Parks Board

REGULAR MEETING OF THE LAFAYETTE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 4:00 pm 19 April 2021 The City of Lafayette Parks and Recreation Board met in regular meeting at 4:00pm, April 19, 2021. The meeting was held at Rush Pavilion in Columbian Park. The meeting was called to order by Park Board President, Maurie Denney. Board members present were Pat Corey, Dave Mecklenburg and Matt Metzger. Park Superintendent Claudine Laufman, Parks Director of Operations Jon Miner, Assistant City Controller Jeremy Diehl, Zoo Director Neil Dale, Marketing Manager Samantha Haville, McAllister Recreation Center Manager Chad Aldridge, Maintenance Manager Mike Perry and Recording Secretary Jenny Spencer were also present. Upon motion by Mr. Metzger, seconded by Ms. Corey, and unanimously carried, minutes of the March 15, 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 $23,082.70, Non-Reverting Fund Claims in the amount of $13,867.30 for a total of $36,950.00 were approved. Upon motion of Mr. Metzger, seconded by Ms. Corey and unanimously carried, the 2020 Annual Report was approved. Marketing Manager Haville described the breakdown of information contained in the Annual Report and discussed how both the pandemic and construction affected revenue. Superintendent’s Report  Ms. Haville provided the marketing update including media interviews, Loeb Stadium dedication coverage and zoo admission. Art in the Park days have been set; June 15, July 14 and August 3. Social Media has had a combined year over year growth of 25%. Fun Guides are available and being circulated throughout the community.  Zoo Director Neil Dale provided information on opening weekend numbers and new memberships. Feedback on admission cost has been mostly positive and has translated into more memberships. Exhibits had over 1000 guests each day over opening weekend. Mr. Denney proposed a special entrance line for members.  Director of Operations Miner presented the Loeb Stadium update. Still working with architects on punch list items. Permanent trash cans and recycle bins are arriving soon. Suite furniture selection is in process. Mr. Mecklenburg raised a question on turf maintenance, a discussion followed. Mr. Miner re-capped use of the stadium by outside groups and possible use through the fall for soccer. Park Board Minutes 4/19/2021 Page 1   Superintendent Laufman provided an update on Memorial Island. The maintenance team has started landscaping. Completion date has been extended to June 23. Seawall repairs have begun on Rush Pavilion and required replacing some footers. The carousel building area has been getting landscaping. The actual carousel is in design process. The Memorial Day parade is moving forward. Parade starting at 11am with the Veteran’s ceremony at 12pm. Communications:  Board: Ms. Corey will be out of town for May meeting.  Public: none  Written: none There being no further business to come before the Board, on motion of Mr. Metzger, seconded by Ms. Corey, and unanimously carried, the meeting adjourned at 4:37pm. _______________________________________ Maurie Denney, Park Board President _______________________________________ Matt Metzger, Secretary Pro Tem ________________________________________ Jenny Spencer, Recording Secretary Park Board Minutes 4/19/2021 Page 2