Parks & Recreation Commission

ROSWELL PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Monday, June 20, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. Parks Administration Office 1101 W. 4th St., Roswell, NM Commission Chair: Jane Ann Oldrup (term ending) Vice Chair: Barry Mathison (term ending) Members: James Edwards, Maegan Sanders, Becky Joyce, and Becky Robertson New Members: Jeneva Dearing-Martinez, Laurie Dudek, and Daniel L. Sanchez 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 21, 2022 meeting minutes (no Quorum at April 18, 2022 meeting) 2. Consider approval of May 16, 2022 meeting minutes E. Regular Items (Action Items) 3. Introduce new Commission members and vote on new Commission Chair and Vice Chair positions (Jane Ann Oldrup) F. Non-Action Items 4. Report on Recreation and Aquatics Center (Colette Hall) 5. Report on Zoo (John Wright) 6. Report on Parks Department (Jim Burress) 7. Explore future goals (Jim Burress) G. Other Business 8. Public comments Next Meeting: July 18, 2022 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 22-14. 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. If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing or meeting, please contact Human Resources at 575-624-6700 at least one week prior to the meeting or as soon as possible. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible formats. Please contact the City Clerk at 575-624-6700 if a summary or other type of accessible format is needed. Printed and posted: Thursday, June 16, 2022 TO ATTEND THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING BY GoToMeeting on: Monday, June 20, 2022, 5:30 PM –7:30 PM (MDT) Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/349450125 You can also dial-in using your phone: United States = 1-571-317-3112 Access Code: 349-450-125 Help Desk: 575-500-0587 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/349450125  MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Parks Administration Office 1101 W. 4th St. March 21, 2022 5:30 PM A. CALL TO ORDER Chair Jane Ann Oldrup called the March 21, 2022 meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. B. ROLL CALL The following Members were present: Jane Ann Oldrup, Barry Mathison, James Edwards, Becky Joyce, and Becky Robertson with Member Maegan Sanders being absent. Staff present: Jim Burress, Special Services Director; Colette Hall, Recreation Director; Alex Diaz, Recreation Manager; Juanita Jennings, Public Affairs Director; John Wright, Zoo Director; and Sharene Brooks, Parks Administrative Assistant, Sr. Guests present: Mayor-Elect Tim Jennings, City Councilor Juan Oropesa, Corrine Oropesa, City Councilor Jeanine Best, Councilor-Elect Juliana Halvorson, Councilor-Elect Ed Heldenbrand, Kerry Moore, Vicki Burress, Rita Kane Doerhoefer, Ron Lethgo, Bob Edwards, Laurie Dudek, Juno Ogle, Ivan Hall, Steve Smith, and Carolyn Mitchell. Staff/Guests via GoToMeeting: City Councilor Barry Foster; Public Information Officer Todd Wildermuth, Pat Krakauskas, and Anna Whistler. C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Oldrup made a clarification regarding guest speaker Tim Jennings’ title. Member Joyce motioned to approve the agenda, Member Edwards seconded; a voice vote was unanimous, and the motion passed with Member Sanders being absent. D. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1. Member Mathison motioned to approve the minutes of the January 24, 2022 meeting, Member Joyce seconded; a voice vote was unanimous, and the motion passed with Member Sanders being absent. E. REGULAR ITEMS (ACTION ITEMS) (none) F. NON-ACTION ITEMS 2. Guest Speaker Mayor-Elect Tim Jennings. Guest Jennings gave an explanation for the purpose of him being at the meeting. He commented that the activities that the community provides speak to its character and are important to the quality of life. He also commented on the fees/costs being charged by the City, State grant money being 1 spent on baseball field plans, the condition of City parks and facilities, large water leaks in the community regularly, many years of non-maintenance of facilities, Main Street needing to be redesigned for pedestrian traffic, donation of the carousel to the City, PETA involvement at the Zoo, Adult Center fallen by the wayside, CDL driver pay, golf greens costly to maintain, still need to figure out how to connect the Cielo Grande Trail, would like to get the Adult Center up and running quickly, biggest thing City has to offer is quality of life, a symphony in the park would add class and character, and Roswell is very lucky to have three golf courses. Guest Edwards made comments regarding the Spring River Corridor trying for the past five years to connect the trails, the obstacles they had encountered, and high race fees. Guest Doerhoefer raised concerns as to the lack of porta-pots, the fees at Cielo Grande, and the issue of vandalism. Guest Smith provided information on upcoming improvements at the bird sanctuary, giving a good example of the community working with the City. Member Robertson inquired about the follow-up meetings after the 2/7/22 community golf course meeting. 3. Discussion on Commission Membership Openings, Members that Need to Re- Apply, Election of Officers. Chair Oldrup informed the commission about terms ending for herself and Member Mathison, the openings, and Member Sanders needing to re-apply. Director Jennings provided membership process information. 