Parks & Recreation Commission

MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Via GoToMeeting September 21, 2020 5:30 PM A. CALL TO ORDER Chair JaneAnn Oldrup called the September 21, 2020 meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. B. ROLL CALL The following Members were present: JaneAnn Oldrup, Barry Mathison, Becky Joyce, Kim Elliott and Megan Patterson. The following Members were absent at the time of roll call: James Edwards and Maegan Sanders. Member Sanders later joined the meeting at 5:45 p.m. Staff present: Jim Burress, Special Services Director; Marcus Gallegos, Recreation Manager; Todd Fizer, Aquatic Manager and Sharene Brooks, Parks Administrative Assistant, Sr. Guests present: Juno Ogle, Vicki Burress, Dale Wilkins, Marc Reischman, Steve Smith, Martin Kral and Patrick Collins. C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Member Elliot motioned to approve the agenda, Member Patterson seconded; a voice vote was unanimous. Motion passed, with Members Edwards and Sanders absent. D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Member Joyce motioned to approve the minutes of the June 15, 2020 meeting, Member Mathison seconded; a voice vote was unanimous. Motion passed, with Members Edwards and Sanders absent. E. REGULAR ITEMS (ACTION ITEMS) 2. (none) F. NON-ACTION ITEMS 3. Introduction of new Commission Member and new Aquatic Manager. Chair Oldrup introduced Megan Patterson, newest member of the commission. Megan shared her background and why she wanted to become a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Todd Fizer, Aquatic Manager at the Roswell Recreation and Aquatic 1 Center, was also introduced to the commission. He gave a brief explanation of what brought him to Roswell. 4. Discussion of converting pond into fishing hole at J. Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary. Member Mathison gave the background as to why he had introduced this item and why he had since changed his mind. He then deferred further comment to Guest Steve Smith. Mr. Smith explained the history and purpose of the bird sanctuary and the wetlands. Fishing at the pond would be a threat to the wildlife and the eco-system. Activity by people could void the 20-year warranty on the pond’s $150,000 rubber liner. A lot of money had been spent on the sanctuary and a lot of families and organizations had been involved with its establishment. Member Mathison noted that this was what the commission was all about -- to discuss different things that citizens had questions about. He requested that this item not transition to an action item in the future. Director Burress indicated that a lot of the issue was with communication. No Fishing signage at the sanctuary and at the Cahoon pond would be increased as the City agreed that fishing should not be allowed. The City’s Marketing Department would be getting involved with videos and Facebook postings regarding the sanctuary so people would know why fishing was not allowed at the ponds. Director Burress thanked Guest Smith for the hard work and dedication of the sanctuary. 5. Discussion on Commission etiquette. Chair Oldrup suggested members reply to emails and messages that are sent out regarding the commission. 6. Report on Aquatic Center. Aquatic Manager Todd Fizer gave the report on the Aquatic Center. He explained that shortly after he arrived in February, the center closed to the public in March due to the pandemic. Since then, the extra time during the shutdown had been utilized to make updates to bathrooms, showers and pool perimeters at the center. In June, State pool inspections were passed with flying colors which allowed the outdoor pool to be used for private swimming lessons. In compliance with COVID-19 restrictions, swim teams had used the pool during the summer for practicing. Safety training events were held in the outdoor pool for the Boys and Girls Club kids. September 28th public swimming lessons and water aerobics were scheduled to restart. 7. Report on Recreation Department. Recreation Manager Marcus Gallegos gave the report on the Recreation Department. He reported that the rec center had stayed as busy as it had been allowed with the pandemic restrictions. Exercise classes and weight rooms had continued to be utilized. The Boys and Girls Club kids had continued to be at the facility and had now transitioned into their school work. October 6th the Homeschooling Program would be starting again, as the center continues to look for ways to earn income for the department. The Adult Center would reopen in mid-October, but in a limited capacity. Masks would be required at the adult center and cleaning would be done hourly. New bleachers had been installed at the rec center. An automatic basket system would be installed and new scoreboards would be scheduled for installation. 8. Report on Parks Department. Special Services Director Jim Burress gave the report on the Parks Department. The main jobs going on right now were at the zoo. Trees on 2 Main St. were being pruned to prepare for Christmas lights. The new all-inclusive playground was moving forward; scheduled to break ground in January. He would be working with the Marketing Department to do videos about the bird sanctuary as mentioned earlier. G. OTHER BUSINESS 9. Public Comments – (none) H. ADJOURN Member Mathison motioned to adjourn the meeting, Member Sanders seconded; a voice vote was unanimous. Motion passed, with Member Edwards absent. The meeting adjourned at 6:13 p.m. Next Commission meeting: October 19, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. 3