City Council

TOWN OF JONESBOROUGH Lincoln Park Educational Building 117 Boone St. MEETING NOTICES Thursday, December. 18th, 2025, 6 p.m. Jonesborough Visitor’s Center Community Room PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS Members of the public wishing to speak concerning any item on the agenda during the Public Comment period must sign up by calling the Town Administrative Office at 423-753-1030 with their name, address, and subject about which they wish to speak no later than 2 hours before the meeting if the meeting occurs during normal business hours or by 4:45 p.m. the day of the meeting if the meeting occurs after hours. Otherwise, such member of the public must sign in at the location of the meeting, prior to the beginning of the meeting, by seeing the Town Recorder at meetings of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, or the secretary or staff of any board, commission or committee constituting any other governing body under this resolution. Each individual shall be given three (3) minutes to address the Board regarding Agenda items. Comments shall be limited to items on the meeting’s Agenda The Jonesborough Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 18th, 2025, at the Jonesborough Visitor’s Center Community Room, 117 Boone St., Jonesborough, TN, to consider the following agenda: AGENDA 1. Call to Order 2. Public Comments 3. 2026 Meeting Schedule 4. Parks and Recreation Department Update 5. Recreational Programming 6. Financial and Budget Review 7. Addition of Junior Pioneer Athletics as Board Member 8. Depot Street Park 9. Announcements  Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Agenda Presentation Date: December 18th, 2025 Agenda Item: 4 Subject: 2026 Meeting Schedule BACKGROUND: The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee currently meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. Due to recent changes in the Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA) agenda submission schedule, this meeting date no longer aligns well with the timeline required to submit items for BMA consideration. Moving the regularly scheduled meeting from the fourth Thursday to the third Thursday of each month will better align the committee’s work with the BMA agenda process. This adjustment will allow the committee to review items and, if desired, submit recommendations or requests to the BMA without having to wait an additional month for consideration. If approved, regular meetings will be held on the third Thursday of each month from 6:00–7:00 p.m. at the Jonesborough Visitor’s Center Community Room. Per the Jonesborough Municipal Code, Title 1, Chapter 5, Recreation Commission, Section 1-504, the Recreation Advisory Committee is authorized to establish its meeting schedule by majority vote of the committee, including the time and place of meetings. This proposed change is consistent with that authority. December 18, 2025 July 16, 2026 January 15, 2026 August 20, 2026 February 19, 2026 September 17, 2026 March 19, 2026 October 15, 2026 April 16, 2026 November 16, 2026 May 21, 2026 December 17, 2026 June 18, 2026 Recommendation: Approve the revised meeting dates and times as presented.  Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Agenda Presentation Date: December 18th, 2025 Agenda Item: 4 Subject: Parks and Recreation Department Update Facilities and Grounds Maintenance Work continues at Tiger Park as staff address several operational and maintenance needs across the complex. Parks and Recreation constructed ceilings in all four dugouts to prevent birds and insects from nesting, which has been an ongoing maintenance issue in prior seasons. The field lighting at Tiger Park is still not operational at this time, but the contractor continues to work toward resolving those issues. In addition, staff are actively working on identifying a location and design for a storage area at the park, as there is currently no dedicated space to store equipment and materials necessary for routine upkeep and event support. Staff are also coordinating with Washington County school leadership to determine whether school baseball and softball programs will utilize Tiger Park or Persimmon Ridge Park this spring. At this time, the primary concerns impacting that decision are the lighting issues at Tiger Park and the condition of the outfields. Monthly playground safety inspections were completed and identified a small number of deficiencies. All noted items are already in progress and are being addressed by Parks and Recreation staff. Renovations and Capital Projects The Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved $10,000 to upgrade restroom facilities across the park system. In addition, an extra $10,000 was approved for the Jonesborough Civitan Club to complete restroom upgrades at the Civitan Pavilion located next to Wetlands Waterpark. The Civitan Pavilion restroom project is approximately halfway complete and includes the installation of heaters for year-round use, new toilets and sinks, updated lighting, new stall doors, gutter work, and plumbing improvements. The $10,000 approved for town facilities will be allocated toward restroom upgrades at Stage Road Park and Mills Spring Park. The BMA also approved the upgrade and replacement of the pool pump system and pool heater at Wetlands Waterpark. This project is currently underway and will be completed prior to the park reopening in the spring. The pool heater has already been delivered, and the pool filters have been ordered and are expected to arrive before the end of December. Once the equipment arrives, the Town will complete demolition within the pump room, after which CASS-TN will complete the installation within a 60-day timeframe. The pool heater will be installed as part of this same project. Parks & Recreation Equipment: • Lawn Mower $12,000.00 • Gator (Tiger Park) $15,000.00 • Pressure Washer (Hot water) $5,000.00 Total $32,000.00 Parks & Recreation Projects: • Upgrade Park Bathrooms $10,000.00 • Storage Unit for Tiger Park $15,000.00 • Persimmon Ridge Ballfield Upgrades $135,000.00 Total $160,000.00 Wetlands Water Park Equipment: • Pool Heater $50,000.00 Total $50,000.00 Wetlands Projects: • Park Fencing $20,000.00 • Roofing $50,000.00 • Pump Room Replacement $350,000.00 Total $420,000.00 Recommendation: None  Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Agenda Presentation Date: December 18th, 2025 Agenda Item: 5 Subject: Recreational Programming Parks and Recreation recently hosted its first-ever adult kickball league, which included four teams. Participation and feedback were very positive, with all teams indicating they enjoyed the league and would like