Centre Region Parks & Recreation Board / Centre Regional Recreation Authority
Approved Minutes of Regular Meeting
Thursday, 10 Jul 08, at Tom Tudek Memorial Park Pavilion
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, Kathy Matason, Chris Hurley, Dr. Donna Ricketts
Staff: Director Ronald J. Woodhead, Recreation Supervisor Sports & Fitness Jeff Hall, Recreation
Supervisor - Nature Center Molly Hetrick, Recreation Supervisor - Programs & Special Events
Beth Lee, Parks Supervisor Greg Roth, Senior Center Director Barbara Lindenbaum, Office
Manager Diane Ishler.
Guests: Megan Hutchinson, CRPR summer intern; Dr. Richard Marboe, Millbrook Marsh Advisory
Committee
II. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC - none
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the June meeting were approved on a motion by Mr. Harpster and seconded by Mr.
Hurley. All in favor. Ms. Mascolo asked that we name the Solicitor’s last name in the minutes
instead of just indicating Solicitor. The Board members agreed and the minutes will be
updated.
IV. ACTION ON VOUCHERS
The vouchers for June were approved on a motion by Mr. Hurley and seconded by Dr. Ricketts. All in
favor.
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Advisory Committee - Dr. Marboe reported on the status of the
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Building Campaign. It has been frustrating for the group in
working to have the state release the $1.25 million and it is time to evaluate where we are in
terms of pledges and designs. The committee has been reviewing several design options but
now it should be decided what the cost of a minimal building would be - in order to match the
local donations. It would be good to design a modular building that could be added to if
additional funds became available. The committee was recommending that the Authority
authorize HP Architects to provide a proposal to for the reduced-cost building and provide for
future expansion. The Authority would consider action on the proposal in August. This
schedule may allow construction to begin in the spring. Ms. Conway moved that the Authority
authorize staff to obtain a proposal for architectural services from HP Architects to proceed with
a modular version of the Spring Creek Education Building to meet the available funds, plus
future expansion. The proposal is to be presented in August. Mr. Hurley seconded. All in
favor. Dr. Marboe indicated that it may be necessary to go back to COG for approval because
the COG (the municipalities) would have to provide the backing if it is necessary to borrow
money, although he thought that the cash flow may work out well.
COG Ad Hoc Regional Park Committee - The committee will meet two times in July; the regular
meeting on July 17, 2008 and the project study work session for the Oak Hall parklands on
July 21, 2008. Mr. Woodhead reported that the work on the survey is progressing and will be
finalized at the July 21, 2008 meeting. One of the comments concerning the survey from Mr.
Mascolo was that using the rating 1-10 was too cumbersome. He felt that Very Important,
Important, and Not Important would be better.
Municipal Boards & Committees: Issues & Updates by Board Members
- Patton Twp. Rec. Advisory Committee: Mr. Hurley reported they have been continuing
discussion on Circleville Park planning. Also, the path at Ambleside Park is complete; a
bench was installed at Oakwood Park, backstops were replaced in several parks, tee
signs and course signs were installed at the Circleville Park Disc Golf course.
- Borough of State College: No report
- Harris Twp. Park & Recreation Committee: No report
- Ferguson Township: No report
- College Twp. Parks & Recreation Committee: Ms. Matason reported their group held their
annual parks tour and that the park-related issues at Spring Creek Estates have been
rectified.
- State College Area School District: No report
VI. STAFF REPORTS
June 2008 Activity Report - There was nothing to add to the report as distributed.
Staff Roster for Summer 2008 - Mr. Woodhead referred to the Staff Roster that had been distributed.
The Staff Roster contained 152 names of employees, 16 full-time employees, and the
remainder are seasonal employees who help us provide programming and recreational
opportunities for everyone.
2007 Audit Report - A draft of the audit report was received and the final report should be available
for the August meeting.
2009 Budget Process: “The Program Plan” - The Program Plan for 2008 was submitted to the Finance
Committee for their comments. When the Finance changes are complete, it will be presented
to the General Forum and then to the municipalities for comment. Copies of the final will be
distributed to the Board when available.
Supervisor Highlights:
Molly Hetrick, Recreation Supervisor for the Nature Center - Ms. Hetrick reported that the next several
weeks are filled with camps: first, Fly Fishing Camp starts next week; then Warm Water Fly
Fishing Camp; then Wetlands Camp. Also, school groups are finally over and other programs
are doing well.
Barbara Lindenbaum, Senior Center Director - Ms. Lindenbaum reported that 215 seniors participated
in the Centre County Senior Games. They also recognized two volunteers who have helped
with every Centre County Senior Games (for 20 years). Things are really busy at the center
with bus trips, book discussions with Schlow Library and a program “How to Make a Dollar
Stretch”.
Beth Lee, Recreation Supervisor - Programs & Special Events - Ms. Lee reported that camp
registration has been really good with all weeks full at Wee KidVenture, some weeks full at
Park Forest KidVenture, and strong registrations at KidVenture at the South High School.
There were 400-500 participants at Touch-A-Truck; the Ride-in-Movies being held in the parks
have been very successful - the last one is in July; and Kid’s Day at the Arts Festival was great
with over 500 “bird masks” distributed.
Jeff Hall reported for Todd Roth, Aquatics Supervisor - Mr. Hall reported that swimming lessons have
good participation and season pass sales have been higher than expected.
Jeff Hall, Recreation Supervisor - Sports and Fitness - Mr. Hall reported that there were 95
participants in the four different youth Start Smart programs (soccer, golf, football and
basketball). There are 46 adult participants in the two summer fitness classes and the Adult
Softball games that end in August are going well. A youth from Dubois, who won in our local
Pitch Hit & Run contest, went on to win at Pittsburgh, and is going to New York to compete.
