Recreation Commission

FREDERICKSBURG RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of September 15, 2016 The September meeting of the Fredericksburg Recreation Commission was held on Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Maury Commons. The meeting was called to order at approximately 6:33 p.m. Commissioners Present: Mrs Sharon Null, Mr. Brandon McVade, Mr. David Dorsey, Dr. Timothy Duffy, Dr. John Gordon, III, Mr. Ken Kroko, Dr. Marcus Tepaske, and Mrs. Susan Tyler. Absent: Mr. James Bailey. Also in attendance: Director Jane Shelhorse, Mrs. Janice Lasker and Mrs. Patricia Sparks. Director Shelhorse reported that the City Manager had planned to attend the Commission meeting; however, something had come up and he was not able to attend. Director Shelhorse introduced Mrs. Janice Lasker., who will be assisting the Commission Secretary, Mrs. Patricia Sparks. The Commissioners welcomed her to the Commission. I. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of July 21, 2016 were unanimously approved. II. Public Comment: Mr. Bruce White was going to make a presentation on behalf of the Boy Scouts, but he was unable to attend the meeting. III. Communications from the Director: The Commissioners reviewed the following reports: Financial Report – August 2016 Leisure/Special – July 2016 Sports/Parks Report – September 2016 – As requested by the Recreation Commission at their last meeting, Director Shelhorse reported that in July, the Food Truck served approximately 250 people a day at various sites, 70 people a day at the pool and 400 people a day received lunches at Summer School sites. Director Shelhorse would like to submit the Food Truck Program, for a VML Award next year. Manager Brian Kiernan’s outreach and support for the community is phenomenal. The Commissioners received a picture of the rebuilt fishing pier at Motts Run Reservoir. Director Shelhorse reported Park Maintenance staff has taken over the maintenance of a home located at 1210 Sophia Street. The City purchased the property several years ago and since that time, the Library has been maintaining the property. Park Maintenance will continue to maintain the property until the City decides what they want to do with it. 1 In 2008, City Council made a resolution for the development of the Cossey Botanical Garden Park. It is a City park, and staff has been working with Virginia Tech. Extension Agent Guy Mussey, who coordinates the Master Gardeners, on the development of the park. Mr. Mussey has created a “botanical zoo” at the park that he uses to teach his Master Gardeners. Mr. Mussey primarily funds any plantings at the park with donations, and volunteers maintain the site. Recently, volunteers from the University of Mary Washington, Tree Fredericksburg and St. George’s Episcopal Church did some re-mulching of pathways and mulch beds at Cossey Park and up to the corner of Mary Ball Street and Kenmore Avenue. They expanded some of the beds to drip line of the trees, and in a few cases, volunteers combined two trees that are close together into one mulch bed. This is maintenance work only and will save time in mowing and save the trees from damage by the mowers. Mrs. Janice Olsen has expressed her concerns on the changes (mulching) in the parks. Director Shelhorse reassured her we are not doing any new planting, only maintenance work. This work will continue up to the Community Gardens area. Cossey Park is also in line to receive six little gem magnolia trees that are to being removed from Washington Avenue Mall and will be replanted in front of the Community Gardens on Littlepage Street. Staff has talked to a resident who lives across the street from the community gardens, and he is pleased to have the magnolia trees planted there. The volunteers from St. George’s Episcopal Church also re-mulched the playground area at Maury, and we are currently in the process of placing a water fountain there as well. Director Shelhorse stated that three new scarlet oaks will be planted at Old Mill Park as the completion of the Eagle Scout amphitheater project from earlier this year. The scarlet oaks will provide a backdrop for speakers at the podium viewing their audience. There are also 21 replacement trees scheduled to be planted at Old Mill this fall, including 2 bald cypress, 12 river birch trees, 3 maple trees (by the parking lot), 1 sycamore by shelter #1 and three maples along the edge of the soccer field. The Commissioners discussed having park plans posted on the City website and hard copies available at the Dorothy Hart Community Center. Director Shelhorse stated that she agreed with getting the information out to the Community, and wants to get the information put on the website. Letter to Mike Ward from Bluemont City Council Resolution naming the pool “Doris E. Buffett Pool” Letter to JoAnne Jones from Lucha Ministries Appointment Letter to Jane C. Shelhorse from VRPS Letter to Mike Ward from Boy Scout Troop 1717 2 IV. Noteworthy Dates: The Commissioners reviewed upcoming programs and trips. V. Old Business: A. Riverfront Park – No new information to report. B. Public Sculpture Project – Director Shelhorse reported The Arts Commission selected the artists. Delivery is expected by the end of October. Commissioner Duffy stated that the Arts Commission made a presentation to City Council on the four works of art. Commissioner Duffy will forward the pictures to the Recreation Commissioners. C. Commission Retreat - The Commissioners discussed the recommendations made by the City Attorney, Kathleen Dooley, in regards to the Recreation Commission Ordinance. A motion was made by Commissioner Tyler, seconded by Commissioner McVade and unanimously approved to accept the recommendations as submitted by the City Attorney for the Recreation Commission Ordinance. Kathleen Dooley will present the newly revised Recreation Commission Ordinance to City Council for their approval. Director Shelhorse recommended the Recreation Commission