Recreation & Parks Commission

RUSSELLVILLE RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION Minutes from Monthly Meeting September 8, 2016 Present: Marvin Collier, Alderman Bill Eaton, Bryan Fisher, Andy Hatley, Theresa Herrick, Tommy Hindsman, Mack Hollis, Terry Thomas Absent: None Person Recording: Kelli Nealy Guests: Sean Ingram-The Courier; Students from ATU Recreation & Park Admin. Class Tommy Hindsman called the meeting to order at noon. Marvin Collier made a motion to accept the minutes from the July meeting. Theresa Herrick seconded the motion, and the motion passed. New Business A. Aquatic Center Official Name-Marvin Collier made a motion to form a committee that will recommend an official name for the Aquatic Center. Bryan Fisher seconded the motion, and the motion passed. Commissioners Hindsman, Collier, Fisher and Hatley volunteered to serve on the committee as well as Mayor Horton. A recommendation was made to request public input for the name of the facility via The Courier. The committee members will be given a copy of the department’s park naming policy to reference in making their decision. B. Aquatic Center Director’s Job Details-An Aquatic Director job description was developed for the Russellville facility after reviewing numerous job descriptions from various cities around the state. The commissioners were given a copy of the proposed duties and responsibilities. Director Hollis said he would like to advertise the position in publications such as the USA Swim Program bulletin, and he would like the position to begin February 2017. The non-exempt supervisory position should have a salary range from $38,000 - $45,000 annually. Commissioner Fisher made a motion in favor of the proposed job description and salary range. Commissioner Collier seconded the motion, and the motion passed. C. Neighborhood Park-Members of a church located on Cumberland Avenue approached Alderman Eaton several months ago about possibly developing a neighborhood park near their church. The park could be developed on a two acre piece of property currently owned by the church. They are unable to purchase park equipment, but the church would be willing to deed the property to the city. Church members would however be willing to maintain the park. Their plans include implementing an “after school program” which would utilize the park. Due to the large number of apartments and houses in the area, the members feel the outreach program is needed. The commissioners were in favor of continuing discussions with the church. D. Russellville Skate Park Closing Procedures-In 2009, in response to problems of bad behavior and vandalism, a gate was installed at the Skate Park. The gate was locked each evening by the Russellville Police Department and unlocked each day by park personnel or RPD. The gate has been left unlocked for the last three weeks, and there have been no reports of vandalism during this period. A recommendation was made to continue leaving the gate unlocked. The commissioners would like an update at the next meeting before changing the procedure permanently. Updates A. Russellville Aquatic Center-Slides were shown of progress made on the Aquatic Center. The main pool has been poured, and the therapy pool is ready to pour. The project appears to be slightly ahead of schedule. B. Soccer Electric-The pad mount transformer has been installed for field lighting at the Soccer Complex. C. Phoenix Avenue Trail-Asphalt work has been completed at the Phoenix Avenue Trail, and striping will be done this week. A dedication is tentatively planned for the first of October. D. Summer Softball Financial Statement-The commissioners received a copy of the department’s 2016 Adult Summer Softball Financial Statement. Twenty-nine teams participated in the league, and the program recorded a profit of $2,379.15. E. M.J. Hickey Pool-This agenda item was not discussed. F. Fireworks Display-The commissioners were shown a brief video from the finale of the 2016 Community Fireworks Display. G. Fall Softball League-The department’s fall softball league began play with 27 teams participating. Games are played on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights at Pleasant View Park. 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. The meeting adjourned at 12:55pm.