4. Discussion on Inclusive Playground Funding and Start Date. Director Burress advised that bid packets for the playground had been opened, money had been received from the State, and the project would consist of two phases. Guest Jennings commented about local businesses having the opportunity to bid and participate as to the equipment part of the project and that the City should not have to go to Albuquerque to get a plan/design. 5. Report on Recreation and Aquatics Center. Director Hall provided revenue and membership numbers for the month of February. They were wanting to provide a lot of intro’s for a variety of different activities/sports. She would be getting certified as a lifeguard trainer. They were still looking for an Adult Center (A/C) Supervisor. They had been working on a vision for the A/C, gearing towards active seniors. They did a SWAT Analysis, looking at strengths and weaknesses in order to set goals. Staffing continued to be an issue as it is hard to find qualified staff. Guest Smith inquired about the ten bicycles bought for the Center. Guest Mitchell commented that there had been no publicity of what was going on at the A/C and that seniors were not going to go online to get information – it needed to be in the newspaper. They had tried to work with the center before and need someone that is willing to work with them. Member Edwards was pleased with the camp that was offered during Spring Break. Manager Diaz summarized what the summer camp was all about and how it worked. There were over 40 kids registered, with at least 30 attending on a consistent basis. They had sent out a survey to collect feedback and would be seeking an accreditation. There was discussion regarding impoverished children, scholarship funding/grants, and keeping fee schedules. Director Jennings commented about getting back on schedule with advertising post- COVID and that a 12-page spread will be in the newspaper on April 9th. 6. Report on Zoo. Director Wright gave updates of what had been going on at the Zoo the last couple of months. They have worked on cleaning-up piles of debris that had been 2 accumulating over the decades. $720,000 in Project Funding had been obtained for designing the new Leprino gift shop entrance. They will be working on the bear exhibit, camera/Wi-Fi upgrades, and replacing fencing to 8 feet high. The Zoo had a turnout of 11-14 kids per day during their camp. They have been prepping for their butterfly opening on May 7th. The Zoo has 12 free days per year, providing an option for people without the income. The flooring in the bathrooms and in the reptile building had been replaced. Two seasonal workers had been hired as two Grounds employees had been on FMLA. The Zoo has had to juggle positions due to staff shortages. Chair Oldrup inquired about the process of going to the Zoo now. 7. Report on Parks Department. Director Burress reported on the recent Block Party that had been held at Carpenter Park. There would be enough money left over from the project to install two more picnic shelters. Chisum Park would be the next project. $40k in picnic tables and trash cans would be installed throughout the parks. A new sidewalk had been added to Delta West Park and $7,000 in trees would be provided by the Rotary Club. Guest Jennings inquired about the City tree farm near Loveless Park. 8. Explore Future Goals. Director Burress advised that they need to take a hard look at where they are going with the Parks. They need to pick something and run with it. The possibility of having a pre-made trailer for organizations that are volunteering to do clean- ups was discussed. G. OTHER BUSINESS 9. Public Comments. Guest Lethgo, from the Kiwanis Club, introduced himself and provided information regarding the club’s involvement with the upcoming All-Inclusive Park. H. ADJOURN Member Edwards motioned to adjourn the meeting, Member Joyce seconded; a voice vote was unanimous, and the motion passed with Member Sanders being absent. The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m. Next Commission meeting: April 18, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. 3  MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Parks Administration Office 1101 W. 4th St. May 16, 2022 5:30 PM A. CALL TO ORDER Chair Jane Ann Oldrup called the May 16, 2022 meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. B. ROLL CALL The following Members were present: Jane Ann Oldrup, Becky Joyce, Becky Robertson, and James Edwards with Members Barry Mathison and Maegan Sanders being absent. Staff present: Jim Burress, Special Services Director; Colette Hall, Recreation Director; Alex Diaz, Recreation Manager; John Wright, Zoo Director; and Sharene Brooks, Parks Administrative Assistant, Sr. Guests present: Vicki Burress, Juno Ogle, Carolyn Mitchell, Laurie Dudek, Shawn Kelly, Fred Luna, Jorge Armendariz, and Jeneva Dearing Martinez. C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Member Edwards motioned to approve the agenda with the exception of moving Item 8, Public Comments, to the beginning of the agenda, Member Robertson seconded; a voice vote was unanimous, and the motion passed with Members Mathison and Sanders being absent. D.1. