Thursday, 13 Nov 08, in 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, Donna Conway, Chris Hurley, Donna Ricketts, Kathy Matason, Roy Harpster

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

II.       COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC - none

III.      APPROVAL OF MINUTES

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

IV.      ACTION ON VOUCHERS

The October vouchers were approved on a motion by Ms. Conway and seconded by Mr. Hurley. All in favor.

V.        COMMITTEE REPORTS

Municipal Boards & Committees: Issues & Updates by Board Members

- Patton Twp. Rec. Advisory Committee: Mr. Hurley reported that the bid ads for expanding Circleville Park began 31 Oct 08 with a pre-bid meeting set for 12 Nov 08, a bid opening on 24 Nov 08, and the bid awards set for 10 Dec 08. Penn State and Mr. Crust have agreed on the Bernel Road Park easement. The PSU Office of Physical Plant is working on how the easement will be processed.

- Borough of State College: Ms. Conway reported that the Borough has extended wireless internet access to Central Parklet.

- Harris Twp. Park & Recreation Committee: Mr. Harpster, Mr. Woodhead and Mr. Steff attended the last Supervisors meeting to answer their questions on the 2009 Budget (nature center). The Board then supported the MMNC budget proposal.

- Ferguson Township: No report

- College Twp. Parks & Recreation Committee: The committee met last month. A member asked about the possibility of clearing the bike paths in winter (which would be the responsibility of the municipalities instead of CRPR).

- State College Area School District: No report

Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Advisory Committee - The group officially endorse the Architect’s proposal, as requested by the Authority.

COG Ad Hoc Regional Park Committee - This committee didn’t meet in October.

Regional Park Planning Committee - Mr. Woodhead reported that two public meetings were held; interviews were held with the key persons; the results for the paper survey and the website survey were posted are on the website; the committee met on 10 Nov 08 for a park planning exercise on varied park facility layouts. The next meeting will be in December when concept designs will be offered for discussion.

Ms. Mascolo agreed to a request that the Welch Pool Renewal discussion be moved up on the agenda due to the presentation by the Solicitor Terry Williams.

Welch Pool Renewal Agreements -

Mr. Williams distributed Draft #3 of the Shared Access and Reciprocal Parking Agreement and the Swimming Pool Bathhouse Use Agreement. He shared that in the Shared Access and Reciprocal Parking Agreement, paragraph 2 was changed from draft #2 to read “159" parking spaces and paragraph 5, the date when the school will provide permanent parking was revised. He also indicated that the wording was changed on what happens if the school abandons the property - because the school can not legally do what was asked. The wording was changed to “provide the Authority with six months in advance if going to sell”. Mr. Williams reminded the Committee members that the School Board had not seen the drafts of these agreements but the staff did see the first draft and made some comments. A discussion followed about the school providing “right of first refusal” and Mr. Williams explained that they cannot legally provide that assurance. Mr. Steff asked what is the purpose of the six months notice if the school was to abandon the property. Mr. Williams said it would just be notification so that the Authority could begin to plan what to do instead of getting surprised at the last minute that the property would be sold. Mr. Steff asked if we could add a statement of intent saying “it is the intent of the parties to provide adequate parking?” Mr. Williams indicated that we could add a statement that the intent of the parties is to provide adequate parking. Mr. Hurley had some concern about having the pool stay where it is due to the problems with the parking and with the possibilities of inappropriate surroundings should the school sell the property. Mr. Steff explained the planning and negotiating steps that have preceded this agreement. Ms. Conway stated that we must have confidence that if the situation arises, the school board will act in good faith. Todd Roth suggested that after everything is finished, a request could be made to the SCASD for an extension of the lease. Mr. Williams reminded everyone that the agreements (for shared parking and for the pool lands) would remain in place even if another party purchased the property, at least until the end of the agreement. If another party purchased the property, they would purchase knowing they are under a binding agreement for the pool and for the parking. Mr. Woodhead related that the Authority could endorse these two agreements be presented to the State College Area School District Board and to the Ad Hoc Regional Park Committee. Ms. Ricketts asked when are we expecting a response; does Mr. Poprik have the agreements? Mr. Williams indicated did not know where the copies are in the school district - but they were provided to the School Solicitor. He also indicated that a respond date has not been established until the Authority had a chance to comment and endorse the agreements. Mr. Hurley moved that the agreements be presented to the State College Area School Board after it has the endorsement of the Ad Hoc Regional Park Committee with the addition of the wording suggested by Mr. Steff, “it is the intent of the parties to provide adequate parking.” Ms. Conway seconded. All in favor.

