Recreation & Parks Commission

RUSSELLVILLE RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION Minutes from Monthly Meeting February 12, 2013 Present: Marvin Collier, Mayor Bill Eaton, Andy Hatley, Mack Hollis, Mike Johnston, J.W. Stratton, Terry Thomas Absent: Theresa Herrick, Chloe Lieblong Person Recording: Kelli Nealy Guests: Abby Davis-AR RV Tennis Association, Christie Graham, Ron Knost, Joshua Mashon-The Courier, Howard West-The Courier The meeting was called to order at noon. Mike Johnston made a motion to accept the minutes from the January meeting. Andy Hatley seconded the motion, and the motion passed. Old Business A. Capital Projects List-The commissioners were asked at the January meeting to prioritize a list of capital project requests after receiving public input. Four commissioners submitted their project priorities to be tallied prior to the meeting. Mike Johnston addressed the commission about the need for field lights at the soccer complex. He said in his opinion there was some confusion about the amount of time lights would be used at the facility by AVSA. Commissioner Johnston stated that the soccer complex is a wonderful facility, but can’t be utilized to its fullest without lights. He requested permission to present data in support of field lights to the commission, and then asks that the projects be re- ranked. J.W. Stratton made a recommendation to discuss the rankings in March after receiving information about soccer complex lighting. All commissioners present agreed. In addition, a suggestion was made to require all athletic groups/associations to present their needs and/or requests in person to the commission to provide clarity and eliminate any confusion. B. Aquatic Center-A drawing and preliminary cost estimate for the Russellville Aquatic Facility was distributed to the commission. A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 19 at 6:00pm at the Hughes Center for public input and discussion. Representatives from ETC Engineers & Architects will be present to answer questions. The commissioners were encouraged to attend. New Business A. Community Fireworks Display-The commissioners were informed that the department’s 2013 Community Fireworks Display will be held at Old Post Park. Pleasant View Park is not available for the event due to a large state softball tournament being held at the park on July 5, 6, and 7. B. River Valley Tennis Association Request-RV Tennis Association Instructor Abby Davis addressed the commission about the need to use the courts at City Park and Shiloh Park once weekly for lessons. The younger age division will continue using the courts at ATU because portable nets are used as well as temporary lines on the courts. Ms. Davis is aware of the department’s reservation system and fees for reserving tennis courts. A brief discussion followed regarding the increase in popularity of tennis which results in a need for more courts in the area. The Corps of Engineers no longer maintains the tennis courts at Old Post Park unless it’s a safety issue. A suggestion was made by the mayor to speak with the Corps about possibly assuming the maintenance responsibilities of their courts. C. AVSA Requests- 1. Additional Fields at the Soccer Complex-A request was submitted by AVSA to add an additional field at the soccer complex for games and practices. The location of the field was shown to the commission. Marvin Collier made a motion in favor of the request. Mike Johnston seconded the motion, and the motion passed. 2. Develop Practice Fields at Sheppard Drive-In addition, AVSA requested permission to develop the ball fields on Sheppard Drive for soccer practices. Mike Johnston made a motion in favor of the request. J.W. Stratton seconded the motion, and the motion passed. D. Park Entry Signs-Commissioners were given pictures of the current park entry signs, as well as recommended design changes which will provide a uniform appearance. Mike Johnston made a motion in favor of the new design. Marvin Collier seconded the motion, and the motion passed. The signs will be replaced on an as needed basis. Updates A. Trails-Slides were shown of sections of the trail system that have been completed around the city. B. Monthly Report-The commissioners received a copy of the department’s monthly report. C. Upcoming Events-A schedule of upcoming events was given to the commissioners. At the conclusion of the meeting, Ron Knost addressed the commission and advised that he has resigned as Project Coordinator for the Wildlife Observation Trail at Illinois Bayou Park. The meeting adjourned at 1:00pm.