Approved Minutes of Regular Meeting

Thursday, 10 Aug 06 at the COG Building Forum Room

I.       CALL TO ORDER and ROLL CALL

Vice Chair Sue Mascolo called the meeting to order at 12:15 P.M.

Board members attending (4 of 6): Roy Harpster, Sue Mascolo, Donna Conway, Dr. Kenneth Mawritz.

Absent: Cindy Solic, Kathy Matason, and Borough Council Liaison (non-voting) Craig R. Humphrey Pool Renewal Advisory Committee members: Karen Foard, Anne Lawrence, Heather Shakley.

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

Guests: COG Executive Director James Steff; Alan Popovich of HPArchitects, Scot Hunsaker of Counsilman-Hunsaker (by telephone).

II.      COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC - none

III.    JOINT MEETING WITH THE “POOL RENEWAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE” REGARDING THE PARK FOREST POOL RENEWAL

          Mr. Todd Roth thanked the “Pool Advisory Committee” members for attending the meeting. He then reviewed information that was presented at the previous meetings. Using the computer, he put a sample of what the pool could look like for the dollars and with the suggestions made and indicated some changes that had been made as a result of input from the different groups (public meetings, municipal comments, advisory committee comments, and Board member comments). Ms. Mascolo asked about the depth of the water and if there would be enough space for people to come into the pool using the grand staircase. Ms. Conway wondered if you could lap swim at this pool. Ms. Foard wondered if there was some open space between the arched grand staircase and the lanes on the pool? Also, how big the grand staircase was, same as SPR’s? The space where the staircase resides is the same water depth as the lane lines. Mr. T. Roth indicated that the grand staircase is approximately 2/3 to 3/4 the size of SPRA’s grand staircase.

          Mr. Steff related in previous discussions there some who mentioned sitting on the staircase and watching children in the pool and in the baby pool. He also indicated people seemed interested in a zero depth entry. Mr. T. Roth related that the grand staircase is a substitute for the zero entry and provides easy access into the pool. A question was raised about a vending area or some place to prepare food. Mr. Hunsaker indicated that food concessions are not cost effective for our size. The swim team was looking for a place to prepare food for the swim meets.

          Mr. Steff asked if there was any opportunity to have “Green Technology” at this pool to conserve energy. Mr. Hunsaker related that the pool is to be efficient but that items like solar heating would carry a long payback time. Mr. G. Roth asked about the size of the restrooms and asked if they could be increased to each accommodate another toilet. He also asked if they will be winterized. The answer was that another toilet could probably be added and for winter, the restroom plumbing will be drained.

          Mr. Woodhead related the staff was asking for a recommendation from the Authority to the Ad Hoc Regional Parks Committee and suggested the motion listed in the agenda. Mr. Harpster moved:

“That the Centre Regional Recreation Authority hereby resolves, based upon input from the five participating municipalities:

1. To focus the development of the Park Forest Pool Master Site Plan on “ Renewal Option #3" as proposed by the consultants with an estimated total cost of $3.2 million and with construction proposed to start in August 2008, and

2. To request that the COG General Forum authorize the Authority to apply for a state grant in the amount of $3590,000, and

3. To request that the COG General Forum endorse the grant application as a regional project on behalf of the five participating municipalities, and

4. To request that the COG General Forum authorize the COG Finance Committee to recommend a strategy for financing the project.”

Ms. Conway seconded. Dr. Mawritz wanted to know more about the financing. A discussion followed about the financing. The Authority decided that the cost must be held at $3.2 million. All in favor.

IV.     APPROVAL OF MINUTES

          The minutes of the July meeting were approved on a motion by Dr. Mawritz and seconded by Ms. Conway. All in favor.  

V.       ACTION ON VOUCHERS

          The vouchers for July (included in the meeting packet) were approved on a motion by Mr. Harpster and seconded by Dr. Mawritz. All in favor.

VI.     COMMITTEE REPORTS

COG Ad Hoc Regional Park Committee - Mr. Harpster and Mr. Woodhead reported that the Ad Hoc Regional Park Committee will review the municipal comments on the three documents for the regional parks (Ownership, Planning and Development, and the Development Lease). They will also endorse one of the options for the Park Forest Pool Renewal, based upon recommendations of CRRA. In addition, they will continue to discuss interactions with the Visitor’s Bureau regarding regional parks.

Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Advisory Committee - Ms. Hetrick reported that the committee (specifically Dr. Marboe) will be making a presentation to the General Forum on 28 Aug 06 to update them on the Millbrook Marsh Capital Campaign. ClearWater Conservancy is holding Spring Creek Day at the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center and the Authority was again asked to waive the fee for use of the facilities. Dr. Mawritz moved that the fee be waived for ClearWater Conservancy use of the Millbrook facilities for Spring Creek Day 2006. Mr. Harpster seconded. All in favor.

Mr. Steff asked about the fund raising for the capital campaign. Ms. Hetrick indicated that the pledges total $500,000 and the committee is now approaching the banks and businesses for support. The public phase of the campaign will begin at the Spring Creek Day. The public phase plan is currently under development. Mr. Steff suggested that the committee use the municipal newsletters to help make people aware of the campaign. He also suggested that the person who provided fund raising for the library may be able to give some suggestions. He also asked if maybe there might be a grant that the nature center could partner with the school district to obtain. Mr. Mawritz indicated that due to State College Area School District’s funding ratio, they don’t get many grants.

