Parks & Recreation Commission

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING May 1, 2022 Maeck Education Center 12:00 Noon Members in Attendance: B. Combo, B. Lee, B. Nitschke, T. Hersh, M. Hill, C. White, J. Walker, P. Lloyd, L. Burtenshaw, P. Holm, J. Stephens, C. Horsley, T. Reinke Members Not in Attendance: None Call to Order – P. Holm B. Combo called the meeting to order at 12:04 pm. Approval of Minutes C. White moved to approve the March 6th and April 3rd minutes. T. Hersh seconded. All were in favor. Director’s Report – P. Holm P. Holm reported on the following: Review of the Soccer Complex plan • P. Holm explained the soccer complex plan, highlighting the proposed field sizes and locations. He also stated that feedback from the area user groups indicated that all their needs will be met. A major issue facing the project is funding. Parks and Recreation has $850,000 in funds available now with access to one million in ARPA money, however the estimated cost of this project is $4.4 million dollars. Several funding options were discussed including interdepartmental loans, ARPA funding, impact fees, etc. • A second major issue is the schedule. The Parks and Recreation department has until late 2026 to depart from the original Soccer Complex property. To have the fields available for play by the spring of 2027 will necessitate beginning the field work (grading, irrigation and seeding) by this fall. This would give the sod time to develop and be able to withstand the scheduled soccer use. • Holm explained to the board that he would like to go to City Council to get approval for the timing of construction of the complex. The main issue is whether to proceed with the available funds and complete the project in phases or to delay until all the necessary  funding is available. Waiting would save remobilization fees associated with a phased approach but would put the schedule in jeopardy. • Following further board discussion, the Commissioners agreed that we should begin the project this fall if possible and do it in phases. It was also agreed to let the current farmer who has been renting our property, continue farming until the end of August 2023. Gateway to Kelly Canyon Sledding Hill • The Tubing Hill Project proposed by Gateway to Kelly Canyon has run into some hiccups regarding City Code requirements for commercial development. Gateway to Kelly Canyon would still prefer their recreational tubing hill to be constructed at Ryder Park, but in frustration, they have begun shopping around for other properties that wouldn’t require them to plant trees, install an asphalt parking lot, and other expensive requirements. • Council member L. Burtenshaw will work to change the City Code to allow designation of the proposed project as “park amenity” instead of a “commercial development.” This would help eliminate the disputed requirements. Fee Waiver Process • P. Holm submitted to the board the current fee waiver policy used by Parks and Recreation regarding the waiver of park rental fees. Under the current policy, it can be difficult to determine if fees should be waived based on the language and description of eligible groups. There was further board discussion regarding 501(c) groups and local civic groups who donate the funds they raise back to the City. The board also discussed fair fees for food vendors and whether we should allow long term food vendors in our park facilities. It was decided to revisit this discussion at our June meeting after Director Holm, Chris Horsley and Bill Combo meet privately to look at the fee waiver policy more closely. Park Security • Parks and Recreation has contracted Infinity Security Company to patrol select park areas from May thru August. They will perform three nightly patrols at the Riverwalk, Tautphaus Park, Freeman Park and other problematic areas. Golf Advisory Report – T. Hersh T. Hersh reported on the following:  • Following a long winter in which the golf courses were $500K down in revenue compared to March of last year, the courses have rebounded in the weeks since the weather improved and have made up the revenue shortfall. Bonneville County – J. Walker • No current updates School District 91 – P. Lloyd • P. Lloyd reported that District 91 sport programs were finally able to get started. This late start was due to the long winter and required a lot of rescheduling to accommodate the shortened season. Shade Tree Committee – M. Hill • M. Hill reminded board members that Arbor Day will be celebrated May 15th at 1:00 pm at Ryder Park. Adjournment at 1:26 pm. Next meeting will be held June 5, 2023 Recorded by: Tracy Sessions, Clerk, Parks & Recreation