Parks Board

REGULAR MEETING OF THE LAFAYETTE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 4:00 pm 8 February 2021 The City of Lafayette Parks and Recreation Board met in regular meeting at 4:00pm, February 8, 2021. The meeting was held 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 Director of Operations Jon Miner, City Controller Tim Clary, Marketing Manager Samantha Haville, Zoo Director Neil Dale, McAllister Recreation Center Manager Chad Aldridge, Maintenance Manager Mike Perry and Recording Secretary Jenny Spencer were also present. All votes will be taken via roll call. Upon motion by Mr. Metzger, seconded by Ms. Corey, and unanimously carried, minutes of the January 11, 2021 Parks Board meeting were approved. Upon motion of Ms. Corey, seconded by Mr. Mecklenburg, and unanimously carried, General Fund Claims in the amount of $81,252.28, Non-Reverting Fund Claims in the amount of $2,705.00 for a total of $83,957.28 were approved. Superintendent’s Report  Director of Operations Miner provided an update of Loeb Stadium. The outside work is wrapping up. Final cleaning has been done on some inside spaces. Installation of the video board is progressing. Training for staff to use the video board is coming up. Purdue Baseball held practice at the stadium on January 29 and 30, being the first to use the turf. The coach and players provided positive feedback. The Administration Office is receiving many phone calls from groups interested in using Loeb for many different activities.  Superintendent Laufman updated on progress of Memorial Island. Given the weather, outside activities are limited. Huston Electric is working inside the stage room. Most of the seawall block has been installed and backfilled with #53 gravel. Prepping for footers of the shade sails in front of the stage area.  Superintendent Laufman also gave an update on the Carousel project. The exterior masonry is almost finished. Gas line relocation will be coming with the warmer weather along with the walk, swales, landscaping and brick paver work. On the inside, electrical work, access doors and paint are all being completed.  Marketing Manager Haville provided media updates. Amber, a Zoo Educator had an appearance on WLFI regarding the Zoo Teen program. Mayor Roswarski was on-site for the Purdue Baseball practice which was also covered by WLFI. Art in the Park dates are being finalized. 2021 Fun Guide and 2020 Annual Report Park Board Minutes 2/8/2021 Page 1  should be ready by next month’s meeting. Social media following is up to 10,400 Facebook, 2400 Instagram and 3900 Twitter followers. Have two Purdue Marketing students as interns to help with social media expansion efforts.  Superintendent Laufman advised the Board that a review of the resolution outlining alcohol use, which was last reviewed in 2015, is in order. Research shows that other parks have successfully implemented policies allowing limited used of alcohol. President Denney has designated a sub-committee with Mr. Metzger and Ms. Corey to work with Park staff to further research an alcohol use policy. Ms. Laufman also brought up the topic of considering when the Board can begin in-person meetings again. 2021 Fees and Charges  Superintendent Laufman opened the discussion of the changes to fees and charges to be implemented with charging admission to Columbian Park Zoo. Ms. Corey questioned whether proposed admission was sufficient. Ms. Laufman explained research on other zoo admissions that are similarly sized and while most are more expensive, it is a good entry point.  Marketing Manager Haville introduced the rollout of a Columbian Park Pass with discounted Zoo membership along with Tropicanoe Cove pass.  Shelter price changes were addressed with most staying at same price point.  Rush Pavilion price change discussed along with head count pricing questions. Agreement was made for an event charge rather than using number of guests.  Memorial Island re-opening and price change was discussed along with need for Park Staff to be on hand for events using A/V equipment. Deer Island being charged separately for exclusive use was explained along with increases to charges and deposit increases for The Clubhouse.  Loeb Stadium fees were outlined based on athletic versus non-athletic events and discounts for not for profit organizations. Questions around custodial fees for renters ended with agreement on all parties being charged the same for custodial fees.  Upon motion by Ms. Corey, seconded by Mr. Metzger, and unanimously carried via roll call vote, the 2021 Fees and Charges were approved. Declaration of Surplus Property  Upon motion of Mr. Mecklenburg, seconded by Mr. Metzger and unanimously carried via roll call vote, two boilers from Tropicanoe Cove pump house that have not been in use for 15 years are deemed surplus. See attachment B. Declaration of Worthless Property  Upon motion by Mr. Mecklenburg, seconded by Ms. Corey and unanimously carried via roll call vote, several items from Jenk’s Rest were deemed worthless. See attachment C. Park Board Minutes 2/8/2021 Page 2 Communications:  Board: Mr. Mecklenburg commented on the positive coverage of use of the parks with all of the snow in local media.  Public: none  Written: none There being no further business to come before the Board, on motion of Mr. Mecklenburg, seconded by Ms. Corey, and unanimously carried, the meeting adjourned at 5:35 pm. _______________________________________ Maurie Denney, Park Board President _______________________________________ Matt Metzger, Secretary Pro Tem ________________________________________ Jenny Spencer, Recording Secretary Park Board Minutes 2/8/2021 Page 3