Recreation Commission

FREDERICKSBURG RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of February 21, 2013 The February meeting of the Fredericksburg Recreation Commission was held on Thursday, February 21, 2013 at Maury Commons. The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:05 p.m. Present: Commissioners: Marcus Tepaske, Tim Duffy, Calvin Glover, Matt Kelly and Gary Olsen. Absent: George Foster, Malvina Kay and Susan Tyler. Also in attendance: Robert Antozzi and Sara Bagnato. I. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of January 17, 2013 were approved with one correction. Section 7: Commissioner Comments should read that the Commissioners did open the floor for any new discussions. II. Public Comment: None. III. Communications from the Director: The Commissioners reviewed the following reports: Financial Report – January 2013 Sports Report – January-February 2013 Leisure Report – January-February 2013 Follow-Up Report – January 2013 IV. Noteworthy Dates: The Commissioners reviewed upcoming programs and trips. V. Old Business: A. Pathways – Dr. Antozzi reported that we are almost finished with the punch list for the Heritage Trail. Next week we have a pre- construction conference with Faulconer Construction for the Virginia Central Railway Trail (VCRT). The beginning of the trail is just west of the Irish Pub on Lafayette Blvd. and continues through Alum Spring Park to just short of Route 1. The trail will eventually go across Route 1 to Interstate 95. Commissioner Tepaske asked if there was going to be a link on the Parks and Recreation website for the VCR trail. Dr. Antozzi noted the request. B. Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation Partnership – No update at this time. Commissioner Duffy reported that City schools are working with Bill Lynch to get orientation to the sites. C. Riverfront Park – Commissioner Kelly reported that City Council agreed to do the survey and archeology work. City Council also agreed to go to the ARB to get permission to do the demolition of the Masonic Lodge building, and have staff get a recommendation to City 1  Council on what we can or cannot do concerning the RPA and flood lay issues. At that time, we can then decide on the next step, which may be to look for an actual design/build firm. Currently we cannot do anything until 2015 when English Construction will leave the site. City Council does want to move forward with this project in 2015. . D. Idlewild Park – Dr. Antozzi reported that we are currently looking at a piece of property that belongs to the City. The Village of Idlewide Board has requested use of the property. Dr. Antozzi reported that he and Mike Ward have another 5 acre area that is flatter and safer. It will need to be cleared and prepared. A meeting is scheduled for tomorrow to discuss the options. The Idlewild community will contribute to the improvements. New Business: A. Smoke-Free Parks – Dr. Antozzi reported that the concept of smoke free parks was proposed to City Council. Parks and Recreation staff is proposing that we adopt a Smoke-Free Initiative. The Initiative would request that smokers not smoke within 50 feet of all playgrounds and athletic facilities operated by Parks and Recreation. We are hoping that with the use of signs near all playgrounds and athletic facilities requesting smokers to move away 50 feet, along with peer pressure of other park users, our parks will be safer from the effects of secondhand smoke to non-smokers. Since we are making a request of smokers to simply respect the personal space and welfare of others, we do not need to address the enforcement of a City Code. A motion was made by Commissioner Kelly, seconded by Commissioner Duffy to place signs at City parks and athletic facilities that will read: Please do not smoke within 50 feet of playground and/or athletic facility operated by the City of Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation. Commissioner Kelly – yes Commissioner Glover – yes Commissioner Olsen – no Commissioner Tepaske – no Commissioner Duffy – yes . VII. Commission Concerns and Topics: Dr. Antozzi reported that Ray Gunnell and Jennifer Hellier will be leaving Parks and Recreation. Commissioner Glover asked if there were talks about a minor league baseball team coming to Fredericksburg. Commissioner Kelly stated 2 that four teams were actually interested in coming here. Discussions are ongoing. The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. _____________________________ ______________ Dr. Robert Antozzi, Director Date Next Meeting April 18, 2013, 7:00 p.m. at Maury Commons, Suite 111. 3