Parks & Recreation Board

200 South Hamilton Road City of Gahanna Gahanna, Ohio 43230 Meeting Minutes Parks & Recreation Board Chrissy Kaminski, Chair Kevin McGinn, Vice Chair Eric Miller, Secretary Sue Horn Jan Ross Ken Shepherd Donna Simmons Nichole Butler, Clerk Wednesday, November 8, 2023 7:00 PM Gahanna Senior Center 480 Rocky Fork Blvd. A. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Kaminski; chair, called the November 8, 2023 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board to order at 6:59 p.m. The agenda was published on November 3, 2023 B. ROLL CALL Present: 6 - Sue Horn, Chrissy Kaminski, Eric Miller, Jan Ross, Ken Shepherd and Donna Simmons Absent: 1 - Kevin McGinn Staff in Attendance: Stephania Ferrell, Director and Amy Moneypenny, Clerk; Brian Gill, Recreation Superintendent; Chris Simmons, Recreation Supervisor Aquatics; Alan Little, Project Manager C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES P&R Board Minutes October 2023 A motion was made by Shepherd, seconded by Horn, that the Minutes be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Horn, Kaminski, Miller, Ross, Shepherd and Simmons Absent: 1- McGinn D. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA Ferrell requested that new business is moved before old business. City of Gahanna Page 1 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes November 8, 2023 E. HEARING OF VISITORS F. OLD BUSINESS Master Plan Action Plan Update Ferrell stated that the provided Master Plan Action Plan highlights in red any changes from the previous update. Ferrell noted that the Active Transportation Plan and Capital Improvement Plan are to go along with the Master Plan Action Plan. Ferrell states that just within the few weeks of adoption, there are pieces of the plan that are in action. Master Plan Action Plan Nov 23 G. NEW BUSINESS End of Season Aquatics Update Recreation Superintendent: Brian Gill provided an overview of seasonal hiring. Gill stated that while there have been challenges in the past with seasonal hiring, the 2023 summer provided a sigh of relief in that we had much better staffing. Gill also relayed information regarding the safety concerns from the 2022 season that initiated rule changes mid-way thru the season, in 2022 proved to be successful. Chris Simmons stated that in 2022, the Gahanna Police were called to the pools 25 times for behavioral incidents; compared to Three (3) in 2023. Gill stated that the changes helped retain staff from the previous year. Chris Simmons provided an overview with detailed attachments regarding the financials and enrollment information from the 2023 season. Chris Simmons states the expenses for 2023 were higher than previous years as wages were increased around 15%. Chris Simmons also states that there was an increased cost of chlorine from $1.90 a gallon in 2022to $3.55 a gallon in 2023. Chris Simmons states that due to the entry requirement, day pass sales were around 1800 less passes, than 2022. Miller asked if the department is expecting any major repairs between 2023 and 2024. Chris Simmons states that there was a leak in the back pool and the department is actively trying to repair the leak. Donna Simmons asked if there are improvements planned for the aquatic facilities for 2024. Ferrell states that no improvements are planned, however there is an aquatics facilities plan slated to happen to determine next steps for the pools. City of Gahanna Page 2 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes November 8, 2023 Chris Simmons highlighted that 24 families were provided scholarships for memberships totaling $4,297 in assistance. Chris Simmons also stated that he now has the Water Safety Instructor Trainer certification which will create a lower cost for the department as now he can certify swim instructors rather than the department needing to contract it out. Chris Simmons also highlighted that Mifflin Township Fire department were able to utilize the pool on Tuesday mornings before the pool opened to practice water rescue skills. Aquatics Updates 2023 Gahanna Jefferson Education Foundation Donation Request Ferrell presented that Gahanna Jefferson Education Foundation requested for a repeat donation for the Gala for 2024.Ferrell stated that this is the same request as the previous year. (1) Golf For 4 (1) Hannah Park 4 hours (1) GMAC Rental (5) Family Pool Membership A motion was made by Ross, seconded by Miller, that the Donation request be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Horn, Kaminski, Miller, Ross, Shepherd and Simmons Absent: 1- McGinn H. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS I. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Project Manager Alan Little highlighted some active projects and their status. Little stated that the Mountain Bike Trail at Academy Park is in process. Ross asked what the timing is on the construction of the mountain bike trail. Little states that the hope is for a spring build however they are in the process of permitting at multiple levels. Little spoke regarding the wall at Hunters Ridge shopping center, which is located on park Property. Little states that the wall has been removed. Little states that the intent is to fill in the area with trees as it will still act as a barrier so that cars do not drive thru. Little stated that the bridge between Woodside Green Park and Academy Park is showing some leaning. Little states that OHM came in to evaluate the lean on the 60 year old bridge, and will work towards a City of Gahanna Page 3 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes November 8, 2023 plan for either repair or replacement. Ferrell states that the Gahanna Parks and Recreation Foundation funded a grant writer to apply for the Natureworks grant thru the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Ferrell states the department was notified that it was awarded $95,746 for construction of the mountain bike trailhead. Ross asked if the grant will cover the trailhead project. Ferrell states no, there is a total budget of $175,000 for the project. Ferrell thanked the board for their assistance with the Great Gahanna Goblin Fest. Ferrell states the estimated attendance was around 5,000 for the event. Directors Report 11.2023 J. COMMITTEE REPORTS i. Bicycle & Trail Advisory Committee (BTAC) Ferrell states the Active Transportation Plan meeting has been pushed back to January, therefore has pushed back the BTAC meeting. ii. Gahanna Active Senior Advisory Committee (GASAC) Donna Simmons States they meet November 21 at 3:00 PM. iii. Natural Resources Advisory Committee (NRAC) None K. POLL MEMBERS FOR COMMENT i. Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation None ii. School District Update Horn states the Gahanna Jefferson Education Foundation is in its 20th year in 2024. The Gala is going to take place February 24th, 2024. Horn states that the girls cross country team made it to states, and that the football team is in the playoffs. iii. Veteran's Advisory Committee City of Gahanna Page 4 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes November 8, 2023 Shepherd states that the Veterans Day Celebration will take place on November 11th at Veterans park in Gahanna. L. ADJOURNMENT City of Gahanna Page 5