Parks & Recreation Commission

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING September 11, 2022 Maeck Education Center 12:00 Noon Members in Attendance: B. Combo, B. Lee, T. Hersh, C. White, J. Walker, P. Lloyd, J. Freeman, L. Burtenshaw, P. Holm, C. Horsley, R. Campbell, J. Stephens, T. McCammon Members Not in Attendance: B. Nitschke, M. Hill Call to Order – P. Holm B. Combo called the meeting to order at 12:06 pm. Approval of Minutes C. White motioned to approve the May 1st, June 5th, and the July 10th minutes. T. Hersh seconded. All were in favor. Director’s Report – P. Holm P. Holm reported on the following: Upcoming/Pending Agenda Topics • P. Holm will take the Title II War Bonnet Advisory Committee change to the September 11 th City Work Session to delete the mandatory requirement that a member from the Shoshone- Bannock Tribal Council be on the Advisory Committee. The Tribal Council agreed to this, as it is difficult for their members to have time to participate in the meetings. They agreed a member from their council is not necessary as long as we have a committee member who will work with the tribal performers on future War Bonnet Rodeo performances. • The Gateway to Kelly Canyon Concession Agreement goes before the City Council at their September 14th meeting for approval. P. Holm discussed the key points of the agreement including what property improvements the City will pay for. Gateway to Kelly Canyon plans to open their tubing hill by Thanksgiving of this year. Issues and Updates • Westside Soccer Complex – The Parks and Recreation Department will be setting up meetings with area soccer groups to discuss the soccer complex funding issue. We need to discuss options and potential fundraising as the money needed to to complete the socccer complex is not presently available. P. Holm explained that we currently have $1.8 million, but to make the fields playable (not including parking, restrooms, etc), $5 million is needed to pay for the  irrigation system and grass seed. The estimate to completely finish the complex is $11 million. The Department is working to identify locations throughout Idaho Falls where soccer fields could be placed. There was extensive discussion on the subject and various suggestions from commission members. It was recommended to add this topic to next month’s agenda. Important dates, events or activities • The Parks and Cemetery Superintendant Ronnie Campbell is retiring afer thirty-seven years and his last day will be September 29th. There will be a retirement party for him that day at the Civitan Plaza (downtown) from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. We will serve lunch. • Ronnie’s replacement will be Josh Stephens who has worked for the Parks Department for the last twenty-two years. • P. Holm thanked Brandon Lee, Dana Kirkham, and the entire Fundland restoration team who were able to get the facility open and operating. Budget & Finance The budget passed, and considering the competition for limited funding, the department did well. Some of our department’s highlights were: o $100,000 for replacing/repairing the Rec Center gym floor o $100,000 for development of a LWCF replacement park o $550,000 for replacing the Tautphaus Park tennis courts o $150,000 for an additional large mower o 2 new full time employees for Parks Maintenance o Golf Simulator for the Sage Lakes Golf Course, $150,000 for renovation of the restroom at Sage Lakes and a new fleet of golf carts for the Pinecrest Golf Course o $2.6M for TAP Grants w/ 80% reimbersement (Meppen Canal Trail, Pancheri Bridge Improvements, Westside Connections) • War Bonnet was a success - $391,204 in expenses, $397,827 in revenue. We are still waiting for the revenue from area ticket outlets. Recreation – C. Horsley C. Horsley reported on the following: • User rates for the ice arena and outdoor sports organizations - C. Horsley contacted user groups to discuss charging them based on how many city residents versus non- residents were in their groups. The user groups didn’t want to share the data, therefore, another option for fees had to be determined. We will now charge a $150.00 flat rate per hour for user groups and increase the fee, during phase 2, beginning next year to $186.00 flat rate per hour. These rates are comparable to what similar facilities in the region charge.  • Fees have also been adjusted for admission and ice programs the ice arena offers. A similar fee structure will be enacted at the Aquatic Center for admissions, lessons, and swim team fees. Golf Advisory Report – T. Hersh T. Hersh reported on the following: • Golf revenue is up approximately $200,000 compared to this time last year. • T. Hersh has received a lot of positive comments on the conditions of the fairways and greens at Pinecrest Golf Course since the installation of the new irrigation system. • A “memorial” pavilion is being built at the Pinecrest Golf Course with most of the funds coming from private family donations. Bonneville County – J. Walker No updates School District 91 – P. Lloyd No report Shade Tree Committee – M. Hill (absent) Adjournment at 1:37 pm. Next meeting will be held October 2, 2023 Recorded by: Tracy Sessions, Clerk, Parks & Recreation