Parks and Recreation Commission

MURFREESBORO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2019 12:00 NOON MPRC Members Present: Mr. D. Edwin Jernigan, Chair Dr. Charlie Apigian, Dr. Gloria Bonner, Dr. Linda Gilbert, Mr. Rick LaLance, Mr. Eddie Miller, Mr. Eddie Smotherman, Mr. Ricky Turner, and Mr. Don Turner (ex officio) MPRC Member Absent: Mr. Tim Roediger MPRD Staff Present: Mr. Nate Williams, Director Mr. Thomas Laird and Ms. Rachel Singer, Asst. Directors Mr. Jim Davis, Mr. Bart Fite, Mr. Kyle Goss, Ms. Susan Hicks, Ms. Kristin Hopkins, Ms. Mitzi Hughes, Ms. Hailey Moss, Mr. Mark Owens, and Ms. Melinda Tate Others Present: Ms. Angela Jackson, Executive Director of Community Services Ms. Kelley Baker, Assistant City Attorney Mr. Mike Browning, Public Information Director Mr. Bill Allen and Mrs. Ida Lee Allen Ms. Janice E. Lewis, Quilts of Valor Foundation After the meeting was called to order, Mr. Rick LaLance led the commission in a prayer and in the Pledge of Allegiance. Next, the minutes of the December 5, 2018, Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission meeting were presented for approval. Dr. Bonner made a motion to approve the minutes as read. Mr. LaLance seconded, and motion passed by unanimous vote. Mr. Williams announced that Mr. Bill Allen recently stepped down from the Golf Commission where he had been the Chair for many years. Mr. Allen served on the MPRC for 22 years as an ex officio member representing the Golf Commission. Ms. Angela Jackson presented Mr. Allen with a Certificate of Appreciation for his dedicated service to the commission. Mr. Allen was next given a Quilt of Valor for his service in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1948, which included his presence at the Battle of Normandy during World War II. Ms. Janice E. Lewis of the Quilts of Valor Foundation presented the quilt to Mr. Allen. Mr. Allen said that it was a great day and that he appreciated the honors, which mean more to him than anyone could know. He also stated that Murfreesboro has offered him so much his whole life, starting with his father who worked in Murfreesboro to support his family. Mr. Allen added that he received his education and employment in Murfreesboro, met his wife of 63 years in Murfreesboro, and he and his wife enjoyed raising their children in this wonderful city. He thanked MPRD staff for the certificate and Ms. Lewis for the quilt. Mr. Allen further said that he is indebted to Murfreesboro and very thankful to be here. He closed with a Bob Hope quote, “Thanks for the memories.” Mr. Williams asked Ms. Rachel Singer and Mr. Thomas Laird to introduce their new employees. Ms. Singer introduced Ms. Kristin Hopkins, Greenway and Natural Resources Coordinator, who started with MPRD in November (2018) and oversees the Wilderness Station, greenway, backcountry trails, mountain bike trails, wetlands, and all other department natural areas. Ms. Singer next introduced Ms. Susan Hicks, who has worked as a part-time Cultural Arts Coordinator for several years and helped the Perform Murfreesboro program grow tremendously. Ms. Hicks is now the full-time Cultural Arts Coordinator. Mr. Laird stated that MPRD added the St. Clair Street Senior Center to its departmental facilities in the fall. He said that hiring the best superintendent for the senior center was very important to staff so that opportunities for seniors could be maximized. Mr. Mark Owens, who has been an MPRD part-time employee since 2011, fits that need. Mr. Laird added that Mr. Owens is an MTSU graduate who worked a long time for Campus Recreation. In addition, he was most recently a case manager for a facility that assists adults with disabilities. Mr. Laird said that Mr. Owens easily shows his compassion for mankind with his big heart and has a strong discipline to get things done. Mr. Owens thanked Mr. Laird for the introduction and mentioned that he held a meet and greet with the patrons of the senior center when he began his employment there and believes he successfully answered all 30 questions presented to him by the seniors on that occasion. He further said that the senior center staff intends to incorporate the patrons’ wishes into the workings of the facility, as much as possible. Mr. Smotherman mentioned that the center is more receptive and fun with the recent and ongoing changes. He added that he’s heard many positive comments from the patrons. Ms. Hailey Moss, Outdoor Murfreesboro Assistant Program Coordinator, requested the commission’s approval for the outdoor summer camps associated with the Wilderness Station to add pre-care and post-care options for the participants. The requested fees for the pre-care and post-care are $50.00/week for the 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. camps, and $25.00 for the one 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. camp, with only the pre-care option available. Mr. Miller made a motion to approve the additional care options for the outdoor summer camps, with the fees requested. Dr. Bonner seconded. