Recreation Commission

FREDERICKSBURG RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of January 15, 2015 The January meeting of the Fredericksburg Recreation Commission was held on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at Maury Commons. The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:03 p.m. Present: Commissioners Dr. Marcus Tepaske, Gary Olsen, James Bailey, Timothy Duffy, Dr. John Gordon, III and Sharon Null. Absent: George Foster, Ken Kroko and Susan Tyler. Also in attendance: Dr. Robert Antozzi and Patricia Sparks. I. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of December 11, 2014 were unanimously approved. II. Public Comment: None III. Communications from the Director: The Commissioners reviewed the following reports: Financial Report – December 2014 Sports Report – January 2015 Leisure/Special Events Report – January/February 2015 IV. Noteworthy Dates: The Commissioners reviewed upcoming programs and trips. V. Old Business: A. Pathways – Dr. Antozzi reported that Phase I and II of the VCR Trail are complete. The last section of the VCR Trail, across from Rt. 1, is almost complete. The pedestrian signalization light will not be installed until April due to the timeline in placing the order for the equipment, construction and installation of the light. Commissioner Olsen asked Dr. Antozzi if he heard any more on the revitalization of the Old Silk Mill District. 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. To date, Dr. Antozzi has not heard anything advancing the project. B. Riverfront Park – Dr. Antozzi reported that the City Council approved funding a detailed design plan. The Riverfront Task Force will begin discussions on the next phase. C. Park Signs – Commissioner Tepaske reported that Mike Ward and Tiffany Capehart met with Phil Brown to look at updated logos. Commissioner Tepaske will meet with Mike Ward before the February 1  meeting to discuss the logo design. Once the final logo is determined, we will present it to the Commission for their approval. D. Bridge at Alum Spring Park – Dr. Antozzi reported that the Alum Spring Bridge project is on the FY 2016 CIP. Dr. Marcus Tepaske is in the process of submitting a letter to the City Manager on behalf of the Commissioners, outlining the current condition of the ford and the urgency of building a vehicular bridge. E. Recreation Commission Volunteer Awards Sub-committee – The Commissioners appointed Commissioner Gordon, Commissioner Foster and Commissioner Kroko to review the award categories. Commissioner Gordon stated that he would contact Commissioner Foster and Commissioner Kroko in reference to the appointment. F. Commission/Staff Retreat – Dr. Antozzi reported that two of the six Commissioners who attended the January meeting could not attend the February 28, 2015 date scheduled for the retreat. It was agreed that the Secretary would email the Commissioners to get an exact count of Commissioners who could attend the February 28 retreat. Several suggestions were made as to other dates and times to schedule a retreat. VI. New Business: None VII. Commission Concerns and Topics: Commissioner Olsen asked if anyone read the article in The Free- Lance Star in reference to First Night. Dr. Antozzi reported that staff was aware of the article and noted the remarks, suggestions and compliments. Commissioner Gordon complimented Mike and Wendy on their efforts in bringing Parks and Recreation programs and the City schools together. Commissioner Bailey stated that he is proud of what we offer in providing activities and programs for the community. Commissioner Null stated the Heritage Trail is wonderful and that Stafford and Spotsylvania residents enjoy using the trail. Dr. Antozzi stated “kudos” in reference to Dr. Gordon’s compliment on implementing programs and activities for both the City schools and Parks & Recreation. Dr. Antozzi announced that the City will be hiring a staffing agency to discuss his duties as Director to prepare to fill his position prior to his retirement. July 1, 2015 is the start date objective for the new Director of Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities. 2 The meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m. ________________________ ______________ Dr. Robert K. Antozzi Date Next Regular Meeting February 19, 2015 7:00 p.m. at Maury Commons, Suite 111. 3