Park Commission

Minutes of a Regular Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting March 7, 2017 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Parks Commission was held on Tuesday, March 7, 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: Justin Stuart Kathy Richardson – Absent Parks Dept. Staff: Steve Willman Keith Hannaman – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Pam Buck Dena Duhon - Present Parks Dept. Staff: Derek Mayden Jack Gilliland – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Carol Reed Maureen Johnson – Present City Council Liaison: Dale Carter Brandon Jackley – Present Michelle Brown – Present A motion was made and seconded to accept the Consent Agenda; it passed unanimously. Visitors/Correspondence: Pam Buck introduced Anthony Duncan, a volunteer at Vesper Hall. Program/Activity Spotlight: Dennis Dovel discussed recent staff changes. Justin Stuart said some duties have been realigned in the recreation department. One new staff person, James Farris, will oversee all sports programs. The other position will handle the camp program, family programming and special events. Jen Talaski has been hired as the fitness supervisor. She has initiated new programs such as the Thinner Winner weight loss contest, a walking challenge, and has organized a run club. Derek Mayden reported that the maintenance department has struggled to find seasonal employees for the past couple of years. 17 positions are open, but only 7 applications were received, and only 2 individuals were interviewed. As a result parks mowing will be contracted out for the first time. There are enough seasonal staff to do ball fields, and other regular Friday mowing. This will be for this year only as a trial to see if parks can be mowed more efficiently. Finances: Dennis reviewed the February financial report. Richard Mitchem asked if there was a possibility that a new pool would be constructed. Dennis Dovel replied this must be addressed at some point in the future. A splash pad is included planned if the parks sales tax initiative passes and funds then become available. Staff Reports: Staff reviewed their reports. Derek Mayden discussed vandalism on Adams Dairy Parkway and Ward Park, which he said they will address beginning tomorrow. New signage at Grounds Park and the dog park has made a big difference in appearance. Dennis Dovel said the medians on Adams Dairy are being re-planted and additional plantings added. 1 The field at Blue Springs Park is also being renovated with new sod added. Pam Buck reviewed her report. She said home delivered meal numbers are increasing. Special events at Vesper Hall in February included the Health and Senior Services Fair on February 23. 18 vendors participated with booths and hand out information. 120 participants entered drawings for door prizes and a free breakfast was provided. AARP tax assistance is ongoing and is very popular. Justin Stuart said the department is gearing up for spring. The last soccer practice was held today at the Fieldhouse and adult softball league registration ends tomorrow. The T-ball league for 5 and 6-year old’s will probably have 100 or more kids participating. Steve Willman said the Fees and Charges Committee will meet tonight after the regular meeting. The Community Garden plots are all rented for the season and planting will open one week earlier than usual because of the mild weather. Steve discussed plans for the annual Arbor Day celebration, to be held on April 29th this year. He also distributed a flyer to members concerning the Veterans Way Memorial celebration on March 30th at Pink Hill Park, and said BlueSprings.Net will be restored in the next few months. Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman’s Report: None City Council Liaison Report: Councilman Carter mentioned that a public forum will be held for District 1 residents at the Pointe of Hope Church, March 27 at 6 pm. He also said Dustin Collins has been booked to perform at the July 4th celebration. Old Business: Sales Tax Discussion – Dennis Dovel said he had presented information to the BSSD school board, and has also spoken to the Blue Springs South and Blue Springs Booster Clubs, as well as several civic clubs and the response has been positive. The PAC will walk door to door this weekend. Dena Duhon discussed how the door to door campaign is organized. Sponsorship Policy – A revised policy was presented, using HUD income guidelines not the free and reduced lunch program guidelines previously presented. After discussion, Keith Hannaman moved to approve the revised policy. Dena Duhon seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. New Business: None Park Report: None Activity Report: None 2 Miscellaneous: The date of the next regular meeting is April 4th, which is election day. Members agreed to move the date to the next Tuesday, April 11th. As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made and seconded. ___________________________________ Brandon Jackley, Chairman 3