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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Authority July 24, 2023 Jeffersonville Parks Authority Monday,July 24, 2023 The Jeffersonville Parks Authority met in Session on Monday, July 24, 2023 in the Mayor's conference room on the third floor of City Hall. Members Present: Evan Stoner, Johnna Anderson, Ralph Scales, Carmen Croudep, Debbie Pait, Larry Jordan, Pam Clark and Bill Burns (via Zoom). Members absent: Elizabeth (Lisa) Carter. Parks Staff Present: Paul Northam, Amber Ridings, Amber Powell, Olivia Mann, Sara Nord, Ricky Romans, and Matt Siler. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Member Jordan made a MOTION to approve the agenda for the July 24rd, 2023 Parks Authority Meeting, the motion was seconded by Member Pait. The motion passed on a vote of 5-0. (Members Burns, Clark and Croudep were not present for this vote.) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Member Anderson made a MOTION to approve the minutes from the June 23rd, 2023 Parks Authority Meeting, the motion was seconded by Member Pait. The motion passed on a vote of 5-0. (Members Burns, Clark and Croudep were not present for this vote.) OLD BUSINESS Paul Northam presented a slight change to the Park Rules and Regulations, as this is applicable to inside rentals and outside space. Prohibiting fireworks, fires and open flames were included, and another addition was that renters must leave the facility and/or premises clean and litter free. Member Stoner ask if there were any fines applied should someone violate these rules, and Paul replied that none had been at this time. NEW BUSINESS Paul Northam introduced Evan Olinger, a Graphic Design student at Purdue University. Evan had contacted Paul, as he'd developed a Branding Presentation for Big 4 Park(as a school project). He wanted to share ideas for future consideration of Big 4 having its own identity website; however, redirect to the current Parks site. The presentation was well-received and further discussion will continue at the August Parks Board meeting. There was a follow-up to revisit the Ice Rink contracts, as Amber Powell had sent out statistics of the revenue and expenses for the '22-'23 season. Amber also recommended consideration to open the next season a few weeks earlier,and close the end of December. Paul stated that the Parks was not interested to buy or purchase a rink,we are not experts in this field, and recommended rental for the next few years. He proposed signature to the contract. Member Clark made a MOTION to approve, and the motion was seconded by Member Pait. The motion passed on a vote of 7-0. All contracts are approved pending legal review. For informational purposes, Paul mentioned future plans for Shirley Hall Park. Plans include the addition of community gardens, a playground and walking trails. He'd like to talk with Greater Clark Schools about options to buying the property or perhaps selling to the new company that buys Thomas Jefferson School. MANAGER'S REPORT Amber Powell— Riverstage is moving along, with the season wrapping up August 11'. The July Cruise-In event was cancelled due to weather; however, the next show is scheduled for Saturday, August 12tn Steamboat Nights is scheduled for October 6th and 7th and we're always open to new ideas for this event. Olivia Mann—The 2023 Aquatic Center swim team placed 3rd out of 6 teams this year. The pool attendance is lower this year than last. Rentals are still very strong, as pool parties are fully booked until August 13th. The pool will remain open daily through August 6th, then moving to weekends only through Labor Day. The Ken Ellis Senior Center will be back open to seniors on August 1St. There is a Hawaiian Hoedown Dance planned for August 25th Matt Siler—Keeping trash cleared, concert set-up and tear-downs have all kept the team busy. There are 2 upcoming projects, Allison Brook Trails and Richard Vissing Trails. Bollards continue to be replaced due to breakage. Work has been done on the trails at Highland Dog Park, repair work to the chains and the commercial swing. Sara Nord —Summer Camp has ended, with very positive feedback from both kids and parents. Basketball leagues will continue this fall, and there's consideration to possibly have a Women's league. The K-1-2 Youth sports will happen again this year, with planning to begin soon. The Nachand Fieldhouse hours are now 5:30—9:00 p.m. due to school back in session. The parties and rentals at both the Envision Center and Fieldhouse remain steady. Ricky Romans—Rentals have been happening, although the turf rentals haven't been as busy as last year. Football registration is now complete, with 125 football players and 60 cheerleaders registered. Practice begins August 1St, and play will begin September 2nd and 3'd. The Little League tournament semi-finals are July 24', and finals are July 25th. A tremendous amount of work has gone into field updates for this tourney, and kudos to Paul, Ricky, Matt and the maintenance team! Amber Ridings—The Summer Camp enrollment had doubled in size from 2022 due the popularity of the program. This isn't a profitable program for the Parks Department; however, will continue to be offered due to the interest. Member Clark proposed the CASI Building as a summer camp location option. More discussion and consideration to come. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Paul Northam—Mentioned a complaint about the Aquatic Center pool admission prices. The person recommended modification for young children, seniors and veterans. Plans are in the works to update Oglesby Park beginning this fall, adding the 16 pickleball courts, Y2 basketball court and a new playground. Then the plan is to move to Shirley's Arbor. The seasonal employees have done great work, weed-eating and trimming. We've had 3 high-school seniors-to-be and an upcoming college freshman. REPORTS AND COMMENTS Parks Authority Attorney Report- NONE Public Comments- NONE Parks Authority Member Comments- NONE Member Jordan made a motion to ADJOURN at 6:30 pm, PASSING on a vote of 8-0. APPROVED: 91.0'ittitk � 40 �ir Lisa Carter- Parks Authority President 2r,Ciem