Recreation & Parks Commission

RUSSELLVILLE RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION Minutes from Monthly Meeting February 10, 2015 Present: Marvin Collier, Bryan Fisher, Matt Gray, Andy Hatley, Theresa Herrick, Tommy Hindsman, Mack Hollis, Mayor Horton, Spence Roberts, J.W. Stratton, Terry Thomas Absent: None Person Recording: Kelli Nealy Guests: Laura Bean-The Courier, Josh Carey, Doug Housley, Richard Payne, Dustin Qualls, 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 January meeting. Tommy Hindsman seconded the motion, and the motion passed. Old Business A. Russellville Aquatics Center-Representatives from ETC Engineering & Architects will present preliminary drawings of the Russellville Aquatic Center during the mayor’s report at the February City Council meeting. The meeting will be held on Thursday, February 19 at 6:00pm at City Hall. B. Athletic Fields Turf Plan-The parks turf plan for athletic fields will be discussed at the next City Council finance and agenda meeting which is scheduled for February 10 at 5:30p. Other sources are being sought to assist in funding the plan the first year, and the total cost will be budgeted each year beginning in 2016. A non-commercial license is needed to purchase the commercial grade chemicals, and three park employees were sent to obtain their license. The chemicals will be purchased once we are notified that at least one employee passed the test. C. Veterans Park-Notification from the Corps of Engineers should be received this week or next week about adding the “Old Shorty” area of Bona Dea Trail to our existing lease. New Business A. River Valley Bicycle Polo Club-River Valley Bicycle Polo Club representative Dustin Qualls addressed the commission. The club would like to use the tennis courts at Shiloh Park to play bicycle polo. The game has been played locally for approximately three years, and the courts in Dardanelle were used for the past two years but are no longer available. They are currently using the parking lot at Russellville Junior High School but are looking for a place to play long term. Approximately 10 to 12 people play every Wednesday from 6:00p – 8:00p year round. The courts at Shiloh Park are side by side; therefore the nets could be used as a divider and would not need to be removed. In response to a question asked by Commissioner Stratton, the only damage to the concrete would be the potential for black marks from the bicycle tires. The City Attorney will be consulted about whether there is an ordinance that would prohibit bicycles from being on the tennis courts. The department will research bicycle polo in other cities. The group was asked to present their request in writing. B. Apply for RTP or TAP Grant for a Trail at Bona Dea & Parkway-This agenda item was tabled until the next meeting. Updates A. “O” Street Pedestrian/Bike Trail Meeting-Theresa Herrick reported on the public meeting held on February 3 about the walkway/trail down “O” Street from Vista Place Apartments to Whattaburger. The proposal presented included an 8 ft. wide asphalt trail which will be on the south side of “O” Street. A new proposal will be discussed at the next City Council finance & agenda meeting. B. Orbit Lane Trail-Pictures were shown which depicted the status of the trail on Orbit Lane. 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 12:45pm.