Parks & Recreation Commission

MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Parks Administration Office 1101 W. 4th St. May 17, 2021 5:30 PM A. CALL TO ORDER Chair JaneAnn Oldrup called the May 17, 2021 meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. B. ROLL CALL The following Members were present: JaneAnn Oldrup, Barry Mathison, James Edwards, Becky Joyce, and Kim Elliott-via GoToMeeting. Member Meagan Sanders joined the meeting immediately following roll call at 5:31 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 Barry Foster, Vicki Burress, and Rita Kane-Doerhoefer. C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Member Edwards motioned to approve the agenda, Member Mathison seconded; a voice vote was unanimous, and the motion passed. D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Member Joyce motioned to approve the minutes of the April 19, 2021 meeting, Member Sanders seconded; a voice vote was unanimous, and the motion passed. E. REGULAR ITEMS (ACTION ITEMS) 2. Approve Concept of Installing a Park on Old Chisum School Property. Councilor Foster provided information on the need for a park in this area, history on the fourteen- year-old land purchase, as well as updated information on the current $400,000 approved by the Legislature for a park at this location. There needs to be an idea or theory on what we want for Roswell and what Roswell wants. Director Burress is trying to make Linda Vista Park a standard park. Swings, playground, picnic tables, grills, trashcans, benches, backstops, and goals are what is available for parks. Councilor Foster would like to see a pavilion at Chisum Park. What is considered a park and what is considered green space needs to be determined? The City dropped the ball regarding the parking lot and irrigation at the Chisum property. Director Burress indicated that the neighborhood could be canvassed. Member Edwards explained to the commission members what needed to be 1 done with this action item and voting on the item. Councilor Foster added that he had heard that there might be an emergency clause making the funding available as soon as it had been signed. Juanita Jennings, Public Affairs Director, inquired if there was an actual concept for the park as indicated on the agenda. Member Edwards made a motion to recommend the approval of installing a park on the Old Chisum School property to the General Services Committee. After discussion, a voice vote was unanimous, and the motion passed. F. NON-ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion on Options to Connect Spring River and Cielo Grande Paths. Chair Oldrup gave a recap from last month’s meeting of the four possible options for the trail connection. Director Burress provided information and details as to which two options would be the best. The option regarding 8th Street being realigned was further discussed and clarified between Director Burress and Member Mathison. The commission requested that this non-action item be put on the agenda next month as an action item. 4. Clarification on the Purpose/Job/Duties/Responsibilities of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Member Edwards addressed his concerns of the lack of action items on the agenda, not being informed, and the commission being forgotten. The past baseball complex and cost recovery issue was an example that could be used regarding these issues. The By-Laws of the commission were discussed. Member Edwards commented to the other members that the commission has more say-so than what they are giving themselves credit for. Curb/frontage fee collection and usage was brought up and addressed. Member Elliot supported Member Edwards’ concerns. The commission is to be a spokesman for the community and could be a great asset to the City. Member Mathison stated that the baseball field issue was one of the big frustrations for the members. They did not use any of the input from this commission; they are not being paid attention to. They had a plan for the future that was not used when asking the State for funding in the first place. What this commission heard and agreed upon was not listened to. He would like this commission to have more teeth and a greater influence. Communication is one of the big hurdles. It would be nice to know what is coming up on General Services that is a parks and rec item to at least have the chance to be heard. Councilor Foster would like to see members from this commission going to the other meetings. The City Council wants as much information from the commission as possible. Member Elliott added that the commission is supposed to be an advisory board to the City Council. They could be a great help and assistance by providing recommendations and advisories. 5. and 6. Report on Aquatic Center/Recreation Center. Stephanie Mervine, Recreation Director, gave the aquatic and recreation report. They have been getting ready for the re-opening of the outdoor pool. It will open next weekend with limited occupancy. The retail shop will also be opening. Four Summer Camps will be going on through the end of July. They are slowly extending hours and people are happy and ready for the summer. The indoor pool hours and need for lifeguards were discussed. 2 Chair Oldrup inquired about the MOU for the tennis association. Director Burress clarified and explained why insurance and a contract are necessary and required. 7. Report on Zoo. Juanita Jennings, Public Affairs Director, gave the zoo report. Since April, there were 1,229 guests at the zoo. Twelve new memberships were sold. They still need part-time employees for various positions. They are trying to figure out a better way to provide outdoor coverage for staff as the wind is tearing up the tents. Total revenue for the month was $7,400. Summer Camp programs will be starting June 2nd. Staff joined the San Diego Zoo Global Academy to update their education and knowledge of the specific animals they have. Two Albuquerque Zoo Managers came to Roswell to provide training as well. Medical care cards have been updated and revised for each of the zoo animals and are being inputted electronically. “Cutter”, the bobcat, had to be euthanized due to health issues. Fifty-one animal enclosure locks were replaced for safety, and as another part of the zoo working towards their USDA Certification and AZA requirements. Friends of the Spring River Zoo hosted a golf tournament in support of the zoo, which they were grateful for. 8. Report on Parks Department. Jim Burress, Director of Special Services, gave the report on the Parks Department. The Carpenter Park Splash Pad project is ongoing. They are looking for final parts and need to fix some things that were broken. Because of the effects of COVID, all City departments need volunteers and are trying to hire back empty positions. Parks’ staff had previously been cut to 12 people. The department has now been given permission to rehire staff. Any volunteers wanting to help the City would be greatly appreciated. Updates were given on the fish pond at the zoo. Director Jennings provided information/updates regarding Phase 2 of the Wayfinding plan that is focused on parks, trails, and public parking. A survey can be found on the City website or Facebook page giving the public the opportunity to provide input on the next phase. G. OTHER BUSINESS 7. Public Comments. (none) H. ADJOURN Member Edwards motioned to adjourn the meeting, Member Mathison seconded; a voice vote was unanimous, and the motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 6:52 p.m. Next Commission meeting: June 21, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. 3