Parks and Recreation Commission

Name: Parks and Recreation Commission — Murfreesboro, TN
Start: 2021-02-03
End: 2021-02-03
Location: Murfreesboro, TN

Regular Meeting

Murfreesboro, TN · February 3, 2021

Agenda Minutes

Minutes

MURFREESBORO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2021 12:00 NOON MPRC Members Present: Mr. Eddie Miller (new Chair) Dr. Charlie Apigian, Mr. Leroy Cunningham, Mr. Rick LaLance, Mr. Ronnie Martin, Mr. Ralph Ringstaff, Mr. Tim Roediger (new Vice-Chair), Mr. Ricky Turner, and Mr. Don Turner (ex officio) MPRC Member Absent: Dr. Gloria Bonner MPRD Staff Present: Mr. Nate Williams, Director Mr. Thomas Laird and Ms. Rachel Singer (Asst. Directors) Mr. Gary Arbit, Mr. Derek Blake, Ms. Lisa Browning, Ms. Crystal Ellis-McFerrin, Ms. Gernell Floyd, Ms. Susan Hicks, Ms. Mitzi Hughes, and Ms. Heather Mullican Others Present: Ms. Angela Jackson, Exec. Director of Community Services Ms. Kelley Baker, Asst. City Attorney For Presentation Only: Mr. Cameron Mitchell (Actor Laureate) Ms. Megan Brooker (Dance Laureate) After the meeting was called to order by Mr. Eddie Miller, Mr. Ronnie Martin led everyone in a prayer and in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Nate Williams introduced and welcomed a new member to the commission, Mr. Leroy Cunningham, who has been a Murfreesboro resident for the last 27 years and works at First Bank. Mr. Williams added that Mr. Cunningham was appointed by Mayor McFarland, who sent high praise for him. Mr. Cunningham said he enjoyed meeting several MPRC members before today’s meeting and appreciated the warm reception. He hopes to meet everyone soon and is excited to be a part of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Mr. Williams next announced that the commission needed to select a new Chair and Vice- Chair. Ms. Kelley Baker led the commission through the voting process. Mr. Roediger nominated Mr. Miller as the Chair. Mr. Ricky Turner seconded the nomination, which was approved unanimously by the commission. Mr. Turner then nominated Mr. Roediger for the Vice-Chair position. Mr. LaLance seconded, and the commission voted unanimously for Mr. Roediger to serve as the MPRC Vice-Chair. Mr. Miller thanked the commission for the vote of confidence they had for him. He said it would be his pleasure to serve and that he is taking on a group that has had many years of excellent leadership by Mr. Dee Jernigan. Ms. Lisa Browning, Cultural Arts Coordinator, showed a video of the 2021 Murfreesboro Cultural Arts Laureates, who each shared their relevant backgrounds to the laureate program and stated their goals for the upcoming year. The three laureates for this year are Mr. Cameron Mitchell, actor laureate; Ms. Meg Brooker, dancer laureate; and Ms. Amie Whittemore, poet laureate (2nd year in role). The laureate theme for 2021 is the “Hope Effect.” Mr. Mitchell and Ms. Brooker were present to receive their laureate awards today. Ms. Whittemore was unable to attend. Ms. Browning asked that everyone please congratulate all three laureates in the coming year. She thanked the laureates for “sharing their talents and compassion and for encouraging, growing, and nurturing creative arts in the community and culture within Murfreesboro.” Ms. Gernell Floyd, Patterson Park Superintendent, gave an overview of the Martin Luther King, Jr., (MLK) Day of Service, “a day on, not a day off,” that was held at Patterson Community Center on January 18, 2021. She mentioned that Patterson was already serving as the “flagship venue for the local MLK holiday, march, and Day of Celebration.” To go along with the important holiday, Ms. Floyd said that Ms. Karen Lampert, City Grants Coordinator, helped secure an MLK Day of Service grant for $50,000 through Americore to help with event costs and a new playground for Patterson. One goal of the grant was to encourage people to volunteer with acts of service in the community and to continue their volunteer efforts on a regular basis after the holiday. Ms. Floyd invited the community to watch a Bradley Academy Museum virtual art exhibit depicting MLK, Jr., and his influence with the civil rights movement. The exhibit was developed by youth from Patterson and Bradley Elementary School, and by the MTSU Art History Department. The virtual exhibit started on the MLK Day of Service and will run until the first of April. Another event on MLK Day was a Sort-a-Thon (held at Patterson) in which City employees helped fill backpacks with donated food items for the Murfreesboro City Schools’ (MCS) “Pack the Packs” program, which provides food assistance to MCS students. A Drive-through Giveaway, hosted by MCS, was also held at Patterson that day “to provide MCS families in need with food, hygiene products, and face masks.” Volunteers for the Giveaway included MCS staff and families, Read to Succeed representatives, and Siegel High School students. The MLK Day of Service was promoted to the community through various means, including social media, and Patterson staff requested that community pictures showing volunteer works on the MLK Day of Service be posted to Facebook, Twitter, and Next Door, either individually or as a group to #BoroMLKDay. Ms. Floyd thanked MPRD for its support, as well as the planning team for the day’s events: Ms. Vonchelle Stembridge, Mr. Derek Blake, Ms. Heather Mullican, Ms. Crystal Ellis-McFerrin, and Ms. Karen Lampert (not present today). Mr. Miller said their hard work, which allowed so many to benefit, is appreciated. He added that he’s looking forward to the Virtual Art Show. Mr. Miller next presented for approval the