develop a 10-year plan for park CIP projects. The Commissioners received a list of current CIP projects, and Director Shelhorse would like to have the Commissioners rank the CIP projects at the October meeting. The Commissioners agreed to develop a strategic plan vision for Parks and Recreation by the end of this fiscal year. D. Pool Dedication Ceremony – The dedication ceremony is scheduled for September 26, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. Commissioners Tepaske and Null agreed to speak on behalf of the Recreation Commission. Several City Officials will also speak. VI. New Business: A. Heat Precautions at Motts Policy - The Recreation Commissioners received a draft “Motts Run Reservoir Severe Heat Precaution Policy.” The Commissioners recommended expanding this policy to include all City parks. Several recommendations were made such as placing thermometers, flags and written documentation at each park to inform the park users on weather conditions. Posting information on heat advisories will be more effective. Director Shelhorse will speak to staff to get their recommendations. 3  B. Motts November Hours – Director Shelhorse stated that she would like to extend the hours for Motts Reservoir. Currently, Motts is open April 1-October 31. Director Shelhorse is recommending opening the park in November on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Staff is looking at making a second entrance to the park for patrons who like to hike or bike on the paths during the winter months when the park is closed. The Commissioners agreed with the Director on opening the park through November. C. SoccerTennis at Memorial Park – Parks and Recreation is now Introduceing a new sport - SoccerTennis. It is played like tennis but uses a soccer ball and players’ head and feet. The game is played on a tennis court. SoccerTennis is allowed on courts 5, 6, 7 and 8 when not already reserved by tennis or pickleball patrons on a first come first serve basis. Reserved play is listed in the kiosk at the park. Commissioner Tyler stated that she has already had complaints from the pickleball group. Director Shelhorse reinforced her statement that SoccerTennis will only be on courts 5, 6, 7 and 8, and not on the pickleball court. Mike Ward has ordered the equipment to create a SoccerTennis court on the grass near the tennis courts, and that may also eliminate the conflict. Commissioner Tyler also stated that the Pickleball group was promised over a year ago that courts would be lined off for pickleball play and that has not been done, yet now we are spending money for SoccerTennis. Director Shelhorse stated that for $700.00 we can set up a SoccerTennis court. The cost to line the courts for Pickleball play is costly and was not approved in the budget. D. Downtown 31 – Director Shelhorse stated that Downtown 31 is a new event that is taking the place of First Night. Downtown 31 includes 31 events to do in the downtown Fredericksburg area during the month of December. The finale event will be on New Year’s Eve with a ping-pong ball drop with prizes. The celebration will be alcohol free ending at 9:00 p.m. Director Shelhorse stated the City received funding in the budget of $10,000.00. The City Manager has directed staff to make sure we stay within the budget. Director Shelhorse said that the department had applied for an EDA grant for additional money and will be seeking sponsors to assist with funding for the event. E. CIP Projects – The Commissioners received a CIP Project list. The Commissioners were asked to rank the projects and give their feedback on the list, and discuss priorities at the October meeting. VII. Commission Concerns and Topics: Commissioner McVade announced Golden Skate World is closing October 2, 2016. There is no venue within 40 to 50 miles for roller sports. Currently, there are approximately 150 participants in the area. Commissioner McVade has started a campaign to raise funds to preserve the sport. 4  Commissioner Dorsey stated in 2028, Fredericksburg will be celebrating a 300th anniversary. Commissioner Dorsey agrees the Commission should develop a 10-year plan with an additional 2 year- plan to prepare for the City’s 300th anniversary. A draft resolution should come from City Council stating their vision for 2028. Parks and Recreation will need to development partnerships with the community and city businesses. Commissioner Kroko stated the barriers at Hurkamp Park used for the Farmer’s Market are unsightly, and asked if there was not somewhere else in the park to store them? Since the last meeting, two more complaints were received. Commissioner Duffy agreed with Commissioner Dorsey in regards to writing draft resolutions for City Council for the 2028 Anniversary celebration. Commissioner Tyler asked the Director if she had information on the Master Gardeners assisting the City staff with gardening projects. Director Shelhorse said she had spoken to Guy Mussey and he would see what he could do. Commissioner Tyler suggested having one Recreation Commission meeting at the Dorothy Hart Community Center. The Commissioners agreed to have the December meeting at the center. Commissioner Null suggested placing a section of a fence in Hurkamp Park to consolidate and display the upcoming event signs and banners. The individual signs start to curl up and look bad. Commissioner Tepaske stated that last year Williamsburg had a temporary ice rink, and it would be nice to have one in the City. Director Shelhorse stated that staff had researched a temporary ice park and it was around $16,000.00. Director Shelhorse stated she would have to get sponsors. Commissioner Tepaske stated that he would check with his mother, who works for the City of Williamsburg, to see who they used and the cost. Meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m. ______________________________________ Jane C. Shelhorse Date Director Next Regular Meeting October 20, 2016, 6:30 p.m.at Maury Commons, Suite 111. 5