          Mr. Woodhead related that he is still waiting to hear if the construction grant for Welch has
          been approved.

Dr. Rick Marboe and Mr. Woodhead participated in a PA DCNR Strategic Planning Evaluation Hearing at Bald Eagle State Park on 5 Nov 08.

The meeting then returned to its original agenda.

VI.      STAFF REPORTS

October 2008 Activity Report - No further comments.

2009 Budget Process: Mr. Woodhead asked if there were any comments on the proposed 2009 Budget. There were no comments from Mr. Harpster, Mr. Hurley, Ms. Mascolo or Ms. Matason. Ms. Conway indicated that the State College Borough was concerned because of the economy and suggested that the new full-time and part-time personnel for the Parks Maintenance should be eliminated and the municipal contributions for Millbrook Marsh Nature Center should be kept at the same number as 2008. The municipal comments will be presented to the Finance Committee on 18 Nov 08 for their vote before being sent on to the General Forum. Mr. Steff explained the requirements for a (majority) budget vote from COG.

CRPR Rental of the High School Natatorium for Swim Lessons - Mr. Todd Roth reported that the State College Area High School is having trouble finding lifeguards for the natatorium so they cannot commit to reserving the facilities for our Winter and Spring swim lessons. The high school staff is hopeful that they will get some lifeguards from their lifeguard class. Mr. Roth explained that he will continue to work with the school district to try to obtain a commitment for use of the pool. Due to the liability, the school does not want to allow us to manage the pool and use our lifeguards. Ms. Ricketts suggested maybe it would be a good idea for us to pay for the clearances necessary for the high school lifeguards. Mr. Roth indicated that the issues appear to extend beyond obtaining the school clearance requirements.

Supervisor Highlights:

Greg Roth, Park Supervisor - Mr. G. Roth stated the maintenance crew has been busy planting 33 trees in Ferguson Township and 5 Remembrance Trees and renovating the Oak Hall rental house between tenants. The PCC crew has cleared all six vistas on Mt. Nittany and installed playground equipment in some parks.

Jeff Hall, Recreation Supervisor - Sports and Fitness - The Start Smart evaluations by parents have been very positive. Basketball for 7 & 8 graders will begin in January. CRPR was the only agency in Pennsylvania to receive a 2008 recreation grant for their participation in the Pitch, Hit, and Run Competition.

Todd Roth, Aquatics Supervisor - This is the last night for swim lessons. Mr. T Roth is working on aquatic programs for Winter/Spring as well as continued work with the pool construction.

Barbara Lindenbaum, Senior Center Director - Ms. Lindenbaum referred to the 2009 Senior Center calendar that was distributed, explaining that the ads in the calendar pay for the expenses of the calendar and provide additional revenue. The center coordinated 220 flu shots.

Molly Hetrick, Recreation Supervisor for the Nature Center - Ms. Hetrick reported that the annual Historic Harvest Fest was fantastic with over 600 participants; the most at any Millbrook Marsh Nature Center event. The event was again planned by eight Penn State students.

Beth Lee, Recreation Supervisor - Programs & Special Events - Ms. Lee reported there were 175 participants at Dark in the Park and 1,300-1,500 participants in the Halloween Parade. The very popular Hip Hop class is finishing. Ms. Lee is now working on the 2009 Winter/Spring Leisure Guide for publishing on 4 Jan 09.

