Parks & Recreation Commission
Regular MeetingRoswell, NM · April 19, 2021
Minutes
MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Parks Administration Office
1101 W. 4th St.
April 19, 2021
5:30 PM
A. CALL TO ORDER
Chair JaneAnn Oldrup called the April 19, 2021 meeting to order at 5:34 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
The following Members were present: JaneAnn Oldrup, Barry Mathison, James Edwards,
Becky Joyce, and Megan Patterson. The following Members were absent at the time of
roll call: Maegan Sanders and Kim Elliott. Member Sanders later joined the meeting at
5:48 p.m.
Staff present: Jim Burress, Special Services Director; Stephanie Mervine, Recreation
Director; Juanita Jennings, Public Affairs Director, and Sharene Brooks, Parks
Administrative Assistant, Sr.
Guests present: Councilor Judy Stubbs, Ivan Hall, Bob Edwards, Vicki Burress, and
Rita Kane-Doerhoefer.
C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Member Mathison motioned to approve the agenda, Member Joyce seconded; a voice
vote was unanimous. Motion passed, with Members Sanders and Elliott being absent.
**Connection with the GoToMeeting participants was delayed due to technical difficulties;
the meeting recessed at 5:39 p.m. to correct the issue and reconvened at 5:40 p.m.
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Member Joyce motioned to approve the minutes of the March 15, 2021 meeting,
Member Mathison seconded; a voice vote was unanimous. Motion passed, with
Members Sanders and Elliott being absent.
E. REGULAR ITEMS (ACTION ITEMS)
2. (none)
F. NON-ACTION ITEMS
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3. Discussion on Connecting Spring River and Cielo Grande Paths. (A map of City
trails was used for referral during this discussion.) Chair Oldrup introduced Guests Ivan
Hall and Bob Edwards. Member Sanders joined the meeting at this time. Guest Hall
gave a summary of projects the Spring River Corridor Foundation would like to pursue
with the City. The Spring River trail is in need of maintenance and repair, and will be
getting around $160,000 in attention. They would like to work with the Park & Rec
Commission and staff on a historic beautification of the old pool area, bringing back
“Hayes Dream”. He will be bringing sketches of ideas for consideration to Director
Burress. They would like to work with the Chaves County Healthy Kids Program and get
the trail connection project on the City’s major project list. A grant needs to be found that
a 50% match can be split between the foundation and the City. Guest Edwards pointed
out options on the City trail map for the joining of trails. The foundation has worked on
trying to get this done for years. They have ideas for inserting statues and art along the
trails. The possibility of using 8th Street, golf course land, or land owned by a church was
also discussed. They would like to join with a couple of groups to work on this project.
Guest Hall indicated that the foundation’s 25% pledge would have a timeframe attached
to it so they would not be put on hold for additional years. Member Sanders brought up
the Viva Connects Program that is all about connecting trails and grants.
4. Report on Aquatic Center/Recreation Center. Recreation Director, Stephanie
Mervine, gave the aquatic and recreation report. Right now, they are transitioning the
center into a higher occupancy. They are at 75%, which is about 60 swimmers per
session. They are working on launching four summer camps. An aquatics manager has
been hired and will start May 1st. Lifeguard certifications, un-winterizing the outdoor pool,
and equipment maintenance are being worked on. Memorial Day is the target for the
outdoor pool. The quilters group will be starting back up at the Adult Center next week.
Member Edwards inquired about the summer camps. Chair Oldrup asked about the Boys
and Girls Club leaving the center. Members Joyce and Mathison asked about the
swimming hours being set earlier. The recreation store will be opening by May and will
have rentable bikes in the lobby. They are working on the marketing side with Public
Affairs.
5. Report on Zoo. Public Affairs Director, Juanita Jennings, gave zoo highlights. March
was the first month of admissions for the zoo. They saw more visitors from outside of
Roswell. They took over zoo memberships from the Friends of Spring River Zoo. Sixty-
five percent of zoo revenue is coming from admissions. An annual plan for the zoo has
been put together outlining expectations. Safety of staff, animals, and guests is top
priority. They want to make this property a destination; rethinking/realigning the culture
of the zoo. They have had great candidates for the Director position. Four major goals
for the zoo were presented: a strategic business plan, working the 2016 Master Plan,
ensuring highest quality of life for the animals, and a world-class guest experience. They
have had staff training, safety inspections, and role-playing with guest services. They are
looking for 12 people to join their team of guest services. There will be a summer camp
program launching April 26th. Vet checks were done on some of the animals the past
month. They are using Dr. Walker and Dr. Wenner. Safety inspections were done on the
shed and heavy equipment. Goals for hiring a new director were discussed. Member
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Edwards asked about the ground crew. Evaluations were done regarding work hours and
staff, which indicated understaffing. Member Edwards also inquired about the upcoming
job fair. There will be interviews and onsite offers made the day of the fair. Member
Mathison asked about the animal name plaques being put back up. Member Joyce
inquired about the carousel status.
