HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-10-2006
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BOARD OF PARKS & RECREATION
MINUTES OF MEETING - JULY 10, 2006
President Kevin LaGrange called the meeting to order at 12:08pm. The roll was called
and those present were as follows: Sue Pfau, Ted Throckmorton, Kevin LaGrange, and
Vicki Conlin. Absent: John Young. At this time Secretary Conlin noted that the
Greater Clark School Board is to appoint the replacement of Mick Hennegan on this
Park Board at their meeting scheduled tomorrow night.
Personnel and guest present were as follows: Superintendent Rob Poff, Aquatic
/Recreation Director Sara Kraft, Mayor Rob Waiz, City Attorney Les Merkley,
Evening News Editor Larry Thomas, and Carole Vissing. Any other guests present will
be recognized as they address the board.
Minutes:
The minutes for June 12, 2006 were approved as submitted on a motion made by Sue
Pfau, seconded by Vicki Conlin, carried unanimously.
The minutes for June 20, 2006 were approved as submitted on a motion made by
Vicki Conlin, seconded by Sue Pfau, carried unanimously.
Claims: ."".
The claims dated for July 10, 2006 were distributed for review ih-two batches. After
discussion a motion was made by Vicki Conlin to approve claims totaling $92,687.80,
seconded by Sue Pfau, carried unanimously. There was more discussion for the second
batch. A motion was made by Sue Pfau to approve claims fotaling $18,768.28,
seconded by Ted Throckmorton, carried unanimously.
At this time Vicki Conlin brought up discussion on the second meeting a month for
claim approval. After discussion it was noted that vendors should be able to wait 30-
45 days for payment and question that it's really necessary. President Kevin LaGrange
stated considering the current situation and that we are still waiting on accounting
matters on our SNR from the City Clerk Treasurer's office to tentatively keep the
next schedule date of the 24th this month and Rob will contact board members should
it be decided to cancel the second meetings each month.
Public Comment:
Evan Blessett addressed the board regarding the Skateboard Park. He explained that
he is 18 years old and a senior at Jeffersonville High School. He has been
skateboarding for six years and is at the Skateboard .Park nearly every day with his
friends. They are concerned for it's future, which is what brought him to this board.
He stated that he is hearing rumors that the City is giving heavy consideration of
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closing the Skateboard Park. He admits that he has witnessed fights, drug use and
sales, as well as, vandalism and agrees that these types of activities are unacceptable
and unsafe but not in agreement that closing the park would be the right thing to do.
He gave suggestions of having a security guard or some type of monitoring, a curfew,
painting the ramps, offering lessons and possibly having competitions. Superintendent
Rob Poff spoke to clarify due to insurance purposes having a security guard or staff
.at the park actually makes us more liable, lights are on timers that shut off by llpm,
,and there is one camera focused on the park. Rob welcomed Evan to keep in close
. touch with him and Sara Kraft regarding possible organized activities/events. All
board members expressed their appreciation for Evan's attendance and input today
and complimented his class in doing such, and added, because of that requested that
he follow through with keeping in touch with the Parks Department regarding the
Skateboard Park.
RiverStage Report:
Secretary Vicki Conlin noted copies of minutes from the RiverStage Committee were
in each member's packet for review. She informed that Environmental Management
Corporation (EMC) has met with the Mayor and Rob Poff to make their commitment
of improvements to RiverStage a reality. They plan to begin work on bathrooms,
upstairs, dressing rooms, and conference area after the last production, which will be
Grease on Sunday, July 30th. President Kevin LaGrange asked about a formal thank
you acknowledging EMC's contribution to the RiverStage. Vicki and Rob stated plans
are to have a dedication ceremony honoring the Charter level contributors after the
last performance on July 30th. Vicki spoke of gnats and mayflies on and around the
RiverStage have been out of control this year. We had Boggs Pest Control spray at
the beginning of the season for ants and have checked with them regarding'the
mayflies and in their professional opinion this is simply a bad year for such and not
worth paying them to spray anymore. The committee will continue looking into and
discussing solutions for next year. Vicki wanted to note the appreciation for Ronnie
Breedlove throughout this season. She stated that the countless hours he has spent
working for each production is absolutely invaluable to the Parks Department,
RiverStage Committee, and the City. Vicki concluded with her pleasure serving as
chairperson on the RiverStage committee but suggests a new committee be formed at
the August meeting to keep things fresh and not have burn out with same people
contributing time and efforts towards this endeavor. President Kevin LaGrange
thanked Vicki for heading the committee this year and his appreciation for her taking
that role and doing such a great job.
Old Business:
Superintendent Rob Poff addressed the board to propose approval of a Resolution for
transferring the old Ken Ellis property to Jeffersonville Housing Authority to provide
housing for low and moderate-income persons. City Attorney Les Merkley explained
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transferring of government properties are done through Resolutions and only needs
this boards approval. With little discussion Vicki Conlin motioned to approve
Resolution No. 2006-R-3 to transfer the old Ken Ellis property to the Jeffersonville
Housing Authority, seconded by Ted Throckmorton, carried unanimously.
New Business:
Rob Poff introduced Carole Vissing to address in regards for renaming Sylvan Park.
