Recreation & Parks Commission

RUSSELLVILLE RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION Minutes from Monthly Meeting October 14, 2014 Present: Marvin Collier, Andy Hatley, Theresa Herrick, Tommy Hindsman, Mack Hollis, Chloe Lieblong, Spence Roberts, J.W. Stratton, Terry Thomas Absent: None Person Recording: Kelli Nealy Guests: Jeanette Anderton-The Courier, Richard Payne, Whitney Snipes-RV Leader J. W. Stratton called the meeting to order at noon. Marvin Collier made a motion to accept the minutes from the September meeting. Andy Hatley seconded the motion, and the motion passed. Commissioner Appointment-Commissioner Stratton welcomed newly appointed Commissioner Tommy Hindsman. Old Business A. Special Event Permit Application-During the September meeting, a proposed special event application was distributed to the commissioners for review and input. The application would be required when special events occur in city parks. It is designed to make details and requirements clear to all parties involved. Commissioner Stratton said the people he spoke with had no issues with the application and that it appeared to be standard operating procedures. Commissioner Hatley had the same results. Commissioner Hindsman suggested the application include a statement that fees will be based on what amenities are requested. The commissioners were in favor of this suggestion. Chloe Lieblong made a motion in favor of the proposed application. Andy Hatley seconded the motion, and the motion passed. B. Phoenix Trail Plan-A General Improvement Fund Grant has been awarded to the department in the amount of $76,305.00 to complete the next phase of the trail system. The phase will attach Bona Dea Trail to Phoenix Avenue and to Arkansas Tech University. A proposed addendum to the Phoenix Trail Plan was shown to the commissioners. The addition will connect the northwest corner of Bona Dea Trail to West Parkway Drive. Plans for this addition also include removing the existing guard rail on West Parkway Dr. to allow bikers and walkers easier access to the trail. Estimated cost of the addition is $6500.00 and attempts will be made to secure funding from a source other than the city’s general fund or sales tax revenue. Andy Hatley made a motion in favor of adding the section to the trail plan. Chloe Lieblong seconded the motion, and the motion passed. New Business A. Capital Projects Plan-A list of capital park projects to be funded by the one cent sales tax was provided to the commissioners. Also provided was a table of sales tax collections and anticipated dates to begin and complete the projects. B. Special Programs Budget-This agenda item was tabled. Updates A. Playground Fall Surface Repair-The City Council appropriated $9,000.00 to repair the fall surface material on play units at City Park, Shiloh Park, and Veterans Park. Repairs are scheduled for November. B. Reminder November Meeting Date-The commissioners were reminded that due to Veterans Day, the November commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 4. 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. Discussion Item A. Turf Plan-Alderman Roberts ask if the department had considered a contracted turf plan for the soccer complex. A brief discussion followed about whether one park should be singled out for the plan. Commissioner Hindsman said the plan should include all athletic parks; not just the soccer complex. The commissioners were in favor of Mack putting a turf plan together on all sports facilities to submit to City Council. The meeting adjourned at 12:50pm.