Park Commission

Minutes of a Regular Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting June 7, 2017 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Parks Commission was held on Tuesday, June 7, 2017 at the Fieldhouse. The Vice-Chairman called the meeting to order. Richard Mitchem – Absent Parks Dept. Staff: Dennis Dovel George Deibert – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Steve Willman Kathy Richardson – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Justin Stuart Keith Hannaman – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Randy Cooper Dena Duhon - Absent Parks Dept. Staff: Pam Buck Jack Gilliland – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Carol Reed Maureen Johnson – Present City Council Liaison: Kent Edmondson Brandon Jackley – Absent 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: Dennis Dovel reviewed the May financial report. Staff Reports: Staff reviewed their reports. Justin Stuart reported that day camp enrollment has increased dramatically, and additional staff is being hired. Last year 120 participants registered for one or more weeks of camp; currently 160 are registered. Dennis Dovel discussed the direction and future of the camp program, saying growth in participation is expected to continue. Summer adult softball leagues have 91 teams participating, an increase from last summer and the largest number so far. Our program is currently the second largest ASA league in the metro area. Another session of Little All Stars T-ball begins next week. The program continues to be popular, and has been expanded to 5 sessions this season. 240-250 3 and 4-year old’s are expected to participate this summer. The Fieldhouse has experienced power outages, fire alarms and flooding in the past month. Two lock ins were held in May, both went well and both have asked for dates for next year. Randy Cooper reviewed his May report, saying projects at the Fieldhouse have been completed but the south wall was recently damaged and had to be repaired. Several park locations and Adams Dairy Parkway experienced water breaks in May. 1 The new managers of the BMX track are putting a lot of work into track improvements, without much help from staff at this time. Staff worked on several special events during May including the Fishing Derby and Pooches in the Park. Contract mowing seems to be going well with the new contractors. Pam Buck said the number of congregate meals has increased and now averages 55 daily. Vesper Hall celebrated its 25th anniversary in June. Activities during May included AARP Drivers Safety Program, monthly Tea Dance and an antique road trip to the Lexington area. 64 people participated in a pickleball tournament on May 6th at Rotary Park. Pooches in the Park was held at the park May 21st. Concerts in the Park and monthly car cruise events are underway. Steve Willman reported that restoration of Blue Springs.Net has been completed and there will be a re- dedication ceremony late summer or early fall. The next temporary art exhibit will be along Adams Dairy Parkway and is titled “Capricious”. All community garden plots have been planted and there is a waiting list of people wanting a plot. Steve also said this is his last Commission meeting; he will retire July 11th after nearly 20 years with the department. Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman’s Report: George thanked Steve for all his work and dedication to the City and the Parks Department. City Council Liaison Report: Councilman Edmondson discussed recent impacts to the budget, and Dennis reviewed budget preparation. He said the budget was presented to Council on June 5th. Old Business: Sales Tax Timeline Discussion – The first meeting of the Parks Sales Tax Committee was held and duties of the committee were discussed. Information was distributed regarding the role of the committee and of staff. The committee will advise, not direct staff. New Business: Election of Officers – After discussion, nominations were opened for Chairman. Maureen Johnson nominated Keith Hannaman. Kathy Richardson seconded the motion, and Keith Hannaman was elected unanimously. Nominations were then open for Vice Chairman. Keith Hannaman nominated Maureen Johnson, Michelle Brown seconded the nomination. Maureen was unanimously elected Vice Chairman. Miscellaneous: The date of the July meeting was moved back to July 11th because of the July 4th holiday. As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made and seconded. ___________________________________ George Deibert, Vice-Chairman 2