Park Commission

Minutes of a Regular Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting February 6, 2018 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Parks Commission was held on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 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 – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Mary Herrington Keith Hannaman – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Randy Cooper Dena Duhon - Absent Parks Dept. Staff: Nicole Cogbill Maureen Johnson – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Amanda Johnson Brandon Jackley – Absent City Council Liaison: Kent Edmondson - Present Michelle Brown – Present A motion was made by George Deibert and seconded by Richard Mitchem to accept the Consent Agenda; it passed unanimously. Visitors/Correspondence: Keith mentioned doing a Dedicated Tree in remembrance of Park Commission member Jack Gilliland who recently passed away. The tree would potentially be located in Walker School Park. Dennis reviewed a complaint filed by a Vesper Hall patron regarding policies and procedures that affected the patron. Program/Activity Spotlight: Recreation Supervisor, Nicole Cogbill, presented a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the various camps offered by the Blue Springs Parks and Recreation Department. The Summer Camp program is an 11week program, with each week encompassing different themes, fieldtrips, and activities. The camp is available to youth age 5-12 and runs from 7AM- 6PM Monday-Friday. In the summer of 2017 the Summer Camp program had 178 registrations with a weekly attendance of 85 kids. There is expected to be an increase to 200 registrations for the 2018 season. The program is fully funded through registration fees and sponsorships from various business. The Spring Break Camp and Winter Camps are continuing to slowly grow. Richard inquired about why we have sponsorships if the program is funded through the registration fees. Dennis responded that sponsorships help to offset costs, while also providing businesses with exposure. Richard inquired about how the programs are advertised. Dennis and Nicole both added that we run advertisements on the back of the water bill, on the website, in the activity magazine, on social media, and through flyers. Finances: Financial report was reviewed. The department is well within the budget. Richard inquired about the pool that is now being operated by the Blue Springs School District. Dennis stated that the school district will operate the facility for at least 3 years. The Park Sales Tax will provide the city with a Splash Pad to utilize. If the city expresses the need for an aquatics facility that 1 will need to be addressed in the future and funded through another sales tax or an extension on the current Park Sales tax. Staff Reports: Staff reviewed their reports. Randy Cooper reviewed his report, stating that the City Hall move has gone smoothly and everyone is now in their new temporary offices. This has taken much of the staff’s time and energy in the past month. The cold weather has provided the park staff with the ability to clean up the trails at Woods Chapel Park. The Parks Sales Tax will allow the asphalt to be fixed this year. Kent inquired about the removal of the Christmas decorations and lights. Randy stated that due to the City Hall renovation and movement of employees they have not had much time to take down the decorations, but this will get done once the weather warms up a bit. Mary reviewed her report and discussed the popularity of the Fieldhouse for patrons during the No School days. She also highlighted the Daddy Daughter Dance, which will take place on February 9th, 2018. The event is sold out with 200 registrations. She also highlighted the Thinner Winner program which currently has 40 people participating which is an increase from previous years. Justin spoke about the new positions that are currently open with the Parks and Recreation department, including a Parks and Recreation Superintendent, Recreation Supervisor, and Marketing Supervisor. The application and interview process has started and will be taking a majority of staff time in the upcoming weeks. Dennis reported on Fieldhouse memberships and Day Pass usage. Memberships have picked up over the month of January and Day Passes are tracking better than budget projections for the year. The fieldhouse has currently sold 500 more Day Passes than this time last year. Dennis also spoke on the Ignite event that took place at the fieldhouse. This was a huge success and another event is planned for April 21st, 2018. Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman’s Report: Keith spoke about Jack Gilliland and how he will be remembered and missed. City Council Liaison Report: None Old Business: Park Sales Tax Update – The Rotary Park and Ward Park playground voting has ended and playground designs have been approved. Rotary Park playground construction is set to begin February 12th. Currently all projects are well within the budget outlined. Park Commission Committee Assignments – Committee assignments were made. There is an open vacancy for District 2 on the Parks Commission that will need to be filled. New Business: None Miscellaneous: None As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made by Richard and seconded by Michelle. 2 ___________________________________ Keith Hannaman, Chairman 3