Parks and Recreation
Monday, May 24 2010
UPPERMORELAND TOWNSHIP
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
May 24, 2010
CALL TO ORDER: The stated meeting of the Parks & Recreation Committee of
the Board of Commissioners of Upper Moreland Township was called to order by Commissioner Spearing at 8:00
p.m.
ROLL CALL: Commissioner Spearing, Chairman, took roll call. Present:
Commissioners Sam Valenza and Donna Parsell.
Others: David Dodies, Township Manager, Josh Ganz, Township Solicitor, Patrick Stasio,
Director of Parks & Recreation Department.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Corrections:
Page 1, Paragraph 1 - Correct spelling of names - Deb Gutknecht and Gail Rosen.
Commissioner Spearing accepted the minutes of the April 19, 2010 Park & Recreation
Committee meeting into the record as amended.
REPORTS:
Parks & Recreation Monthly Report:
Commissioner Spearing asked was the Mad Golfer event held last Friday evening?
Mr. Stasio replied no.
Commissioner Spearing referred to the report and asked about acceptance and rejection letter
correspondence.
Mr. Stasio explained that it had to do with summer employment.
Commissioner Spearing noted we searched various cab owners for a cab for the new front-end
loader, which did not come with one.
Mr. Stasio agreed, there was no cab on the front-end loader and we received a safety grant so
we research various cabs for it.
Parks & Recreation Committee MeetingMay 24, 2010
Commissioner Spearing commented that he received some feedback about Cherry Street Park with
regards to screening one corner of the park with Arborvitaes or shrubs. Apparently that request was made a few years
ago and no one followed up on it.
Mr. Stasio replied he will take care of it.
Parks & Recreation Advisory Council Minutes of May 2010:
Commissioner Spearing noted that the Tri-Centennial Committee of Willow Grove is moving forward
in their planning stages and they are providing a lot of opportunity for community members to participate in many
ways. Information is located on their website and at the schools.
Report from Library Board:
Commissioner Spearing pointed out that we had a lot of help from George Madden and Jim Moran,
Township employees, with the application of the ceramic hands and other items for the children's room in the
library. The next thing on the horizon for the library is the Young Adult section.
Friends of Boileau Quarterly Report:
Commissioner Spearing noted that Nick Scull could not be here this evening as he is attending
training for the APA. The Boileau Festival was held on May 1, 2010 and it was successful with 300 people
participating in this event.
He has noticed a spike in the participation of local residents, who surround Boileau Park in
some of the activities. Most recently, we had the National Park Service, and we had assistance from a planner who
helped us with a trail, and there will be a day coming up where residents will participate in the planning of this
trail.
OLD BUSINESS:
Soccer Club Lease Agreement (Pileggi Park):
Mr. Stasio noted the Board directed Township Solicitor and he to meet with representatives of
the Soccer Club concerning a lease agreement at Pileggi Park with the Soccer Club. We met on several occasions over
the past few months and the draft lease agreement before the committee is dated, April 30, 2010, which is the latest
version that was submitted to the Soccer Club. Representatives of the Soccer Club discussed this lease at their
Executive Meeting and at their General Meeting received approval. The PRAC reviewed this at their May 11th
meeting and voted to recommend to the Board to approve the lease agreement.
Parks & Recreation Committee MeetingMay 24, 2010
Commissioner Spearing noted that his concern has been the schedule and opportunities for other
soccer clubs to participate and plan events at Pileggi, and he asked Mr. Stasio to reassure the public that those
opportunities will be provided.
Mr. Stasio said there are several hours during the week where other groups can have use of
Pileggi field and any group with a 75% residency rate can use any park in Upper Moreland Township.
Commissioner Spearing asked once we have their schedule for the season; would we be able to
project when dates are available?
Mr. Stasio replied yes, we can project when dates would be available. The difficulty is rainout
cancellations and overuse of the fields. But that does not preclude any groups that meet our residency requirement
from using those fields.
Commissioner Spearing asked do the same overuse rules and regulations also apply to Upper
Moreland Soccer Club as well?
Mr. Stasio replied yes.
Commissioner Spearing asked for any comments from Commissioners.