VII.COMMUNICATIONS

Millbrook Marsh Nature Center - Mr. Woodhead reported that we received a letter from Mike Hanna, the 76^th District PA Representative, in response to the letter asking for help in releasing the funds from the state budget for Millbrook Marsh Nature Center. He suggested we work with Representative Benninghoff and Senator Corman to resolve this issue since the Nature Center is located in their legislative districts. The question was asked if there were any school districts from Mr. Hanna’s district that use the Nature Center. Ms. Hetrick will research that and preparing a reply.

VIII.   ACTION ITEMS

A. Senior Center Program Policy - Ms. Lindenbaum explained that we do not have policy that regulates who can participate in programs or what restraints can be placed on participation in a program (example: due to physical or other healthcare issue). Ms. Lindenbaum and the staff are recommending that the Authority adopt the “Health and Safety Policy:”

“In the interest of safety for participants in Senior Center events and programs, the Centre Region Parks and Recreation Agency Director and the Senior Center Director reserve the right to:

-require written approval, prior to registration, from an appropriate healthcare professional on behalf of the event participant,

            -require the registration of a chaperone / aide to accompany a registrant, and/or

            -limit or prohibit activity by an event participant due to their health status or medical condition.

In all cases, the Agency Director and the Senior Center Director must jointly approve any implementation of this policy in advance.”

Mr. Hurley moved to approve the Senior Center Policy as written. Ms. Conway seconded. All in favor. This policy will be posted on the wall at the Senior Center and in publications.

B. Park Forest Pool Construction Updates: Mr. Woodhead asked that the Authority endorse the Director’s prior approval of the following changes:

-#SP-01 for the Swimming Pool Contract to revise the pool gutter design and the specified pool surfacing on both pools as approved by the project consultants. The contract sum remains unchanged at $1,478,800.

-#E-02 for the Electrical Contract to revise the light fixtures to comply with the UCC Energy Code. The contract sum is decreased by $445.50 to $174,690.50.

Mr. Hurley moved that the Authority endorse the Director’s action for the above change orders. Ms. Matason seconded. All in favor.

Mr. Woodhead also reviewed some items that are “on the horizon” as the project moves ahead.

C. Welch Pool Renewal (moved to earlier in the meeting)

D. Millbrook Marsh Nature Center - Architectural Services Update- The agreement was executed by the Authority in order to meet the construction deadline. The Authority approved the agreement at the last meeting pending the official endorsement by the Advisory Committee and the Ad Hoc Regional Park Committee. The Advisory Committee endorsed the proposal but the Ad Hoc Regional Park Committee did not meet in October; they will meet on 20 Nov 08 and are expected to also endorse this action.

IX.      DISCUSSION / INFORMATION ITEMS

2009 CRPR Fee Policy - A copy of the proposed 2009 CRPR Fee Policy was distributed at the meeting.Mr. Woodhead reviewed the changes proposed for 2009:

-a $5 increase in the pavilion reservations (a new pavilion is added at Tudek and another later in Circleville.

            -the daily admission and season passes for aquatics have been increased.

-the sports field reservation fee has been changed to allow those with a pavilion reservation to reserve a field for $15.

-Ms. Hetrick will present the proposed changes to the Nature Center fees to the Advisory Committee next week (19 Nov).

-the rent for Senior Center facilities will increase for evening events and the fees for the annual calendars have been included in the policy.

Mr. Woodhead asked that the Board members review the entire fee policy and relay comments to Mr. Woodhead. The Board members will be asked to vote on fee policy at the December meeting.

X.        ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Ms. Matason and seconded by Mr. Hurley. All in favor.

THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING has been scheduled for
Thursday, 11 Dec 08, 12:15 PM, at the COG Building Forum Room

 After these minutes were approved at the Board meeting on 11 Dec 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