Recreation Commission

FREDERICKSBURG RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of April 17, 2014 The April meeting of the Fredericksburg Recreation Commission was held on Thursday, April 17, 2014 at Maury Commons. The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:00 p.m. Present: Commissioners Marcus Tepaske, Tim Duffy, Matt Kelly, Ken Kroko, Gary Olsen (arrived late) and Susan Tyler. Absent: George Foster, Calvin Glover and Malvina Kay. Also in attendance: Robert Antozzi and Patricia Sparks. I. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of March 20, 2014 were unanimously approved. II. Public Comment: None III. Communications from the Director: The Commissioners reviewed the following reports: Financial Reports – February & March 2014 Sports Report – April 2014 Leisure/Special Events Report – March/April 2014 Email to PR&PF from Meg Raymond – Doggie Easter Egg Hunt IV. Noteworthy Dates: The Commissioners reviewed upcoming programs and trips. V. Old Business: A. Pathways – Dr. Antozzi referenced The Free Lance-Star article published on Monday, April 14, 2014 in regards to the Virginia Railway Trail project. Due to the snow and rain, construction crews have found it difficult to work. The trail is scheduled to open in approximately two months. Work has begun on the third section of the trail on the west side of Route 1. Dr. Antozzi reported that he was contacted by Fredericksburg Area Trail Maintenance User Group (FATMUG) in regards to establishing a mountain bike trail around Motts Reservoir. The bike trail will be built and maintained by FATMUG and will not affect the reservoir or the hiking trails at Motts. B. Riverfront Park – Commissioner Kroko reported that the Design Firm, Rhodeside and Harwell, made a presentation to the Riverfront Task Force on the information collected from the surveys and open houses. The design firm consolidated the information and presented five or six preliminary designs for the park. The design firm will host an open 1  house/presentation at the Dorothy Hart Community Center on May 3rd. from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The design firm will continue to reach out to the community for their desires and needs for the Riverfront Park. C. Jenny Guth Donation - Dr. Antozzi reported that the City Attorney and Jenny Guth continue to discuss the section of her property that is needed for the widening of Fall Hill Avenue. The discussions are going quite well. . D. Park Signs – Commissioner Tepaske stated that there is no new information to report. E. Whitewater Park – Dr. Antozzi reported that the City does own the dam, canal, and, Eric Nelson, Assistant City Planner, is 99.9% sure that the City also owns Ficklen Island. Commissioner Tepaske stated that he would draft a letter to Scott Thomas updating him on the information on the property in question. It would be up to Scott Thomas to secure an engineering firm to study the feasibility for developing the designated property into a whitewater park. VI. New Business: None VII. Commission Concerns and Topics: Commissioner Duffy asked Commissioner Kroko if the Riverfront Task Force is looking at the surrounding property and how it will relate to the park. Commissioner Kroko stated “absolutely.” Commissioner Olsen asked if the island adjacent to the Riverfront Park is included in the study and development of the park. Commissioner Kroko said the island is included in the development. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. ________________________ ______________ Dr. Antozzi Date Next Meeting May 15, 2014 7:00 p.m. at Maury Commons, Suite 111. 2