Parks & Recreation Commission

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING May 2nd, 2022 Maeck Education Center 12:00 Noon Members in Attendance: B. Combo, J. Walker, D. Pennock, M. Hill, B. Nitschke, C. White, R. Campbell, C. Horsley, R. Foote, P. Holm, B. Lee Members Not in Attendance: T. Hersh, P. Lloyd Call to Order – B. Combo B. Combo called the meeting to order at 12:07 pm. Approval of Minutes C. White moved to approve the May 2nd minutes. B. Nitschke seconded. All in favor. Director’s Report – P. Holm P. Holm reported on the following: • He discussed the June 2nd meeting with soccer user groups and the Village Neighborhood residents concerning the Old Butte Soccer Complex and the future FAA plans. There was board discussion on the development of the forty acres the city owns west of the complex. The board members agreed we need to gather more information regarding the soccer complex future as well as plan a tour of the facility in a couple of weeks. Upcoming Considerations for Council Meeting/Work Sessions • The Sunken Diamond Road Construction Bid will be awarded on Thursday, June 9th. Calendar – Upcoming Dates/Events/Travel • The pool ribbon cutting will be June 10th at 12:30 pm. There will be free public swim offered from 1pm to 8pm, and free swim lessons on Saturday, June 11 th from 9am to noon. • The 111th War Bonnet Round Up is scheduled for August 3rd – 6th with a Mutton Bustin’ qualifier the prior weekend. Department Update – Projects, Programs, Policy, Concerns  • The Compass Academy Skate Park equipment is irreparable, so the department is looking at other uses for that property. • The new Turf Tank (robot paint sprayer) will do the job formerly required by three park staffers. • The Sunnyside Irrigation Project bid came in high, so the Parks Department will complete the project internally. • The Skyline Tennis Court Replacement Project cost has risen due to a required $38,000 change order due to the price of the lithium concrete additive the builder says we need. • The Aquatic Center Project has been completed other than the glass doors between the locker rooms and pool. Municipal Services is paying to have the exterior painted. We are using trade from Teton Steel to pay for a portion of the new metal roofing. • The Parks Department team is working on the bentonite project at Ryder Park. • We are continuing to develop a Recreation Sponsorship Program. • The Liberty Park Playground Project is underway. • We are working on lighting replacement and repairs in Tautphaus Park. • We are doing deck repairs at Jensen’s Overlook and the Japanese Garden. • The niche wall In Rose Hill cemetery has been ordered. • A Funland Restoration event is planned for June 22nd. • Adventure Island at the Zoo is under construction. • Parks and Recreation received ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) money which will be allocated to Funland, park restroom cameras and auto locks on restroom doors, and a new restroom at the All-Access Playground in Tautphaus Park. Division Updates Zoo – D. Pennock • The zoo is excited about an upcoming visit to their facility by the Mongolian Ambassador to the U.S. (Batbayar Ulziidelger) on Thursday, June 9th. The zoo has been planning an Asian Steppe exhibit which captured the Ambassador’s attention. Parks – R. Campbell • The parks staff have struggled to finish the weed spraying due to weather and wind this spring. They will be playing “catch up” the next few weeks now that the weather is cooperating, and they have more seasonal employees hired. • The Heritage Park project is moving along and looks great. Recreation – C. Horsley • The weekend of June 4th was the first of four softball tournaments scheduled this season. They had forty teams registered plus a waiting list. It was successful. • Adult softball has begun and girls fastpitch begins this second week of June.  • Basketball camps began June 6th and tennis kicks off this week. Golf Advisory Committee Report - T. Hersh (absent) Commissioner Reports J. Walker – County Commissioner • The water level is coming up but not enough. There is shore erosion damage between Juniper and Ririe. There are spots where the shoreline has dropped eight feet. • The Juniper campground has lost 70% of bookings due to the recent increase in gas prices and the expense of filling boats. School Dist. 91 – Pat Lloyd (absent) School Dist. 91 – (Wendy Johnson resigned from district 93) Shade Tree Committee – M. Hill • An Arbor Day event was held at Reinhart Park on May 5th. Alturas High School kids helped plant sixteen trees. • The Shade Tree has new member Ken Knoch, the former Ammon Parks Director. The committee has a quorum for the first time in months. • There is an emerald ash borer beetle workshop coming up which will be taught by Gerry Bates. Adjournment at 1:28 pm. Next meeting will be held July 11, 2022 Recorded by: Tracy Sessions, Clerk, Parks & Recreation