Parks & Recreation Commission

PARKSAND RECREATIONCOMMISSION MEETING MINUTES May 21,2012 Commission Members Present: Bob Edwards Sarah McArthur Jim Waldrip Mandy Owens Mike Draeger Commission Members Absent: James Edwards Dwain Brown Staff Present: Kim Elliott Barbara Patterson Diane Potter The Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at 6:05 in the meeting room at the Parks and Recreation office by Mr. Edwards. Ms. McArthur motioned for the approval of the minutes for the March 26, 2012 meeting. Ms. Owens seconded and all were in favor. There were no Community Comments. Tommy Dow, President of the Pecos Valley Amateur Radio Club and Kevin Hogen attended the meeting to speak on the clubs lease. There is an agreement for use of the rock house in Cahoon Park. They are requesting that the lease be extended to a ten year lease for improvement purposes to the building. Mrs. Patterson stated that the length of the term of the lease is usually decided by the City Manager or City Council. Mr. Draeger motioned to agree to extend the lease for the radio club pending City Councils approval. Ms. Owens seconded and all were in favor. Areas of focus that were discussed were the bathrooms at the Wool Bowl softball complex. Mr. Edwards commented that this project is being worked on. He also brought up public restrooms downtown. Mr. Edwards believe that they are in need, but would require someone opening them in the morning, maintaining them during the day, and shutting them down in the evening. Ms. McArthur suggested using volunteers. Mr. Elliott stated that volunteers don't work very well for something like this. He commented that in terms of a focus area, that it should be looked at in generalities for the whole year rather than specific restrooms at specific locations. For example; where do we want new restrooms and how will we clean and staff them. Ms. McArthur believes that restrooms really are problematic in the City and would like to look into this area. (more) Restrooms, trails, trees, and lighting will be some of the areas of focus that will be looked at. Mr. Elliott would like to compare the list to the Master Plan to see what may be in the plan for these areas. Ms. McArthur asked if there was GPS in the Parks and Recreations trucks. Mr. Elliott replied that in some of the trucks there are. Mr. Edwards asked Mrs. Patterson if she was able to check on the front footage fee. She replied that she asked Mr. Kunko and also emailed him with regard to research in section 17-1, and she has not heard back from him at this time. Nothing has been located as to why the two dollar fee was put in. Mrs. Patterson also stated that if the Commission was interested in doing something different with this ordinance then maybe they should move on it. This matter will be discussed at a later date. At Cielo Grande on the west side of the trail, down towards 8th street has had some parking added. Mr. Edwards proposal to Ken Smith was to put up some orange fencing along this stretch so that the whole trail is not subject to the traffic. He did speak with Cia Avery and he does have a plan to fence off the area to the east. The other point that Mr. Edwards wanted addressed was the road that goes around the outer limit of Cielo Grande, it has not been sealed it has only been chipped (millings), he has been assured that this will be addressed also. Ms. Owens is doing research on alcohol usage in neighboring cities. The iron fence at Sunken Garden still needs to be painted. The planting of the greenery is an ongoing project and it is now open to the public. The Golf Course fence project is complete up to 3rd street and have received positive comments from the surrounding home owners. The Dog Park is being prepped. A response is being waited on by the Mayor regarding the Tree Ordinance. Election of Officials: Ms. Owens nominated Mr. Edwards for the Parks and Recreation Commission Chair. Mr. Draeger seconded. Ms. Owens also nominated Ms. McArthur to hold the Vice Chair position. Ms. Owens motioned to accept the nominations. All were in favor. The next meeting was set for June 25, 2012 and the meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm.