Parks & Recreation Commission

PARKSAND RECREATIONCOMMISSION MEETING MINUTES March 26, 2012 Commission Members Present: Bob Edwards Sarah MCArthur Jim Waldrip Mandy Owens Jim Monteith Dwain Brown Commission Members Absent: Staff Present: Kim Elliott Elaine Mayfield Bob Edwards called the Commission meeting to order at 6:35 in the meeting room at the Parks and Recreation office. Dusty Huckabee, City Council member and Juan Oropesa, City Council member attended the meeting. Ms. McArthur motioned for approval of the agenda, Mr. Brown seconded and the motioned was passed. All were in favor ofthe approval ofthe November 28,2011 minutes. Mr. Waldrip sustained being that he was not at that meeting. He also thanked Ken Smith for a great presentation at the Rotary Conference. Areas of Focus that the Commission may be able to put an emphasis on in the future are: Ms. Owens suggested working on lighting on the trail. Mr. Edwards mentioned that it was already on the list. Ms. Owens would also like to see the bathrooms at the Wool Bowl. Mr. Edwards responded that this was already being worked on and making progress. Mr. Monteith was concerned about the weeds and dirt along the new fence at the Golf Course. Mr. Elliott responded that the project was not complete yet and that as soon as the contractor turns the project back over to the department, it will be taken care of. Ms. McArthur's concern was the below grade area located near the RASe. She would like for someone to take ownership so that it can be cleaned regularly. Ms. Owens suggested an adopt a bike path program. Mr. Elliott replied that the Parks Maintenance crew does go down at least once a month to clean up the area. He also mentioned that there would be a Public Trails meeting at the RASCon April 3, 2012. A motion was made by Ms. McArthur to revisit the Areas of Focus when new Commission members are appointed. Ms. Owens seconded and all were in favor. Mr. Elliott stated that Mr. Edwards had sent a letter to the Mayor regarding the tree ordinance, but has received no response at this point. This was on the agenda for information purpose. The front footage fee fund is currently for acquisition use only. Mr. Elliott asked if this could possibly be changed so that a portion of the fees could be used for new park development. He also stated that if the Commission thought that the fees were adequate as they were, then it could be left alone until property is found. Mr. Edwards asked if the department had staff to deal with new property. Ms. McArthur asked for history regarding why the ordinance was set this way. Mrs. Patterson will look into it and also speak to Dave Kunko. The item will be put on hold until further notice from Mrs. Patterson. Mr. Edwards believes that Commission should have be more informed regarding alcohol sales in the park. Dusty would like to be able to control the use as the Golf Course does. Mrs. Patterson stated that Mr. Kunko was currently researching a municipal license. She also said that there is always some risk of liability, which can be taken care of through the permitting process. Mrs. Patterson suggested that a committee be created to get information together to take before City Council. The Committee that was put together will be Dwayne Brown, Mandy Owens, and Sarah McArthur to discuss a process that will keep the commission informed. The Legislative money for the Bird and Nature center was vetoed. Time can now be taken to look over the project. Mr. Oropesa brought to the attention of the Commission that safety issues at the Wool Bowl softball complex. There seems to be a number of vehicles that are inside the complex. Mr. Elliott showed areas that cars may be entering the complex. He has spoken with Ken Smith about extending some pipe rail to possibly keep vehicles out. The leagues have been contacted. Mr. Huckabee suggested sending out letters that state that the rules be followed or not be able to return. Mr. Brown motioned to make a recommendation to reinforce rules through a letter. All were in favor. Leaks are being repaired at Sunken Garden. When the ornamental iron is put in Sunken Garden will be ready for the public. Lions Hondo Little League lighting project is complete. There will be a Public Trails Meeting held on April 3, 2012 at the RASe. The panels are being currently being constructed for the Golf Course fence Project. The Department is still waiting to hear from the RISDto continue the work on the Dog Park. There was no unfinished business Ms. McArthur stated that the water fountain at Cielo Grande was still leaking. Mr. Elliott replied that he would check on it. The next meeting was set for April 30, 2012 and the next meeting adjourned at 8:11 pm