Greg Roth, Park Supervisor - Mr. Roth reported that his crew is doing a remarkable job keeping the
parks looking great. They installed a dog drinking fountain for Ferguson Township at the
Tudek Park Dog Park. The PCC crew has been working on the new fitness equipment area at
Sunset Park and the swings at Fasick Park.
Mr. Hurley asked how the economy is affecting CRPR program registrations? Mr. Woodhead indicated
he didn’t think that the programs this year were affected too much; the registrations still
appear to be very strong for our “close to home” activities. The higher gas prices may have an
impact on agency expenses in 2008 and 2009.
VII.COMMUNICATIONS
Contributions -
Jim Pawelczyk Letter - Mr. Woodhead referred to the letter from Mr. Pawelczyk that reflects his
$1,000 donation towards the Park Forest Pool Renewal.
Parry Family Letter - Mr. Woodhead shared a letter from J. Kevin Parry stating the positive
experiences his family has had with Centre Region aquatics, accompanied by a donation
of $1,500.
Comcast Cares - Mr. Woodhead stated that the nature center hosted a “Comcast Cares”
volunteer workday on 3 May 08, accomplishing many tasks. Comcast recently indicated
that they would also be presenting the agency with a donation of $1,500.
(In addition, a $1,000 donation for PF Pool Renewal from the Ken Hillsley family was received
just after the meeting)
ClearWater Conservancy - The conservancy requested a fee waiver for their 2008 “Spring Creek Day
Family Festival” at Millbrook Marsh Nature Center, 28 Sept 08. The Advisory Committee
recommended that the facility fees (estimated to be $295) be waived by the Authority. Mr.
Harpster moved to waive the fees and Mr. Hurley seconded. All in favor.
Centre Regional Planning Agency - The staff answered a letter from the Centre Regional Planning
Agency that requested comments on a proposal from Halfmoon Township to create a higher
density development zone adjacent to Patton Township. The planning agency also asked for a
response before the next Parks & Recreation Boar d meeting, Mr. Woodhead asked if the Board
members approved of the letter, which they did.
COG General Forum - The COG Executive Director asked the agency to provide an update to the COG
General Forum on Mon 28 Jul 08 at 7:30 pm in the COG Forum Room. Mr. Woodhead will
coordinate the presentation to include summer activities and the capital projects now
underway. (That meeting of the COG General Forum was later cancelled).
VIII. ACTION ITEMS
A. Park Forest Pool Construction -
• The Ad Hoc Regional Park Committee endorsed the CRRA action on the four pool
construction contracts. The contracts will be signed after Solicitor Terry Williams
reviews them.
• Staff is requesting that a Change Order Authorization Process be adopted for change
orders pertaining to the construction of the Park Forest Pool. The process would allow
the CRPR Director to evaluate and execute those individual Change Orders
recommended by HP Architects that propose a net change (increase or decrease) in the
Contract Amount of up to and including $5,000 and that keeps the Total Project Cost
within the amount specified by the COG General Forum. Change Orders that result in a
net change of more than $5,000 would be evaluated and executed by the 3-member
team of the Authority Chair, Vice-Chair, and Treasurer - and coordinated by the
Director. If one of those officers is not available, the Secretary would complete the 3-member Board team. In all cases, the action on any or all Change Orders would be
reported at the next regular meeting of the Authority for official endorsement. Mr.
Hurley moved to adopt the requested Change Order Authorization Process. Dr. Ricketts
seconded. All in favor.
B. 2009 Budget Planning - Facilities to add in 2009 -
• Ferguson Township requested that the planned expansion of facilities at Tom Tudek
Memorial Park be accepted for 2009.
• Patton Township requested that the planned expansion of facilities at Circleville Park
(first phase only) be accepted for 2009.
Both municipalities provided plans for their parks - these plans were available at the meeting.
Mr. Hurley moved “that the proposed facilities be accepted into the regional system for 2009
pending the approval of the necessary funds in the 2009 Budget and with the full and
acceptable completion of the facilities for regional operations as determined by the CRPR
Staff.” Dr. Ricketts seconded. All in favor.
IV. INFORMATION ITEMS
A. Welch Pool Renewal - Master Site Plan - As reported last month, the Authority, staff and the
COG Ad Hoc Regional Park Committee have been invited to attend the 14 Jul 08 meeting of the
SCASD Board to discuss the shared parking for the renewed Welch Pool. The Superintendent
was asked if the School Board could instead appoint a committee to meet with the municipal
officials for those discussions. It was requested by the School Board that the new Welch
facility bathhouse be used as changing rooms by the high school sports teams. Discussion
followed. Ms. Mascolo asked if we could ask HP Architects to supply costs that would be
associated with changes that had to be made to comply with this suggestion. Mr. Woodhead
indicated that we did not have sufficient information (from the Concept Plan) to formulate
specific costs. Further discussion followed. Ms. Ricketts asked if we needed the commitment
by August so we could stay on track with the Master Site Plan. Ms. Mascolo, Mr. Hurley, Dr.
Ricketts and Mr. Woodhead plan to attend this session. Ms. Ricketts will try to find out where
CRRA is on the agenda.
X. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mr. Harpster and
seconded by Mr. Hurley. All in favor.
THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING has been scheduled for
Thursday, 14 Aug 08, 12:15 PM, at the COG Forum Room
These minutes were approved at the Board meeting on 14 Aug 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
