Recreation & Parks Commission

RUSSELLVILLE RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION Minutes from Monthly Meeting February 9, 2016 Present: Marvin Collier, Alderman Bill Eaton, Bryan Fisher, Matt Gray, Andy Hatley, Theresa Herrick, Mack Hollis, Terry Thomas Absent: Tommy Hindsman Person Recording: Kelli Nealy Guests: Sean Ingram-The Courier, Paul Kimbrough-AVSA Mack Hollis called the meeting to order at noon. Bryan Fisher made a motion to accept the minutes from the December meeting. Andy Hatley seconded the motion, and the motion passed. Old Business A. Soccer Complex Field Lights Grant-The Department of Parks and Tourism’s Outdoor Recreation Grants Program Advisory Committee has recommended that the City of Russellville be awarded matching grant monies to assist in the installation of field lighting at the Russellville Soccer Complex. Funding of the project will depend on state real estate transfer tax collections. The committee advised that based on conservative estimates of monthly collections, funding for the project should be possible. Total project cost is $460,100.00. A diagram was shown of the three fields to be lighted. B. Capital Tax (Parks Other) Projects Review-In 2013, the commissioners compiled and prioritized a list of requested capital improvement projects. Copies of the finalized list were given to the commissioners showing the cost and status for each project. They were asked to review the list for discussion at next month’s meeting. In order to avoid a delay in the soccer field lighting project or jeopardize the grant, a suggestion was made to postpone spending sales tax monies allocated for parks other projects until all funds for the lighting project are received. New Business A. Parks Department Fee Schedule-The rental and activity fee schedule is reviewed annually by the parks commission to determine if changes are needed. The current fee schedule was distributed to the commission, as well as a list of fees from various rental facilities in the area. Department fees are normally kept in line with other rental facilities in Russellville. A suggestion was made to eliminate the building attendant fee which covers hours used during non-business hours. The commissioners were asked to review the fees and present any comments or suggestions at the next meeting. B. Request for New Sign at James School Park-A request was submitted by Jeremy Keaster, on behalf of the AR Dream Center and the community of James School Park, to construct a new sign at the park. The commissioners were given a copy of the proposal, as well as a drawing of the sign. The new sign would remain in the same location as the existing park sign, and the targeted completion date would be May 8, 2016. Organizations in Russellville, as well as current and former residences of James Park, will fund and serve the project. A suggestion was made to have a public meeting preceding next month’s commission meeting to assure there is no opposition. Marvin Collier made a motion in favor of the request. Bryan Fisher seconded the motion, and the motion passed. C. Request by Russellville Rowing Club for Boat Pad & Storage-The Russellville Rowing Club has requested permission to construct a 5 ft. x 50 ft. concrete pad at the Illinois Bayou landing site. The pad would provide safe and secure storage of their 45 ft. rowing shell. The pad would be located 60 ft. south of the restrooms. The commissioners received a diagram of the proposed pad. The group is working with ATU to organize a club in this area. Bryan Fisher made a motion in favor of the request. Andy Hatley seconded the motion, and the motion passed. The project will be submitted to the Corps of Engineers for approval. D. Pleasant View Pond Fishing Piers-Caddis Fly Fishing Club submitted a request to install two handicapped accessible concrete piers at Pleasant View Park. The proposal also includes a paved roadway and parking lot consisting of eight parking spaces (two van accessible spaces, two handicapped accessible spaces and four standard spaces). The project will be a joint effort between the City of Russellville, AR Game and Fish Commission, Caddis Fly Fishing Club and local community service clubs. An application has been made for a General Improvement Fund Grant, and the project will also be funded by donations. Bryan Fisher made a motion in favor of the request. Theresa Herrick seconded the motion, and the motion passed. E. Recreation & Parks Department 50th Anniversary 2016-The commissioners were reminded that the department will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2016. Commissioners Herrick and Fisher volunteered to serve on a committee to begin planning events to promote the anniversary. Mack, Terry, and Bill Eaton will also serve on the committee. Updates A. Veterans Memorial Park-Construction began on Veterans Memorial Park, and slides were shown of the area. B. Phoenix Avenue Trail-Work has been delayed on the Phoenix Avenue trail. There is an area of the trail that needs to be bridged with rock in order for trucks to enter, and it is currently too soft. C. Aquatic Center-The commissioners were informed that final plans of the Russellville Aquatic Center show the building turned 180 degrees and slightly downsized from the original drawings. The project will have an April bid date. D. 2016 Turf Plan-The 2016 turf plan began the end of January with top dressing and sand work. A spray and fertilize schedule was given to the commission. E. RRPD Softball Financial Statements-Copies of the 2015 adult summer and adult fall softball financial statements were distributed. F. Sidewalks (19th Street)-Congratulations to the Russellville Public Works Department for receiving a Highway Fund Grant to complete sidewalks on 19th Street and on 7th Street past Russellville High School. These additions are part of the Russellville Connected Trail Plan. G. Monthly Report-The commissioners received a copy of the department’s monthly reports for January and February. H. Upcoming Events-A schedule of upcoming events was given to the commissioners. I. Future Agenda Items- Convention Center Park Capital Tax (Parks Other) Projects Department Fee Schedule 50th Anniversary The meeting adjourned at 12:55pm. 2