UPPER MACUNGIE TOWNSHIP
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
Monthly Meeting
September 27, 2012
The monthly meeting for the Upper Macungie Township Recreation Board was held on September 27, 2012, at the Municipal Building. The following Recreation Board members were present: Rich Kiser, Jim Adams, April Navarra, Chuck Thomas, Andrea Russell and Sean Gill. Board members not in attendance were Linda Gorr, Dave Kitner andRob Corba. Also present at the meeting were UMT Board of SupervisorsEd Earley, UMT Board of Supervisors Secretary Kathy Rader, Jim Soltis, and Valerie Brosky.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by UMT Recreation Board Chairman Rich Kiser at which time all present were asked to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States.
A motion was made by Jim Adams and seconded by Andrea Russell and all were in favor ofapproving the July & August meeting minutes.
Public Comments – Emergency Preparedness Day - Ed Earley presented a great video on Emergency Preparedness Day. Rich Kiser stated he handed out a lot of flyers on Emergency Preparedness day and we received a lot of compliments on our parks. He also said the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts want to get involved and Susquehanna Bank maybe a possible sponsor for our next event. Discussed other options to prevent the wind from blowing over displays.Frisbee Golf Course - Rich Kiser said that Denny Barr of the North Whitehall Recreation Board made suggestions for our Frisbee Golf Course. He recommended having 18 holes as opposed to our current 9 holes as the throws are too long for the average player. The course had originally been designed by a Frisbee Golf Pro. Rich Kiser suggested another alternative was to add 2 teeboxes for each hole. The additional cost would be about $4,000. Chuck Thomas also stated that some pieces were reported broken.
Old Business
Dog Park–Anna from the Girl Scouts dropped off equipment and still have a $500 check that can be used for our next purchase. We have to find out how long the check is good for. The water fountain is approximately $2200-2700. April submitted the 2K grant. The donation letter was completed by Rich. Envelops will be made also and both placed at the park.
2012/2012 Scheduled Fall/Winter Community Programs
Adult Pickup Volleyball – Tuesdays Sept 11th to Feb 26th - Attendance was6-8 the 1st week, 23 on the 2nd week and 16 this week. Rich said there were a lot of high quality players. A second net was provided.
UMT 5K Run – Oct 7th:5 scholarship checks, 50 registrants. Can bring dogs and there will be doggie bags also. Good list of Goody Bags and raffle items. Volunteers still needed but better than last year. Solar Tech gave signs and the other signs will only be out for one week. Nestle donated water and Jim will pick it up. Stuff goodie bags on 10/3.
Hunter/Trapper Education – Oct 20 & 21st – 54 signed up
Women’s Self Defense - November 7th – Leading Edge Martial Arts -no flyer yet- sign up with their website.
AARP Safe Driver Class - Various dates in November – 2 signed up for each of the two sessions.
SAT Practice Test - January 19th – no sign ups yet. A suggestion was made to inform HS counselors.
Game Night–January 25 from 6-9 at Independent Park. Rich said a lot of people picked up the flyer at Emergency Preparedness Day. May have on a regular basis.
Basic Boating Course – February 9th from 9am to 5pm at Independent Park – 4 signed up.
2012/2013 Community Program Ideas
Independent Park Grand Opening –Chuck Thomas proposal – on hold
Health Lecture Series – April looking into putting something together.
Other Possible Programs –Yoga, Zumba, Father/Daughter Tea, Tree Trimming Course (March), Gardening Lecture, Flood Out, Flea Market (Spring), Community Bon-Fire, Babysitting Class, First Aide & CPR, Wildland Conservatory Programs. Astronomy won’t commit. Bake sales to raise money?
Social Media Status – New website & facebook up and running and being maintained.
Recreation Board Attendance – A board member missing (3) consecutive Recreation Board meetings can be recommended (by majority vote) for replacement. The recommendation for replacement would be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors.
New Business
Update On Parks Projects – Grange Park playground is currently being installed.
Independent Park – No discounts for employees or multiple corporate functions. 501C3 (non-profits) rules & regulations were handed out and were briefly discussed and will be on the agenda for discussion next month. The information to be mailed to members not present.
Grange scoreboard was discussed. South Parkland Youth Association was trying to get a scoreboard donated however, it is undetermined when we would have power in that area of the park.
A motion was made by Sean Gill, seconded by Andrea Russell to adjourn the meeting at 8:45pm. Next month's meeting is scheduled for October 25that 7:00pm at the Township Building.
Charles Thomas
Secretary
UMT Parks and Recreation Board