minutes of the January 6, 2021, MPRC meeting. Mr. Ronnie Martin made a motion to approve the minutes as read. Mr. LaLance seconded, and motion passed by unanimous vote. Mr. Gary Arbit, Adams Tennis Complex (ATC) Facility Supervisor, said that his staff would like to increase the nonmember court per hour fee from $12.00 to $15.00 and change the court booking window for nonmembers from 10 days out to just 3 days out. He explained that his staff believes the changes would allow the current ATC members to receive more value for their money by not having to compete as often with nonmembers for courts. His staff also believes the increased nonmember court booking fee might help encourage more nonmembers to become members for the better court booking options. Dr. Charlie Apigian thought just 3 days out for nonmembers to book a court was too short of a window, since he likes to book his activities farther out than that. Mr. Miller asked what the membership fees were. Mr. Arbit said the youth/seniors/military fee is $250/year; individual fee is $450/year; and the family fee is $600/year. Mr. LaLance mentioned that 5 days out might work. Mr. Williams said that the goal is to boost the value of the memberships, and staff believes the 3-day out booking window for nonmembers would actually allow for that. Dr. Apigian asked how the 10 days out was originally determined. Mr. Arbit said that window is common with other similar-type tennis 2 facilities. Mr. Cunningham asked what the membership total was. Mr. Arbit said there are around 850 members. Mr. Cunningham also asked if there was a breakdown of court use for members versus nonmembers. Mr. Arbit stated that the court use is primarily by members, with an approximate 10% usage by nonmembers. He added that the changes proposed today are a result of members asking for better court opportunities. Mr. Miller asked if there were a motion to increase the nonmember court per hour fee and shorten the booking window for nonmembers from 10 to 3 days. Mr. LaLance made a motion to approve Mr. Arbit’s requests. Mr. Turner seconded the motion, and motion passed by a majority vote, with Mr. Roediger voting “no.” Ms. Susan Hicks, Cultural Arts Facility Coordinator, requested approval for Perform Murfreesboro to offer a new program, Broadcast 101 class with a production at the end for six youth in three separate age groups (9-17) being selected through online auditions. This will be a 12-week pilot program, with 6 weeks of instruction for the youth to learn about journalism, camera etiquette, interview skills, camera engagement, etc. The other 6 weeks will involve sending the participants to conduct live interviews of people at places of interest in Murfreesboro. A 30-minute show will be developed after the youth-led interviews, and the show will be aired on City TV. Ms. Hicks asked that a $50 participant fee be charged to each of the six youth chosen for the program, in addition to the annual Perform Murfreesboro Membership fee of $25. Dr. Apigian made a motion to approve the Broadcast 101 class, production, and fee as described. Mr. Roediger seconded. Motion passed by a unanimous vote. Mr. Miller welcomed Ms. Rachel Singer who gave the department program and event updates. Ms. Singer encouraged everyone to see the new rotunda art exhibit, The Nurture of Nature, which features three artists who have highlighted nature in their works. The exhibit will run through February 25th. Next Ms. Singer invited community members to participate in the Guardians of the Greenway (a greenway cleanup program) on Thursdays from 9:00-10:00 a.m. in February at various trailheads, with dates/trailheads being listed on the Parks and Recreation website. Gloves, trash pickers, and bags will be provided each week to the volunteers. Outdoor Murfreesboro is offering numerous programs and activities, which can be found on the Parks and Recreation website as well. Registration for the Spring Racquetball League at Patterson Community Center started on February 1st and will go through March 5th. Pickleball is still as popular as ever and is held at Sports Com, Patterson, and McFadden Community Center. Ms. Singer further announced that MPRD summer camp registration will begin on March 1st at 8:00 a.m., through online registration and in-person registration at Sports Com, Patterson, or the main MPRD office. Ms. Singer stressed that those hoping to sign up online should first contact staff at the main office to make sure their household account number is active, so that they won’t be delayed when trying to register online the first day of camp registration. She additionally indicated that many of the outdoor camps fill up fast on the first day of registration. Ms. Singer showed a slide with all the camp listings. She said that the camp information is also on the City’s website. Another reminder by Ms. Singer was that all of the MPRD program information can be found online in the Rec Connection, the department’s programming guide. Also, there are multiple Facebook pages with MPRD information. An interactive calendar is even available for people to check out various dates and events. Mr. Miller thanked Ms. Singer for the update and mentioned that there are always lots of things to do through the Parks and Recreation Department. 3 Mr. Miller next thanked Mr. Cunningham for serving on the MPRC and welcomed him. The meeting was adjourned, being no more business. Meeting Adjourned: 12:37 p.m. Minutes Approved: _______________ ________________ ______________________________________ Mr. Eddie Miller, MPRC Chair Mr. Nate Williams, MPRD Director 4

