Recreation Commission

FREDERICKSBURG RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of October 16, 2014 The October meeting of the Fredericksburg Recreation Commission was held on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at Maury Commons. The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:05 p.m. Present: Commissioners Marcus Tepaske, Gary Olsen, George Foster, John Gordon III, and Susan Tyler. Absent: James Bailey, Tim Duffy, and Ken Kroko. Also in attendance: Robert Antozzi. I. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of September 18, 2014 were unanimously approved. II. Public Comment: None III. Communications from the Director: The Commissioners reviewed the following reports: Financial Report – September 2014 Sports Report – October 2014 Leisure/Special Events Report – October/November 2014 IV. Noteworthy Dates: The Commissioners reviewed upcoming programs and trips. The correct date for basketball registration is October 21st for City residents and October 28th for Non-City residents. V. Old Business: A. Pathways – Dr. Antozzi reported that the official opening of Phase I and Phase II of the VCR Trail, held on Saturday, September 20, 2014, went very well. The last section of the VCR Trail, across from Rt. 1, is under construction. There has been a slight modification made at the pedestrian crossing at the intersection of the Blue and Gray Parkway. Vehicular traffic turning right from Lafayette Boulevard heading south onto the Blue and Gray Parkway now have an extended time. The police are monitoring the vehicular traffic; however, they have had more concerns with pedestrian violations when crossing the Blue and Gray Parkway. B. Riverfront Park – Dr. Antozzi referenced an email from Commissioner Kroko sent to the Commissioners in regards to a reduction of the cost estimate for Riverfront Park from $19 million to $9.2 million. Most of the reduction is in materials, not the design. Commissioner Olsen questioned why the City had an open bid and not a set amount. Residents are getting agitated about spending money. The 1  reduction of the cost estimate seems like a lot. Dr. Antozzi stated that it is not unusual for this type of circumstance to have a large difference when city residents are open to express their desires and opinions regarding park design. C. Park Signs – Commissioner Tepaske asked if the Commissioners had received any feedback from the community on the sample vinyl sign placed on the fence at the Dixon Pool. Commissioner Tyler stated that you could not see the sign unless you pull into the park. Dr. Antozzi stated that we are waiting on Phil Brown to see if he can edit/update the logo. Once we have heard from Phil Brown, we will bring the final design back to the Commission for their approval. The Commissioners were encouraged to drive by the park and look at the vinyl sign. D. Bridge at Alum Spring Park – Mike Ward is drafting a letter to the City Manager on behalf of the Commission requesting that the Alum Bridge move forward on the FY 2015 CIP. VI. New Business: A. 28th Annual Parks & Recreation Commission Awards Banquet – A motion was made by Commissioner Tyler, seconded by Commissioner Gordon and unanimously approved to honor the following volunteers at the 28th Annual Volunteer Awards Banquet. Sunshine Lady Foundation Contributor of the Year: WBQB 101.5 $64,600 Sports Volunteer of the Year: Ken & Sarah Wallace - 300 hours New Volunteer Coach of the Year: Willis Twum – 150 hours Alvin Staples Leisure Volunteer of the Year Award: Tanya Stephens and the Chaplin Youth Center Hall of Fame Award: Nick Eissen – 1,323 hours (Tax Preparer) Pam Jewett-Bullock – 1,320 hours (Tax Preparer) Special Support Award: The Fredericksburg Youth Football Boosters Club Meritorious Service Awards: (500 hours or $5,000) 2  Justin Childress, Eric Keeler, Sarah Laperle, Ralph Lewis, Ken Wallace, Sarah Wallace, Mary Washington Healthcare Distinguished Meritorious Service Award: (1,000 hours or $10,000) Tim Bahre, Charles “Bill” Stanton, Ray Thomas with Weekend Bassers, Play it Again Sports (Michael Donahue), Roxbury Farm and Garden Center Golden Partnership Award: (2000 hours or $100,000) Romel Turner Diamond Partnership Award: (4000 hours or $200,000) None Excellence in Service Award: (10 years of service then increments of 5) Wendy Stone (25 years), Linda Bailey (20 years), Michael Ward (15 years), Romel Turner (10 years) Recreation Commission Award: Fredericksburg Parent & Family Magazine Parks and Recreation Staff Appreciation Award: The City Attorney’s Office Eagle Scout Award: Evan Barnes Connor Benhase Philip Wiltenmuth Jonathan Herman Zach Klinefelter Caleb Stark Past Recreation Commissioners: Malvina Kay Calvin Glover Matt Kelly VII. Commission Concerns and Topics: Commissioner Olsen stated that he had been approached by a resident in reference to getting on the VCR Trail from the parking lot at Alum Spring Park. There is an unpaved, muddy embankment leading up to the trail. Dr. Antozzi reported that the problem is from the construction company who inappropriately redesigned the back vehicular entrance to Alum Spring Park. Once the entire path is completed, then we will focus on correcting the back entrance to the park and the pathway. Commissioner Olsen stated that the trees at the tennis courts were cut down. Residents are upset because the trees provide shade in the summer and a light barrier for the apartment complex across the street. 3 The City’s Arborist evaluates and determines the fate of the City’s trees. Commissioners Olsen asked the status of placing a “No Skateboarding” sign on the tennis courts. Dr. Antozzi reported that the sign is being made. Commissioner Olsen noted that the new Canal Path under Fall Hill is very nice. He inquired as to whether porta potties would be placed throughout the pathway. Dr. Antozzi stated he would speak to staff. Lastly, Commissioner Olsen referenced an article in the paper stating that Parks and Recreation asked the Economic Development Authority for funding assistance for the art show. Dr. Antozzi stated that Tiffany Capehart submitted the grant application. Commissioner Foster stated that there were only three teams in the senior soccer division. They played each other repeatedly. He suggested that we reduce the number of players on each team and have more teams. Dr. Antozzi stated that he will talk to Mike Ward. Commissioner Gordon reported that Mike Ward, Justin Bullock and Jillian Franklin met with Mary Crismon, Fredericksburg City School Activities Director, about establishing a coach’s clinic for each individual sport beginning with basketball. This will help the Parks and Recreation coaches and help prepare children playing high school sports. Commissioner Tepaske asked if there had been an assault on the Canal Pathway. Dr. Antozzi reported that someone approached a woman, however, the woman ran the person off. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. ________________________ ______________ Dr. Robert K. Antozzi Date 28th Annual Awards Banquet, November 20, 2014 Next Regular Meeting December 11, 2014 7:00 p.m. at Maury Commons, Suite 111. 4