Recreation & Parks Commission

RUSSELLVILLE RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION Minutes from Monthly Meeting February 11, 2014 Present: Marvin Collier, Mayor Bill Eaton, Andy Hatley, Theresa Herrick, Mack Hollis, Spence Roberts, J.W. Stratton, Terry Thomas Absent: Mike Johnston, Chloe Lieblong Person Recording: Kelli Nealy Guests: Hannah Brownlee & Sarah Jane Trusty-ATU students, Gary Knudsen, Michael Oakes, Whitney Snipes-The Courier The meeting was called to order at 12:05pm. Andy Hatley made a motion to accept the minutes from the January meeting. Marvin Collier seconded the motion, and the motion passed. Old Business A. Soccer Request-Water (June & July)-During the October 2013 parks commission meeting, AVSA requested that the city pay the water bill for the sprinkler system at the park when they are not using them. Due to excessive rain, fields were not watered much in 2013, however in 2012; the water expenses totaled $6,515.00 for the summer. An estimate of $7,000.00 was given for 2014 depending on the rainfall levels. Funds were not appropriated in the 2014 parks department budget for this additional expense. If we do pay the bill, we will need to go to council to request the funds. The commissioners were given a copy of the 2013 AVSA financial statement which recorded a loss of $163.00. After reviewing the statement, if things continue as is, Mack is concerned that AVSA may be unable to pay the utility bills for the new field lighting at the complex. Expenditures are being reviewed with the association president to possibly reduce some of their costs. Water has been disconnected during the offseason months saving the group about $1,600.00 per year. Additional information is being gathered with AVSA to hopefully reduce their expenses even further. No action is needed at this time. New Business th A. Waco Basin Park-Waco Detention Basin is an area, approximately 12 acres in size, located on West 12 Street that is being developed by the city. It will include a ½ mile improved trail, as well as picnic tables and benches. Future plans may include a play area and soccer practice field. The street department will mow and maintain the levees and also maintain the water impoundment area for litter. The parks department will maintain the flat area and trail itself. City Engineer Michael Oakes explained that Waco Street, Whippoorwill Lane and Overland Park subdivision will have access to the area. A recommendation was made to make Waco Detention Basin a city park. Marvin Collier made a motion in favor of the recommendation. Andy Hatley seconded the motion, and the motion passed. B. Community Fireworks Display-The commissioners were given a diagram of Old Post Park showing the shooting site of the 2013 Community Fireworks Display, as well as the proposed site for the 2014 display. The smaller shells were difficult to see last year because they didn’t clear the tree line. The Corps of Engineers has approved the proposed site which is 500 ft. west of last year’s site in front of the quarry area. Pleasant View Park is the best location; however it is unavailable due to a large softball tournament at the park. Due to a continued challenge in raising funds to offset the event cost, the department has requested that the city appropriate $10,000 toward the fireworks display each year. Since 2008, the event has been funded in part by the A & P Commission; however the donation amount has decreased considerably. In the past, the department has asked for per car donations to help offset the costs of fireworks, but this creates a traffic flow problem. Marvin Collier made a motion in favor of the city funding the event each year. Andy Hatley seconded the motion, and the motion passed. C. Christmas Parade 2014-The 2014 Russellville Christmas Parade will be December 4 at 6:30pm. In addition, the parade committee would like to set December 8 as a rain date. Due to the cancellation of the parade last year, a suggestion was made to keep the same theme for the 2014 parade. The 2013 theme was “Songs of Christmas”. Marvin Collier made a motion in favor of the proposed rain date and theme. Andy Hatley seconded the motion, and the motion passed. Updates A. Sales Tax Distribution-A revised sales tax breakdown was distributed to the commissioners which showed a timeline for receiving funds. The projects cannot begin until funds are available, therefore projects will be delayed. B. L.W.C.F. Grant-The department was not selected as a recipient of the 50/50 matching Land and Water Conservation Fund grant. C. Monthly Report-The commissioners received a copy of the department’s monthly report. D. Upcoming Events-A schedule of upcoming events was given to the commissioners. The meeting adjourned at 12:40pm.