Agenda

MURFREESBORO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2021 12:00 NOON Call to Order Prayer and Pledge New Business I. Introduction of New MPRC Member II. MPRC Chair Position III. Introduction of 2021 Laureates IV. Patterson MLK Day of Events Update V. Consider for Approval Minutes of January 6, 2021, MPRC Meeting VI. Consider for Approval Adams Tennis Complex Nonmember Court Fee Increase and Court Booking Window VII. Consider for Approval Broadcast 101 Class and Production VIII. Update on MPRD Projects IX. MPRD Upcoming Events/Programs Other Business MURFREESBORO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2021 12:00 NOON MPRC Members Present: Mr. D. Edwin Jernigan, Jr., Chair Dr. Charlie Apigian, Dr. Gloria Bonner, Mr. Rick LaLance, Mr. Ronnie Martin, Mr. Eddie Miller, Mr. Ralph Ringstaff, Mr. Ricky Turner, and Mr. Don Turner (ex officio) MPRC Member Absent: Mr. Tim Roediger MPRD Staff Present: Mr. Nate Williams, Director Ms. Rachel Singer, Asst. Director Ms. Brittany Garrett, Ms. Mitzi Hughes, & Mr. Cody Saffel Others Present: Mayor Shane McFarland (for presentation) Ms. Angela Jackson, Exec. Director of Community Services Ms. Katie Driver, Staff Attorney After the meeting was called to order, Mr. Ricky Turner led everyone in a prayer and in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Dee Jernigan then presented the September 2, 2020, Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission (MPRC) minutes for consideration. Mr. Eddie Miller made a motion to approve the minutes as read. Dr. Gloria Bonner seconded, and motion passed by unanimous vote. Mayor Shane McFarland next thanked Mr. Jernigan for his many contributions to the MPRC over the 27 years that he has served on the commission, with 24 years as the Chair. The Mayor mentioned Parks and Recreation projects completed under Dee’s leadership: construction of Star*Plex, 15 miles of the Stones River Greenway, Barfield Crescent Park, Patterson Park Community Center Renovation, Sports Com Renovation and Boro Beach, and also construction of Richard Siegel Soccer Complex, Gateway Island, Adams Tennis Complex, and the Miracle Field. The Mayor added that Dee served under four MPRD Directors and has always had the best interest of the City in mind when making decisions and giving input on the commission. Due to Dee’s tremendous service to the City, Mayor McFarland declared January 6th as “Dee Jernigan Day” in Murfreesboro. The Mayor additionally said that while Dee has served on the MPRC and volunteered in various ways with the department, MPRD has been deemed the best parks and recreation department in the state through the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association over 20 times. Mr. Jernigan said that he very much appreciates the honor and that it has been a privilege for him to serve one of the best parks and recreation departments in the state and Southeast, and he believes in the country as well. He gave credit to the commission, Council, staff, and volunteers for all they do for the department. He added that he also appreciates that former Mayor Joe B. Jackson asked him to serve on the MPRC many years ago. Ms. Rachel Singer announced that MPRD was awarded the Healthy Place grant through Blue Cross Blue Shield last month (December) and that MPRD would be receiving a new, family inclusive playground (for all ages and abilities) for Barfield Crescent Park, which will have four main sections: features for kids ages 2 – 5 and also for 5 – 12, a fitness area for older kids and adults to use, and a swing area. She added that this project is in line with the City’s 2035 plan to provide accessible and innovative recreation facilities, and it fits in with the City’s overall objective to improve physical and mental health, and the well-being of its community members. Ms. Singer mentioned that work on the playground installation will begin soon, and the playground could possibly be ready for public use by early summer, depending on the weather. Mr. Nate Williams informed the commission that the playground was a donation worth $750,000, with no matching funds required. He also said that Ms. Karen Lampert, the City’s Grant Coordinator, did a tremendous job helping to acquire the playground donation. Mr. Williams is looking forward to this great amenity for Barfield Crescent Park. Mr. Williams next introduced the Recreation Facility Coordinator for Richard Siegel Park (RSP) Soccer Complex, Mr. Cody Saffel, who has worked with MPRD since 2012 and is an MTSU graduate. Mr. Williams believes he will be a good asset to the soccer complex. Mr. Saffel