Parks Board

REGULAR MEETING OF THE LAFAYETTE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 4:00 pm 18 May 2020 The City of Lafayette Parks and Recreation Board met in regular meeting at 4:00pm, May 18, 2020 via virtual “gotomeeting” which was livestreamed through City of Lafayette’s Youtube channel. The meeting was called to order by Park Board President, Maurie Denney. Board members present were Pat Corey, Dave Mecklenburg and Matt Metzger. Parks Superintendent Claudine Laufman, Parks Director of Operations Jon Miner, and Recording Secretary Jenny Spencer were present. All votes will be taken via roll call. Parks Superintendent Laufman informed the Board that John Ragan tendered his resignation from the Board. She expressed her thanks on behalf of the City and Parks and Recreation Department for Mr. Ragen’s service to the Board. Superintendent Laufman welcomed Matt Metzger, who was appointed by Mayor Roswarski to complete Mr. Ragen’s term. Carlynn Smith, previous Recording Secretary has retired from her position. Jenny Spencer has been hired as Carlynn’s replacement. Upon motion by Pat Corey, seconded by Dave Mecklenberg, Matt Metzger was nominated as Board Secretary. The motion was unanimously carried. Upon motion by Dave Mecklenburg, seconded by Matt Metzger, Jenny Spencer was nominated Recording Secretary. The motion was unanimously carried. Upon motion by Pat Corey, seconded by Dave Mecklenburg, and unanimously carried, minutes of the April 20, 2020 Parks Board meeting were approved. Upon motion of Dave Mecklenburg, seconded by Pat Corey, and unanimously carried, claims in the amount of $23,291.79 were approved. Superintendent’s Report  Superintendent Laufman reported that Kurt Wolf has been promoted to Director of Security.  Director of Operations Miner provided an update on Loeb Stadium. Walls are up around home locker room. Work is being done on the first base concession stand area. This will be the location of the permanent power source. When completed they will be able to switch from temporary power to permanent. Timing is pushed back a little with the three week COVID-19 shut down.  Superintendent Laufman addressed progress on the Penguin Exhibit. The contractor is working the punch list. Our team is focused on the landscape. We are working through  the permit process with Fish & Wildlife Service which has been delayed with the Pandemic.  Superintendent Laufman provided and update on Memorial Island. Merrell Brother’s, of Kokomo was awarded the Dredging contract through Board of Works. Pre-Construction meeting is this week. Completion set for September 1, 2020.  Superintendent Laufman also updated the Board on the Carousel Project. Morgan Construction was awarded the contract through Board of Works. They will be mobilizing onsite this week. Superintendent Laufman expressed appreciation for collaboration with other City departments. We are saving money by using our partnerships with RENEW for storm and sanitation, as well as Water Works for moving water lines without having to use outside contractors. Director of Operations, Jon Miner reported on Seasonal Operations.  Monday was first day of operations for McAllister Camp with 35 children onsite. Adhering to all Health Department and CDC guidelines.  All aquatic facilities are up and running with Vinton and Castaway Bay opening May 24th at 50% capacity. Tropicanoe Cove opens June 14th at 50% capacity. Normal operations are projected to resume for all on July 4th.  Still need about 35 Lifeguards that are already certified. YMCA is allowing us to use their facilities to conduct the certification course.  Responding to a question asked by Board member Pat Corey, Director of Operations Miner reports on measures being taken to address public’s safety concerns: o Manage crowds and stay under capacity. o Delay Family Nights until after July 4th. o Social Distancing tape for slide tower lines. o Use spray gun disinfectant that kills virus on contact. o Institute procedures to check out deck chairs, disinfecting between customers. o Face masks for concession and gate staff. o Disinfecting schedule for all equipment and publicly used spaces, such as restrooms o For safety, masks are allowed on deck, but not in water as they are a drowning hazard. Declaration of Surplus Property  Upon motion of Dave Mecklenburg, seconded by Matt Metzger, and unanimously carried, Linwood property was deemed surplus. Communications:  Board: Maurie Denney asked if new member Matt Metzger needed a copy of the Loeb RFP. It was provided to him prior to Park Board Meeting by Director of Operations, Jon Miner. Maurie Denney also asked for questions regarding RFP be submitted to either himself or Dave Mecklenburg for a committee meeting the week of June 1.   Public: No communications  Written: No communications There being no further business to come before the Board, on motion by Dave Mecklenburg, seconded by Pat Corey, unanimously carried, the meeting adjourned at 4:27 pm. _______________________________________ Maurie Denney, Park Board President _______________________________________ Matt Metzger, Secretary Pro Tem ________________________________________ Jenny Spencer, Recording Secretary