.. Carole referring to a letter presented, from her and her husband Kevin, to board
spoke of the tragic death of her son Kyle Vissing from a car accident that hit a tree
at the edge of the pond at Sylvan Park. In means to honor their son who was an Eagle
Scout are proposing renaming the park to Kyle Vissing Park and having Eagle Scouts
an ongoing project for their needed community service requirements. Improvements
could be cleaning up the pond, constructing a walking track, constructing shelter
house, all, which would be fitting for several scouts in Jeffersonville to complete
their Eagle Scout projects. She informed, ironically, this property was given to the
community by John Vissing whom is a relative of Kevin's and was told by Jack Vissing
(grandson to John) that the name Sylvan had no real significant and the Vissing
Family thought it was a great idea to rename the park to honor Kyl,e. Rob Poff noted
the name Sylvan is the street name at the park. Park Board members stated it is a
win-win situation and great endeavor for the park. Rob also clarified any projects
would be reviewed and approved by this Board and Parks Department. A motion was
made by Ted Throckmorton to approve Sylvan Park to become an Eagle Scout Project
and rename the park to Kyle Vissing Park, seconded by Vicki Conlin, carried
unanimously.
Aquatic Center Report:
Sara distributed report for review and noted on totals that the highlighted figures
are 2006 and figures beneath that are 2005. She also explained that this is not an
accurate comparison because the 2006 totals include admissions, concessions, rentals,
and passes, where the 2005 totals are admissions and concessions only. There was
some discussion reminding the board that our Cash Management system was
destroyed at the beginning of this season by lightning. Sara spoke about upcoming
events at the pool, such as, the Kids Triathlon and Christmas in July. She stated how
much she appreciates the new outdoor shelter and added that it has been great for
the birthday splashes held during regular pool hours. President Kevin LaGrange
stated that "they are very proud of Sara" and that all he hears is good things about
the pool and gives credit to Sara for those compliments.
Correspondence:
Two thank you notes were read. The first from Becka Christenson, with Affairs of
The Heart florist for letting them set up hot dog sales at the Overlook during the
Steamboat Race, which raised $350.00 for downtown merchants. The second thank
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you was read from Floyd County Animal Rescue League for donation of 10 one-day
passes to the pool for their silent auction.
Letter was read from Sandra Lewis, General Counsel for Greater Clark County
Schools. The letter is to verify receipt of notification of lease termination for Wilson
property and that it will be effective July 10, 2006. Rob stated this means beginning
today the Parks Department no longer is responsible for cutting or maintaining the
Wilson Property.
Letter was read from Jeffersonville High School Flamin' Hot Steppers which are a
dance group at the High School and requesting donations for baskets being made up
for each outgoing Senior of the group. Rob informed that 12 one-day passes to the
pool was given.
Letter was read from Julie Taylor Wilson, Development Director at lifeSpan
Resources. She informed that they were grateful for commitment to their Annual
Senior Games event, that had 224 participants, with use of Warder Park Gazebo and
the Nachand Fieldhouse, as well as, assistance planning/implanting events. She
expressed their pleasure in dealing with everyone associated with Jeff Parks
Department.
Superintendent's Report:
Rob informed and discussed the following:
1) 5-year Master Plan review. Rob informed that he, Sue Pfau, and Josh
Hillman with Jacobi, Toombs, & Lanz sat in public input meeting last
Thursday. They felt the meeting was well attended and that 95% of
discussion was regarding improvements to Duffy's Landing. Rob stated no
matter how hard he attempted to get discussions on other parks and areas
it ended back to Duffy's Landing. Josh informed with approximately 25
online Surveys that 50i'o were regarding Duffy's. In discussions it was
questioned how many boaters using Duffy's Landing are from Kentucky and
noted that a lot were and suggested to check plates for a couple weekends
to count KY verses IN plates. After more discussion Rob assured that he
will continue to work with Josh and update this board accordingly.
2) Bob Hedge Park update. He informed that he and the Mayor met with Clark
Memorial Hospital requesting their support for Bob Hedge Park. They
explained they are definitely interested and would have to address it at
their next board meeting. Grading work to be done this week preparing for
. play surfacing and parking, as well as, rock should be coming in soon.
Working on fencing to be steel grade, 6 foot tall and will surround the
entire playground area. Informed that we have recently received a $5,000
grant, and to date about $100,000 shy from the original $550,000 budget.
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3) Vogt Park update. In working with the Estopinal Group showed the Board a
drawing to review. He stated it's simple yet very nice and hope to have work
completed and do a dedication ceremony in a month or so.
4) Ken Ellis Center update. Everything is on schedule and moving along well. Rob
acknowledged Mayor Waiz, City Attorney Les Merkley and the City Council
for their time towards biding process on this project that has a target date
of completion for February 2007.
5) Rob reminded all that the new city hall is near completion and Parks
department is scheduled to move August 4th and 5th. He stated that Phil
Bates with Jeff Housing prefers us to maintain this building and committing
at this time to continue for the next six months then reevaluate considering
we will soon then have the Ken Ellis Center. Rob also brought up the matter
of this Board's monthly meetings will be at the Quartermaster and asked
for opinions on providing luncheons. All board member's were in agreement
that lunches are not necessary for their meetings; drinks possible snacks
would be sufficient and would be cost savings for the department. Rob
stated he would continue some light meals for the monthly staff meetings,
as well as, continue to have them at Frederick Avenue through the six
months.
6) Football field signage for review. He passed out samples and a rendering for
how they will look on the fields.
Announcements:
@Outdoor movie (Sweet Home Alabama) this Friday, July 14th at the RiverStage.
@RiverStage performances for the month of July:
*Little Bear of the Miami - 8,9,15 & 16 @ 8:30pm
*Grease - 22,23,29 & 30 @ 8:30pm
@Jeff Aquatic Center events for the month of July:
*Kids Triathlon on the 15th
*Christmas in July on the 29th
@The next scheduled meeting for this board will be on Monday, August 14,2006 at
noon and will be at the new City Offices in the Quartermaster on 10th Street.
AdJournment:
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 2:03pm on a motion
made by Vicki Conlin, seconded by Ted Throckmorton, carried unanimously.
President - Kevin LaGrange
Secretary - Vicki Conlin