Recreation Commission

FREDERICKSBURG RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of August 20, 2015 The August meeting of the Fredericksburg Recreation Commission was held on Thursday, August 20, 2015 at Maury Commons. The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:04 p.m. Present: Commissioners Susan Tyler, Dr. Timothy Duffy, Dr. George Foster, Brandon McVade, Sharon Null and Dr. Marcus Tepaske. Absent: James Bailey and Ken Kroko. Also in attendance: Mike Ward, Wendy Stone and Patricia Sparks. I. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of June 18, 2015 were unanimously approved. II. Public Comment: Linda Harris and Judy Smith spoke to the Commissioners in regards to Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities assisting a local group of residents in securing an indoor facility to play pickleball during the winter months. They currently have 31 residents enrolled for the upcoming pickleball season. At present, Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation has one dedicated outdoor pickleball court, and two tennis courts lined with pickleball lines at Memorial Park. Mike Ward has agreed to line three more courts. Linda Harris stated that they need assistance from the Commissioners in securing indoor courts during the winter months. The surrounding counties all have indoor courts. Mike Ward asked Linda Harris to contact him to discuss the availability of securing an indoor facility within the City. Commissioner Tyler welcomed our newest member Brandon McVade. The Commissioners agreed to send Council a letter supporting the reappointment of Dr. John Gordon, III as the school representative. III. Communications from Staff: The Commissioners reviewed the following reports: Financial Report – Wendy Stone stated that the City is currently closing out FY2015 and implementing FY2016. An update will be available at the September meeting. Sports Report – The Commissioners discussed the overall attendance and success of Midnight Madness. 1  Leisure/Special Events Report – August-September 2015 Reappointment letter from Council to Sharon Null Reappointment letter from Council to Marcus Tepaske Appointment letter from Council to Brandon McVade Letter from Stage Door Productions to Tiffany Capehart in reference to Shakespeare in the Park IV. Noteworthy Dates: The Commissioners reviewed upcoming programs and trips. V. Old Business: A. Pathways – The signalization light on Route 1 is installed and working. Commissioner Foster stated that he is concerned that the timing of the light is a little too short for crossing Route 1. A mother that is pushing a stroller may not have enough time to cross the divided two-lane highway. Commissioner Foster asked about the tree that had fallen across the VCR Trail. Mike Ward stated that he and Aaron Simmons secured the section off with caution tape, but while they were actually putting the tape up, people were still lifting their bikes over the caution tape. Public Works did an efficient job of removing the tree quickly. Mike Ward stated that we are currently waiting for the approval of grant funds to begin construction on Phase IV. Phase IV will be the construction of the trail from Idlewild to Interstate 95. Several subdivisions located near the VCR have created their own paths to the VCR Trail. B. Riverfront Park – Commissioner Duffy stated that he was concerned about the funding for Riverfront Park. The original concept has been scaled back. Once English Construction pulls out of Riverfront Park, City Council will probably move forward in developing the park. C. Park Signs – Take off agenda until new director is hired. D. Recreation Commission Volunteer Awards Sub-Committee- The Commissioners agreed to keep the awards banquet the same for this year with a few small changes. The Commissioners will now greet the volunteers as they arrive, sit at different tables and help staff present the awards. The banquet is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, 2015. 2 VI. New Business: None. VII. Commission Concerns and Topics: Commissioner Foster stated that he received a complaint from a parent in reference to the waiver form issued for Survivor Camp participants. Mike Ward stated that it was turned over to the Assistant City Attorney, and he confirmed that we were doing it properly. Commissioner Foster also asked if the back gate at Dixon Park near Quarles would remain open on weeknights during soccer and field hockey practices. Mike Ward stated that he would check with staff to confirm that the back gate is being left open during the practice season. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. ________________________ _____________________ Wendy K. Stone Date Mike Ward Date Next Regular Meeting September 17, 2015 7:00 p.m. at Maury Commons, Suite 111. 3