BOPARC

Minutes of the August 14th, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners Location: Morgantown City Hall-Council Chambers Call to Order: Chair Danielle Trumble called the meeting to order at 3:20 PM. Establish Quorum: Members present in person were Cal Carlson, Susan Klingensmith, Jenny Thoma, and Danielle Trumble. Jenny Selin and Meredith Balas appeared remotely. Members absent were Amel Morris. Approval of Minutes: Subject to one typographical error, the minutes of the July 10th, 2024 regular meeting were approved by consensus. Correspondence: None. Public Comment: None. Presentations: Director Wiles read the proclamation from the City of Morgantown commending the service of BOPARC lifeguards and Zach Ribas, Alyssa Guerry, Ava Biafore, applauding them for their lifesaving intervention. BOPARC is very proud of, and grateful for, their lifeguards’ service. Jackson Pauley’s father, Jason Pauley, also spoke in thanks to BOPARC’s lifeguards and applauded their actions that day. Lifeguards, EMS, the community and the state have been outstanding beyond measure. He wanted the attention to be on the people who saved his son’s life. Chair Trumble thanked the Pauleys for attending and for their comments. She observed that BOPARC’s training is above and beyond, which is a credit to Director Wiles and her staff. She noted the quick thinking and the training of BOPARC’s lifeguards made the outcome better than it could have been. Rick Landenberger from the Mon Valley Greenspace Coalition gave a presentation to the board asking it to consider designating 14 acres of intact, old-growth forest on the South End of the park, between Route 7 and White Avenue, as a Community Forest. This mixed mesophytic forest and its multi-layered canopy provides a quality habitat for birds and other species. Mon Valley Greenspace Coalition personnel built and have been maintaining the trails within that space, and in doing so, it was apparent that this area qualified as a mature, community forest with old- growth characteristics. Old Growth Network has over 200 forests that they protect, including Tom’s Run Preserve near Morgantown. The BOPARC Foundation presentation was rescheduled to the following month’s meeting. Financial Report: Director Wiles reviewed the contents of the financial report. She noted that rental income has been good; admissions and fees were standard. Susan Klingensmith moved to accept the financial report, seconded by Cal Carlson. The financial report was approved 6-0. Executive Director’s Report: Director Wiles shared the contents of the Executive Director’s report. Old Business: None. New Business: No Action Items. General Board Comments: Jenny Selin had a great season at Krepps; the lifeguards did a great job, patrons enjoyed themselves, and she appreciated the efforts. Meredith Balas seconded those comments. She is looking forward to Dog Splash and the Marilla tour in September. Jenny Thoma had a great summer season at both pools, and appreciated all the effort that goes into providing that experience for families. She is also looking forward to fall in the parks, as their trees are beautiful with the color change. Susan Klingensmith attended the final Marilla Pool Day with her family and noted that it was greatly enjoyed by the kids. Cal Carlson thanked Director Wiles, and asked when the opening date for the ice arena was. Director Wiles advised it was the 24th. Danielle Trumble commended BOPARC’s lifeguards again; she noted that training can be provided, but it was their quick actions putting it into practice that avoided a tragedy. Jerome Park Association wanted to express their gratitude to BOPARC and noted the walking trail was well-utilized. They are grateful for the work that went into Paul Preserve and proposed that BOPARC consider having an event there to showcase what a great park it now is. Celebrate Woodburn is tomorrow at the playground, which is very exciting for the neighborhood – the picnic is happening at the same time there as well. There haven’t been any updates on the Decker’s Creek Linear Park yet, but those will be shared as they come in. Chair Trumble has had a lot of volunteers doing work removing graffiti and other things. They hope to work on a fence near the Marriott on Sunday. Danielle Trumble was pleased with the financial report/status. Meredith and Danielle will be meeting to discuss the board retreat that was proposed at a previous meeting. Cal Carlson moved to enter executive session under WV Code § 6-9a-4. Susan Klingensmith seconded, all six members present were in favor. Executive Session entered into at 3:53 pm. Jenny Thoma moved to exit executive session, and Cal Carlson seconded the motion. Adjournment: Cal Carlson moved to adjourn, and Susan Klingensmith seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 4:29 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Jenny Thoma August 14, 2024 Entered Into Record: September 11, 2024 Melissa Wiles Melissa Wiles, Executive Director