Recreation Commission

FREDERICKSBURG RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of July 17, 2014 The July meeting of the Fredericksburg Recreation Commission was held on Thursday, July 17, 2014 at Maury Commons. The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:00 p.m. Present: Commissioners Marcus Tepaske, Tim Duffy, John Gordon, George Foster, Ken Kroko (arrived late), and Gary Olsen. Absent: James Bailey and Susan Tyler. Also in attendance: Wendy Stone and Patricia Sparks I. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of June 19, 2014 were unanimously approved. II. Public Comment: Mr. Stephen Craig, President, Fredericksburg Area Trail Management and User Group (FATMUG), made a presentation to the Recreation Commission on developing a destination-quality mountain bike trail on the City of Fredericksburg property around the Motts Run Reservoir. FATMUG is a chapter of the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA). The proposed bike trail is approximately a 12 mile loop around the reservoir. The bike trail will be independent from the existing walking trails in order to avoid any potential user conflict. FATMUG is proposing a “stacked-loop” system in which the trail nearest the trail head provides terrain suitable for the novice rider. The trail furthest from the trail head will provide a more challenging terrain suitable for the advanced rider. Stephen Craig addressed concerns from the Commissioners that included liability insurance, funding, who will be responsible for building and maintaining the proposed trail, safety concerns and parking during the off season of Motts. The parking issue during the off season can be easily resolved by expanding the entrance area. Mr. Stephen Craig stated that FATMUG volunteers will fund, build and maintain the bike trail. The Commissioners asked Stephen Craig if he had information on the impact on parks or additional services needed by adding a bike trail. Mr. Stephen Craig stated that he would do some research and respond to the Commission. The Commissioners unanimously agreed to endorse the new bike trail loop at Motts Run Reservoir as proposed by FATMUG. Commissioner Tepaske will draft an endorsement letter to FATMUG. III. Communications from the Director: The Commissioners reviewed the following reports: FY 2015 Budget Sports Report – July, 2014 Leisure/Special Events Report – July/August 2014 1  Recreation Commission List Updated 7/14/14 IV. Noteworthy Dates: The Commissioners reviewed upcoming programs and trips. V. Old Business: A. Pathways – Wendy Stone reported that the solar-powered trash compactor has been installed at the trail head at Riverside Drive. The other two trash compactors should be installed in the upcoming weeks. Wendy Stone reported that there has not been much change on the construction of the pathway. The City continues to work on the issue of crossing the Blue Gray Parkway. B. Riverfront Park – The Commissioners received an updated rendering for Riverfront Park. Commissioner Kroko stated that this rendering is not final. Meetings are scheduled with the Corp of Engineers, Kevin Hutt, The Chesapeake Bay Authority and also with the ARB. Commissioner Kroko reviewed the rendering with the Commissioners. The Riverfront Park Task Force has not made any recommendations or decisions in reference to the Masonic Lodge building and its historical value. Wendy Stone asked if restrooms and parking concerns were being addressed. Commissioner Kroko stated that parking and bathrooms will be addressed. C. Park Signs - Commissioner Tepaske reported that there is no new information to report. He will be speaking with Mike Ward in reference to having a vinyl sign made before making a final decision. Wendy Stone suggested that Tiffany Capehart, Special Event and Marketing Coordinator for Parks and Recreation, assist with the development or the updating of the park logo for the city park signs. Commissioner Gordon stated that he would like to see the logo. Commissioner Tepaske will email him the proposed logo. VI. New Business: August 21, 2014 Commission Meeting – Commissioner Kroko made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foster, and unanimously approved to cancel the August 21, 2014 Recreation Commission Meeting. The Recreation Commission will reconvene September. VII. Commission Concerns and Topics: 2 Commissioner Olsen stated that the new Pickleball Court is great, however, the place it is located is where skateboarders use to skate. Now they are using the tennis courts for skateboarding. Commissioner Olsen suggested that a non-removable sign be placed at the tennis courts stating “NO SKATEBOARDING ALLOWED ON COURTS.” Commissioner Olsen stated the he attended the Jenny Guth reception. He was told that a 1600 century home had been taken down on the property that she has now turned over to the City. The bricks from the home were left on the property in a pile. A suggestion was made to inventory and secure the bricks as soon as possible. Suggestions were made for future use of the bricks. Wendy Stone will speak to Mike Ward to get the bricks inventoried and secured. Commissioner Kroko requested that the “Naming of the Pool” be placed on the agenda as either old or new business. Commissioner Kroko referenced the car that floated down the creek at Alum Spring Park. It ended up almost to Route 3. In order to prevent this from happening again, he suggested placing a cable across a few yards down the creek. Wendy Stone stated that she will certainly ask staff for their suggestions. Commissioner Gordon asked about the usage of the baseball fields across from Bragg Hill. He would like see more feeder programs developed for City children between the schools and Parks and Recreation. We need to reach out to the younger children to help them develop the skills to play ball in middle and high school. Wendy Stone stated that we have an entire staff that would like to have a school representative to contact in reference to developing feeder programs. We can work together in holding camps, clinics and developmental programs that will benefit both Parks and Recreation, the school system and the children. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. ________________________ ______________ Wendy Stone Date Next Meeting September 18, 2014 7:00 p.m. at Maury Commons, Suite 111. 3