Parks Board

REGULAR MEETING OF THE LAFAYETTE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 4:00 pm 8 June 2020 The City of Lafayette Parks and Recreation Board met in regular meeting at 4:00pm, June 8, 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, Marketing Manager Samantha Haville, City Controller Tim Clary and Recording Secretary Jenny Spencer were present. All votes will be taken via roll call. Upon motion by Matt Metzger, seconded by Dave Mecklenburg, and unanimously carried, minutes of the May 18, 2020 Parks Board meeting were approved. Upon motion of Pat Corey, seconded by Dave Mecklenburg, and unanimously carried, General Fund Claims in the amount of $19,469.83 and Non-Reverting Fund Claims in the amount of $25,941.55 for a total of $45,411.38 were approved. Superintendent’s Report  Marketing Manager Samantha Haville provided a media update. Television interviews have been held regarding the opening of the Kiwanis Harmony Exhibit, construction on the Carousel and upcoming Phase 3 of Memorial Island as well as opening procedures for the Columbian Park Zoo and Tropicanoe Cove. Lafayette Parks and Recreation’s following on Facebook has seen a 12% increase to 8,900 followers. Penguin and Loeb Stadium updates being the most popular. Instagram following is up 31%. Trivia Tuesday has attracted attention. With opening of the Zoo and Tropicanoe Cove; signage has been completed for safe operation during COVID-19. Zoo Education has responded well to keep online users engaged with “Sofa Safaris” given by the Animal Ambassadors.  Director of Operations Miner provided an update on Loeb Stadium. Masonry work is continuing on Main and Wallace Streets. Work is continuing on the inside structures such as the concession stand and home locks room. Pre-cast concrete has arrived on-site. Lights will arrive within the next couple weeks. In the process of coordinating with the Engineer’s office for a temporary night-time closure of Main Street for the installation of the lights.  Superintendent Laufman addressed progress on the Penguin Exhibit. Mike Perry’s team in Maintenance, collaborating with the Zoo team, have been busy with the design and installation of the landscape to mimic appropriate habitat that works with the Indiana temperature/weather zone. Contractor continues to finish minor items on the Punch list. Waiting for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to move forward through permitting process for Penguins to make their way to Lafayette. Park Board Minutes 6/8/20 Page 1   Superintendent Laufman also updated the Board on the Carousel Project. Morgan Construction is mobilizing onsite and will be utilizing existing fencing. Also working on establishing temporary power installed in a trailer.  Superintendent Laufman reported on progress of Memorial Island. Dredging contractor will be installing construction fence soon. She has been working with Purdue fisheries and the DNR in determining desirable species and best practices for restocking. Director of Operations, Jon Miner reported on Seasonal Operations.  Able to fill lifeguard spots, completed lifeguard class that started at Lafayette Jeff before COVID and finished at the YMCA as well as hold another class at Tropicanoe Cove that certified an additional 11 lifeguards. Up to 91 guards from the 71 we were looking at a couple weeks ago.  Vinton and Castaway opened on May 24. Have had guests from as far away as Terre Haute. Ours are the only 2 public swimming pools open in West Central Indiana. Through the first 14 days, the pools have been open at 50% capacity, which for Castaway Bay is 160 after staff and 117 after staff for Vinton Pool. Revenue is up considerably from last year, at $13,277 compared to $9,691. There have been 2,899 guests to date with an average of 207 per day at Castaway Bay. Total number of guests last year at this time was 2,350. At Vinton Pool, we have fewer day campers than last year because of restrictions, but attendance is up by 100 people. There have been 2209 guests to date. Revenue for this year is $6,214.50 versus $4,163.75 at the same time last year. Concessions gross revenues are $6,627. Opening procedures for cleaning and disinfecting have been successful, and have been good practice for when Tropicanoe Cove opens. Have been operating at capacity with a wait list at both pools. Responding to a question asked by Board President Maurie Denney regarding security measures for opening Cove at 50% and people being upset if they are not able to get in Director of Operations Miner reports that given activity and responses at other pools, people are waiting patiently and have had no negative interactions regarding waits. We don’t anticipate problems, but will have Security prepared in case issues arise. Will address capacity issues for season pass holders by offering a “Fast Pass” lane. Comment by Board Member Pat Corey that revenues are impressive during pandemic. Jon Miner added that additional revenue is being generated by a new client, Boilermaker Aquatics, is renting Vinton Pool as alternative to high school venues being unavailable at this time. Responding to question from Board Member Pat Corey about progress at Crosser Complex being able to be used with COVID restrictions Superintendent Laufman reports that, from a physical facility prospective Crosser is almost ready. Maintenance is working on erosion control methods surrounding field. Jon has been working with user groups ready on July 1st to start practice. Lafayette Girls Softball has a large tournament scheduled to start July 9. Park Board Minutes 6/8/20 Page 2 Approval of Fees for 2020 (Attachment A) Upon motion of Dave Mecklenburg, seconded by Pat Corey, proposed changes due to the COVID-19 shortened season to season pass fees for Tropicanoe Cove were unanimously carried.  Director of Operations Jon Miner explained that proposal is to go back to 2019 prices. Only 2 families have purchased season passes at 2020 rates, those families will be able to use their passes for the 2021 season as well. Board Member Pat Corey commented that marketing around lowered cost for the season passes to acknowledge shortened season should be available so public is aware that costs have been lowered. Jon advised that 2020 signage does show higher rate. Jon feels that our good faith effort is being demonstrated. Board Member Matt Metzger posed question surrounding season pass sales and anticipated issues with “Fast Pass” lane. Jon answered that we have approximately 200 season holders. A potential issue could be that season pass holders may think the fast pass lane allows them to enter even at capacity. We have not had the problem at the other parks. People have been arriving early. The intent is to be flexible in order to address any problems as they arise. Board Member Dave Mecklenburg asked for clarification on when full capacity will be allowed. Jon advised that per Governor Holcomb’s Back on Track Indiana plan, July 4th is slated for 100% capacity. Declaration of Surplus Property (Attachment B)  Upon motion of Dave Mecklenburg, seconded by Matt Metzger, and unanimously carried via roll call vote included property was deemed surplus. Clarification by Director of Operations, Jon Miner, that the Art/Statues are made of recycled material. Responding to a question from Board Member Dave Mecklenburg, Superintendent Laufman provided information regarding the relocation of the roosters. Park Board President acknowledged presence of City Controller, Tim Clary. Tim shared he does not have a report yet, as revenues are just starting to be generated. Communications:  Board: Maurie Denney has visited Park with retiree friends and has enjoyed the shelters for breakfast. Also shared that Munger Park has seen a vast improvement in cleanliness. Park Board Minutes 6/8/20 Page 3   Public: No communications  Written: No communications There being no further business to come before the Board, on motion by Dave Mecklenburg, seconded by Matt Metzger, unanimously carried, the meeting adjourned at 4:39 pm. _______________________________________ Maurie Denney, Park Board President _______________________________________ Matt Metzger, Secretary Pro Tem ________________________________________ Jenny Spencer, Recording Secretary Park Board Minutes 6/8/20 Page 4