Park Commission

Minutes of a Regular Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting July 5, 2016 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Parks Commission was held on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at the Fieldhouse. The Chairman called the meeting to order. Richard Mitchem – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Dennis Dovel George Deibert – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Steve Willman Kathy Richardson – Absent Parks Dept. Staff: Justin Stuart Keith Hannaman – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Pam Buck Dena McLean - Present Parks Dept. Staff: Randy Cooper Jack Gilliland – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Carol Reed Maureen Johnson – Absent City Council Liaison: Dale Carter Brandon Jackley – Present Jennifer Splittorff – Present A motion was made and seconded to accept the Consent Agenda; it passed unanimously. Visitors/Correspondence: None Program/Activity Spotlight: Justin Stuart discussed the newly formed T-Ball League. This new program for 5 and 6 year olds has 72 players enrolled. 15 volunteer coaches work with six teams. The 12 week schedule includes 4 weeks of practices and 8 weeks of games. The net profit on the league is over $1000 in this first year. Staff will do a mid- season evaluation, and also another at the end of the season. Dennis Dovel remarked that the aim of the department is to provide recreational programs for youth, as an alternative to other more competitive programs. The goal of these programs is to teach basic skills and to offer a more affordable program than the competitive leagues. Finances: Dennis Dovel said the budget figures for the previous month were just received. Staff Reports: Staff reviewed their reports. Randy Cooper reported on improvements at Central Park. These include benches, bike racks and waste/recycling containers in the park area. Downtown Alive funded the project, which was installed by parks staff. At the dog park a scout troop has installed dog agility equipment and a new sidewalk has been poured. RUFF is developing a fundraising project involving dedicated bricks which will line the sidewalk. At Rotary Park the bridge approaches have been replaced, and concrete re-poured. Pam Buck reported that congregate meals served numbers are down, but home delivered numbers are up. 1 Pam also discussed celebrations and activities at Vesper Hall the preceding month, including the June birthday celebration, and the 24th anniversary of Vesper Hall. Justin Stuart reported that the adult softball season is going well. More softball tournament rentals are coming up in July. Summer day camp is averaging 52 each week, and activity at the Fieldhouse is beginning to pick up again after a brief slow down. Steve Willman reported on the Public Art Commission ribbon cutting of the Firefighter Spirit exhibit. The CJCFD will purchase two of the four pieces exhibited this year. There will not be a temporary exhibit next year, funds will be used to repair Blue Springs Net instead. Steve said our new concession operator is reporting more revenue than the previous operator. At Ward Park the nearby storage facility has thrown trash on park property. Steve is working with the Codes Department to address the problem. Dennis Dovel reported that memberships are strong and staff is still giving tours and selling memberships. Staff has reviewed approximately one-third of the Master Plan document. The completed document should be provided in late September or early October. Stephanie Myers is working to develop sponsorship opportunities with Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane’s. KFKF will again sponsor the July 4th fireworks display and St Mary’s Medical Center has also donated toward the expense of the fireworks. Dennis told members that the Rotary Club will paint the gazebo at Rotary Park, and the Blue Springs High School Youth Advisory group will also have service projects at the park. Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman’s Report: None City Council Liaison Report: Councilman Carter said he thought the July 4th event went well. The Council will meet August 10th to discuss the budget for the next fiscal year. Old Business: None New Business: Election of Officers After discussion, Dena McLean nominated Brandon Jackley to be re-elected Chairman. The nomination was seconded by Richard Mitchem and Brandon was unanimously elected as Chairman. After discussion, Dena McLean nominated George Deibert to be re-elected as Vice-Chairman. Richard Mitchem seconded the nomination, and George was unanimously re-elected. Park Report – No report this month Activity Report – No report this month 2 Miscellaneous: Jennifer Splittorff told the members that she will be moving out of Blue Springs and so will be resigning effective September 1st. As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made and seconded. ___________________________________ Brandon Jackley, Chairman 3