Recreation & Parks Commission

RUSSELLVILLE RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION Minutes from Monthly Meeting December 14, 2017 Present: Marvin Collier, Andy Hatley, Tommy Hindsman, Mack Hollis, Mayor Randy Horton, Terry Thomas Absent: Bryan Fisher, Theresa Herrick Person Recording: Kelli Nealy Guests: Jim Freeland-Riverwood Village Apts., Bobbie Heflin-Riverwood Village Apts., Paul Kimbrough- AVSA, Gary Knudsen-Russellville School District Swim Team Coach Tommy Hindsman called the meeting to order at 12:05p. Andy Hatley made a motion to accept the minutes from the August meeting. Marvin Collier seconded the motion, and the motion passed. New Business A. RHS Request on Swim Team Program Agreement-When hosting swim meets at the Russellville Aquatic Center, Russellville School District agreed to charge $100.00 per team with a $350.00 minimum charge for each meet. RSD Swim Team Coach Gary Knudsen addressed the commission. He explained that the current fees charged by the department are the highest in the state. Coaches at Scranton, Clarksville, and Siloam Springs have said their teams would not attend another meet in Russellville due to the fees. Coach Knudsen proposed the fees be changed to $60.00/team for teams with 20+ swimmers, and $3.00/swimmer for teams that have less than 20 swimmers. The minimum charge would remain at $350.00 per meet. Marvin Collier made a motion to amend the fees to those proposed by Coach Knudsen. Andy Hatley seconded the motion, and the motion passed. The proposal will be presented to City Council in December. B. Riverwood Village Request to Lock Gate at Hickey Park-Two requests were submitted to the department pertaining to the gate connecting Hickey Park and Riverwood Village Apartments. One request is to keep the gate locked, and the other is for it to be unlocked. Apartment Regional Manager Jim Freeland addressed the commission about the need for the gate to remain locked in order to enforce the facility rules and make the apartments safer. He would like all apartment traffic to enter and exit thru the main gate which is monitored by security cameras. Commissioner Hatley made a motion to keep the gate locked. Commissioner Collier seconded the motion, and the motion passed. C. Phase III at Veterans Memorial Park-A request has been submitted to the Corps of Engineers to reopen Phase II of Veterans Memorial Park as well as begin Phase III. Proposed drawings of Phase III were submitted to the commission. Andy Hatley made a motion in favor of the proposed plans. Marvin Collier seconded the motion, and the motion passed. D. LWCF Grant 2018-The department has been awarded a Land and Water Conservation Grant to re-lamp the upper field at Shiloh Park with LED lighting. The Tips Taps State Purchasing Program was used for the field lighting project at the Soccer Complex, and a recommendation was made to utilize the program for the lighting project at Shiloh Park. Project drawings are not available at this time. Commissioner Collier made a motion in favor of the recommendation. Commissioner Hatley seconded the motion, and the motion passed. E. Chairman Election-This agenda item was tabled until February. Updates A. Hickey Dugout Field 1- The Russellville High School Baseball Booster Club added a garage to the visitor’s dugout at Hickey Park field 1. The addition will be used to store equipment belonging to the school district. B. Aquatic Center Trail Opening-The ribbon cutting for the trail from ATU to the Russellville Aquatic Center was held on November 14. C. New 5K Trail at Orbit Lane/Ski Area/Disc Golf-Plans are underway to develop a 5K trail at Orbit Lane/Ski Area/Disc Golf which would keep runners from having to get on the roadway. Plans include utilizing the existing 2.2 mile trail at Orbit Lane. Drawings and cost projections should be presented in February. D. Shiloh Park Renovations-As previously discussed, the department was awarded a grant to re-lamp the upper field at Shiloh Park. In addition, funding was approved by the A & P Commission to replace the pavilion at the park. Future plans include replacing the tennis courts with pickleball courts. E. Monthly Report-The commissioners received a copy of the department’s monthly report. F. Upcoming Events-A schedule of upcoming events was given to the commissioners. G. Commissioners Herrick, Collier and Hindsman-Commemorative clocks were presented to Marvin Collier and Tommy Hindsman in recognition of their commitment, service, and dedication to the parks department. Theresa Herrick was presented her clock prior to the meeting since she was unable to attend. The meeting adjourned at 12:45pm.