Commissioner Romaniello commented that she is a big fan of soccer and she is in favor of a
lease that will allow other residents in our Township to use our fields; however, she is not convinced about that
after reading the language in the lease agreement. She asked Mr. Stasio if he has met with CYO Leaders and/or
representatives of the high school and discussed usage of Pileggi after this lease is in effect?
Mr. Stasio replied no.
Commissioner Romaniello asked has any discussions taken place with any of the Soccer Clubs
about this lease?
Mr. Stasio replied no.
Commissioner Romaniello said that it has been said that if we give UMSC a lease they will be
able to raise funds to build another field. Would another field fit in Pileggi Park knowing where the wetlands are
today?
Mr. Stasio replied yes.
Commissioner Romaniello asked would that require any construction of the current soccer
field?
Parks & Recreation Committee MeetingMay 24, 2010
Mr. Stasio replied no. About three or four years ago, the Board approved McCloskey & Faber
to do a study of the back area of Pileggi Park and they came up with floodplains and wetlands delineation and, based
on that plan, there is an area where a field could go that would be in the floodplain, but not in the
wetlands.
Commissioner Romaniello asked is it still a primary goal of the Soccer Club to do that?
Mr. Stasio replied yes.
Commissioner Romaniello noted that we had a park study and the results from that study were
that we were short a soccer field, baseball field, and football field, etc. Once we adopt this lease, we will be
cutting off privileges for other groups because the lease says, "UMSC shall have exclusive use of the Buildings
"A" & "B" from Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturday - Sunday from 8 a.m. -
midnight." So the buildings will be off limits to other groups.
Mr. Stasio replied Building "A" is the snack stand, storage and restrooms and, when
other groups are out there, the restrooms are open. Building "B" is the building that the Soccer Club paid
for which houses their soccer club information and they have exclusive use of it.
Commissioner Romaniello clarified that although the Township built Building "A," the
UMSC has exclusive use.
Mr. Stasio replied yes.
Commissioner Romaniello said that should be reworded in the lease.
Commissioner Valenza noted that Building "A" has bathrooms, equipment and a small
snack stand that was put in for the soccer club when they built the original building. Is that correct?
Mr. Stasio replied that is correct. The restrooms are opened for other groups.
Commissioner Romaniello asked how does a parent or organization in this community who has a
shortage of soccer fields plan their schedule and utilize Township fields?
Mr. Stasio replied currently they get to use other fields throughout the Township. They are not
scheduled at Pileggi. When they receive permits from the Township for a special game or special events that they want
to play at Pileggi; they call him or the Soccer Club and work out times to get on the field.
Commissioner Romaniello said the language in the lease says, "To write a letter directly
to the Soccer Club," which eliminates the Director of Parks & Recreation's role.
Parks & Recreation Committee MeetingMay 24, 2010
Mr. Stasio referred to the lease agreement on Page 4, Item d. Fields- that says, "Any
request by another entity for use of soccer fields shall be made in writing to the Director of Parks and Recreation,
who will determine if the minimum residence requirements of seventy-five percent (75%) of the team roster being
Township residents are met and determine which fields within the Township can meet the field request requirement. If
it is determined by the Director of Parks and Recreation that Pileggi Park should be used to accommodate the request,
the Director will immediately contact the President of UMSC to check for field availability at Pileggi
Park."
The request from others would come to him and he would then speak with the UMSC to find a time
for them to use the field. If the UMSC indicates there is no time, then that would be a conflict of this
agreement.
Commissioner Romaniello asked Mr. Stasio where he gets the schedule from for the field.
Mr. Stasio replied from the UMSC.
Commissioner Romaniello said if you have a copy of the schedule then why do you need to call
the UMSC?
Mr. Stasio replied in case there are rainouts, schedule changes, etc. He gets a game schedule
and a practice schedule and, if the request comes in, he checks to make sure there were no changes to the
schedule.
Commissioner Romaniello said she wants to improve the situation from the past because she heard
that no one can get on Pileggi's back field.
Mr. Stasio replied that comment has not been made to him at all.
Commissioner Spearing commented that even if they were not able to build another field in
Pileggi Park, which he believes they are able to, he supports this lease based on the fact that they are going after
grant money to improve the facility.
