Parks & Recreation Commission

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 7, 2022 WEB 12:00 Noon Members in Attendance: P. Holm, R. Buchan, B. Nitschke, B. Combo, P. Lloyd, R. Campbell, J. Walker, C. Horsley, S. Katseanes, J. Radford, M. Hill, R. Foote, B. Lee Members Not in Attendance: C. White, W. Johnson Call to Order – B. Combo B. Combo called the meeting to order at 12:04 pm. Approval of Minutes M. Hill moved to approve the November 1st minutes. T. Hersh seconded. All voted in favor. Director’s Report – P. Holm P. Holm reported on the following: • He asked for feedback regarding the web meeting format and whether anyone is opposed to the meetings being via web for the next month or two. • We have new Council Liaisons, Tom Hally and John Radford. • Personnel Updates: There are two retirements this month in the golf division. Gaylen Denning, the Sage Lakes Pro, and Don Frongner the Pinecrest assistant golf course superintendent. • Interviews were held on February 1st to replace the Sage Lakes Pro. All three of the assistant golf pros were interviewed, and the panel ultimately chose Kevin Kavran for the job. • Overview of funded Capital Projects: Director Holm reviewed the following: • The Dehumidification Project at the Aquatic Center. • A TAP Grant was submitted for the Meppen Canal trail section. • The Pancheri Sidewalk Widening Project. • The Skyline Tennis Court Project. • The Sunnyside Park Irrigation System. • The overlay of the Tautphaus Park Tennis Courts.  • The Mel Erickson Sunnyside Park and Liberty Park playground improvements/installation project. • An RFP is being developed for a niche wall at Rosehill Cemetery. • The Pinecrest Irrigation System is completed. • The Funland Restoration Committee continues working hard to fundraise for the project, and we hope to have some portions of Funland open in the summer of 2022. • Land Water Conservation Update – Idaho Falls City Council voted to change the location of the Water Tower to the Library parking lot. The Parks Department is working with Brent Thompsen to update property appraisals and work on an appraising a piece of property on Tyra Dr. near College of Eastern Idaho where a park is being considered. • The Idaho Falls Motorcross Association was just approved by City Council to lease Noise Park and take over the operation and maintenance of that property with minimal assistance from the Parks Department. Adopt a Park Program and Park Stewart Program Presentation – R. Buchan R. Buchan reported on the following new volunteer programs being developed. • Adopt-a-Park Program • Park Stewards Program • Adopt-a- Field Program R. Buchan outlined each program, including the mission, volunteer requirements, commitment expectations, planned volunteer recognition, available projects, etc. She explained how these programs will not only benefit the volunteer groups or persons who adopt a park or become a park steward, but also how it will greatly benefit our community and the Parks and Recreation Department. Golf Advisory Committee Report - T. Hersh (no report) Division Updates Parks – R. Campbell R. Campbell reported on the following: • Tree maintenance is underway. • They are continuing to maintain the outdoor skating ponds. • Equipment is being repaired as needed. • They are working on getting the 2022 projects started. Zoo – D. Pennock (Reported by S. Katseanes) S. Katseanes reported on the following: • The spring opening day of the zoo will be on Wednesday, April 13th. The Zoo staff is opting for a “soft” opening on a weekday to give the staff time to work out any bugs before the weekend. • Jr. Zoo Crew and Adult Volunteer applications are being made available. • Kathryn Farley is the new Volunteer Coordinator for the Idaho Falls Zoo. • The Zoo’s Volunteer Clean-Up Day is scheduled for April 2nd. • Full time Idaho Falls Zoo job openings have been posted and seasonal job applications will be available soon on the City’s employment website. Recreation – C. Horsley C. Horsley reported on the following: • C. Horsley recommended that everyone take advantage of the outdoor skating ponds while the weather is still cold enough and the ponds are available. Commissioner Reports J. Walker – County Commissioner J. Walker reported on the following: • The trails in the back country are groomed. • There is an effort to get the anglers who use Blacktail Reservoir to stay in the zoned area and not take their motorized vehicles across area farmers’ properties. The County and Fish and Game are working on obtaining land for a future parking lot. This would allow anglers to park in a zoned location that would keep the thoroughfares clear and enable the county to plow. • The snowpack, at end of month was 108 percent, but to stay at that level we will need more snow. School Dist. 91 – Pat Lloyd P. Lloyd reported on the following: • The winter season went well, and they are looking forward to spring sports. School Dist. 91 – W. Johnson (absent) Shade Tree Committee – M. Hill M. Hill reported on the following: • They had their first Shade Tree Committee meeting that had a full quorum in several months. The Committee also has two new members, Sam Ellsworth and David Vest. • Arbor day will be scheduled for May 11th or 12th at Reinhart Park.  • John Radford will be doing a presentation at the next Shade Tree Committee meeting, outlining a goal to plant 100,000 trees over the next ten years. Adjournment at 12:55 pm. Next meeting will be held March 7, 2022 Recorded by: Tracy Sessions, Clerk, Parks & Recreation