Recreation & Parks Commission

RUSSELLVILLE RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION Minutes from Monthly Meeting December 8, 2015 Present: Marvin Collier, Bryan Fisher, Andy Hatley, Mack Hollis, Mayor Randy Horton, J.W. Stratton, Terry Thomas Absent: Theresa Herrick, Tommy Hindsman Person Recording: Kelli Nealy Guests: Sean Ingram-The Courier, Paul Kimbrough-AVSA J.W. Stratton called the meeting to order at 12:05pm. Bryan Fisher made a motion to accept the minutes from the September meeting. Marvin Collier seconded the motion, and the motion passed. New Business A. 1. Presentation-A commemorative clock was presented to J.W. Stratton in recognition of his commitment, service, and dedication to the parks department. Commissioner Stratton served on the commission for four years, and his term will expire at the end of the year. 2. Elect Chairman for 2016-Marvin Collier made a motion to appoint Tommy Hindsman as the chairman of the parks commission for 2016. Bryan Fisher seconded the motion, and the motion passed. B. 2016-Recreation and Parks-The commissioners were informed that the department will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2016. The department was established on December 14, 1966. Events promoting the anniversary could begin in July which is National Recreation & Parks month. A suggestion was made to form a small committee, including at least one commissioner, to begin planning. Dan Nicholson is currently working on a 50th anniversary logo. This agenda item will be discussed again in January. Updates A. Water-Soccer Fields-City funds were used to pay for water at the Soccer Complex thru the summer. The department received information from Wayne VanBuren about an abandoned coal mine at the complex that could possibly provide an unlimited water supply for the fields. The City Council appropriated $5,000 for exploratory drilling, and City Engineer Kurt Jones is working on determining the best way to tap the water source. B. Phoenix Avenue Trail-Set-up work on the Phoenix Avenue trail is complete, and the trail is ready for asphalt. As soon as asphalt work is finished, bollards, fencing and striping will be done. C. Veterans Memorial Park-Preliminary work has been done on the parking lot at Veterans Memorial Park. Several trees were removed, the sign and fence were taken down, and bushes around the sign were relocated to Washburn Park. City Engineer Kurt Jones is providing assistance on completion of the parking lot. D. Aquatic Center-Design changes on the Russellville Aquatic Center are being considered in order to cut costs. Representatives from ETC Engineering & Architects will be giving a status report at the finance meeting at City Hall tonight (December 8) at 5:30pm. The commissioners were invited to attend. E. Athletic Fields Turf Program-Spraying has been completed on all athletic fields. Sand and topsoil have been delivered for the spring, and there are enough chemicals remaining for next year. Funds for the program were included in the 2016 budget. F. Upcoming Events-A schedule of upcoming events was given to the commissioners. G. Monthly Report-The commissioners received a copy of the department’s monthly report. The meeting adjourned at 12:35pm.