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES -- Member Edwards motioned to approve the minutes of the April 18, 2022 meeting, Member Robertson seconded; a voice vote was unanimous, and the motion passed with Members Mathison and Sanders being absent. G. OTHER BUSINESS 8. Public Comments. Guests Luna and Armendariz addressed the Commission regarding the murders of their two sons on April 16th at Cahoon Park. They would like to have memorial benches with plaques installed at the park. They do not want their kids to die in vain and would like to help the community by changing the lives of other kids. Guest Kelly, Exec. Pastor at Church on the Move, thanked members for letting them address the Commission. Member Edwards suggested that they attend the upcoming General Services meeting. Guest Mitchell with Roswell Rotary, gave updates on Delta West Park regarding trees that have been purchased, the sidewalk, and grant money. E. REGULAR ITEMS (ACTION ITEMS) 2. Consider Approval to Recommend the Submission of All New Applications to the Mayor to Fill Commission Vacancies for Positions 2, 4, and 6, and the Re-application of Member Sanders for a Second Term for Position 1. Chair Oldrup handed out voting 1 ballots for members to mark their choices for the vacancies. Member Edwards clarified how the applications had been marked as far as which opening each were applying for. Member Oldrup commented on Applicant Sanchez. Member Joyce commented on Applicant Belding. Member Robertson motioned to rearrange Items F.3. and F.4. on the agenda; Member Edwards seconded; a voice vote was unanimous, and the motion passed with Members Mathison and Sanders being absent. F. NON-ACTION ITEMS 4. Report on Recreation and Aquatics Center. Director Hall gave the Recreation report. They were still looking for lifeguards and trying to get the word out anyway possible. Member Edwards suggested utilizing the schools to reach kids about the lifeguarding. Recreation’s revenue and attendance numbers were good for the month. The Game Changer app is a neat tool they are now using at the Center. Member Robertson agreed and explained how she had used the app. The Trivia Night at the Adult Center was fun and the Recipe Exchange event was successful. Member Robertson commented that the fitness classes were fantastic. E. REGULAR ITEMS (ACTION ITEMS) – cont’d 3. Consider Approval to Recommend the Contracting Out of a Company to Reanalyze Trees in All the City Parks. Director Burress provided information on how prior assessments of Park trees had been done. He had started exploring getting a company to come in to do a current analysis of trees. He also mentioned the possibility of getting a City Arborist in the future. The Parks Department normally plants 3-5 trees for every tree taken down. Trees at the Zoo nursery and the Parks tree farm would be utilized for planting. Member Edwards motioned to recommend the contracting out of a company to reanalyze trees in all the City parks; Member Joyce seconded; a voice vote was unanimous, and the motion passed with Members Mathison and Sanders being absent. F. NON-ACTION ITEMS – cont’d 5. Report on Zoo. Director Wright gave the Zoo report. Attendance was up 35% from this time last year. They had received a donation of $25,000. Two bear experts came to the Zoo to provide input on a new exhibit design and how to improve the welfare of the bears in their current structure. The elk had been relocated into a new enclosure. There had been lot of cleaning going on. Two new Keepers had started and were being trained. US Fish & Wildlife and OSHA had been at the Zoo. Other events for the month were gone over, as well as the status of the butterfly garden. 6. Report on Parks Department. Director Burress gave the Parks report. The Parks Department would be planting several trees on Friday. Roswell had been named Tree City USA for 32 years now. Upcoming updates at the bird sanctuary were gone over. 70-80 bats had been removed from a home by Animal Control and relocated to the Waste Water Treatment Plant area. An update for the golf course was given. Member Robertson 2 inquired about the follow-up meeting that was supposed to have happened after the Golf meeting at the Rec Center. Member Joyce asked about the carousel bench renovations and funding/fund raising for the carousel. Director Wright provided plans and prices regarding the carousel renovation and possibly using the lead horse at businesses to get donations. The Friends of the Zoo are wanting to assist with funding and fund raising. Director Burress gave the status of Carpenter Park and details on the Virginia/Chisum Park project. 7. Explore Future Goals. The Park Department’s goals were: trees/tree canopies, solidifying playgrounds and continued work on the trails, the bird sanctuary, and the area where the pool used to be. Member Joyce commented about the trail connection still not being done. Member Robertson asked about the resurfacing of the tennis courts. H. ADJOURN Member Edwards motioned to adjourn the meeting, Member Robertson seconded; a voice vote was unanimous, and the motion passed with Members Mathison and Sanders being absent. The meeting ended at 6:32 p.m. Next Commission meeting: June 20, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. 3