Park Commission

Minutes of a Regular Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting February 7, 2017 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Parks Commission was held on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 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: Justin Stuart Kathy Richardson – Absent Parks Dept. Staff: Pam Buck Keith Hannaman – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Randy Cooper Dena Duhon - Present Parks Dept. Staff: Carol Reed Jack Gilliland – Present City Council Liaison: Dale Carter Maureen Johnson – Present Brandon Jackley – Absent Michelle Brown – Absent A motion was made and seconded to accept the Consent Agenda; it passed unanimously. Visitors/Correspondence: Dennis introduced Bill Essmann, co-chair of the PAC for the sales tax initiative which will be on the April 4th ballot. Donna Best will be the other co-chairperson. He said there is only 7 weeks before election day. The first priority is to raise funds, prepare publications and materials, and organize the PAC. Dennis Dovel said an informational piece will be available next week. The sales tax initiative will be highlighted by the Mayor in the State of the City address. Program/Activity Spotlight: Dennis Dovel reviewed information regarding the Parks Master Plan objectives and action that has been taken to meet these goals. Finances: Dennis reviewed the January financial report. Staff Reports: Staff reviewed their reports. Randy Cooper said equipment maintenance kept staff busy in January, and mowing bids are due in tomorrow, February 8th. Landscape work is currently being done on Adams Dairy Parkway. 810 Christmas trees were chipped in January, and 115 were given out for fish habitat, making a total of 925 trees dropped off this year. None were used at Lake Remembrance; cedar trees will be used there as fish habitat. Justin Stuart met with youth sports associations in January. There will be some changes this year in the requirements for background checks and more demographic information. There was a good turnout for the annual Youth Sports Expo. Adult basketball leagues will begin soon with 12 teams this year. Group exercise classes are growing in attendance as well. 1 Applications are currently being taken for both Recreation Supervisor positions. Pam Buck reported that the department is now administering the Let’s Move Saturdays program. Upcoming activities include the Valentine Luncheon, Vesper Hall health fair and 50+ art show. Dennis Dovel said the Fees and Charges Committee will meet before the March meeting to review proposed fee changes. Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman’s Report: George Deibert reported that he and Kathy Richardson are participating in the Vesper Hall re-accreditation process. City Council Liaison Report: None Old Business: Sales Tax Discussion – Dennis Dovel presented an informational video outlining the April 4th sales tax initiative, and urged members to be involved in the ballot initiative. Sponsorship Policy – After review and discussion of the proposed sponsorship policy Dena Duhon moved to approve the policy as presented. Richard Mitchem seconded the motion, it was unanimously approved. Gift Policy - After review and discussion of the proposed gift policy, Richard Mitchem moved to approve the policy as presented. Dena Duhon seconded the motion, it was unanimously approved. New Business: Staff provided for review a draft of the scholarship policy. Questions were raised regarding income requirements, how income will be validated and if use of the membership will be tracked. Park Report: None Activity Report: None Miscellaneous: Pam Buck mentioned that sponsors are needed for the summer concert series. Sponsors receive recognition in the activity guide, and at the concert. As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made and seconded. ___________________________________ George Deibert, Vice Chairman 2