Park Commission

Minutes of a Regular Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting April 5, 2016 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Parks Commission was held on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at the Fieldhouse. The Vice Chairman called the meeting to order. Richard Mitchem – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Dennis Dovel George Deibert – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Steve Willman Kathy Richardson – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Justin Stuart Keith Hannaman – Absent Parks Dept. Staff: Heather Reynolds Dena McLean - Absent Parks Dept. Staff: Pam Buck Jack Gilliland – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Derek Mayden Maureen Johnson – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Carol Reed Brandon Jackley – Absent City Council Liaison: Dale Carter Jennifer Splittorff – Present A motion was made and seconded to accept the Consent Agenda; it passed unanimously. Visitors/Correspondence: None Program/Activity Spotlight: Rachel Uptergrove reviewed a new program, a T-Ball League. 72 children, ages 5 and 6 participated in the 12 week program, consisting of 4 weeks of practices and 8 game sessions. She distributed a summary sheet of expenses and revenue for the program. We will offer a flag football league this fall. Rachel also mentioned that the Little All Stars T-Ball program for 3 and 4 year olds was full all three nights that were offered and the Little All Stars Soccer program had 24 on the waiting list. Finances: Dennis reviewed the financial report. Staff Reports: Staff reviewed their reports. Pam Buck reviewed March activities at Vesper Hall. She said there are now 100 clients for home delivered meals. AARP tax preparation is one of the most popular March activities. 93 artists exhibited their work at the Blue Springs Art League Fine Art Show March 5 and 6. Upcoming April events include Car Cruise, Indoor Garage Sale, and the Volunteer Banquet. Randy Cooper reported that all full time positions have been filled, but he is having trouble filling the seasonal spots. Three of the temporary art projects have been installed, and one remains to be done. Changes have been made to the field maintenance procedure in an effort to improve field conditions. The Community Garden plots are ready for planting. Raised beds and a fence surrounding the garden are new this year. The 50th anniversary of the end of US involvement in the Vietnam War was commemorated at the Veterans Way Memorial in Pink Hill Park. The program featured a ceremony including laying of wreaths, patriotic songs and military salute. 1 Steve Willman reported that the budget process is under way. The current concession operator at Hidden Valley Park can’t continue this year so bids have been accepted and a contract awarded to Coaches Kettle Corn. They will begin operation April 13th. Dennis Dovel discussed the proposed day pass policy. The new key fobs for day passes were displayed. Dennis said a public meeting will be held May 12th to review the findings for the Parks Master Plan. He also reported the Fieldhouse has received the Capstone Award from the Kansas City Business Journal. Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman’s Report: None City Council Liaison Report: None Old Business: None New Business: None Park Report – No report this month Activity Report – No report this month Miscellaneous: Rachel Uptergrove will be on maternity leave for 8 weeks beginning mid- April. Also the Spring/Summer Activity Guide, Play Naturally, should be in the mail around April 21st. As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made and seconded. ___________________________________ Brandon Jackley, Chairman 2