Recreation Commission

FREDERICKSBURG RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of December 12, 2013 The December meeting of the Fredericksburg Recreation Commission was held on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at Maury Commons. The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:15 p.m. Present: Commissioners: Marcus Tepaske, Malvina Kay, Matt Kelly, Gary Olsen and Susan Tyler. Absent: Timothy Duffy, George Foster, Calvin Glover, and Ken Kroko. Also in attendance: Robert Antozzi and Patricia Sparks. I. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of October 17, 2013 were unanimously approved. II. Public Comment: None. III. Communications from the Director: The Commissioners reviewed the following reports: Sports Report – November – December 2013 Leisure Report – November-December 2013 Follow-Up Report – December 2013 Letter from RCASA – Ltr. of Thanks Letter from Paws & Whiskers Vendor – Ltr. of Thanks 2014 Recreation Commission Meeting dates City map – Dr. Antozzi placed a map of the city on the wall at Maury Commons for use during the Commission Meetings. IV. Noteworthy Dates: The Commissioners reviewed upcoming programs and trips. V. Old Business: A. Pathways – Dr. Antozzi reported that the Heritage Trail is done. Construction on the VCR trail is about one month behind schedule due to weather conditions. Dr. Antozzi reported that there is an issue in the construction of the pedestrian crossing and vehicular traffic on the Blue Grey Parkway. The state is taking a very long time working on the safety issues in regards to coordinating the signal lights. B. Riverfront Park – Dr. Antozzi reported that he and Kathleen Dooley just completed reviewing the park proposal from Rhodeside and Harwell. The proposal was sent back to them today. Both attorneys are in agreement and feel that the park proposal will be signed tomorrow. . 1 VI. New Business: A. Jenny Guth Donation – Dr. Antozzi presented the Commissioners with a map outlining the property that Jenny Guth is proposing to donate to the City. Dr. Antozzi stated that the City is currently negotiating with Jenny Guth. Dr. Antozzi stated that the property is located off Fall Hill Avenue near the Sunshine Ball Park. It has walking trails with grassy areas and would be similar to Alum Spring Park. B. Park Ordinance Policy Changes – The Commissioners reviewed the City Park Ordinance changes. The City Attorney would like to get the changes approved by the Commission and take it to Council as soon as possible. Commissioner Kelly stated that there are no real changes in the current policy. It is more to streamline the current park policy codes into one section. It will also address camping issues in our public parks. A motion was made by Commissioner Tyler, seconded by Gary Olsen and unanimously approved to adopt the Park Ordinance Policy changes as presented. VII. Commission Concerns and Topics: Commissioner Olsen complimented Parks and Recreation for the map on the web of the trail system. Very well done. Commissioner Olsen inquired as to how trees or shrubs are planted in public spaces. Commissioner Kelly stated that there needs to be communication with the City prior to planting any trees or shrubs on City property. The tree -planting concept is great, but it should be done in the context of the public property. Parks and Recreation should be notified prior to planting trees in a park to discuss and determine potential recreation use of the property. Commissioner Kelly recommended that prior to planting trees or shrubs, it must be approved by the Recreation Commission. Commissioner Tyler thanked Parks and Recreation staff for the treats provided tonight. Dr. Antozzi expressed his concerns on developing the parks signs. Mike Ward would like to move forward on developing park entrance signs. Dr. Antozzi stated that Mike Ward recommended that the Recreation Commissioners appoint a subcommittee to work with him to research the park entrance signage issues. The Commissioners agreed , and Commissioners Tepaske and Tyler volunteered to be on the subcommittee. Commissioner Tepaske asked if the Commissioners could get an updated roster. He also asked about having the meeting date for December moved to the third Thursday of the month. The Commission normally meets the second Thursday in December due to the holidays. 2 Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. ________________________ ______________ Dr. Antozzi Date Next Meeting January 16, 2014 7:00 p.m. at Maury Commons, Suite 111. 3