Parks Board

REGULAR MEETING OF THE LAFAYETTE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 4:00 pm 12 July 2021 The City of Lafayette Parks and Recreation Board met in regular meeting at 4:00pm, July 12, 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 and Dave Mecklenburg. Park Superintendent Claudine Laufman, Parks Director of Operations Jon Miner, Zoo Director Neil Dale, Marketing Manager Samantha Haville, Maintenance Manager Mike Perry, Security Director Kurt Wolf, City Controller Jeremy Diehl and Recording Secretary Jenny Spencer were also present. Upon motion by Ms. Corey, seconded by Mr. Mecklenburg, and unanimously carried, minutes of the June 28, 2021 Parks Board meeting were approved. Upon motion of Mr. Mecklenburg, seconded by Ms. Corey, and unanimously carried, General Fund Claims in the amount of $18,892.52, Non-Reverting Fund Claims in the amount of $33,111.80 and Bond Fund claims in the amount of $ 465,484.38 for a total of $517,488.70 were approved. Superintendent’s Report • Superintendent Laufman began her report recognizing Mike Perry, Maintenance Manager, Assistant Ben Taylor and Project Manager Garrett Gaskins for their hard work and amazing outcome at Memorial Island. • Maintenance Manager Perry then introduced new or newly promoted to full-time team members: Claire Marshall, Brandon Wright, Savannah Barrera and Brian Gregory. • Superintendent Laufman then recognized Aquatics and Security Staff for their hard work and collaboration. • Marketing Manager Haville shared details of the Memorial Island Grand Opening event which included a free day at the park on July 5 with live music. The next free day at the park is September 4. There is a Staff Appreciation on July 13, along with another Art in the Park later that day. • Zoo Director Neil Dale provided more details regarding visitors to the free day on July 5, with over 3,550 zoo rides given. Membership is over 1,450. Zoo Run Run will be virtual again this year. Mr. Mecklenburg commended Mr. Dale on membership numbers. A short discussion followed surrounding the original goal of 1200 memberships. • Director of Operations provided the Aquatics Report with twenty-eight operating days (see attachment). Ms. Corey commented on the outer pools showing a lesser decline through COVID in 2020. A conversation followed regarding attendance Park Board Minutes 7/12/2021 Page 1  trends and that the outer pools opened earlier than Tropicanoe Cove as it is designated as a Waterpark. Projects: • Memorial Island: There are still a couple of outstanding items such as missing railings. They are being imported and have been delayed. • Columbian Park Restroom Project: Bids open July 27. Fourteen contractors were present for the Pre-bid meeting. • Mr. Mecklenburg inquired about the arrival of the penguins. A conversation ensued regarding molting and safe transport of the penguins. A possible late summer arrival was discussed. Communications: • Board: Mr. Mecklenburg shared his amazement at the transformation of Memorial Island and his thanks to the employees present for their hard work and to share his sentiments with their staff and peers. • 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 4:24 pm. _______________________________________ Maurie Denney, Park Board President _______________________________________ Matt Metzger, Secretary Pro Tem ________________________________________ Jenny Spencer, Recording Secretary Park Board Minutes 7/12/2021 Page 2