Commissioner Romaniello asked is that written into the lease?
Commissioner Valenza replied no, they cannot go after grant money unless they have a
lease.
Mr. Stasio said there is opportunity for other groups to play on the field as they have in the
past, and his goal is to improve conditions by adding fields and to continue to provide opportunities for all groups
to participate on our soccer fields if they meet our requirements.
Parks & Recreation Committee MeetingMay 24, 2010
Commissioner Valenza asked are all the groups who play there required to have insurance?
Mr. Stasio replied yes, once a group receives preliminary approval they need to submit proof of
insurance.
Commissioner Spearing commented the soccer field at Pileggi Park alone is not enough to satisfy
the soccer needs for Upper Moreland Township. The soccer clubs are required to report to the Township on an annual
basis with regards to their progress, maintenance and upkeep and we can review what their original intent was and how
they are weighing in on it.
Commissioner Romaniello suggested posting the UMSC field schedule on the Township's
website.
Mr. Stasio replied he does not have a problem with posting an original schedule, but we would
need to stay on top of the timeliness of the updates because of rainouts, etc.
Commissioner Spearing asked for any public comments.
Matt Ansbro, President of the Upper Moreland Soccer Club, thanked the Board for considering the
lease. We were able to get this lease to a point that we are happy with and we are willing partners. Nothing really
changes with this lease except that we have ownership of the facility and this gives us the ability to seek grant
money to benefit this Township. We are taxpayers and volunteers who serve this Township and we are doing our part in
trying to make this Township better through the program that we run and our efforts in building these fields for this
Township.
We have worked with the CYO groups and the high school and, there were times where they were
turned away because of a scheduling conflict, but it was addressed. We will continue to work hard to have these
fields in place and we will continue to be responsible partners. If there are any conflicts he will address it. We
will do our best to obtain a grant and he would like to see this come to finalization so we can begin applying for
grants.
Commissioner Spearing said the primary intent for the lease agreement is to make improvements
to the complex. Is that correct?
Mr. Ansbro replied that is correct.
Commissioner Valenza asked for the amount of participants in the program.
Mr. Ansbro replied we have 850 participants this year.
Parks & Recreation Committee MeetingMay 24, 2010
Commissioner Romaniello asked would the Willow Grove United Soccer Club be allowed to play at
Pileggi after this lease is in place?
Mr. Ansbro replied they do not meet residency requirements.
Mr. Stasio added they are below the 50% residency requirement.
Rich Mitchell, former President of the UMSC, commented that tonight, he heard concerns about
CYO and Upper Moreland High School students playing at Pileggi and the best point of reference would be to speak with
Joe Patterson, CYO Athletic Director about the UMSC. The UMSC has worked with high school junior varsity students
over the summer at Pileggi Park. The UMSC has accommodated the CYO and high school. He thanked the Board for giving
them this opportunity.
Commissioner Spearing asked for any public comments. There were none.
Commissioner Spearing said that we will move this item for action at our next Regular Board
meeting in June.
DogParkStatus Report:
Mr. Stasio reported that he spoke with Eric Garton of Gilmore Associates and we were trying to
track down some reports prepared by the previous engineer. Now, we have all of the information we need to submit to
the Army Corp for the joint application permit. If the application is submitted within the next month; it is usually
a 60-day review process. We feel by late fall, we will have all of the improvements in place and be ready for the
bidding process and, hopefully, by next spring, we will have a dog park.
VeteransMemorial ParkSculpture Location:
Commissioner Spearing said we discussed at last month's committee meeting and at the PRAC
meeting that there are several locations for the sculpture, and the Veterans Association recommended an area towards
York and Easton Road and the PRAC supported that recommendation. Also, Matt Wilson, creator of the sculpture felt
those recommendations had merit as well. The PRAC and the Veterans Association were excited about putting this
sculpture right in the middle of one of the plaza areas and he was not in favor of that location because he felt it
did not have the proper planning and design to make sure that it fit. At the PRAC meeting, he indicated that we do
not have any guidelines to determine these locations. He expressed concern about the original intent of the plaza
areas; the use of the plaza areas and whether this sculpture would fit there as we do not know the dimensions of
it.