6. Report on Parks Department. Jim Burress, Director of Special Services, gave the
report on the Parks Department. Plans for the new all-inclusive playground are still
moving forward. Engineering should have a survey done soon. He has received some
suggestions on what to do with the old pool area such as mazes – not just more grass to
mow. A volunteer clean-up weekend is coming up May 2nd and 3rd for the Cahoon area
and riverbed. Depending on funding, they may be able to put a trailer together with
everything on it that anyone would need when volunteering for clean-up days. This year’s
Arbor Day event went well. There were long lines of vehicles before the event even
started. The City tries to plan for the future with tree planting/removal being tracked by
the departments. Roswell is the oldest Tree City in the state. The City is trying to hire a
full-time Vet for the zoo, animal control, and police. He would like to expedite this, but it
takes awhile to fill positions with the City – it is a process. The trail master plan got
approved; he thought it had already been done. They are wanting to hook the aquatic
center to the zoo. The all-inclusive playground will have a trail that will tie into the system
as well; it will all be tied together. He would like to see a train system one day that goes
along the trails. The Game and Fish Department will help with the removal and relocation
of the ducks, and adding catfish to the zoo pond. He gave an update on the pond
regarding electricity, water, irrigation, and grass seed.
G. OTHER BUSINESS
7. Public Comments. Councilor Stubbs appreciated this meeting and getting to see
what all the departments are doing. A set of Nancy Lopez golf clubs that will be donated
and ideas on displaying them were discussed.
H. ADJOURN
Member Edwards motioned to adjourn the meeting, Member Mathison seconded; a voice
vote was unanimous. Motion passed, with Member Elliott absent.
The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Next Commission meeting: May 17, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.
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Agenda
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New Mexico
ROSWELL PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Parks & Recreation
Monday, April 19, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.
Parks Administration Office - 1101 W. 4th St.
Commission Chair: JaneAnn Oldrup
Commission Members: James Edwards, Maegan Sanders,
Barry Mathison, Becky Joyce, Kim Elliott and Megan Patterson
Staff Coordinator: Jim Burress, Special Services Director
A. Call to Order
B. Roll Call
C. Approval of the Agenda
D. Approval of the Minutes
1. Consider approval of March 15, 2021 meeting minutes
E. Regular Items (Action Items)
2. (None)
F. Non-Action Items
3. Discussion on connecting Spring River and Cielo Grande paths (Bob Edwards)
4. Report on Aquatic Center/Recreation Department (Stephanie Mervine)
5. Report on Zoo (Juanita Jennings)
6. Report on Parks Department (Jim Burress)
G. Other Business
7. Public Comments
Next Meeting: May 17, 2021
Notice of this meeting has been given to the public in compliance with Sections 10-15-1 through 10-15-4 NMSA 1978 and Resolution 21-7.
NOTICE OF POTENTIAL QUORUM -A quorum of the City Council may or may not attend, but there will not be debate by the City Council, and no
action will be taken.
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contact the City Clerk at 575-624-6700 if a summary or other type of accessible format is needed.
Printed and posted: April 14, 2021
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DRAFT
MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Via GoToMeeting
March 15, 2021
5:30 PM
A. CALL TO ORDER
Chair JaneAnn Oldrup called the March 15, 2021 meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
The following Members were present: JaneAnn Oldrup, Barry Mathison, Becky Joyce,
and Kim Elliott. The following Members were absent: James Edwards, Maegan Sanders,
and Megan Patterson.
Staff present: Jim Burress, Special Services Director; Louis Najar, City Engineer,
Stephanie Mervine, Interim Recreation Director; Juanita Jennings, Public Affairs Director,
and Sharene Brooks, Parks Administrative Assistant, Sr.
Guests present: Juno Ogle and Vicki Burress.
C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Member Joyce motioned to approve the agenda, Member Elliott seconded; a voice vote
was unanimous. Motion passed, with Members Edwards, Sanders, and Patterson being
absent.
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Member Elliott motioned to approve the minutes of the January 11, 2021 meeting,
Member Joyce seconded; a voice vote was unanimous. Motion passed, with Members
Edwards, Sanders, and Patterson being absent.
E. REGULAR ITEMS (ACTION ITEMS)
2. Approve 2020 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. Member Joyce had previously
met with Louis Najar, City Engineer, regarding possible grants for different projects
around Roswell. Grants would be easier to get if the City had an approved plan when
applying for funding. The 2020 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (the "Plan") has not
yet been adopted by City Council. Louis Najar added that the Plan had not been carried
forward for resolution and needed to be approved so that he, as well as others, can go
out for funding. RTP and Transportation Alternative Programs will have a Call for Projects
around July. The City has reopened bids on the Spring River Trail Project that will consist
of an overlay with some repairs and will cost $200,000-$250,000 per mile. He has
$150,000 to work with for the Hondo Trail, from 2 nd St. to Virginia. The Committee needs
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DRAFT
to recommend the Plan to Infrastructure or General Services to get it started for adoption.
