Parks Board

REGULAR MEETING OF THE LAFAYETTE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 4:00 pm 18 April 2022 The City of Lafayette Parks and Recreation Board met in regular meeting at 4:00pm, April 18, 2022. The meeting was held at Rush Pavilion in Columbian Park. The meeting was called to order by Park Board President, Pat Corey. Board members present were Matt Metzger, Maurie Denney and Dave Mecklenburg. Parks Superintendent Claudine Laufman, Director of Operations Jon Miner, Marketing Manager Samantha Haville, Zoo Director Neil Dale, McAllister Recreation Center Manager Chad Aldridge, Maintenance Manager Mike Perry, Security Director Kurt Wolf, Marketing Manager Samantha Haville, Marketing and Special Events Coordinator Bridgett Haro and Recording Secretary Jenny Spencer were also present. Upon motion by Mr. Denney, seconded by Mr. Mecklenburg, and unanimously carried, minutes of the March 21, 2022 Parks Board meeting were approved. Upon motion of Mr. Metzger, seconded by Mr. Mecklenburg, and unanimously carried, General Fund Claims in the amount of $25,642.52, Non-Reverting Fund Claims in the amount of $33,299.11 for a total of $58,941.63 were approved. Superintendent’s Report ● Marketing Manager Haville discussed the recent concert announcement covered by WLFI, Star City News and Journal & Courier. The ground-breaking at the Cat Park All-Inclusive Sports Field was also covered by WLFI, Star City News and the Journal & Courier. There was also a press release regarding the Zoo opening. Director of Operations Miner had an interview with Star City regarding the lifeguarding class and the seasonal hiring push and will be doing the same with WLFI tomorrow. Loeb Stadium Movie Night on April 22 featuring Onward has sold 162 tickets and 2 suites. Gates open at 5pm with the movie starting at 6pm. Spring Celebration is Sat. April 23 from 11am-2pm at McAllister Center. There will be age-based easter egg hunts, crafts and a special appearance by Melvin the bunny. Ticket sales for the June 30 America concert began on April 8. Over 1300 tickets have been sold out of 1500 seats. Free concert scheduled for April 9 has been postponed to the rain date of April 30. She also gave a social media update. Bridgett Haro the Marketing and Special Events Coordinator has accepted a position in Austin, TX and will be leaving at the end of April. Superintendent Laufman expressed her appreciation for Ms. Haro’s hard work She also recognized the Marketing and Maintenance teams for their flexibility and planning for the ground-breaking event in the inclement weather. ● Zoo Director Dale provided an update on opening weekend for the Zoo. There were 579 paid entries, 18 members and 78 children under 2, with 675 total Park Board Minutes 4/18/2022 Page 1  through the gates on Saturday. Easter Sunday the weather wasn’t as good with only 156 through the gate. The train is up and running. Work is continuing on converting the old depot into a ticket station with a goal to be completed by Memorial Day. We are also working on a member’s only gate. The pedal boats should be in the water in May depending on weather. ● Security Director Wolf provided a security update. There have been 65 incident reports, 9 trespass warnings. There has been an increase of vandalism in bathrooms requiring an increase in supervision. The Security Department now has 4 vehicles thanks to two acquired from other areas. We are still looking to hire and net-working to find qualified help. ● Superintendent Laufman provided a project update for the Columbian Park Restrooms. Duke is scheduled to be onsite tomorrow, hopefully there will be permanent power. Anticipated completion is May. ● Director of Operations Miner discussed the Cat Park All-Inclusive Field. We have been fighting the weather a little with the outdoor work, but still anticipate being on schedule for the June 19th completion date. ● Director of Operation Miner provided an update on seasonal operations. All restrooms and water fountains are on and functional. User groups are getting out and ready to use the fields. ● Director of Operations Miner also provided an update on seasonal hiring. We continue to struggle. A $1per hour increase has been instituted and we saw a small bump after that. The second lifeguard class begins May 6-8. It is $200, if you work all summer $75 will be refunded. At $12 per hour we are the highest paying lifeguard job in the area. We are also offering a referral bonus. Upon motion by Mr. Denney, seconded by Mr. Metzger, and unanimously carried, the Declaration of Surplus Property was approved. Attachment B Communications: ● Board: Mr. Mecklenburg expressed his excitement about the Cat Park All Inclusive Sports Field. ● Public: Mr. Gene Hurt addressed the board concerning the use of illegal bats in the adult softball leagues held at Lyboult Park. Mr. Mecklenburg and Mr. Metzger both inquired about the usual processes for checking bats. Mr. Hurt stated that in the past it was the responsibility of the umpire or a designated bat checker. A brief discussion ensued. The board asked staff to inquire with the adult softball league about the issue. ● Written: There was no written communications. Park Board Minutes 4/18/2022 Page 2 There being no further business to come before the Board, on motion of Mr. Denney, seconded by Mr. Mecklenburg, and unanimously carried, the meeting adjourned at 4:32 pm. _______________________________________ Pat Corey, Park Board President _______________________________________ Dave Mecklenburg, Secretary Pro Tem ________________________________________ Jenny Spencer, Recording Secretary Park Board Minutes 4/18/2022 Page 3