Recreation & Parks Commission

RUSSELLVILLE RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION Minutes from Monthly Meeting April 10, 2012 Present: Marvin Collier, Mayor Bill Eaton, Andy Hatley, Theresa Herrick, Mack Hollis, Mike Johnston, Terry Thomas Absent: Chloe Lieblong, J.W. Stratton, Mark Tripp Person Recording: Kelli Nealy Guests: Kelley Davis-AR RV Tennis Assoc., Christie Graham, Shelia Jackson-AR RV Tennis Assoc., Gary Knudsen, Catherine Wilkins-RV Leader The meeting was called to order at 12:05pm. Marvin Collier made a motion to accept the minutes from the March meeting. Mike Johnston seconded the motion, and the motion passed. Old Business A. Firearm Policy in the Parks-The commissioners received a copy of a proposed ordinance prohibiting the possession of handguns or firearms in city parks. As discussed in the meeting last month, parks included in our Shiloh lease agreement must follow the Corps of Engineers policy pertaining to firearms; however an ordinance doesn’t exist for park property not included in the Corps lease. Marvin Collier made a motion in favor of the proposed ordinance. Mike Johnston seconded the motion, and the motion passed. The ordinance will be presented to the city council at the April meeting. B. Community Fireworks Display-The department has received one donation in the amount of $1,000.00 to help offset the cost of our 2012 Community Fireworks Display. In addition, The Journey has decided not to participate in this year’s event. A brief discussion followed regarding moving the event to Old Post Park if available and asking spectators for a per car donation. The department will continue soliciting donations, and plans will be finalized at the May meeting. New Business A. M.J. Hickey Pool 1. Pool Fees-Information was obtained from area community pools regarding their fee schedule for pool parties and season passes. Fees at M.J. Hickey Pool have not been adjusted since 2005. A fee schedule was distributed to the commission showing prices for last year as well as proposed prices for 2012. In the past, individual and family passes were available. Prices for a family pass were based on the size of the family. A recommendation was made to eliminate family passes, and sell individual passes for $75.00 each. In addition, a recommendation was made to increase pool rental fees for private parties from $30.00 per hour to $50.00 per hour. The charge for lifeguards at a party would remain at $12.50 per hour per guard with a minimum of two guards. The proposed price adjustments will set the prices in line with area pools. Andy Hatley made a motion in favor of the proposed fees. Marvin Collier seconded the motion, and the motion passed. 2. Pool Hours-Due to an increase in pool usage, the pool schedule had to be adjusted to accommodate the various user groups. A proposed schedule was distributed to the commission. Lap swim and water aerobics have been added. Marvin Collier made a motion to adopt the new schedule. Andy Hatley seconded the motion, and the motion passed. B. Swim Lessons-As a result of Red Cross no longer offering swim lessons in Russellville, a proposal was submitted to the commission that details the requirements for the parks department to take over the program beginning this year. The proposal includes staffing, expenses, session dates, and projected revenue. Registration would be done through the parks department office, and Gary Knudsen has agreed to be the program manager. Mike Johnston made a motion in favor of the department signing an authorized provider agreement with Red Cross. Marvin Collier seconded the motion, and the motion passed. C. Grant Opportunities 1. LWCF Grant-Notice was received from AR Parks & Tourism about a Land & Water Conservation Fund Grant opportunity. The 50/50 matching grant has an application deadline of August 31, 2012, and the maximum amount is $250,000. The city would fund 100% of the project and would then be reimbursed 50%. The commissioners were asked to bring recommendations for grant projects to the May meeting for discussion. 2. AR Legislative Grant-A 100% funded grant is available through AR Department of Parks and Tourism and must be used for youth golf or youth baseball. The maximum amount is $15,000. A recommendation was made to use the grant funds for a materials bin at Hickey Park or to cover the bullpen at Hickey Park. Marvin Collier made a motion in favor of the recommendation. Andy Hatley seconded the motion, and the motion passed. D. Capital Projects List-A list was distributed to the commissioners outlining various capital projects that have been requested during public hearings, by citizens, and city council members. The commission was asked to rank the list after getting input from the public. General Update A. Dike View and North Arkansas Property-Dike View Park and Convention Center Park have been added to the park inventory list. B. Adult Softball Summer League 2012-Thirty-three teams will participate in the department’s adult summer softball league. There will be 22 coed teams and 11 men’s teams. C. Aquatics Facility-The Mayor and Parks Director visited the aquatic facility in Bryant. In addition, a request for qualifications was advertised to engineering firms that specialize in aquatic facility development. The request deadline is April 18. A committee will then be formed to select the firm. D. Monthly Report-The commissioners received a copy of the department’s monthly report. E. Upcoming Events-A schedule of upcoming events was given to the commissioners. F. Future Agenda Items- Community Fireworks Display LWCF Grant Capital Projects List The meeting adjourned at 12.45pm. 2