Parks & Recreation Board

200 South Hamilton Road City of Gahanna Gahanna, Ohio 43230 Meeting Minutes Parks & Recreation Board Chrissy Kaminski Kevin McGinn, Chair Daphne Moehring, Vice Chair Donna Simmons, Secretary Eric Miller Jan Ross Ken Shepherd Nichole Butler, Clerk Wednesday, May 8, 2024 7:00 PM Gahanna City Hall, Committee Room A. CALL MEETING TO ORDER McGinn, Chair, Called the May 8, 2024 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board to order at 7:01 PM. The agenda was published on May 3, 2024. B. ROLL CALL Present: 7 - Chrissy Kaminski, Kevin McGinn, Eric Miller, Daphne Moehring, Jan Ross, Ken Shepherd and Donna Simmons Staff in attendance: Stephania Ferrell, Director of Parks and Recreation and Nichole Butler, Clerk C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES April 10, 2024 Minutes A motion was made by Simmons, seconded by Shepherd, that the April 10, 2024 Minutes be approved. The motion carried the following vote: Yes: 7- Kaminski, McGinn, Miller, Moehring, Ross, Shepherd and Simmons D. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA E. HEARING OF VISITORS F. OLD BUSINESS City of Gahanna Page 1 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes May 8, 2024 Master Plan Action Plan Director Ferrell highlighted that included in the packet was the Master Plan Action Plan, and that anything highlighted in red are changes from the month prior. Ferrell highlighted that the department is excited to enter in a process with the Franklin County Engineers, for a feasibility study for an East Johnstown Multi-Use Trail that would start at Creekside and continue all the way to Morse Road. Simmons requested an update on the Academy Park parking lot project. Ferrell stated that Pod Designs had been awarded the contract for the Academy Park Improvements, including the parking lot, the trail head, and the playground for cohesiveness to the project. Ferrell stated that the department expects that project not to go to bid until 2025. Ferrell stated that the department will communicate the plan with the affiliate user groups that would be affected. PR -2023 Master Plan Action Plan - 5.8.24 update G. NEW BUSINESS Aquatics Master Plan Ferrell highlighted the proposal from Brandstetter-Carroll, the firm chosen to complete the Aquatics Master Plan. Ferrell stated that Brandstetter Caroll has experience with recreation facilities, aquatics facilities, as well as master plan processes. Ferrell stated that as part of the Aquatics Master Plan, the process will evaluate current conditions, review location, and provide recommendations on improved facilities not excluding indoor amenities. Moehring stated that the Parks and Recreation Board should promote to council to set aside funds from the reserve for a down payment towards the project. Miller stated that he has been on the Parks and Recreation Board for nearly 35 years and his original reason for joining was to help start a project towards a community center or aquatic center. McGinn asked how the Parks and Recreation Board can help in the process. Moehring stated that the Parks and Recreation Board would need to make a recommendation to City Council. Moehring stated that she would like to see the Parks and Recreation Board, promote to council and the administration, to reserve money for a down City of Gahanna Page 2 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes May 8, 2024 payment for a community center facility. Moehring stated that when she was a part of the campaign for Issue 12, residents really wanted to see the additional money funded towards an Aquatic Center or a Community Center with current day standards. Ferrell stated that the basis of the Aquatics Master Plan is to inform the Capital Improvement Plan which is the process to prepare and fund capital projects. Kaminski stated that the community’s desire for a community center is not going to go away. Moehring stated that in her opinion the role that the Parks and Recreation Board should take is to help inform Council on the importance of this project and advocate for funding to be allotted as ultimately, Council approves the budget each year. H. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS I. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Ferrell stated that the Ambassador Park playground is open. An outstanding item is to complete a sidewalk that will help as a retainer for mulch and give a walk around the park. Ferrell stated that Upper McCorkle Park Playground is receiving a partial replacement and is expected to be completed by the end of May. Ferrell stated that the Request for Proposal for the Action Sports Park was posted on May 7, 2024. Ferrell stated that the goal of the process is to gain conceptual designs including cost estimates for the Action Park based on public input. Simmons asked if the department is anticipating construction in 2025. Ferrell stated the department has funding earmarked, however the current process will better inform what funding is necessary. Ross stated that the Gahanna Parks and Recreation Foundation will be featuring the Action Park as part of the Hops and Vines fundraising event this fall. Ferrell highlighted the Summer Camp programs are nearly sold out, and for the first time in a long time, the department is starting with a full staff of camp counselors. Ferrell stated that Tyler Wilson, has been chosen as the Recreation Coordinator II for special events and community volunteers supporting Recreation Supervisor, Chelsea Heppert. J. COMMITTEE REPORTS i. Bicycle & Trail Advisory Committee (BTAC) - None City of Gahanna Page 3 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes May 8, 2024 ii. Gahanna Active Senior Advisory Committee (GASAC) Simmons stated GASAC met today and held elections for their members as well as hosted the ice cream social. Simmons stated there were 4 members that were running for election. iii. Natural Resources Advisory Committee (NRAC) Kaminski stated that the next meeting will be on June 12th, 2024. K. POLL MEMBERS FOR COMMENT i. Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation Ross stated that the foundation is looking for volunteers for the Hops and Vines event which is going to take place September 7th, 2024 at Creekside. ii. School District Update Moehring stated that Kevin Klingler is the new Chief Operating Officer for Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools. Moehring stated that Klingler comes from Dublin City School District where he has worked on many building projects which will help in his transition. Moehring stated that Brad Barboza, Gahanna Middle School East Principal, has retired. iii. Veteran's Advisory Committee Shepherd stated that the brick dedication will be taking place on May 27th at 1:00 p.m. at Veterans Park. Shepherd stated that Parks and Recreation helped replace a lot of landscaping and planted many flowers to help with beautification of the facility. L. ADJOURNMENT City of Gahanna Page 4