Park Commission

Minutes of a Regular Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting February 2, 2021 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Parks Commission was held on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at the Fieldhouse. The Chairman called the meeting to order. George Deibert -- Present Parks Dept. Staff: Dennis Dovel Kathy Richardson – Present 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 - Present A motion was made by Dena Duhon and seconded by Maureen Johnson to accept the Consent Agenda. It passed unanimously. Visitors/Correspondence: None Program/Activity Spotlight: Mary Herrington presented on some of the upcoming new programs parks and recreation is offering to the community. Mary explained that we have been reaching out to other parks departments in the area to help with brainstorming new activities that stay within COVID regulations of Jackson County but also still new and exciting. We are also looking into different ways to promote programs through social media. Mary also presented updates on other programs. For Daddy/Daughter Dance we are very pleased with the number of participants who are enrolled currently. This event will be held at Vesper Hall this year instead of at the Elks Lodge like past years. Kids in the Kitchen is a free program put on by Missouri extension. It teaches children healthy eating habits. Create a Critter is also a new program, like build-a-bear workshop, participants can make their own stuffed animal. Finances: None Staff Reports: Staff reviewed their reports. Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman’s Report: None City Council Liaison Report: None Old Business: Dennis and Dena presented on the status of the Parks Sales Tax Renewal. Dennis explained that we are trying to identify different projects for the next 3 years. Staff is completing the new Capital Improvement Program Forms (CIP) for the projects including Woods Chapel Park Playground Replacement, Concession Roof replacement at Hidden Valley, Paving of Trails, and Ward Park Tennis Court Renovations for Pickleball. Dena reported that we have a team that has agreed to co-chair the Political Action Committee (PAC). Dena explained that we are looking to raise money to start funding marketing for the April 2021 election for the Park Sales Tax Renewal. Some options we are considering for how to accept the money is PayPal, Venmo, paper checks, etc. Trying to focus on the most beneficial option. New Business: None Miscellaneous: None As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made by Megan Johnson and seconded George Deibert. 1