Recreation & Parks Commission

RUSSELLVILLE RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION Minutes from Monthly Meeting April 8, 2014 Present: Marvin Collier, Mack Hollis, Mike Johnston, Chloe Lieblong, J.W. Stratton, Terry Thomas Absent: Andy Hatley, Theresa Herrick, Spence Roberts Person Recording: Kelli Nealy Guests: Jeanette Anderton, Bucky Croom, Bert Fleck, Danya Johnson, Jason Johnson, Gary Knudsen, Lyle Manning, Dan Nicholson, Whitney Snipes, Chad Weisler J. W. Stratton called the meeting to order at 12:10pm. Marvin Collier made a motion to accept the minutes from the March meeting. Chloe Lieblong seconded the motion, and the motion passed. Old Business A. Aquatics Center-A special called commission meeting was scheduled for Thursday, March 27 in order to gather additional information about the three potential sites for the Russellville Aquatic Center. The meeting was cancelled due to scheduling conflicts. Commissioner Stratton hopes that a site recommendation can be determined at this meeting. Boys & Girls Club Board Member Bert Fleck addressed the commission about the city purchasing land on 19th Street from them. The Club will sell 5 – 11 acres at $10,000 per acre which they feel is approximately 50% of the appraised value. They are also willing to discuss additional property for possible expansion of the facility. A proposed site development plan was given to the commission which showed two potential sites for the aquatic center at the property on 19th Street; however they are willing to work with the city on its location on the property. Mr. Fleck said he thought the analysis of the three sites performed by ETC Engineering & Architects was biased. The commission received copies of an analysis developed by the Boys & Girls Club. Mr. Fleck said that flooding potential and the ability to expand should be the two major factors in choosing a site. As stated in previous meetings, RHS Swim Team Coach Gary Knudsen prefers the North Phoenix Avenue property. He thought it was bad business for the city to purchase land when they own property that will work. Boys & Girls Club Board Member Chad Weisler said the property on 19th Street and the site on North Phoenix Avenue will work, but the decision needs to be the best for the city. He said a firm price for the land on 19th Street has been offered, however a price for connecting utilities on North Phoenix Avenue has not been determined. The question was raised about whether a municipality can purchase property at a price below fair market value. Commissioner Stratton said from a business standpoint, it would be nice to purchase land at a discounted price and let the city keep the Phoenix property for future development. Marvin Collier made a motion to recommend the North Phoenix property to the City Council. Chloe Lieblong seconded the motion and added that the Phoenix property was her selection because the majority of people she spoke with chose that site. Commissioner Collier said the ETC analysis should be given some consideration because the firm is unbiased. Commissioner Stratton said he likes the visibility at the North Phoenix site and the ability to expand at the Boys & Girls Club property. He said an overwhelming majority of the 150 – 200 people he asked preferred the North Phoenix property. The motion passed 3 - 1 recommending the North Phoenix site. Mike Johnston voted against the recommendation. J.W. Stratton made a motion to select the property on 19th Street as the second choice for the center. Chloe Lieblong 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 12:40pm.