Park Commission

Minutes of a Regular Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting January 3, 2017 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Parks Commission was held on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 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 – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Justin Stuart Keith Hannaman – Absent Parks Dept. Staff: Pam Buck Dena Duhon - Present Parks Dept. Staff: Randy Cooper Jack Gilliland – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Carol Reed Maureen Johnson – Present City Council Liaison: Dale Carter - Absent Brandon Jackley – Present Michelle Brown – Present A motion was made and seconded to accept the Consent Agenda; it passed unanimously. Visitors/Correspondence: None Program/Activity Spotlight: None Finances: None Staff Reports: Staff reviewed their reports. Justin Stuart reviewed current programs. The annual Youth Sports Expo will be held at the Fieldhouse January 28th. This event is very popular and always well attended. Randy Cooper said the new wall at the Fieldhouse in the commons seating area will be completed this week. The Christmas light displays are down and stored until next year. Randy reported that visits to the recycling center have dramatically increased. He discussed operations at the recycling center. Pam Buck reviewed holiday activities at Vesper Hall, and said holiday meals were sponsored by St. Mary’s Medical Center. Upcoming activities include the Legends Lunch on January 12, Chili Dog Dinner January 21 and Elvis Birthday Celebration January 29. The Vesper Hall re-accreditation process will begin this month. Steve Willman said staff is reviewing fees and charges and will complete the process by January 7th. This information will be brought to the Commission for review at the March meeting. Chipping of the Green Christmas tree recycling will continue through January. This is the 26th year the program has been held, though not as many trees are dropped off as in the past. 1 Steve also reported that the BMX track will have new operators for the upcoming season, and the Public Art Commission is working on a contract for restoration of Bluesprings.net. Dennis Dovel said memberships at the Fieldhouse continue to increase. A Winter Break Pass for college students was introduced and 98 of these passes have been sold to date. Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman’s Report: None City Council Liaison Report: None Old Business: Staff presented a proposal to Council on December 19th regarding a sales tax to fund deferred maintenance needs. City Council directed staff to work with the Commission to bring back at the January 17th meeting a proposal for a ½ cent sales tax. Dennis presented details regarding the proposed ½ cent tax, focusing on Old Mill and Young Parks and additional work to be done in all other parks. After review and discussion, Dena Duhon moved to ask City Council to proceed with placing the ½ cent sales tax proposal on the April ballot. George Deibert seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved. New Business: Staff provided for review a draft of the sponsorship/advertising policy and the gifting policy. After discussion Dennis asked that the members send any comments or changes to him by the end of January. Park Report: None Activity Report: None Miscellaneous: None As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made and seconded. ___________________________________ Brandon Jackley, Chairman 2