Parks & Recreation Committee

PARKS + RECREATION COMMITTEE APRIL 12, 2021 AT 3:00PM MEETING MINUTES IN AN EFFORT TO FACILITATE THE RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19), THIS MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED VIA ZOOM. AN AUDIO OR VIDEO RECORDING OF THE PROCEEDINGS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC WITHIN 48 HOURS. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE, BY LAW, ALLOWED TO ATTEND MEETINGS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE, BUT ARE STRONGLY DISCOURAGED TO DO SO AT THIS TIME. I. PUBLIC COMMENTS Shedrich Webster spoke to the Committee on behalf of Chris Moses who runs Make It Look Easy Basketball League. Mr. Moses is offering a basketball league for highschool students this summer because so many of them missed out on training this past year. The students will be provided with uniforms as well as the opportunity to play and practice with high level coaches at no cost to them. He has proposed to hold the event at Lincoln Homes and the Housing Authority has agreed but required that 6 uniformed officers attend each game. The cost will be $900 a night for all 6 officers and the league will last 8 weeks. Mr. Webster is looking for help covering this cost or possibly reducing the number of officers required at each game. Jennifer Letourneau offered her assistance and asked that Mr. Webster call her to discuss the matter further. Councilperson Richmond thanked Mr. Webster for his time, passion and support in the community. Chris Moses expressed his appreciation for letting Mr. Webster speak to the Committee. Councilperson Richmond thanked Mr. Moses for his contribution. II. CALL TO ORDER The meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee was called to order by Chairperson Richmond at 3:10 p.m. on April 12, 2021. Parks + Recreation Committee Minutes Page | 2 April 13, 2021 III. ANNOUNCE MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE Councilperson Vondell Richmond Councilperson Ashlee Evans Councilperson Karen Reynolds Councilperson Richard Garrett (arrived late) Councilperson DaJuan Little (arrived late) IV. APPROVAL OF ELECTRONIC MEETING In order to comply with the technical aspects of the Governor’s Executive Order regarding holding open meetings in a forum other than in the open and in public, this committee determines that meeting electronically is necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Councilperson Evans made a motion to approve the electronic meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Reynolds. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. V. ADOPTION OF MEETING MINUTES ● March 08, 2021 Councilperson Reynolds made a motion to adopt the minutes as presented. Councilperson Evans seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken and the motion to adopt the minutes passed without objection. VI. COUNCIL ACTION None VII. NEW BUSINESS None VIII. OLD BUSINESS ● Discussion: Regional Recreation Center - Timeline Jennifer Letourneau presented the Committee with a tentative timeline for the purchase of the land for the regional recreation center. Parks + Recreation Committee Minutes Page | 3 April 13, 2021 Councilperson Reynolds inquired if the purchase would be for 10 acres or all 20 acres. Jennifer Letourneau responded that it would only be for the original 10 acres. Councilperson Reynolds also asked how long between the purchase and the RFP, generally. Jennifer Letourneau replied that it would depend on several factors but estimated it would take 2-3 months. Councilperson Evans wanted to know the status of the appraisal. Jennifer Letourneau informed her that it has been completed and is with the City’s Project Manager but she has not seen it yet. (Councilperson Little joined the meeting) IX. DEPARTMENT REPORTS ● Human Resources Report Jennifer Letourneau reviewed the open positions within the Department including lifeguards, cashiers, cart attendants, and a Crew Chief. ● Meet New Staff Members Jennifer Letourneau introduced new staff members, Sarah Birk, Jeffery Wallace, and Edward Schneck to the Committee. ● Red River Trailhead Grand Opening Jennifer Letourneau invited the Committee members to the Red River East Trailhead Grand Opening on April 24th at 10:00 a.m. She also mentioned the Day in the Park event at Heritage Park that will be held that same day at 1:00 p.m. (Councilperson Garrett joined the meeting) Councilperson Garrett asked if the Regional Recreation Center had already been discussed. Jennifer Letourneau gave him a brief summary. Councilperson Richmond wanted to know if any specific dates were known. Jennifer Letourneau stated that they could make the offer on the original 10 acres as early as tomorrow if needed. Parks + Recreation Committee Minutes Page | 4 April 13, 2021 Councilperson Garrett asked if there was an option to make an offer on the additional 10 acres once an appraisal was completed. Jennifer Letourneau replied that she would like to do the RFP and get public input first to determine how much land would be needed. Councilperson Garrett suggested a letter of intent be issued for the purchase of the additional 10 acres. Jennifer Letourneau responded that she would get in touch with the Purchasing Department for guidance. Councilperson Reynolds asked if the additional 10 acres were viable for athletic fields. Jennifer Letourneau replied that the original 10 acres are fairly flat and without sinkholes but sinkholes are present in the additional 10 acres. Jennifer Letourneau stated that she will share a topographic map with the Committee members. X. ADJOURNMENT Councilperson Little made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Councilperson Evans seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken. The motion to adjourn the meeting at 3:31 p.m. passed without objection. Meeting minutes were prepared by Leigh Harpel. Minutes were approved on May 10, 2021.