Recreation & Parks Commission

RUSSELLVILLE RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION Minutes from Monthly Meeting July 14, 2016 Present: Marvin Collier, Alderman Bill Eaton, Bryan Fisher, Andy Hatley, Theresa Herrick, Tommy Hindsman, Mack Hollis, Mayor Randy Horton, Terry Thomas Absent: None Person Recording: Kelli Nealy Guests: Sean Ingram-The Courier Tommy Hindsman called the meeting to order at 12:05pm. Theresa Herrick made a motion to accept the minutes from the April meeting. Bryan Fisher seconded the motion, and the motion passed. New Business A. Russ Vegas Tailgate-The RussVegas Foot Races Foundation has requested permission to have a tailgating event at the Russellville Ski Area and Disc Golf Course on Saturday, September 10 during the Arkansas vs. TCU football game. Plans include a triathlon, corporate games, swimming, and a play area for kids. In addition, the football game will be shown on a big screen television. All activities will be free to the public with the exception of the triathlon and play area. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit Arkansas Children’s Hospital and River Valley Circle of Friends. In order to minimize regulations, the City would like to sponsor the event. A letter has been submitted to the Corps of Engineers requesting their approval. Marvin Collier made a motion in favor of the event. Bryan Fisher seconded the motion, and the motion passed. B. Depot Park Stage and Hughes Center Stage Policy Addendums-Code Enforcement Supervisor Bruce Moore recently notified the department that due to the height of the stages at Depot Park and the Hughes Center, railing must be added or the stages must be limited to performances, entertainment or presentations. A recommendation was made to change the rental contract at both facilities to reflect the restrictions instead of adding railing. In addition, a recommendation was made to restrict renters at Depot Park from posting signs except those that are freestanding. Marvin Collier made a motion in favor of both recommendations. Andy Hatley seconded the motion, and the motion passed. C. Soccer Complex Lights-Initial estimates for field lighting at the Soccer Complex were obtained approximately two years ago, and they did not include LED lighting due to the cost. According to a representative from Musco Lighting, the cost for LED lighting has significantly decreased and is within the budget for the project. LED lighting uses half the amount of electricity, provides an instant on/off, and offers enhanced lighting. Commissioner Hatley made a motion in favor of changing the field lights to LED lighting. Commissioner Fisher seconded the motion, and the motion passed. Updates A. Veterans Memorial Park-The commissioners were shown slides of the progress made at Veterans Memorial Park. The parking lot is 90% complete. A meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 15 to discuss Phase II. B. Russellville Aquatic Center-The commissioners were given a status report of the Russellville Aquatic Center. Draining, piping, and block work is finished, and the walls will be poured next week. The expected completion date is July 2017. C. L.W.C.F. Grant-The department received notice to proceed from the AR Department of Parks & Tourism Outdoor Recreation Grants Program for the field lighting project at the Soccer Complex. The pad mount transformer has been ordered, and the bidding process will begin after it is installed. Projected completion date is January 2017. D. Soccer Complex Well-The well system at the Soccer Complex is generating 165 gallons of water per minute. An estimate of approximately $17,000.00 was given to redo the sump pump, piping, and wiring in order to make the system more efficient. E. James School Park Sign-A picture was shown of the new sign at James School Park. F. Hughes Center Event Cleaning-The new cleaning policies and procedures for the Hughes Center have been accepted fairly well by people and/or groups renting the gym. An additional building attendant may be needed to cover the additional hours. G. Splash Pad-There is tremendous usage of the Splash Pad at City Park, and the commissioners were reminded that the unit was designed for residential use. The controller and pump have been replaced, and the filter and piping have been adjusted. There has been a problem this year with soap suds bogging the filter. H. Monthly Report-The commissioners received a copy of the department’s monthly report. I. Upcoming Events-A schedule of upcoming events was given to the commissioners. J. Future Agenda Items-None noted The meeting adjourned at 12:50pm.