Municipal Boards & Committees: Issues & Updates by Board Members

- College Twp. Parks & Recreation Committee: No report

- Harris Twp. Park & Recreation Committee: No report

- Patton Twp. Rec. Advisory Committee: No report

- Ferguson Township: No report

- Borough of State College: No report

-State College Area School District: Dr. Mawritz indicated that the school district will be making some decisions over the next few months. Mr. Harpster asked if we will have a lease for the Welch Pool land soon. Mr. Woodhead indicated Mr. Poprik asked to wait until after 15 Aug 06 to start those discussions.

VII.    STAFF REPORTS

Grant Status - Mr. Woodhead indicated that the grant status of Centre Region Parks & Recreation projects would be included in the agenda for each meeting in the future. The status of the grants: Master Site Plan for Park Forest Community Pool Renewal ($22,200) is underway; Master Site Plan for Wm. L. Welch Community Swimming Pool Renewal ($33,000) is approved; Parkland Acquisition (75 acres) off Whitehall Road ($159,000) is approved; Master Site Plan for Oak Hall Parklands ($38,000) is approved.

July Agency Report - Mr. Woodhead had nothing to add to the report included in the Board packet, but he did emphasize that the year-to-date revenue is $43,000 ahead of last year. It was a good summer for Parks and Recreation.

Keystone Games Lacrosse Tournament - The tournament held 21-22 July 06 w/ 20 teams and parents at Spring Creek Park and Fogleman Fields went very well. Parks & Recreation was complimented for the great fields. The group is being invoiced for extra costs involved.

2006 Fall Leisure Guide - The Fall Leisure Guide will be published Sun., 27 Aug 06.

Supervisor Highlights:

Jeff Hall, Recreation Supervisor - Sports and Fitness - Mr. Hall reported that summer classes were winding down with the last tennis lessons today. There are a wide variety of youth activities for the fall including lacrosse, marksmanship, Start Smart Football, Start Smart Soccer, and Start Smart Golf. Dr. Mawritz asked about lacrosse whether there were girls involved since there is a real interest in girls lacrosse in the high school. CRPR lacrosse is co-ed.

Beth Lee, Recreation Supervisor for Programs & Special Events - Ms. Lee reported that summer camps have concluded very successfully including having some Wild Wednesday Trips. Gymnastics and Rhythmic Gymnastics are returning for fall with new classes such as Car Care for Women. The Fall Leisure Guide will be published on 27 Aug 06; the Halloween Parade is not quite set but Trick or Treat night will be Tuesday, 31 Oct. 06. She is also trying to have Centre Region Parks & Recreation name remain very visible.

Todd Roth, Aquatics Supervisor - The pools had a great summer with 3 hot nights swims, one had over 700 participants at Welch and successful special event nights. There were 52 participants in the “Pedal, Splash, and Dash” Youth Triathlon on 29 July.

Barbara Lindenbaum, Senior Center Director - The summer outings have been very popular. Next year the Senior Center is going to be “maintaining your brain” and “holistic approaches to the brain”.

Greg Roth, Park Supervisor - Mr. Roth reported summer must be ending because the vandalism has increased. The crew is working on the water fountain at Holmes Foster Park, the benches at Yoder Preserve, and the swings at Kaywood Park. The next project for the PCC crew will be the trails on Mt. Nittany.

Molly Hetrick , Recreational Supervisor - Nature Center - Wetlands camp just finished and went very well. She is also planning new programs for fall.

Mr. Harpster relayed what a great job Jeff Hall was doing with the leagues. He reported how Jeff stops in and checks on the games to make sure everything is going smoothly.

VIII.  COMMUNICATIONS

          Mr. Woodhead recommended that the Authority endorse the grant application for the Park Forest Pool Renewal of $350,000 and the Ferguson Township request to endorse the $100,000 grant request for the Phase II development of Tom Tudek Memorial Park. Dr. Mawritz moved that the Authority endorse these two grants. Ms. Conway seconded. All in favor.

IX.     OLD BUSINESS

          State College Lions Youth Football Request for a Storage Shed at Haymarket Park - Mr. Woodhead has received the signed Permit Agreement for the Storage Building at Haymarket Park.

X.       NEW BUSINESS

2007 Budget Process - The 2007 detail budget is being prepared and will be presented for comment at the 14 Sept. 06 meeting.

New Facility Requests for 2007 - Mr. Woodhead indicated that there are two requests for additions to the park system for 2007. Board action will be requested in the September meeting.

1) In response to a CRPR recommendation, Harris Township has endorsed including the Nittany View Park Pavilion in the pavilion reservation system for 2007.

2) Ferguson Township has requested that 25 additional acres to be leased from Tom Tudek Memorial Trust (adjoining Tudek Park in Ferguson Township), be added to the maintenance schedule for 2007. This would include the dog park, wooded area with paths, the community gardens, and the trail area across the fields. Mr. Woodhead explained that the additional acreage would be deeded to Ferguson Township when the mortgage was paid off by the Trust. Ms. Mascolo asked what happens if several people are in the dog park and someone is bitten? Mr. Woodhead indicated it was a little early to know all the details; he has to speak to the Ferguson Township Manager, Mr. Kunkle, to determine exactly what they are expecting. At a prior meeting, Ms. Solic had expressed some concern about the dog park. Mr. Woodhead will provide more information at the next meeting.

X.       ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Dr. Mawritz moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Harpster seconded. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 1:10 P.M.

A SPECIAL MEETING of the CRPR/CRRA Boards and the “Pool Renewal Advisory Committee” has been scheduled for Monday, 28 Aug 06, 12:15 PM at the COG Building Forum Room

THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING has been scheduled for Thursday, 14 Sep 06, 12:15 PM at the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Barn

These minutes were revised and approved at the Board meeting on 14 Sept 06;
they will now be distributed to Municipal Managers, SCASD, and posted on the CRPR website.

Meeting summary prepared by Diane Ishler, CRPR Office Manager