presented the agenda item regarding “Field Rental Fees” for the soccer complex. He said the complex has been a popular soccer destination in Middle Tennessee since opening in 2005. He added that when all renovations are complete, there will be eight synthetic turf fields, along with an indoor soccer facility and office space. The complex is expected to become a popular regional destination when renovations are finished. Mr. Saffel said that setting “an hourly/daily rate now during the turf installation is necessary” to allow field rentals after the turf has been added. He also explained that “a more comprehensive fee structure will be presented to the commission at a later date that will include multiple options acknowledging local users and contracted partnerships.” The current proposed fees were developed after staff’s review of industry norms and through careful consideration of local and state partnerships. The fees are as follows: Standard rates for full day ($720), Hourly ($120); TN State Soccer Association discounted rate for full day ($612); Hourly ($102); and Rec League Provider (Murfreesboro Soccer Assoc.) discounted rate for full day ($648); Hourly ($108). Mr. Miller made a motion to approve the soccer fees as proposed. Dr. Charlie Apigian seconded. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Mr. Williams explained that soccer complex renovations were supposed to begin right before the pandemic hit, but due to the uncertainties early last year, staff started renovations on a smaller scale, just adding turf to four fields at first. Fields 1 and 2 will be substantially complete tomorrow, January 7th, and Fields 3 and 4 are under construction. The next phase of renovations should start in the coming weeks, after Council approval. The work will include adding turf to the other four fields, an indoor facility, office space, and installation of lighting on the Jordan Farm practice fields. Mr. LaLance asked where the indoor structure would be. Mr. Williams said that it would be at Field 5 and would consist of 90,000 square feet. Mr. Williams further mentioned that this renovation project originated through a partnership with Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) who was interested in moving their headquarters from Nashville to Murfreesboro. The City and TSSA would like to make Murfreesboro a destination for soccer development. Mr. Williams said that groups are already calling the department to try to set up tournaments here. 2 Ms. Angela Jackson informed the MPRC that a conservation easement was donated to the department and accepted by the Planning Department and City Council. She explained that the property was along the Stones River behind the future Costco property. The easement is 440 linear feet and involves properties that could potentially allow for a good greenway connection at the Mark Pirtle Blueway Park at Farmer Lake. She added that there were maps in today’s commission information regarding the easement and that she would be happy to answer any questions on the matter today or later. Ms. Rachel Singer pointed out upcoming MPRD events and programs. She said that the deadline to purchase the annual BOGO monthly and yearly passes at Sports Com and Patterson Community Center will be January 9th, with the 19th annual Polar Bear Plunge on that same day at Sports Com’s Boro Beach at 10:00 a.m. There will only be the jump this time, no festivities due to the pandemic. Ms. Singer said that Patterson’s Sort-a-thon for the City’s “Pack the Packs” was scheduled for January 18th from 9:00-11:00 a.m. for anyone who wanted to help sort the donated items. Dr. Bonner asked what type items should be donated, and Ms. Singer said food items were needed. She added that the packs full of food would be distributed to City Schools’ families in need. Later in the month, on January 18th, there will be the Martin Luther King (MLK) Day of Service, which will be considered a “day on (of service), not a day off.” Additionally, there will be a virtual student art show inspired by the teachings of MLK, Jr., prior to MLK Day on January 16th at Bradley Academy Museum. Ms. Singer mentioned that Outdoor Murfreesboro has a variety of guided hikes coming up this winter, some in Murfreesboro and some in surrounding areas. Further, the Spring Adult Racquetball League is starting up at Patterson Community Center. Interested participants may get information at Patterson or by contacting MPRD’s Athletics Division. The last program mentioned by Ms. Singer was the Guardians of the Greenway, in which the public is invited to help clean along the greenway