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Ms. Moss next requested the commission’s approval for staff to offer Nature Rangers Camp, with a $50 fee, for children 4-5 years old during the week of May 20-24, 2019, from 9:00-11:30 a.m. each day, where they’ll sing, do crafts, hear stories, and participate in outdoor activities. A parent or guardian will need to assist their child/children throughout the camp each day. Ms. Moss explained that the camp was developed due to requests from parents whose children have attended Wild Things (for ages 1-4) regularly over the years. Mr. LaLance made a motion to approve the new camp and its associated fee, and Dr. Bonner seconded. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Mr. Kyle Goss, MPRD Aquatic Coordinator, requested a change in the rental rates for swim lanes. He explained that the current rates are $4/lane for a short course (25 yards) and $7/lane for a long course (50 meters). The requested new rates would be $8/lane/hour for the short course and $16/lane/hour for the long course. Dr. Charlie Apigian pointed out that the rates 2 requested were double (on one fee) and more than double on another fee. Mr. Goss agreed. Mr. Laird explained that the rates requested are still lower than those of other comparable aquatic facilities in Middle Tennessee. He additionally mentioned that the swim lane rental rates have been the same since Sports Com opened in 1987, with no rate changes requested until now. Dr. Apigian also asked if the groups currently using the lanes are aware of the pending rate changes. Mr. Goss said that he discussed the possibility with the team that rents lanes most frequently. Their coach indicated they would remain at the facility. Dr. Bonner made a motion to approve the new swim lane rental rates. Mr. LaLance seconded. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Mr. Laird announced that it was time to renew the annual partner athletic organization use agreements. He asked for approval of agreements between the City and each of the following groups: Murfreesboro Soccer Club, Murfreesboro Lacrosse Club, Murfreesboro Baseball Association, Murfreesboro Little League, Murfreesboro Kiwanis, Middle Tennessee Disc Golf Association, Harpeth Youth Soccer Association, Latino American Adult Soccer, Central Magnet School (Baseball and Softball Teams), and Providence Christian Academy Baseball Team. Mr. Laird said that the agreements are standard with the player use fee added this time. Mr. LaLance made a motion to approve the use agreements as presented. Mr. Miller seconded. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Mr. Laird requested the addition of an Industrial (Employee) Adult Volleyball League to be held at Sports Com on Friday nights. He mentioned that several business representatives have expressed interest in such a league. Staff would like to charge $300.00 per team, which will cover an 8-week season, single elimination tournament, and t-shirts for the championship winners. Dr. Apigian made a motion to approve the new adult volleyball league with the fee requested. Mr. Turner seconded, and motion passed by unanimous vote. Mr. Bart Fite, McKnight Park Superintendent, informed the commission that the Buy One, Get One (BOGO) sale at Sports Com and Patterson for Individual Yearly and Monthly passes from December 10, 2018, through January 12, 2019, went well. He said that Sports Com’s pass sales went up $27,488.79 from last year, while Patterson’s BOGO sales were down $10,091.64. He explained that sales can fluctuate due to an off-year for patrons who had a free pass from the year before. Mr. Fite added that summer camp registrations started last week (on March 1st), with a lot of registrations taking place at Sports Com and Patterson. He mentioned that staff believes the credit and debit cards have greatly boosted department sales, and he thanked the