Recreation & Parks Commission

RUSSELLVILLE RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION Minutes from Monthly Meeting January 14, 2014 Present: Marvin Collier, Mayor Bill Eaton, Andy Hatley, Theresa Herrick, Mack Hollis, Mike Johnston, Chloe Lieblong, Spence Roberts, J.W. Stratton, Terry Thomas Absent: None Person Recording: Kelli Nealy Guests: Morgan Barrett, Perry Carr & Mizan Rattman-ETC Engineers & Architects, Freddie Harris, Gary Knudsen, Steve Newby, Bert Fleck & Chad Weisler-RV Boys & Girls Club Focus Group, Mark Tripp The meeting was called to order at 12:05pm. Andy Hatley made a motion to accept the minutes from the October meeting. Chloe Lieblong seconded the motion, and the motion passed. Old Business A. Aquatic Center-Mizan Rattman from ETC Engineers & Architects addressed the commission. Copies were distributed of a qualitative analysis that he performed on potential sites for the Russellville Aquatic Center. All sites discussed were not included in the analysis due to time constraints. Mr. Rattman explained that he placed a value on a list of criteria for each location based on his knowledge of the sites. A total score was given for each location, and the top two sites based on their score were Vick Field and North Phoenix Avenue. It was suggested to Mack that a meeting with the convention center developers might be an additional option. Chad Weisler showed the commissioners a map of 29 acres of undeveloped land owned by the Boys & Girls Club that is being considered as a possible site. Mr. Weisler explained that the intent of the Boys & Girls Club is to work with the city to come up with a mutually agreeable selling fee for the property. Alderman Roberts said the ability to expand the facility is of concern to some members of the council if Vick Field is chosen. He also said that keeping both pools together should be considered. Land originally considered west of the Hughes Center was not included in the analysis because it is in a flood plain. Mr. Rattman said a new flood study could be requested, but the process could take several years. In response to a question from Alderman Tripp, Mr. Rattman explained that the property south of the Hughes Center is also in a flood plain. Commissioner Johnston requested clarification of the commission’s responsibility in choosing a site for the Aquatic Center. Mack explained that ultimately the decision will be made by the city council; however the commission will make a recommendation to them. When ask by Commissioner Johnston, Mayor Eaton said his site choice would be Vick Field. Alderman Tripp likes City Park and the Boys & Girls Club property for the facility. Alderman Roberts said he was not educated on all the sites, however was concerned about Vick Field because it is landlocked. Alderman Harris said her first choice is the Boys & Girls Club property. Both Gary Knudsen and Mack prefer the property on North Phoenix Avenue. Mack explained that building the Aquatic Center close to Hickey Pool would limit expansion of the baseball program at Hickey Park. If Russellville is chosen as the site for the Veterans Home, the property on North Phoenix Avenue will be involved in a land swap and would therefore not be available. Mr. Rattman recommended that the commission narrow the location list to three sites, and a quantitative analysis will then be done on those sites. Chloe Lieblong made a motion to narrow the list of sites to include Vick Field, the Boys & Girls Club property, and North Phoenix Avenue. Marvin Collier seconded the motion, and the motion passed. The analysis will be presented to the commission when completed. New Business A. Chairman Election-Mike Johnston made a motion to reappoint J.W. Stratton as the chairman of the parks commission for 2014. Chloe Lieblong seconded the motion, and the motion passed. B. Fit Girlz-Fit Girlz is a group of ladies of all ages from Russellville and the surrounding area that seek to improve their wellness through proper nutrition and exercise. Participation in the group is free. The group would like to use the Hughes Center gym on Monday evenings from 5:30p – 8:00p for one of their weekly workouts. They have requested that fees be waived. Mike Johnston made a motion to allow the group to use the gym at no charge. Andy Hatley seconded the motion, and the motion passed. Updates A. Monthly Report-The commissioners received a copy of the department’s monthly report. B. Upcoming Events-A schedule of upcoming events was given to the commissioners. The meeting adjourned at 12:55pm.