Referring to Memorial Park Drive, he felt that an acceptable alternative area would be on the
small grass lot facing the plaza across the street.
Parks & Recreation Committee MeetingMay 24, 2010
Commissioner Valenza said he is flexible on the location as long as the PRAC is in favor of it
as well as Township staff.
Commissioner Spearing asked Commissioner Valenza if he can appreciate the lack of design and
planning for it to be placed right in front of the plaza area after we spent thousands of dollars in
development.
Commissioner Valenza replied possibly this could be a temporary location.
Mr. Stasio commented that the memorial is yet to be planted, and maybe this could be part of
the planning and design phase of the memorial, which would be more of an appropriate location in the future. He has
no issue with the location that the PRAC and Veterans Association are selecting at this time.
Commissioner Parsell commented she would like to go with the recommendation of the PRAC. It is
time to make a decision for a location and, if we need to discuss it further in the future, we can do that.
Commissioner Romaniello said the green island adjacent to the sidewalk that abuts the plaza
area is a last minute thought.
Commissioner Spearing asked Commissioner Romaniello if she is in favor of moving it from the
grassy area to the center of one of the plazas?
Commissioner Romaniello replied no. She would not permanently place it there because we need to
have a secure base so it will not be knocked over, pushed over or cause any physical harm. It should be placed in the
location where the student, Matt Wilson wanted, which was not presented to the PRAC.
Commissioner Spearing said that location was discussed, but did not appear in the PRAC's
minutes. When Matt Wilson first visualized the sculpture being in the park; he never anticipated that the location
would be in a prominent location as in the front of the park, which is where the Veterans Association and PRAC feel
the location towards the plaza areas is a location of prominence.
Commissioner McFatridge asked about the dimensional size of the sculpture.
Commissioner Spearing replied he met with Matt's uncle and we talked about the foundation
and the pedestal and a 22 inch cylinder would be adequate for the pedestal to be mounted on.
Commissioner McFatridge commented he would want the sculpture up front in a prominent location
because he is concerned about vandalism if it was placed in the back of the park.
Parks & Recreation Committee MeetingMay 24, 2010
Commissioner Spearing asked for any public comments.
Jonathan deJonge commented that someone once commented that they didn't want it up front
because they didn't want people reminded of war and he wants people to be reminded of war. Right now, we are at
war and people have sacrificed their lives for us and these are the people we are honoring. What better place than to
put it in a prominent place - right in the center of town where people can see it. If we bury it back in the park, he
guarantees that the vandals will have at it. Let's place it in a prominent place where people will see it and
they will know that we respect those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Commissioner Spearing recommended that the location for the sculpture be placed on the grass
island as opposed to the plaza areas and we will move this item for action at our next Regular Board meeting.
BoileauParkWalking Trail:
Mr. Stasio noted that we had a meeting with the neighbors on April 29th regarding a
walking trail in Boileau and possibly adding some play equipment in the pavilion area. More than 30 people attended
the meeting and they received background on the history and instructions on trails and how they can help us. We will
have another meeting on June 30th and Bob Crippen is spearheading this development as well as the Friends
of Boileau.
Commissioner Spearing asked for any public comments. There were none.
VeteransMemorial ParkPlayground Location:
Mr. Stasio said the playground is set to go in the second week of June and will be completely
constructed by the end of June. The PRAC recommended Version 1, which is closer to the railroad tracks and parking
lot. With the playground on the left it is much closer to the railroad tracks; there will be a lot of grading needed
because there is a big slope there; and if the playground is on the left and the building is on the right; the
playground will be blocked from the rest of the view of the park.
If the building is on the left and the playground is on the right, which is his recommendation,
a parking attendant would be able to look over the entire park and for those reasons he would like to "flip
flop" where the building and playground are located. It would not create a hardship on the Parks &
Recreation Department. In fact it would be easier to flip flop due to grading and retaining walls that might be
needed. He asked the Board to reconsider and not take the PRAC's recommendation for the location of the
playground equipment.
Parks & Recreation Committee MeetingMay 24, 2010
Commissioner Valenza suggested putting the restrooms on the left side of the building and the
offices/storage on the right.