to see it continue. The kickball league is planned to return this spring. NFL Flag Football will also return this spring following a strong inaugural season last year. The program saw good participation and strong community interest, and staff will focus on expanding registration this season, particularly by encouraging more middle school and high school football players to participate. Staff are also developing two new walking groups to launch in the spring. Monday walks will be shorter and geared toward the downtown area, making them accessible and easy to join. Thursday walks will be longer in length, starting at Persimmon Ridge Park, traveling into downtown Jonesborough, and returning to Persimmon Ridge, offering a more extended fitness option for participants. Parks and Recreation is once again coordinating the Jonesborough Christmas Parade. The parade is currently capped at 88 floats, and this year’s theme is “Favorite Christmas Movie.” The Parks and Recreation float is “real nice.” Finally, communication is ongoing with Jonesborough Youth Soccer regarding the potential transition of league operations to the Town. Discussions are still in progress, and more information will be shared as details are finalized. . Recommendation: None  Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Agenda Presentation Date: December 18th, 2025 Agenda Item: 6 Subject: Financial and Budget Review The Jonesborough Parks and Recreation Fund currently has a balance of $0. This account is funded solely through fundraising efforts associated with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. The line item designated for “Athletic Programs” is separate from this fund and is used at the discretion of the Parks and Recreation Director to cover fees and maintenance associated with Jonesborough Little League, Jonesborough Youth Soccer, and Jonesborough Middle School athletic teams. There has been some confusion in the past regarding the purpose of this line item, including the belief that it could be used to award scholarships. That is not the case. If committee members have ideas for potential fundraisers or sponsorship opportunities, staff would be happy to assist in coordinating those efforts. The remainder of the Parks and Recreation general operating budget is in good standing. Expenditures for the remainder of the fiscal year are currently being projected based on approved projects and anticipated routine maintenance needs. Budget development for FY27 is scheduled to begin in late January through early February. Planning is underway for the $1.7 million Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) grant to complete the Town’s portion of the First Frontier Trail, including the trail hub and bike skills park. Engineering services have been awarded, and the project is currently in the planning and design phase. Additionally, Parks and Recreation was recently awarded a Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) grant through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Forestry Division, in the amount of $3,691.50. These funds will support the ongoing reforestation efforts at Tiger Park. Recommendation: None  Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Agenda Presentation Date: December 18th, 2025 Agenda Item: 7 Subject: Addition of Junior Pioneer Athletics as Board Member Jr. Pioneer Athletics provides organized recreational basketball and pee wee football programming and has served the community for many years. Historically, Jr. Pioneers utilized the former Jonesborough Middle School football field for practices. Now that the Town owns this property, Jr. Pioneer Athletics will be utilizing Town fields for their practices and activities. Similar to Jonesborough Youth Soccer and Jonesborough Little League, Jr. Pioneer Athletics offers youth sports programming to residents of Jonesborough and Washington County. Their continued presence and use of Town facilities aligns with the mission of Parks and Recreation and supports the Town’s goal of providing diverse and accessible recreational opportunities. Their involvement would bring additional perspective and value to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. Recommendation: Send a letter to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen requesting an amendment to the Municipal Code to allow Jr. Pioneer Athletics a seat on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee with the same rights and privileges afforded to Jonesborough Youth Soccer and Jonesborough Little League.  Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Agenda Presentation Date: December 18th, 2025 Agenda Item: 8 Subject: Depot Street Park Background: At a previous meeting, staff discussed the Depot Street Park community input event and reviewed feedback gathered from the public. The survey data from that event has been provided again for the committee’s reference to ensure members have continued access to the comments and trends identified by residents. The survey results show that a splash pad and a dog park were the most frequently requested amenities. Through discussion, the committee acknowledged the popularity of these ideas but determined that neither option is feasible for the Depot Street Park site due to space limitations, infrastructure requirements, and long-term maintenance considerations. Based on that feedback and further discussion, the committee identified a more realistic and achievable direction for the park focused on multi-use court and recreational amenities. One potential option would be the development of a court-focused park. This concept would include removing the existing playground structure while keeping the swing set and removing the remaining balance-style playground equipment. The plan would also include upgrades to the existing pavilion, selective removal of a few trees to improve functionality and sightlines, and improvements to the restroom facilities. Additional proposed amenities could include extending the existing basketball court to create a full-size court, adding a sand volleyball court, installing a GAGA ball pit and horseshoe pits, and incorporating pedestrian-scale lighting similar to street lighting to improve safety. Consideration could also be given to adding a charcoal grill similar to the one at Lincoln Park, which could encourage families to plan informal “game day” gatherings, host small tournaments, and enjoy cookouts while using the park. Recommendation: None Below are screenshots of some of the survey results (with personal information removed), and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. “If you could change one thing about the park, what would it be?”