Recreation Commission

FREDERICKSBURG RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of December 11, 2014 The December meeting of the Fredericksburg Recreation Commission was held on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at Maury Commons. The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:11 p.m. Present: Commissioners Gary Olsen, James Bailey, Tim Duffy, George Foster (arrived late), Ken Kroko, Sharon Null and Susan Tyler. Absent: Dr. John Gordon, III and Marcus Tepaske. Also in attendance: Robert Antozzi and Patricia Sparks. The Commissioners welcomed their newest member, Sharon Null. I. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of October 16, 2014 were unanimously approved with one correction. Under Commission Concerns and Topics: Commissioner Olsen stated that the minutes of the last meeting should reflect that he had inquired as to whether a single porta pottie could be placed at the Fall Hill path parking lot. The correction was made. II. Public Comment: None III. Communications from the Director: The Commissioners reviewed the following reports: Financial Report – November 2014 Sports Report – November/December 2014 Leisure/Special Events Report – November/December 2014 and January 2015 Ltr. from Clerk of Council to Ms. Sharon Null 2015 Commission Meeting Dates Updated Commission List IV. Noteworthy Dates: The Commissioners reviewed upcoming programs and trips. V. Old Business: A. Pathways – Dr. Antozzi reported that there is not much to update. Phase I and II are completed. Work continues on the section across Route 1. February or March is the anticipated completion date. Commissioner Olsen asked Dr. Antozzi if he was involved in the discussions relating to the revitalization of the Old Silk District. Dr. Antozzi reported that he has been involved in the discussions. A proposal has been made to develop the property into shops and condominiums. A concern 1  regarding the development of this property is that a two-lane vehicular bridge would be constructed from Princess Anne Street over the Rappahannock River Heritage Trail to the parking lot. The Pathways Steering Committee met, discussed and submitted a letter to the City Manager, which included their concerns and what they would prefer for the development of the property. B. Riverfront Park – Commissioner Kroko reported that on November 25, 2014, George Solley addressed City Council on behalf of the Riverfront Task Force, asking that City Council to reverse the ARB’s recommendation to not tear down the Masonic Lodge on Sophia Street. City Council determined that there was not enough architectural background history to save the structure and overturned the ARB’s recommendation. Commissioner Kroko stated that in January the Riverfront Task Force could begin working on the next planning phase. C. Park Signs – Commissioner Tyler stated that we are waiting on Phil Brown to determine 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. D. Bridge at Alum Spring Park – Dr. Antozzi reported that Commissioner Tepaske received a letter from Mike Ward that was submitted to the City Manager. The letter requested that the Alum Bridge project be placed on the FY 2016 CIP. Commissioner Duffy stated that it is on the 2016 CIP list. It is not high on the list at this time, but it is on the list. Commissioner Duffy stated that he has a meeting scheduled with Mike Ward to discuss the bridge at Alum Spring Park. VI. New Business: A. Recreation Commission Volunteer Award List – The Commissioners received two documents in reference to the Volunteer Awards that are presented at the Awards Banquet. The Commissioners agreed to appoint a sub-committee in January to review the award categories. B. Commission Retreat – Dr. Antozzi reported that staff has asked about having a retreat with the Commissioners to discuss the goals and initiatives of the Parks and Recreation Department. Dr. Antozzi stated that both Parks and Recreation and the Commissioners need to have common goals and objectives. Dr. Antozzi suggested having lunch at noon, followed by some brainstorming/ goal-setting sessions. Commissioner Kroko recommended a Saturday meeting ranging from 10-2 pm. Commissioner Duffy favors having the retreat. It will be beneficial to both staff and Commissioners. Commissioner Kroko recommended that the Commissioners meet first, prior to meeting with staff, to discuss their goals and objectives. Commissioner Duffy recommended that Parks and Recreation Staff facilitate and direct the topics of discussion. Commissioners may also bring their topics and 2  ideas to the table. It was agreed that a date would be determined in January. VII. Commission Concerns and Topics: Commissioner Kroko stated that he missed Bob at the banquet and that he was sorry for the loss of his brother. Commissioner Foster saw the last four entries of the parade. It was great. Commissioner Bailey stated that he attended the banquet and the parade. Both events were very nice. Commissioner Null stated that as a first-time attendee of the banquet, she was very impressed and amazed with the volunteers. Commissioner Tyler stated that she was impressed with the staff in charge of the banquet. They did a fabulous job. Commissioner Olsen stated that there was confusion with the attendees at the parade because the Spotsylvania parade had been canceled earlier in the day. The meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m. ________________________ ______________ Dr. Robert K. Antozzi Date Next Regular Meeting January 15, 2015 7:00 p.m. at Maury Commons, Suite 111. 3