Mr. Stasio agreed.
Commissioner Valenza asked will the Christmas tree remain in place with Mr. Stasio's
recommendation.
Mr. Stasio replied if the playground is on the left side; we will need to remove several trees,
but if the building is on the left, he is not sure how many of the large trees will need to be removed. The Christmas
tree could be picked up and moved to another location if necessary.
Commissioner Spearing commented he feels it is important that the tot lot is not too close to
the railroad tracks. He visited the site with Commissioner McFatridge and they saw the geographic location of the
second proposal for the location of the building and the building would sit a little higher. He concurs with Mr.
Stasio's recommendation for the location of the playground equipment and building.
Commissioner Valenza said Mr. Stasio has good, sound reasons for keeping the building on the
left side and he agrees with him.
Mrs. Hurley commented that she is in agreement with Mr. Stasio as well.
Commissioner Romaniello commented that she is fine with the way it was laid out originally and
she does not see a need to change it.
Commissioner Spearing asked for any public comments. There were none.
Commissioner Spearing said we will move the recommendation by Mr. Stasio for action at our next
Regular Board meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Library Improvements - Book Drop/Interior Painting:
Commissioner Spearing said a book drop was recommended after a safety survey was done as well
as handicapped doors at the library. The handicapped doors are covered in the Keystone Grant application, but the
book drop is not. This is a relevant subject because the Keystone Grant requires that the library seal up what is
currently being used as a book drop. He would like to discuss helping the library pay for a book drop and interior
painting, which was not incorporated in the Keystone Grant.
Commissioner Parsell asked about the location of the book drop.
Parks & Recreation Committee MeetingMay 24, 2010
Commissioner Spearing replied the location was determined because patrons need to be able to
use the driver's side window to make the drop. They picked the location, which is adjacent to the Township
building.
Commissioner Parsell asked has Bob Drennen been informed about the location of the book
drop.
Karen Houck, President of the Library Board, commented that Joe O'Neill, Bob Drennen's
predecessor, who toured the library, identified a number of safety and security issues. One of Joe's
recommendations was to seal off the current book drop because someone who was up to no good could gain access to the
library, which led to that component of the window being addressed in the Keystone Grant. The book drop is not in the
Keystone Grant, closing entree to the building is in the grant along with the front doors, HVAC work and carpeting.
Mr. Drennen has not been involved since we received this report from Joe O'Neill.
Commissioner Parsell said it would be a good idea for Mr. Drennen to be informed.
Mr. Dodies noted that he will meet with Margie Peters, Director of the Library, and he will
discuss that with her.
Ms. Houck said we would like to have an external book drop, which would be detached from the
building and make it more convenient for our patrons. Currently, patrons could drop books only, but not drop video
material, and an external book drop would accommodate that issue too.
Mr. Dodies said both of these items should be considered for next year's budget. It is the
Township's responsibility to maintain the library and these items cannot be appended to the Keystone
Grant.
Commissioner Spearing asked about the timeframe of interior painting.
Mr. Dodies replied we want to paint as soon as possible since new carpeting will be installed.
The tricky part is phasing the use of the Keystone Grant funding in conjunction with these other maintenance
items.
Ms. Houck added that this is all in conjunction with creating a dedicated space for a young
adult area. However, whatever the timeline turns out to be, we are appreciative of, and this has been a wonderful
joint effort between the library and Township. We appreciate the Township Manager's time and effort in working
with our Library Director.
Commissioner Valenza asked why can't paint be included in the grant?
Parks & Recreation Committee MeetingMay 24, 2010
Ms. Houck replied maintenance items are precluded from grant funding.
Commissioner Spearing noted that this item will remain on the agenda for next month.
Township Bus Driver Pay Rate:
Mr. Stasio said the Township bus driver pay rate is set by the Board of Commissioners, and,
every two years, we revisit the pay rate. The pay rate now is $17 per hour for our summer bus driver and any bus
driver that uses our bus. School bus drivers and other certified bus drivers are being paid more money and our pay
rate is a little lower comparatively. The school pays over $20 an hour to some of their drivers. The PRAC recommends
changing the bus driver pay rate to $21 per hour. None of these costs are directly related to the Township because
when our buses are used for summer programs that is built into the cost of the program.