City Council heard the presentation of the Plan in April, but it stopped there. Member
Joyce motioned to approve the 2020 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and to send to
General Services for further adoption; Member Elliott seconded. Motion passed, with
Members Edwards, Sanders, and Patterson being absent. After the vote, there was
further discussion as to the Plan being only a guideline and whether an amendment was
needed to the motion made by Member Joyce. Louis Najar responded that he would add
more action verbiage in his abstract to City Council for the Plan and that the Commission
should be attending the General Services meetings to help push their agendas through.
Access to all the committees, agendas, and minutes are on the City webpage. Members
will be notified when this master plan is on the General Services agenda.
F. NON-ACTION ITEMS
3. Discuss the Upcoming 3/25/2021 NM SCORP Virtual Town Hall Meeting. Jim Burress,
Director of Special Services, explained the purpose for the State Comprehensive Outdoor
Recreation Plan (SCORP) meeting set for March 25th. People in the southern part of the
State need to participate, as it is an invitation to give opinions on what is needed. Roswell
parks need to be updated and the trails need to be extended and connected. Member
Elliott added that this update is done every 4-5 years and has been very instrumental in
the funding for Roswell in the past. It is important for this group to join the meeting, as it
is an opportunity to let your voice be heard.
4. Discuss the Location of the Next Park and Recreation Commission Meeting. Chair
Oldrup would like the Commission to be able to meet in person at the next meeting. The
possibility of using one of the rooms at the Recreation and Aquatic Center was discussed.
The Boys and Girls Club will probably still be using the rec center until April. If the rec
center is not available, Chair Oldrup will try to have it scheduled at another location.
5. Report on Aquatic Center. Interim Recreation Director, Stephanie Mervine, gave the
aquatic report and a brief introduction of her new interim position. The center can
currently allow 40 guests to swim in the pool per session following the latest Governor's
COVID-19 Order. They are working on Lifeguard Certifications for the summer. The
aquatic center is hoping by Memorial weekend to open the outdoor pool, but does not
have anything definite yet -- not until the Governor makes an announcement.
6. Report on Recreation Department. Interim Recreation Director, Stephanie Mervine,
gave highlights of the recreation center. They had 553 members come to the center last
week. They are moving forward as the recreational side of the center has opened up.
Member Mathison and Interim Director Mervine discussed the possibility of changing the
pool hours earlier/later, as citizens have requested. A swimming team uses the pool after
6:00 p.m. and the pool has to be cleaned, so time needs to be allowed for that. The pool
is still under restrictions. Member Joyce inquired of Stephanie as to her current interim
position. Director of Public Affairs, Juanita Jennings, stated that the Recreation Director
position would be evaluated in the future. Members Mathison and Edwards will meet with
Stephanie to discuss sports tourism. Director Jennings gave updates on the Zoo. The
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DRAFT
Zoo has started taking admission fees and now has a store to sell merchandise. They
are working on a new platform for memberships that can be used at any of the facilities
that are participating in the program. Most of the Zoo attendance is from outside of
Roswell -- TX, CO and OK, as well as Artesia, Carlsbad, and Capitan. A Safety Inspection
is scheduled to ensure the zookeepers and guests, as well as the animals, are safe and
taken care of. Enrichment programs are coming up in the spring in compliance with
COVID-19 restrictions. They are still in the process of finding a Zoo Director and have
the goal of having someone onboard by mid-May.
7. Report on Parks Department. Jim Burress, Director of Special Services, gave the
report on the Parks Department. The new splash pad continues to be worked on. City
Engineer, Louis Najar, provided status information on the new All-Inclusive Park. A kick
off meeting was held with the design team. There will be a stakeholders meeting planned
and groundbreaking will probably happen in 2022. Director Burress added that the Parks
Department is working on the duck pond at the Zoo. He is putting numbers together and
will need to relook at the funding. Member Mathison asked about repaving the cart paths
at the Golf Course. Negotiations had started last week to put black top on the roads from
8th St. to the service area. Director Burress also addressed the issue of porta-pots at the
parks. They are $100 per unit per month and are cleaned once a week. There is no
COVID-safe way to put them out -- that is why they were removed. He may start with
putting out a few, but is hard-pressed at those costs. If you want the pots cleaned more
than once a week it costs even more. They may put signs on the outside of the units to
show when the last time each was cleaned.
G. OTHER BUSINESS
8. Public Comments. Guest Ogle asked where the 2020 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master
Plan was posted on the website.
H. ADJOURN
Member Mathison motioned to adjourn the meeting, Member Joyce seconded; a voice
vote was unanimous. Motion passed, with Members Edwards, Sanders, and Patterson
being absent.
The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Next Commission meeting: April 19, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.
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