Park Commission

Minutes of a Regular Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting September 4th, 2018 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Parks Commission was held on Tuesday, September 4th,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: Matt Asikainen Kathy Richardson – Absent Parks Dept. Staff: Mary Herrington Keith Hannaman – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Randy Cooper Dena Duhon - Present Parks Dept. Staff: Paul Thompson Maureen Johnson – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Amanda Johnson Brandon Jackley – Absent City Council Liaison: Ron Fowler - Present Megan Johnson – Present A motion was made by Dena Duhon and seconded by Maureen Johnson to accept the Consent Agenda, pending a correction; it passed unanimously. Visitors/Correspondence: None Program/Activity Spotlight: Paul Thompson presented on various programs and special events that were held this Summer. These programs included the Summer Concert Series, Paint and Sip Classes, Movies in the Park, and the Annual Vesper Hall Fish Fry. The Concerts in the Park Series was a free event open to the public and had 14 scheduled concerts. Venders were on sight to sell Ice cream and food during the events. On average, 250-300 people attended each concert series. The free Movie in the Park event, which featured The Incredibles, had around 200 attendees and included face painting, giveaways, and bounce houses. Paint and Sip is a new program being offered through the department and continues to grow as new sessions are being added. The annual Vesper Hall Fish Fry was held in August. This is a fundraising event for the Vesper Hall Site Council. The event sold 99 tickets at $10/ticket and featured a fish dinner and live band. Finances: Finances were not available but will be available at the next meeting. Staff Reports: Staff reviewed their reports. Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman’s Report: None City Council Liaison Report: Ron reported that most residents have positive things to say about all the accomplishments the department has made regarding the Sales Tax projects. A few residents believe that due to the Sales Tax, program fees should be lower. The Sales Tax is mainly being used to improve or add park amenities that everyone can use rather that for program use. Old Business: Dennis reviewed the 2017-2018 Park Sales Tax project costs. The department has managed to save nearly $200,000 from what was originally budgeted for current projects. Dennis also reviewed the 2019 Sales Tax project costs, with an emphasis on the Burrus Old Mill Park renovation set to be completed by the end of May 2019. 1 New Business: New Commission members were assigned to the Park Sales Tax Committee including, George Deibert, Megan Johnson, and Maureen Johnson. Michelle Brown recently passed away and the Commission will be looking to appoint someone to fill the role. Miscellaneous: None As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made by Dena and seconded by Maureen. ___________________________________ Keith Hannaman, Chairman 2