Commissioner Spearing commented that he is in favor of it. The bus drivers that we have been
using have been successful to the program and we don't want to risk losing them.
Commissioner Parsell asked would this preclude any programs?
Mr. Stasio replied no, most of the group reservations are for five hours so it would cost
another $20.
Commissioner Spearing said we will move this item for action at our next Regular Board
meeting.
PECO Trail Agreement:
Commissioner Spearing said this is a piece of PECO's property that are high tension lines
between the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Blair Mill Road, which is located in the North Willow Grove section of the
Township adjacent to the Jamestown Apartments and the Marriott Suite. It crosses over Maryland Road twice and it
abuts Blair Mill Road. It is an extension of the power line in Horsham where they have a power line trail, which is
how they refer to it and it is a 5-mile loop. Public gardening and shared gardens have been recommended and we can
discuss those recommendations and any others at a later date.
The main objective is to get this land as an extension of the park system and prevent other
entities from using it for undesirable applications. He has been a proponent for acquiring this piece of land for a
long time and he is in favor of it. The lease agreement is inexpensive with PECO and we need to inform PECO that the
Township is actively interested.
The consensus by committee was that they were in favor of the agreement.
Parks & Recreation Committee MeetingMay 24, 2010
Commissioner Spearing asked for any comments from Commissioners. There were none.
Commissioner Spearing asked for any public comments. There were none.
Commissioner Spearing said this item will remain on the agenda until next month.
Advertisement Signs in Township Parks:
Mr. Stasio said currently, we do not have any regulation or ordinance in place regarding
signage in the RC District. Groups have asked to advertise in our parks. For example: The Willow Grove Bears, who use
Masons Mill Park, and who has a scoreboard there, want to replace it and have a name-brand company donate a
scoreboard with the Bears name on it.
We routinely get requests from various sports groups who fundraise asking to put their signage
up at their games and he asked the Board to implement a policy or ordinance that would regulate a procedure for signs
with regards to size, location and whether they would be temporary or permanent, etc. He asked permission from the
Board to begin a dialog with Township Solicitor and Director of Code Enforcement to see what other Townships have in
their parks and what their procedures are.
Commissioner Spearing agreed that he would like to see what other Townships have in their
parks. He asked for any comments from Commissioners.
Commissioner Romaniello commented that she could see temporary banners or signs, but not
permanent signs. She is not interested in having Mr. Stasio speak with Township Solicitor about this matter. She
would rather have the organization, which is interested in signage; approach the Board with their idea.
Commissioner Parsell said Mr. Stasio has already been approached so there is a need to look at
it.
Commissioner Spearing said it has merits and we can look at it on an individual basis.
Mr. Stasio asked Township Solicitor about approving one offer and not another. Shouldn't
the Township have something in place for signs?
Solicitor Ganz replied the Township would want a policy, ordinance dictating what types of
signs could be put up because the Township would want to prevent against obscene or morally challenged
signage.
Mr. Stasio agreed with Commissioner Romaniello's suggestion that the organization present
their idea before the Board.
Parks & Recreation Committee MeetingMay 24, 2010
Solicitor Ganz replied he will review what other municipalities have in place and the committee
can take a look at it for the next meeting.
Commissioner Spearing said he would like to review it this month and he asked to see which
municipalities evaluate them individually. This item will remain on the agenda until next month.
OTHER PARKS & RECREATION ITEMS:
BirdTown:
Mr. Stasio noted that he will provide more information about Bird Town at our next meeting and
then possibly ask the Board to pass a resolution.
VISITOR COMMENTS: None.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS:
Commissioner Romaniello asked why did we spend $2,600 to clean up Veterans Memorial
Park?
Mr. Stasio replied that was for installation, clean up, weeding and taking care of the entire
front entrance to Memorial Park driveway area.
Commissioner Romaniello noted that cub scouts look for projects such as that to get their
badges and we should reach out to them.
ADJOURNMENT:9:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
S. Elizabeth Vile, Recording Secretary
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