at specific trailheads on Thursdays in January and February, with the trailhead sites and dates listed on the City’s website. Gloves, trash bags, and pickers will be provided to the volunteers during the cleanups. Ms. Singer stated that additional information regarding MPRD programming can be found on the Parks and Recreation website: www.Murfreesboroparks.com, which includes an interactive and updated calendar with department programs listed, and information is available on MPRD Facebook pages. Mr. Williams said that he verified with Ms. Katie Driver, City Staff Attorney, that a new Chair for the MPRC needs to be determined at the next MPRC meeting. Mr. Williams also welcomed Mr. Ronnie Martin (City Council member) to the commission. Today’s MPRC meeting is the first one held since Mr. Martin was appointed to the commission by Mayor McFarland. Mr. Jernigan said that he wished the best to everyone and that he’d be around, if needed. Being no more business, Mr. Jernigan adjourned the meeting. Meeting Adjourned: 12:29 p.m. Minutes Approved: ________________________________ ____________________________________ , MPRC Chair Nate Williams, MPRD Director 3 . . . creating a better quality of life January 29, 2021 For Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission: RE: Court Fee Increase and Court Booking Window Change for Nonmembers at the Adams Tennis Complex Background The Adams Tennis Complex (ATC) currently charges a rate of $12.00 per court per hour for both members and nonmembers. As we increase our memberships and participation numbers more and more, courts are being sold to both members and non- members. Currently both members and nonmembers can book a court ten days out. We would like to increase the per court per hour fee for nonmembers to a rate of $15.00 per hour and change the court booking window from ten days out to three days out for nonmembers. We feel these changes will add value to the current ATC membership and encourage new membership. Fiscal Impact While we do anticipate a slight increase in revenue with the per court per hour fee for nonmembers, the general purpose is to increase member benefits. Recommendation It is recommended that the commission approve the following fee increase and court booking window for nonmembers. The new policy would go into effect on Monday February 8, 2021, upon commission approval. Respectfully, Gary Arbit ATC Facility Supervisor Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department 697 Veterans Parkway * P.O. Box 748 * Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37133-0748 Phone 615 890 5333 * TDD 615 849 2689 * www.murfreesborotn.gov January 27, 2021 For Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission: RE: Approval for Broadcast 101 class and production Background Perform Murfreesboro is partnering with Channel 3 to produce a new 30-minute youth program to be shown on tv. We will be selecting two youth participants from three age groups (ages 9-17) through submitted online auditions, giving us a total of six to participate in this pilot program. This 12-week program will focus six weeks in the classroom learning about journalism, camera etiquette, interviewing skills, camera engagement, etc. The other six weeks will consist of live interviews conducted by the participants with representatives from places of interest throughout the city. We will compile all the youth-led interviews to create a 30-minute show to be aired on Channel 3. This will impact our viewing audience by giving Channel 3 the opportunity to expand their youth-based programs and encourage a younger audience of viewers. It will also encourage our youth to be more community minded by bringing to their attention all that Murfreesboro has to offer as well as a look into how the city works. Fiscal Impact We will charge $50 in addition to the Perform Murfreesboro Membership of $25 to participate in this class. Recommendation It is recommended that the commission approve this new program Attachments (if any) Reference Only. In The City, Channel 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPNl_9HdPTw Zoey and Megan Show https://murfreesboro- my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/shicks_murfreesborotn_gov/EZ71tmuOZLtApO_zOUr 7KfIBwbLJNTZgEBShhz6UQKCYIQ?e=7v6Wjv Susan M. Hicks Facility Coordinator Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department 697 Veterans Parkway * P.O. Box 748 * Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37133-0748 Phone 615 890 5333 * TDD 615 849 2689 * www.murfreesborotn.gov

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