Park Commission

Minutes of a Regular Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting January 5, 2021 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Parks Commission was held on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at the Fieldhouse. The Chairman called the meeting to order. George Deibert -- Present Parks Dept. Staff: Dennis Dovel Kathy Richardson – Absent Parks Dept. Staff: Justin Stuart Keith Hannaman -- Present Parks Dept. Staff: Mary Herrington Maureen Johnson – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Randy Cooper Megan Johnson – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Matt Asikainen Dena Duhon – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Jayla Coleman Richard Mitchem – Present City Council Liaison: Galen Ericson -- Present Gabriel Mejia – Present Ken Horrell - Absent A motion was made by Dena Duhon and seconded by Megan Johnson to accept the Consent Agenda. It passed unanimously. Visitors/Correspondence: None Program/Activity Spotlight: Mary Herrington presented on Holiday Meals at Vesper Hall. Traditionally, over 400 patrons were served at both the Thanksgiving and Christmas luncheons. With Vesper being closed, staff brainstormed on how we can still offer a nice holiday meal to patrons. Marty reached out to MARC about a drive- thru option. Patrons would sign up for a designated time to pick up their hot lunch. MARC agreed to both the Thanksgiving and Christmas luncheons. Because of the drive-thru option, we were able to serve an additional 200 patrons at each lunch, in addition to our HDM recipients. Aside from holiday meals, we are still serving an average of 80 HDM per day. Finances: None Staff Reports: Staff reviewed their reports. Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman’s Report: This meeting was held virtually due to restrictions placed by Jackson County Health Department. Keith requested that the meeting be switched to Zoom meetings instead of GoTo Webinar. Dennis explained that the city provides Microsoft Teams as another option of meeting virtually. Dennis said that he will discuss options for future virtual meetings with staff. City Council Liaison Report: None Old Business: Dennis and Dena presented on the current status of the Parks Sales Tax Renewal. Dena reported what the potential options there were in moving forward for the renewal. The park sales tax sub-committee recommended that April 2021 is the best option to present to city council. This option would need to be presented to city council by January 19th. Dena stated that with commitment from everyone involved this can be done. Dennis explained that April 2021 is best instead of April 2022 because we are aiming to be first on the ballot. A renewal of the sales tax in April 2021 with a 20-year sunset is the recommendation. Dena made a motion to accept the Parks Sales Tax sub-committee recommendations and seconded by Megan Johnson. It passed unanimously. New Business: None Miscellaneous: None As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made by Dena Duhon and seconded Maureen Johnson. 1