Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

Bristol Tennessee Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes November 7, 2019 6:00 p.m. Steele Creek Park Nature Center Present: Caden Meyers Sherry Willinger Susi Chandler Justin Hutchison Butch Downs Kate White Mahlon Luttrell Guest: Steve Sheffield Staff: Terry Napier Jennifer Sheffield Absent: David Akard Curt Rutherford Ronda Baker Bennett Cowan Lance Tudor I. Call to Order- 6:06 pm II. Approval of September 5, 2019 Meeting Minutes- Mahlon made a motion to approve the minutes and Justin seconds the motion. Motion passes with unanimous vote. III. Old Business  Nature Center Expansion Report- Terry stated that the expansion is almost complete.  Beaver Creek South Greenway Progress Report- Terry mentioned that the Beaver Creek maps will be ready for final review possibly by January.  Pickleball Courts/Patterson Park Report- Courts were cleaned and cracks have been filled. Terry stated that as weather allows, the work will continue. IV. New Business  Bristol TN Little League (President Steve Sheffield) - Steve introduced himself mentioning that he has been a part of the Little League for 19 years. He announced that he is now the Assistant District Administrator and as he takes on this role he has had the chance to review other leagues in the district and Bristol Little League is the only one that requires an early lights curfew. He also mentioned that the league had 30 teams last season.  Field Curfew on School Nights- Steve requested to omit the 9 pm lights curfew on school nights. He brought to attention the fact that with so many teams, it is too hard to get all games in with a 9 pm curfew. He mentioned that it would be just like middle school ball. Steve stated that there has to be 4 completed innings in order for a game to be considered as a full game completed. Terry asked if he had reached out to Little League to see if they can make changes to their rules to fix the issue. Steve also mentioned that Saturdays were not an option as T-ball plays on the fields on Saturdays and there is a problem getting umpires on Saturdays due to travel ball. Mahlon suggested that the league use the Senior League field by moving the bases and using a temporary fence. He mentioned that rest is important. Steve posed concern by stating that umpires may be an issue with additional fields during already scheduled games. The first games are scheduled 5:30 pm to 7 pm. The second game is scheduled to start at 7:15/7:20 following the first game. Terry asked if Bristol Little League would be willing to have  principals of schools sign off on changes to the light curfew. Steve complied stating that he would talk with principals. Steve also pointed out that parents were upset that games aren’t being completed and they pay for their kids to play. Steve commented saying that other leagues do not have curfews. Little League actually wants 6 innings to be played but 4 is enough to consider a game complete. Terry asked Steve “What efforts has Little League taken to grow in recruiting umpires?” Steve responded that the league pays $35 to umpires and all other leagues pay umpires as well. Volunteers are hard to come by. Mahlon asked if there was a District 5 umpire list. Steve responded by saying that there was only 4 in the district. Steve also pointed out that there is an appointed Umpire in Chief that recruits throughout the year. There is also an appointed Information Officer that posts recruiting material. Terry made the suggestion to keep the curfew the same without school support but could revisit the issue after the league contacts schools. Steve stated that the league plans on being more strict this year. Steve asked to be given a year to prove that the league can get kids home by a decent time. He also asked if the request for school approvals applied to just middle schools as that would be the age group of the kids that would be playing the later games and effected by the curfew change. Terry requested approval from both Middle Schools and Elementary Schools to change the curfew from 9pm to 9:30 pm. Justin stated that he would be willing to vote for the extended curfew if schools signed off on the curfew extension.  Registration/fee requirements for both spring and fall ball seasons- Terry pointed out that there is a $15 fee for residents and $25 fee for non- resident players per season. Steve requested that there be only one required fee and only one waiver to be signed for the whole year. Terry stated that the city recognizes 2 seasons in the year being played just as Little League does. The League charges a $75 registration fee in the spring and a $35.00 registration fee in the fall. Mahlon asked if the league had sponsors to help offset some of the cost. Steve responded stating that the league does have sponsors and the money gets divided between all kids to offset some cost. Steve thanked everyone for their time and stated that he will meet with schools to gain approval.  Staffing Changes  April Norris to City Admin / Purchasing Agent  Recreation Programmer Position vacant  Jenny Sheffield to Public Works Secretary  Secretary II Position vacant  Steven Berry, P&F Superintendent – December Retirement  Restructure with two Superintendents – Parks / Facilities  Building Maintenance Specialist position vacant  Park & Facility Worker Position vacant  Total of 7 full time positions available  Youth Basketball- 5th and 6th grade age group had been merged to coed teams. There is an issue with gym space. School gyms are requested and the city is left to rely on the schools to comply posing some issues with other school events being scheduled.    Maintenance Activities  Nature Center Kids Room- The Friends of Steele Creek Park group raised the funding for the kids room.  Ball Field Maintenance- Infield mix has been ordered early in hopes to avoid problems like last year. Friendship Fields have been top dressed and the removal of grass on the T-ball field has started.  General Park Maintenance- Terry stated that winterizing takes a lot of time and maintenance never slows down in the winter.  2020 Meeting Schedule- January meeting has been moved from the 2nd to the 9th.  January 9 March 5 May 7 July 2 September 3 November 5 V. Board Comments:  Suzi- thanked Jenny for taking thorough notes. She also thanked Terry for the natural water bar that was created to fix the trail erosion.  Sherri- Showed concern about turning the golf course into a camping area. She stated that golf is an attraction for visitors and good for the seniors in our community. Terry stated that golf play is in decline and the city loses around $80,000 a year with golf course maintenance and operations.  Justin- Said that he appreciates Mr. Sheffield for taking the time to come out and discuss issues and requests. He also commented that he was excited about the leaves changing on the trails.  Mahlon- addressed Steve and mentioned that he appreciated his passion and encouraged him to keep at it and that it will pay off.  Kate- Thanked Steve for his involvement and said that the league was really important for our community. She also stated that she was glad that the Commission met at the Nature Center and that the space was very nice. She mentioned that she wants to bring Kindergarten to visit.  Caden- Agreed with Kate that the Nature Center space was very nice. He also asked if there was any rules to protect girls vs. boys playing time. Terry responded by saying that there was a minute requirement.  Jenny- Thanked everyone for allowing her to be a part of the Commission meetings and stated that she has greatly enjoyed it. VI. Next Meeting Date: January 9 VII. Adjourn: 7:35pm