is saving on postage and paper supplies.
Summer Leisure Guide Published - Ms. Lee stated she really liked the Leisure Guide this time and that the color made
it stand out from other publications. 20,600 were printed with some in the Centre Daily times and some
placed in businesses and municipal offices around the region. Mr. Hurley remarked that the Guide contained a
lot of information but was really easy to read - nice job. Ms. Mascolo also complimented the staff on the
Guide. The registration form was on page 46 of the Guide and the fact that Internet registration was now
available was advertised in the Guide..
A proposal to continue refinements to the Registration Process - Earlier, and as recommended by staff, only 50% of
each class size was available to registration from the Internet; the other spaces would be available only for
registration via fax, counter, telephone and mail. Mr. Woodhead asked the Board if the policy could be
amended to lift the 50% Internet policy after a number of weeks. Initially, a two week period after the Leisure
Guide publication was requested - thinking that this provided time for those without an Internet connection to
register. It was also noted that Internet registrations are free to CRPR since those customers pay the
Convenience Fee for that service. Ms. Mascolo suggested three weeks and also suggested that a line
advertising the Internet registration be placed in the newspaper. For April, 2008, that would be April 27,
2008. Mr. Woodhead will place a notice of lifted restrictions on the website.
Mr. Harpster moved to take off the class number restrictions for internet customers after three weeks. Ms.
Matason seconded. Some questions were asked concerning the message people were getting if using the
internet and the class had used the internet allotment. Ms. Ishler replied that if the class was closed on the
internet but still had opening, people were calling the office to register. All in favor of the motion.
The “CRPR REC -Card” proposal (from staff) - Mr. Woodhead explained that each year we have approximately 2,000
season pass holders for the swimming pools. This year on the new system, we will be using a plastic card. It
was proposed that CRPR issue a “CRPR REC-Card” that can be used for multiple years and for multiple
programs instead of just for one year at the pools. If approved by the Authority, the “Rec-Card” would give
more flexibility in the future to be used for other areas and not just for the pools. Mr. Todd Roth explained
that we were going to use this card just for pool passes anyway but decided it might be better to use for
multiple purposes. Mr. Hurley made the motion that the Authority accept the staff’s proposal of the CRPR
REC-Card. Ms. Conway seconded. All in favor. The 10-Visit Pack will remain on the same paper punch card
for 2008.
Community Garden Plot Update - The Community Gardens located in Tudek Park extension will open on Saturday, 12
Apr 08, with all 102 plots rented and paid. A Garden Plot Advisory Committee will be appointed by the
Authority later in the year to replace the former Coordinating Committee.
“Keystone Active Zone” (KAZ) program for 2008 - Mr. Hall reported that once again the Keystone Active Zone (KAZ)
Passport will be offered in our area. The passport can be pickup at the YMCA. A child with a KAZ passport will
be able to have it stamped at CRPR if they attend a Family Fun Night, a youth track meet, the CRPR Triathlon
or if they register for youth tennis lessons. If the child participants in the KAZ program and has the KAZ
Passport completely stamped, the child may be eligible for a free trip or win other prizes furnished by other
sponsors. Mr. Hall will have more information about that at the May meeting.
Other pending grants or award applications - Mr. Woodhead continues to keep the Board updated on the status of
these grants or award applications.
- State Capital Grant for the Nature Center (still seeking release)
Mr. Steff indicated the agency, staff and Advisory committee have done a good job in contacting the
officials to have the funds in the State budget released for Millbrook Marsh Nature Center. We should
continue as opportunities arise to try to get everyone writing to the State to release the funds for
Millbrook Marsh.
- PA Conservation Corp Grant Application (to extend for the 7th consecutive year) - pending
- PA Fish & Boat Commission to assist in funding a new “Flyfishing for Bass” Youth Camp at the Nature
Center - pending a 15 Apr 08 announcement date.
- PA Center for Local Government Excellence (for the municipal and community cooperation related to the
Nature Center) - to be announced by the Governor at a 15 Apr 08 luncheon.
- PA DCNR to prepare a Master Site Plan for the Whitehall Road Parklands - pending.
Supervisor Highlights:
Beth Lee, Recreation Supervisor - Programs & Special Events - Ms. Lee reported the Teen Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt
had approximately 90 participants. The Agency intern, Robin Bang, organized the project and did a great job.
The regular annual Easter Egg Hunt was held in Orchard park in about six inches of snow and a great crowd of
participants. The Rhythmic Gymnastic, Tumble Tots and Jumpin’ Gymnastic classes began and are full. Ms.
Lee is promoting summer programs and getting ready for summer camps. Ms. Bang’s internship is ending
and Ms. Lee thanked her for all the ways she has helped the Agency. Ms. Lee also reported that she and Ms.
Hetrick received Certificates of Recognition for the agency’s work with Penn State Recreation, Park & Tourism
Management (RPTM) students.
Molly Hetrick Recreation Supervisor for the Nature Center - Ms. Hetrick reported that spring programs are in progress;
Knee High Naturalists were expanded and there are many more school programs scheduled. There are only
three school group spots remaining. She also reported that she was having a staff crisis as she is having
trouble finding p/t staff. She will contact teaching substitutes in the area to try to obtain more staff. April 20
is Earth Day at the nature center and a group of RPTM students are planning the event.
