Park Commission

Minutes of a Regular Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting May 3, 2016 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Parks Commission was held on Tuesday, May 3, 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: Derek Mayden Jack Gilliland – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Pam Buck 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: Heather Reynolds reviewed the Earth Day/Arbor Day activities at Rotary Park on April 23rd with photo slides of the event. Attendance was estimated at 75, with many more people viewing the booth. Tree saplings and milkweed plants were available to all who visited the booth. Steve Willman also discussed the Arbor Day celebration and said the City has once again been designated a Tree City USA Community. Only 80 communities in the state are designated as Tree Cities. Finances: No report available. Staff Reports: Staff reviewed their reports. Derek Mayden said some seasonal positions are still open and he is having trouble filling them. Pam Buck reported that congregate meals served is down, but home bound meal delivery is up. The Vesper Hall lobby and front office area have received new carpet. She also reported that the AARP tax preparation program has been very popular and auditions have been held for the City Theatre production of Tom Sawyer. The performances will be in July. George applauded the staff at Vesper Hall for the success of the Volunteer Banquet. Justin Stuart said things are a little quieter at the Fieldhouse this month. Staff is being hired for Summer Day Camp. 80 campers are pre-registered. Blue Springs South will hold their Grad Night at the end of May. This will be the first lock in held at the Fieldhouse. 1 Steve Willman reported that the Community Garden season is going well. He also said the pool is being sandblasted and painted. Channel 41 will broadcast the weather from Pink Hill Park on Friday, May 6th. Dennis Dovel reported a net increase of over 50 memberships last month. Staff is still giving tours and selling memberships. In April an average of 47 day passes were sold daily. Dennis said the Master Plan meeting on May 12th will be for Park Commission members from 2 to 4 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. for the public. Consultants will review the results of the survey and discuss the next steps in the plan development process. They will also meet with staff on May 11th. He also reviewed the proposed scholarship program. He said if approved by Council $10,000 in CDBG funds will be allocated to the program effective October 1st. Guidelines will be developed for administration of the program. Units were received and will be installed soon for Neptune Radio. This radio service will be used throughout the Fieldhouse for advertising programs and activities. Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman’s Report: None City Council Liaison Report: Councilman Carter asked if there was anything staff needed that he could help with and said he was very impressed with the Fieldhouse. Old Business: None New Business: None Park Report – No report this month Activity Report – No report this month Miscellaneous: None As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made and seconded. ___________________________________ George Deibert, Vice Chairman 2