Parks & Recreation Committee

PARKS + RECREATION COMMITTEE OCTOBER 14, 2019 AT 3:00PM CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM, 4​TH​ FLOOR MEETING MINUTES I. PUBLIC COMMENTS None II. CALL TO ORDER The meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee was called to order by Councilperson Streetman at 3:00 p.m. on October 14, 2019, in the City Hall Conference Room. III. ANNOUNCE MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE Councilperson Travis Holleman Councilperson Stacey Streetman Others in Attendance: Mayor Joe Pitts and Parks & Recreation Staff Councilpersons Valerie Guzman, Vondell Richmond and Richard Garrett were absent. There was not a quorum. IV. ADOPTION OF MEETING MINUTES ● September 9, 2019 Due to a lack of quorum, the minutes from September’s meeting will be considered at the next meeting. V. COUNCIL ACTION None VI. DEPARTMENT REPORTS ● Meet New Staff Members Jennifer Letourneau introduced eight (8) new and recently promoted employees. Councilperson Streetman thanked each one individually for their service. Parks and Recreation Committee Minutes Page | 2 October 30, 2019 ● Project Update Jennifer Letourneau updated the Committee on current and future projects including Burt Cobb Recreation Center, the Greenway, Trice Landing, Billy Dunlop, Dixon Park and the Golf Courses. Councilperson Streetman inquired about the Heritage Park soccer field lighting. Jennifer Letourneau responded that it had been completed. ● Human Resources Report Jennifer Letourneau reported on the positions that are still vacant in Maintenance, Special Events, and Administration. Dan Carpenter noted that part-time positions in Aquatics, Athletics and the Recreation Centers are also available. VII. COMMITTEE ACTION ● Reschedule November Meeting Due to Holiday The next Committee meeting is scheduled for November 11, Veterans Day. Schedules were discussed and a new date of November 12 was decided. ● Discussion: Electric Scooter Legislation (Councilperson Holleman) Councilperson Holleman recently visited Knoxville, TN and observed how the scooter program was governed. The program utilizes geofencing and scooters are picked up at 8:00 p.m every night. Scooters must be ridden on the road and users are fined if found riding on the sidewalk. He noted that scooters are not allowed on UT’s campus. Jennifer Letourneau voiced concerns about the effects scooters would have on the Department as well as the community. Michelle Austin applauded Councilperson Holleman for being proactive when others have had to be reactive. Councilperson Streetman voiced her support of a prohibition of electric scooters as they are a safety concern. Councilperson Holleman reported that APSU is conducting a survey of their students on this topic. Councilman Holleman will draft legislation for review at the next Committee Meeting. ● Mayor Pitts commended the Department for the work on the Sidney R. Brown Park at Birchwood. He also thanked Trey Stroud for stepping in as the Market Manager mid-season. TNT Wrestling Group has been calling Councilmembers and the Mayor. The group’s rental violations were discussed. They will not be allowed to rent the facility right now and the decision will be re-evaluated in January. Parks and Recreation Committee Minutes Page | 3 October 30, 2019 ● Councilperson Streetman complemented the CADS walk held over the weekend. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Councilperson Streetman made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Councilperson Holleman seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 3:24 pm.