Recreation Commission

FREDERICKSBURG RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of June 18, 2015 The June meeting of the Fredericksburg Recreation Commission was held on Thursday, June 18, 2015 at Castiglias Restaurant on William Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia. The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:24 p.m. Present: Commissioners Dr. Marcus Tepaske, James Bailey, Dr. George Foster, Ken Kroko, Sharon Null and Susan Tyler. Absent: Dr. Timothy Duffy and Dr. John Gordon III. Also in attendance: Dr. Robert Antozzi and Patricia Sparks. I. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of May 21, 2015 were unanimously approved. II. Public Comment: None III. Communications from the Director: The Commissioners reviewed the following reports: Financial Report – May 2015 Commissioner Kroko stated that he has always relied on Dr. Antozzi’s expertise with regard to the budget. However, moving forward with a new director, he inquired what exactly does the Commission need to be concerned with or looking at in the financial report? Dr. Antozzi stated that now is a good time to discuss how the Commissioners would like the financial report presented. Dr. Antozzi stated that once you get a feel for her personality then discuss with her how the Commission would like the financial report presented. Dr. Antozzi believes the new director will present it any way that the Commission would like. The current Commission does not scrutinize the report. They are comfortable having Dr. Antozzi review it with the Commission. Bob Carter, a former Commissioner, was the numbers person. He would question the numbers listed from year to year. Commissioner Foster stated that he feels the Commissioners look at the figures to get an idea of the success of the overall programming. Commissioner Kroko stated that he is very comfortable with a financial summary from Dr. Antozzi. If Dr. Antozzi is confident with the numbers, then that would ease the mind of the Commissioners. Commissioner Tyler asked exactly what is our job as a Commissioner. Commissioner Tepaske stated that we are a policy making board. Dr. Antozzi stated that the Recreation Commissioners received a copy of the ordinance forming the Commission and there is a section therein that outlines the Commissioners duties. Commissioner Tyler asked if the Commissioners request a change of policy is the Director required to proceed with it. Dr. Antozzi stated that if the Commission as a whole believes in something, then yes, he would pursue it. Commissioner Kroko stated that the Commissioners have trusted staff and we have always come to an agreement. With new management coming in, 1  the Commissioners are a little unsure of what is going to happen. Commissioner Foster said that the upcoming retreat will help define the Commission’s role. Commissioner Kroko stated “that you (Dr. Antozzi) do not come into a meeting beholding to us. You are forthcoming and clear with information.” The Commissioners are unsure about how things are going to change. Sports Report – Midnight Madness begins June 19th. Dr. Antozzi announced that July 3, 2015 is a City holiday and Midnight Madness will not be held. The City Manager along with Commissioner Gordon and staff agreed. The Commissioners also agreed in canceling the July 3rd Midnight Madness session. The Commissioners requested that numbers and teams for different sports be listed on the Sports report. Dr. Antozzi will speak to Mike Ward. Leisure/Special Events Report – June/July 2015. No comments. IV. Noteworthy Dates: The Commissioners reviewed upcoming programs and trips. V. Old Business: A. Pathways – Dr. Antozzi reported that earlier this week the City had a Capitol Improvement meeting to discuss several items. On June 26, the City will place portable message signs with a text alert about the implementation of the signalization light. On June 30, the signal heads are going to be placed into flash mode. On July 2, the signalization will be placed into full operation. There is potential for this pathway to expand through several neighborhoods such as Altoona, Twin Lakes and Confederate Ridge. B. Riverfront Park – Dr. Antozzi reported that City staff is currently negotiating prices with Rhoadside and Harwell. C. Park Signs – Commissioner Tepaske stated that branding was put on hold until the new Director comes on board. Once the new director is on board then we can move forward. Staff wants to interface with the Commission on developing the logo. Commissioners want to continue to guide the process in developing a new branding. D. Recreation Commission Volunteer Awards Sub-Committee – Commissioner Foster met with Parks and Recreation staff. Staff has a concern that there were many changes being made that should have been made several months ago. A suggestion was made to move the event out to Old Mill Park. Staff agreed it was too late to move the awards banquet to Old Mill Park. Smaller changes were encouraged by Staff. Some suggestions made were to have the Commissioners greet the volunteers as they arrive, sit at different tables and help present 2  awards. Restructuring of some of the awards can also be made for this year. VI. New Business: A. Nomination and Election of new officers – Commissioner Tepaske nominated Susan Tyler as Chairman, Sharon Null as Vice-Chairman and Patricia Sparks as Secretary. A motion was made by Commissioner Tepaske, seconded by Commissioner Foster and unanimously approved to elect Susan Tyler as Chairman, Sharon Null as Vice Chairman and Patricia Sparks as Secretary for FY2016. VII. Commission Concerns and Topics: Commissioner Kroko complimented and supports Linda Bailey on her awesome summer camp programs. They are great. Commissioner Null stated that she had met a teacher from Stafford that wanted to know who she could contact at Parks and Recreation to offer a girls softball league for 7, 8 and 9 year olds. She has people that she can bring with her from Stafford County. Sharon was told that she should contact Jillian Franklin. When it became Dr. Antozzi’s turn for concerns and topics, he was asked if he had any words for the Commission since this is his last meeting before retirement. He stated that being a parks and recreation director is what he wanted to do and he spend 29 years in Fredericksburg doing being one. He said he stayed because of family and the quality of life provided to them and he did not want to disrupt how they were all thriving. No other City for which he interviewed compared to Fredericksburg, so he stayed and has no regrets. He and Barbara plan to stay in Fredericksburg in retirement, and of course they have their lake house at Lake Monticello at which they will be spending more time. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. ________________________ ______________ Dr. Robert K. Antozzi Date Next Regular Meeting August 20, 2015 7:00 p.m. at Maury Commons, Suite 111. 3