BOPARC

Minutes of the December 11, 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 3:11 PM. Establish Quorum: Members present in person were Susan Klingensmith, Danielle Trumble, Meridith Balas, and Jenny Thoma. Jenny Selin appeared virtually. Members absent: Cal Carlson, Amel Morris. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the October 9, 2024 regular meeting, October 18, 2024 work session, and October 24, 2024 special meeting were approved by consensus. Correspondence: None. Public Comment: None. Financial Report: City finance director John Furgison reviewed the profit/loss report with explanatory chart. Director Wiles reviewed the contents of the Financial Report. Susan Klingensmith moved to approve, Jenny Thoma seconded. The financial report was approved 5- 0. Executive Director’s Report: Director Wiles did not have any additions to the contents of the Executive Director’s report, which summarized projects and where we are headed. On Monday, a group of students - primarily hospitality and tourism management students from WVU’s Business College and some in recreation as well - toured BOPARC in preparation for community outreach and marketing projects they will be partnering with BOPARC. It was a very positive experience from both sides. Old Business: Revisited request for nominating Marilla Park as an Old Growth Forest from the Old Growth Forest Network. Matt Elshiaty reviewed the legal implications of same. Director Wiles explained that this designation would be consistent with BOPARC’s values and would aid visibility of Marilla forest. Susan Klingensmith moved to approve putting in a nomination, and Meredith seconded. Approved 5-0. New Business: Director Wiles reviewed ice arena bids. Eight bids were received; there was a lot of interest. The lowest qualified bid was from Lombardi for $3,155,000.00. Jenny Selin moved to approve, Susan Klingensmith seconded. After discussion, the board voted unanimously (5-0) in favor of awarding a contract to Lombardi. BOPARC Bylaws: Matt Elshiaty reviewed the revised bylaws. After group discussion, it was determined that the board would review the revised version again and continue this item for further action at BOPARC’s next meeting. General Board Comments: Jenny Selin really appreciates everything that BOPARC has accomplished this year, which has been so important for putting plans into operation. The completion of projects is a credit to our administration, workforce, and board. Her thanks to city council for approving financing for these things as well. Meridith Balas inquired if the new lights in lower Marilla Park be different on the tennis and pickleball courts. Director Wiles advised they would be, and would now be on an upgraded, modern lighting system. Although it was discussed earlier, Meridith again emphasized many thanks again for the delightful BOPARC tour experience and the food from Eureka cafe; her students especially enjoyed the vegan pepperoni rolls. Meredith also gave a report on updates from the Health and Wellness commission. Jenny Thoma appreciated how much Director Wiles and her staff are keeping on top of so many projects at such a busy time of year. Susan Klingensmith mentioned how great it was to be able to update the community on all of the exciting progress on BOPARC projects, and how much that is appreciated. Danielle Trumble attended the Creative Aging wrapup event at Wiles Hill Community Center; it was a fantastic event with performances by the seniors in the program. She noted that the participants’ family members also made a point of thanking BOPARC for having this program and hoped it would continue as it had been so valuable to all. She also thanked the BOPARC Foundation for helping to fund it as well. As for upcoming events, Chair Trumble noted there is an inclusive Christmas party event on Thursday, December 19 from 6-9 p.m., including photos with Santa at Wiles Hill Community Center. Adjournment: Susan Klingensmith moved to adjourn at 4:03 p.m., seconded by Jenny Thoma. Respectfully Submitted, Jenny Thoma December 11, 2024 Entered Into Record: Melissa Wiles Melissa Wiles, Executive Director January 8, 2024