Recreation Commission

FREDERICKSBURG RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of January 16, 2014 The January meeting of the Fredericksburg Recreation Commission was held on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at Maury Commons. The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:05 p.m. Present: Commissioners: George Foster, Marcus Tepaske, Tim Duffy, Matt Kelly, Ken Kroko, Gary Olsen and Susan Tyler. Absent: Calvin Glover and Malvina Kay. Also in attendance: Robert Antozzi and Patricia Sparks. I. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of December 12, 2013 were unanimously approved. II. Public Comment: None. III. Communications from the Director: The Commissioners reviewed the following reports: Financial Report – December 2013 Sports Report – January 2014 Leisure Report – January/February 2014 Follow-Up Report – January 2014 Recreation Commission Members List IV. Noteworthy Dates: The Commissioners reviewed upcoming programs and trips. V. Old Business: A. Pathways – Dr. Antozzi reported that the first two sections of the VCR trail are almost completed. We are working on the financing for the third section. VDOT and Public Works continue to work on solving the problems concerning the pedestrian crossings on Route 3 and Route 1. Dr. Antozzi reported that there will be ADA access from the pathway to the restrooms at Alum Spring Park. B. Riverfront Park – Commissioner Kroko reported that last Monday that the Rappahannock River Task Force and the Design Firm, Rhodeside and Harwell, met for the first time. The Design Firm is committed to getting a lot of information from the community. The Commissioners received a project master schedule from Rhodeside and Harwell for January through August 2014. Local focus groups will be receiving invitations to attend specific meetings. Commissioner Kroko asked if 1  the Commissioners wanted to make any suggestions to the Design Firm in regards to the development of the Riverfront Park. Major items discussed included special events, an amphitheater, stadium seating and a water fountain. Commissioner Tyler is concerned about people and traffic control when entering and leaving the park. The Commissioners also discussed developing the park so that it can be used throughout the entire year. Commissioner Tepaske asked if there was going to be a web site where residents could voice their opinion. Commissioner Kroko stated that he would check on that. C. Jenny Guth Donation - Dr. Antozzi reported that the City is moving forward in acquiring the property. Jenny Guth does not have a lot of restrictions. It is similar to the Bessie Turk property. In the initial evaluation of the property, there was no evidence that there would be any historical, environmental, or utility issues in developing the property as a park. We will be able to build park amenities. . D. Park Signs – Commissioner Tyler reported that the Park sub- committee had visited 16 proposed sites today. The committee indicated that they preferred that all park signs have a city or park logo such that it would identify the park as owned by the City. The committee also determined that a sign for Dixon Park might be more up to date and modern where as a sign for Alum Spring Park would be more rustic. Commissioner Kroko also stated the Design Firm for Riverfront Park would be discussing the park’s signage. VI. New Business: A. December Meeting Date – The Commissioners discussed moving the December Recreation Commission Meeting to the 3rd Thursday in December. Currently, the meeting is on the 2nd Thursday due to the Christmas Holiday. The Commissioners agreed to keep the December meeting as scheduled. The Commissioners discussed the importance of attending the Commission meetings. Commissioner Foster will notify certain Commissioners in writing on this issue. VII. Commission Concerns and Topics: Commissioner Kroko agreed with the discussion on attending the Recreation Commission meetings. Commissioner Olsen noted that the Heritage Trail was shut down by Public Works for about ¾ of a mile where the Canal Path ends at Fall Hill Avenue. Dr. Antozzi stated that he would check on it. 2 Commissioner Tyler stated the Kiosk at Riverfront Park was in bad shape. However, while the subcommittee for Park Signs was out looking at the parks, Mike Ward stated that he would take care of it. She also stated that the Christmas tree at Hurkamp was very nicely done. Meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m. ________________________ ______________ Dr. Antozzi Date Next Meeting February 20, 2014 7:00 p.m. at Maury Commons, Suite 111. 3