commission for their support of the cards. Mr. Fite further said staff was pleased that the military discounts for facility passes at Sports Com and Patterson started on March 1st as well. Ms. Melinda Tate, MPRD Marketing Coordinator, announced MPRD’s upcoming programs/activities, including a reminder that summer camp registration had begun. She mentioned that several camps were already full but that parents could still sign their children up for the open camps in person at Sports Com, Patterson or at the main MPRD office, or online. Ms. Tate mentioned that the St. Patrick’s Day Getaway was set for March 15 at 3 Patterson Park’s Pool from 6:00-9:00 p.m. for children ages 7-13 (preregistration, $5.00, day of registration, $7.00). Then, Patterson will host the annual Underwater Egg Hunt on April 13 beginning at 11:00 a.m. for ages 2-9 at $3.00/participant (egg hunt age group times on website). April 13 is also the date for the Boro Adventure Fest from 12:00-4:00 p.m. at the Walter Hill Recreation Area, $10.00 preregistration/$20.00 day of event. Additionally, two free MPRD Easter Egg events will include the Happy Easter Children’s Eggstavaganza on April 18 at Patterson from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon for kids ages 3-5, followed by the Citywide Easter Egg Hunt on April 20th at Richard Siegel Park beginning at 1:00 p.m. for all ages. Ms. Tate announced that the new Guardians of the Greenway cleanup program for all ages would be held on Tuesdays in April and May at 10:00 a.m. at a designated greenway trailhead (sites listed in the Rec Connection and on the Parks and Recreation link of the City’s website). A naturalist will lead the cleanups, and those who help with at least four cleanups, out of nine, will receive a free Guardians of the Greenway t-shirt. Cleanup gloves, bags, and trash grabbers will be provided to participants. Ms. Tate further stated that various Spring Break programs will be offered through the Wilderness Station March 25-29, as well as a First Shot Skills Academy at Patterson that week. Also, there will be organized MPRD hikes all spring and summer. Two new free programs to be offered at the Gateway Island will be Yoga on the Island at 9:00 a.m. on March 9, April 13, and May 11 and Tai Chi, also at 9:00 a.m., on April 3, 10, 17, and 24. Several running/marathon events are going on throughout the spring and summer as well. Ms. Tate invited all to attend Winnie the Pooh Kids, a Perform Murfreesboro production, March 7-9 at 7:00 p.m. or March 10 at 2:00 p.m. at Patterson’s Washington Theatre. She mentioned that the shows are almost sold out. Additionally, Ms. Tate announced that multiple youth and adult athletic programs/leagues are being offered this spring and summer, including Youth Volleyball Class and League, Adult Recreational and Power Coed Volleyball Leagues, Start Smart Summer Baseball (ages 3-4), Sports Com and McFadden Adult Basketball Leagues, a Summer Basketball League for 15- 17-year olds, and Murfreesboro Track and Field for ages 7-14. Additionally, there’s an Adams Tennis Complex Classic scheduled for May 10-12. Further, there are many interesting and fun classes/programs coming up at the St. Clair Street Senior Center, including Easy Home Repairs, Decades Day, Senior Prom, and a Smart Driver Course. Ms. Tate said that specifics for any of the mentioned activities/programs and other programming may be found in MPRD’s Rec Connection, on the Parks and Recreation link of the City’s website, and on various Facebook pages. Mr. LaLance suggested that staff reach out to groups who generally help with cleanups and possibly get them to work with the Guardians of the Greenway program. Ms. Hopkins said that some MTSU student groups have already been contacted, as well as several other local groups/organizations. 4 Mr. Williams recapped that the first day of Summer Camp signups went very well with $21,000 coming in just from the online registrations. He thanked the commission for their support of the technology upgrades that are helping to better serve the public. Mr. Jernigan thanked Mr. Allen for his service to this country and for the contributions that he and his wife make in this community. He also again welcomed Mr. Turner to the commission. Mr. Turner said he was glad to be a part of the MPRC. Meeting adjourned: 12:32 p.m. Approved: ________________________________ __________________________________ Eddie Miller, MPRC Vice Chair Nate Williams, MPRD Director 5