Recreation Commission

FREDERICKSBURG RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of February 19, 2015 The February meeting of the Fredericksburg Recreation Commission was held on Thursday, February 19, 2015 at Maury Commons. The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:02 p.m. Present: Commissioners Dr. Marcus Tepaske, James Bailey, Dr. George Foster, Dr. Timothy Duffy, Dr. John Gordon III, Sharon Null and Susan Tyler. Absent: Ken Kroko and Gary Olsen. Also in attendance: Dr. Robert Antozzi and Patricia Sparks . I. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of January 15, 2015 were unanimously approved. II. Public Comment: None III. Communications from the Director: The Commissioners reviewed the following reports: Financial Report – January 2015: The Commissioners inquired as to the possibility of receiving a graph chart on how our revenue and expenditures occur during the course of a year. Dr. Antozzi suggested that the graph be made available for discussion during the Commission/Staff Retreat. Sports Report – February 2015 Leisure/Special Events Report – No Report IV. Noteworthy Dates: The Commissioners reviewed upcoming programs and trips. V. Old Business: A. Pathways – Dr. Antozzi reported that we are waiting for the signalized equipment to arrive. The estimated completion date of the VCR trail is April 2015. B. Riverfront Park – Dr. Antozzi reported that we are waiting for the Request for Proposal (RFP) proposals. C. Park Signs – Commissioner Tepaske reported that he was instructed to delay making any decisions regarding the logo and the new park signs due to the hiring of a new director. Dr. Antozzi stated that at this time we need to focus on developing the park logo and that thus far, there has been a lot of hard work on developing the logo and the park signs. Dr. Antozzi referenced an article published in the National Parks Recreation Association magazine in reference to developing a logo and tagline. The 1  article suggested that the logo be established first, and then incorporated into the sign. The Commissioners agreed to move forward in developing a park logo. Commissioner Tyler suggested that Tiffany Capehart meet with the sub-committee, develop several logos, and then make a presentation to the Commission. D. Bridge at Alum Spring Park – Commissioner Tepaske asked if the Commissioners had any comments or suggestions on the draft letter to the City Manager. The letter, e-mailed to the Commissioners, encompassed disclosing the condition of the ford and the urgency of building a vehicular bridge. Commissioner Duffy had responded with a few suggestions directly to Commissioner Tepaske. Currently, the Alum Spring Bridge project is on the FY 2016 CIP. Commissioner Tepaske stated that at this time we do not have a documented expert opinion on how long the repaired ford will hold. The ford could last one week or two years. It is hard to make an argument for the urgency of funding for the vehicular bridge when we do not have an official evaluation of the condition of the ford. If something happens to the ford, the park will close indefinitely. Last year, a Ford Bronco was flooded out of Hazel Run. Thankfully, the people managed to get out safely but there is an apparent danger. The Commissioners discussed the need for emergency vehicles to be able to enter and leave the park in case of an emergency. Commissioner Tepaske stated that he would look at Commissioner Duffy’s suggestions and he would submit the letter to the City Manager. City Council will begin working on the 2016 budget in March 2015. E. Recreation Commission Volunteer Awards Sub-Committee – Commissioner Gordon reported that he had emailed Commissioner Foster and Kroko in reference to their appointment to the sub-committee. Commissioner Kroko emailed Commissioner Gordon and stated that at this time he would not be able to commit to the Volunteer Awards Sub- committee. Commissioner Foster and Commissioner Gordon have discussed some ideas including combining award categories along with other promotional ideas. Commissioner Gordon suggested that during the retreat he would like to discuss the ideas with staff. F. Commission/Staff Retreat – Dr. Antozzi discussed postponing the Commission/Staff Retreat to a later date due to hiring a new Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities Director. August 2015 was suggested in lieu of having the regular August meeting. A date will be determined later. VI. New Business: None VII. Commission Concerns and Topics: 2 Commissioner Duffy asked if Parks and Recreation had received any general concerns in reference to gardening expertise that is available throughout our community as opposed to relying solely on our staff. Dr. Antozzi stated that in the past, Parks and Recreation has sought out the community when needed. As a regular point of business, the Clean and Green Commission has been used for review of landscaping plans, and there have not been any issues. Submitting all plans and changes to the Clean and Green Committee could be a positive experience as long as the commission did not try to manipulate the process. Currently, we have one full-time master gardener and three part-time employees responsible for 90 locations. We have to be smart in planting and designing our gardens because we may not be able to return to a particular garden for some time. Commissioner Gordon complimented Wendy Stone on her efforts in organizing a speaker, Sarah King, from Empower House to speak on healthy relationships and the warning signs of an unhealthy or abusive relationship. It was a huge success. The response from students following the presentation was overwhelming. Wendy Stone has a second speaker from Homeland Security to speak on personal safety, as a result of the Hannah Graham abduction that occurred at the University of Virginia. Commissioner Gordon also referenced a situation that occurred at a Parks and Recreation basketball game at Walker Grant involving some fans arguing. Apparently, one fan had a knife but did not use it. The principal of Walker Grant, Dr. Kay-Wyatt intervened to defuse the situation. Commissioner Gordon and Commissioner Duffy spoke to Justin Bullock, Parks and Recreation Sports Supervisor, to see if he had any information about the fans who were arguing. Commissioner Gordon asked if Parks and Recreation had a policy or protocol on when to call the police. Commissioner Duffy stated that staff should not hesitate to call the police when they feel that there is inappropriate or dangerous behavior. Dr. Antozzi concurred that there should be no hesitation in calling police. Commissioner Tyler complimented Parks and Recreation and Public Facilities personnel in clearing the parking lots and sidewalks in the City following the recent snowstorm, and stated, “we do appreciate what they do”. Dr. Antozzi stated that he would relay the message. Dr. Antozzi thanked the Commissioners for coming out in the cold to attend the meeting. 3 The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m. ________________________ ______________ Dr. Robert K. Antozzi Date Next Regular Meeting March 19, 2015 7:00 p.m. at Maury Commons, Suite 111. 4