Park Commission

Minutes of a Regular Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting April 11, 2017 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Parks Commission was held on Tuesday, April 11, 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: None Program/Activity Spotlight: The video “Explore Blue Springs Art” was presented. It was produced by art teachers and students in the Blue Springs School District with the help of the multi-media center. Finances: Dennis Dovel reviewed the March financial report. Staff Reports: Staff reviewed their reports. Pam Buck distributed pictures of activities held at Vesper Hall in March. She also discussed the Easter event and changes that improved the event this year, including staggered start times for the different age groups, and a larger quantity of eggs and candy. Pam also highlighted the Aging Mastery Program, a new class scheduled to begin April 26. She said it is a pilot program by the National Council on Aging and encouraged members to spread the word about the program. Randy Cooper discussed the new LED lighting at the Fieldhouse. He said the fixtures are guaranteed for 10 years, and the cost was negligible with the rebates from KCPL. He also reported the new operators of the BMX track are working hard and with help from parks staff have the track in better shape than it has been for years. The gate latches at the dog park were worn from constant banging and have been replaced with standard latches that are not designed to be self-closing. They have not had to be adjusted since the replacement. 1 Randy said the department is still short staffed, and he discussed the mowing operation this year. In the past buildings and right-of-way’s have been contracted but, for the first time, parks mowing is now contracted as well. Justin Stuart said the department is now at full staff. Softball leagues had 79 teams enrolled for the spring season, the most ever for spring. 120 kids have enrolled for our new T-ball league, and registration has begun for summer day camp. Dennis Dovel reviewed Steve Willman’s report. He said the Public Art Commission Call to Artists is set to go out in May this year rather than late summer as it has in the past. The annual Arbor Day celebration will be held Saturday, April 29th in Rotary Park. Dennis reported that staff is wrapping up the 2017-2018 budget process. Two scholarship applications have been received and both have been awarded Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman’s Report: In the absence of the Chairman, Dennis Dovel read a letter from Brandon Jackley thanking everyone for their work in the passage of the sales tax initiative. City Council Liaison Report: Councilman Carter discussed the election and the new Council that will be formed. Old Business: Fees and Charges Review and Approval – The fees and charges sub-committee met to review changes to the fees and charges ranges. Dennis Dovel reviewed the changes. After discussion, Dena Duhon moved for approval of the Fees and Charges, Keith Hannaman seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved. Sales Tax Timeline Discussion – Dennis Dovel reviewed the proposed timeline for park improvements beginning in 2018. He said the timeline, if approved, be presented to Council and that an annual report be presented to Council reflecting the progress of the improvements. The members discussed the project timeline and how the public will be made aware of project progress. After discussion, Keith Hannaman moved to approve the timeline as presented. Dena Duhon seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved. Dennis Dovel asked how the Commission wants to oversee the distribution of funds. It was suggested a sub-committee be formed with membership rotating among the Commission members. The sub- committee would be a part of the decision-making process, and would be composed of at least three members. Another suggestion was that the entire Commission be involved in the process. Formation of a sub-committee will be discussed at the next meeting. New Business: None Park Report: None Activity Report: None Miscellaneous: None 2 As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made and seconded. ___________________________________ George Deibert, Vice Chairman 3