Barbara Lindenbaum Senior Center Director - Ms. Lindenbaum reported the Senior Center is planning the 20th Annual
Senior Games. The brochure will be mailed out next week. Other programs are doing well: Tai Chi, bus trip
and walking.
Todd Roth Aquatics Supervisor - Mr. Todd Roth has been busy getting the pools ready for opening day, May 25, 2008
and hiring the staff. The last session of spring swim lessons are in progress and registration for the summer
lessons are going well.
Jeff Hall, Recreation Supervisor - Sports and Fitness - Mr. Hall reported spring programs are doing well: Field Hockey,
4 teams of 3-5 grade girls softball, 4 teams of 9-12 grades girls softball, Rallyball tennis with 30 youth, 14
Adult Softball teams and 130 in the fitness classes. The local competition for Hershey’s Track & Field will be
held on 3 May 08. He has been working with the groups in the area scheduling sportfield space. The new SC
Little League Girl’s Softball League has 6 teams of 11-12 year olds( about 75 girls). It did impact registration
for the CRPR 6-8 Grade League, which will not be offered due to the low registrations.
Greg Roth, Park Supervisor - The ice skating rink at Boalsburg has been removed and now the crew is getting the
ballfields ready for softball and baseball games. The Millbrook Marsh Nature Center staff parking lot is
complete thanks to work by College Township crews. The PCC is back with a new, skilled Crew Leader:
pruning trees, fixing playgrounds damaged during the high water then they will be heading to Sunset Park to
install new play equipment for the Borough. He attended the Musser Gap Stewardship Committee meeting.
They plan to reforest the area and have a trail system. Part of the proposed trail system will connect Rt. 45
through Penn State land to Whitehall Road (including the new regional parklands).
VII.COMMUNICATIONS - None
VIII. ACTION AND INFORMATION ITEMS
A. Pool Renewal Funding Process - see beginning of minutes
B. Park Forest Pool Renewal Construction - Mr. Woodhead updated the members on the project schedule. He
indicated that the Agency is waiting for comments/approval from PA DCNR. After we hear from PA DCNR the
plans will go to Centre Region Code Agency (as previously authorized by the Board). Bidding, also authorized,
will proceed upon the approval of PA DCNR. The reciprocal parking agreement as approved by the CRRA in
February was officially approved by the SCASD Board on 24 Mar 08. (The agreement is being recorded and
then copies will be distributed.)
C. Welch Pool Renewal - Master Site Plan - Mr. Woodhead reviewed the general status of the Welch Pool Master Site
Plan. Discussions have begun with the SCASD Board and, on 1 Apr 08, a Joint Work Session was held with the
SCASD Board, the Authority and COG Ad Hoc Regional Park Committee members. Members of the Authority
and Ad Hoc Regional Park Committee have also been invited to attend the SCASD Board meeting on 14 Apr 08
as they consider action of the four requests presented to them. Ms. Conway asked about the 1 Apr 08
meeting and if parking was discussed. Mr. Woodhead explained he reviewed the long history of cooperation
between the two entities and then focused on Welch and the access and parking for the renewed pool. Mr.
Rosenberger commented on the meeting and praised Mr. Woodhead’s presentation. The SCASD Board was
asked for four items:
1) A letter from the school board to Governor Rendell to authorize release of the State budgeted funds for
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center,
2) A letter in support of the Welch Pool Construction Grant (to include with the grant application),
3) Approval of the recommended Shared Access and Parking Plan, with the School District responsible for
funding that portion of the project.
4) That they provide input into the Welch Pool Master Site Plan so the Master Site Plan can be finalized.
A copy of the letter sent to the SCASD Board just after the 1 Apr 08 meeting was included in the Board
packet.
Mr. Woodhead ask the Authority to approve Resolution #1-2008 authorizing the Authority to apply for a
$400,000 grant to assist in the detailed design and construction of the renewal of William L. Welch Community
Swimming Pool. Mr. Hurley moved that the Authority approve Resolution #1-2008, which is a required part of
the grant application to be submitted in the amount of $400,000 to assist in the detailed design and
construction of the renewal of Wm. L. Welch Community Swimming Pool. Mr. Harpster seconded. All in favor.
D. Regional Park Updates - Mr. Woodhead
Oak Hall Parklands - Master Site Plan - Mr. Woodhead thanked Ms. Conway and Dr. Ricketts for participating in
interviewing the four firms selected from those who sent proposals in answer to the RFP for Oak Hall Parkland
Master Site Plan. The group selected Pashek Associates, Pittsburgh PA. and now we are waiting for an
approval from PA DCNR before we can go forward.
Whitehall Road Parkland Acquisition - Both COG General Forum and the Pennsylvania State University
Trustees approved the sales agreement for the Whitehall Road Parklands. Closing is expected to be in May.
Whitehall Road Parkland Grant Application - The grant application is still being considered by PA DCNR.
X. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM on a motion by Ms. Conway and second by
Mr. Hurley. All in favor.
THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING has been scheduled for
Thursday, 8 May 08 at 12:15 PM, Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Barn
These minutes were approved at the Board meeting on 8 May 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
