Parks & Recreation Commission

MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Via GoToMeeting January 11, 2021 5:30 PM A. CALL TO ORDER Chair JaneAnn Oldrup called the January 11, 2021 meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. B. ROLL CALL The following Members were present: JaneAnn Oldrup, James Edwards, Becky Joyce and Kim Elliott. The following Members were absent at the time of roll call: Barry Mathison, Maegan Sanders and Megan Patterson. Members Mathison and Sanders later joined the meeting at 5:37 p.m. Staff present: Jim Burress, Special Services Director; Marcus Gallegos, Recreation Manager; Mick Reeves, Aquatic Supervisor and Sharene Brooks, Parks Administrative Assistant, Sr. Guests present: Juno Ogle and Vicki Burress. C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Member Elliot motioned to approve the agenda, Member Joyce seconded; a voice vote was unanimous. Motion passed, with Members Mathison, Sanders and Patterson absent. D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Member Joyce motioned to approve the minutes of the September 21, 2020 meeting, Member Elliott seconded; a voice vote was unanimous. Motion passed, with Members Mathison, Sanders and Patterson absent. E. REGULAR ITEMS (ACTION ITEMS) 2. (none) F. NON-ACTION ITEMS 3. Presentation on Zoo Re-Opening. Andrea Cole was unable to attend the meeting; Director of Special Services, Jim Burress gave highlights of the upcoming opening. The zoo will be open on a limited basis with limited days and hours. There will be new animals, a new pop-up store with zoo items for sale, and the new mountain lion exhibit. The zoo pond renovation and possibilities of geese removal were discussed. 1 4. Introduction of Mick Reeves, Aquatic Supervisor. Marcus Gallegos, Recreation Manager, introduced Mick Reeves to the commission. Mick gave a brief summary of his background and experience. 5. Report on Aquatic Center. Mick Reeves, Aquatic Supervisor, gave the report on the Aquatic Center. Lap swimming and water aerobics classes were currently open and are full with the COVID restrictions in place. Swimming lessons started today. A swim team has been using the pool for practices as well. There are many plans for the center, once they are able to move forward. 6. Report on Recreation Department. Marcus Gallegos, Recreation Manager, gave the report on the Recreation Department. Currently same restrictions at the center as when they basically opened. No sports allowed yet. They have done a lot of work in the new weight and exercise room. New rates and member options went into effect 1-1-2021. Thirty-six new memberships were sold the first two weeks. Existing memberships were extended above and beyond the time the center had been actually closed. The Boys and Girls Club kids are still at the facility. Member Edwards asked about numbers at the Adult Center. 7. Report on Parks Department. Jim Burress, Director of Special Services, gave the report on the Parks Department. He gave updates on Carpenter Park; it could be opening in May. The new All-Inclusive Playground will be the next big project. He has been talking to Public-Affairs/Marketing about the trail systems. Hospitals are bringing in new doctors who are basing their decisions on what the City has to offer as far as quality of life amenities. The golf course is open with some restrictions at the Pro Shop. Saturday will be the grand opening for the zoo. Visitors of the zoo are required to sign-up online. It will open at reduced hours and with limited staff. Updates on lighting at the ball fields were discussed. G. OTHER BUSINESS 8. Public Comments – (none) H. ADJOURN Member Mathison motioned to adjourn the meeting, Member Elliott seconded; a voice vote was unanimous. Motion passed, with Member Patterson absent. The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m. Next Commission meeting: February 8, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. 2