Park Commission

Minutes of a Regular Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting June 1, 2021 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Parks Commission was held on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at the Fieldhouse. The Chairman called the meeting to order. Jon Burke -- Present Parks Dept. Staff: Dennis Dovel Kathy Richardson – Absent Parks Dept. Staff: Justin Stuart Keith Hannaman -- Present Parks Dept. Staff: Mary Herrington Maureen Johnson – Absent Parks Dept. Staff: Matthew Asikainen Megan Johnson – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Randy Cooper Dena Duhon – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Jayla Coleman Richard Mitchem – Present City Council Liaison: Susan Culpepper --Present Gabriel Mejia – Present Ken Horrell - Present A motion was made by Jon Burke and seconded by Dena Duhon to accept the Consent Agenda. It passed unanimously. Visitors/Correspondence: Dennis stated that staff received a complaint from a resident behind the softball fields at Young Park. This resident expressed her concern that the lights are too bright and that the LED lights affect the flight of migratory birds and that it was bad for individual’s health. Dennis explained to the resident how streetlight and athletic field lights differ from one another. Program/Activity Spotlight: Delaney Johnson presented on the Spring Youth Soccer League. This is the second season that this program is being held since taking it over last fall. All divisions are co-ed with 387 participants in the fall 2020 season and 585 for the spring 2021 season. There were 78 volunteer coaches for the spring season. Each coach received an equipment bag filled with soccer balls and cones. The soccer season includes 8-games for $60 per participant. Each participant received a game shirt and socks. Divisions are based on USSA and Missouri youth and Soccer Association Birth Year and season matrix. Delaney explained some of the improvements that staff is interested in including continuing to grow each division and separate older divisions and gender. Staff would also like to offer volunteer coaches a coaching clinic/training. Keith asked if there was some sort of communication, we offer the community to interact with them to find out what they would like to see out of the parks and recreation sports programs. Dennis answered that surveys are utilized, and results are presented at later times when the program is held again as means to help promote the program. Finances: Dennis presented on financials. Staff Reports: Staff reviewed their reports. Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman’s Report: None City Council Liaison Report: None Old Business: Mary presented an update on the background check for volunteer coaches’ policy for Parks and Recreation programs. Staff recommends that we do not change any of the standards that we currently follow as these are the standards that the National Recreation and Park Association recommends. All volunteer coaches are required to pass a background check before they can coach. A motion was made by Jon Burke and seconded by Megan Johnson to continue with the current standards that are in place. It passed unanimously. Justin presented on the Fees and Charges for each of our various programs/services. The spreadsheets were reviewed by the Budget Committee on Friday April 30th and they approve of the spreadsheets. Upon approval by the Park Commission as part of the 2021-2022 budget process, it then can be presented to the Finance Department and the City Administrator for approval. A motion was made by Ken Horrell and seconded by Jon Burke to accept the Fees and Charges. It passed unanimously. 1 Dennis presented an update for the Park Sales Tax. Staff is working with contractors at this time to receive pricing and planning for projects scheduled in FY2021-22. We anticipate bidding out the design services for the Aquatics Center beginning next month and anticipate having a contract before City Council at the October 2021 meeting for. Additionally, we will have contract for paving, shelters, playgrounds, and other projects sometime around this meeting. New Business: Keith asked about an update for Southwest South Park. Dennis explained that staff understands the community concerns and wanting updates and projects done now. However, Dennis emphasized that if we rush the schedule, then mistakes will be made which could prolong the process of the project. Staff wants to provide the community with projects that meet our standards as a department. Miscellaneous: Ken brought up an email he received from a resident regarding information and updates about Southwest Park. Ken expressed his concern with ensuring communication between the parks department and residents is being done properly. Dennis answered that staff is being proactive with providing information to the community as the information can be released. As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made by Dena Duhon and seconded by Ken Horrell. 2