Recreation & Parks Commission

RUSSELLVILLE RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION Minutes from Monthly Meeting January 13, 2015 Present: Marvin Collier, Matt Gray, Andy Hatley, Theresa Herrick, Tommy Hindsman, Mack Hollis, Mayor Horton, Spence Roberts, J.W. Stratton, Terry Thomas Absent: Bryan Fisher Person Recording: Kelli Nealy Guests: Jeanette Anderton-The Courier, Allen Kimball, Liz Kimball, Richard Payne, Whitney Snipes-RV Leader J. W. Stratton called the meeting to order at 12:05pm. Marvin Collier made a motion to accept the minutes from the December meeting. Andy Hatley seconded the motion, and the motion passed. Old Business A. Parks Turf Plan for Athletic Fields-The proposed turf management plan that was discussed in the December commission meeting was presented to the City Council. The plan, which covers Hickey Park, Pleasant View Park, Shiloh Park, and the Russellville Soccer Complex, was based on seven applications throughout the year, and cost was estimated at $117,634.00 annually. No action was taken by the Council due to lack of funding. The department currently budgets to apply a post emergent in Mid-March and fertilizer in late April. County Extension Agent Phillip Sims said the department could get a non-commercial license to buy commercial sprays which would be better than products purchased over the counter. An in-house maintenance program could be implemented using commercial sprays which would be a more economical alternative. Estimated cost for chemicals would be $1080.00 per application. A suggestion was made to charge user groups for use of the facilities to help offset the costs. The commissioners were in favor of the in-house plan which is expected to cost $10,000 annually. The new option will be presented to the Council and request additional monies to implement the program. Three park maintenance employees will be sent in February to obtain their non- commercial license. New Business A. Chairman Election-Tommy Hindsman made a motion to reappoint Commissioner Stratton as the chairman of the parks commission for 2015. Andy Hatley seconded the motion, and the motion passed. B. Veterans Memorial Park 1. New Park at Lakefront Drive-A request has been sent to the Corps of Engineers to add the “Old Shorty” area of Bona Dea Trail to our existing lease. A map was shown of the proposed addition which does not include the parking lot, restrooms, or lighting. Official notice should be received from the Corps in February. The River Valley Veterans Coalition would like to convert the area to River Valley Veterans Memorial Park. Veterans Coalition representative Allen Kimball addressed the commission about their plans which include a pavilion and parking lot. They also plan to move the monument and flag from Veterans Park. Work will be funded through grants. He explained that the only cash outlay for the city would be for mowing and chemicals. 2. Old Veterans Park at Detroit-With the addition of River Valley Veterans Memorial Park, the park on Detroit Avenue, currently named Veterans Park, will need to be renamed. Permission has been granted by the State to change the name of the park. A suggestion was made to hold a public meeting to receive input regarding the movement of the monument and name change. Upon approval from the Corps of Engineers, a public hearing date will be set. Updates A. Fall Softball Financial Statement-The commissioners received a copy of the department’s 2014 Adult Fall Softball Financial Statement. Thirty teams participated in the league, and the program recorded a profit of $423.14. 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. Theresa Herrick invited everyone to attend the public meeting on February 3 from 5:30p – 7:00p at City Hall. The walkway/trail down “O” Street from Vista Place Apartments to Whattaburger will be discussed. The commissioners were reminded to contact the parks department office if they would like to add an agenda item to the commission meetings. The meeting adjourned at 12:35pm.