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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-11-2006 t~ BOARD OF PARKS & RECREA nON MINUTES OF MEETING - SEPTEMBER 11, 2006 President Kevin laGrange called the meeting to order at 12:00pm. The roll was called and those present were as follows: Sue Pfau, Robbie Valentine, John Young, Kevin laGrange, Vicki Conlin, Ted Throckmorton. Personnel and guests present were as follows: Sup~rintendent Rob Poff, Assistant Superintendent Beverly Couts, Aquatic/Recreation Director Sara Kraft, Outreach Director Justin Campbell, City Attorney Les Merkley, Jorge Lanz, Josh Hillman, Council President Barbara Wilson, Jeep Taylor Minutes : The minutes for August 14, 2006 were approved as submitted on a motion made by Sue Pfau, seconded by Ted Throckmorton, carried unanimously. Claims: , The claims dated for September 11, 2006 were distributed for review. After discussion, a motion was made by Vicki Conlin to approve claims, seconded by John Young, carried unanimously. Public Comment: None RiverStage Report: Rob Poff gave an overview of the work being done on the barge. The plumbing is cOl'Jlplete and the air (:onditioning unit will be installed in a couple of days. The drywall is scheduled to start this week. Our major planni ng meeting to discuss the 2007 sea$on in terms of budget and schedules will be held September 28th. There will be a financial report of the 2006 season available for review at our next Board meeting. Kevin laGrange asked when the RiverStage would be moved back to Jeff Boat. Rob said thanks to Jorge Lanz, we were given an extension to the end of this month. All construction work should be complete before it moves. Old Business: Superintendent Rob Poff addressed the board about a couple of additions he would like to make to the 5-yearMaster Plan. The first item to be added is in regards to the 20+ acre basin property near the Meadows Subdivision that the city will be acquiring soon. Six or seven acres will be available for 2 parks space, which can be used for a possible walk-thru and observation area of the wetlands. The other item to be added refers to the Lansden Park improvement program that Jeff Housing, the Parks Department and a couple of other groups have been involved with. This plan includes creating some kind of water feature, such as a splash pad, a shelter house and things of that nature. Rob passed around exhibits of the different phases. He explained that there are grant opportunities available if this project comes to fruition. Rob then turned the meeting over to Jorge Lanz and Josh Hillman of Jacobi, Toombs and Lanz (JTL). Jorge explained that the 6 acre park is mentioned in the master plan, but isn't identified as a new park because the purchase agreement for the property hadn't been finalized. He felt it was inappropriate to claim land that the city didn't own. As soon as the final signature is secured, they will be happy to add it in the Master Plan. Rob asked the board if they had any questions. Ted Throckmorton asked for clarification of monies allocated for the various parks: Kyle Vissi ng Park ($32,500), Connie Sellmer Park ($10,OOO), Shirley Hall Park ($45,000) and Lottie Oglesby Park ($56,OOO). Rob explained: Connie Sellmer Park is for a complete overhaul of the restrooms, Kyle Vissing Park is for new playground equipment, additional parking and pond cleanup, Shirley Hall Park will be to build a concessions buil~ing for the CCYFL, Lottie Oglesby Park is for playground equipment, a shelter house and gazebo. Ted asked if a golf driving range could be included as a desired project. Rob agreed that it can be added to the list of projects. Vicki Conlin requested adding some type of programming for young people (children, adolescents and teenagers) in the arts as part of the RiverStage. Rob said some aspects of this type of programming are already in the Master Plan, but he will define the language a little bit more. Kevin asked to explain the plans for Wathen Park ($45,OOO allocated in the Master Plan). Rob said the park would acquire new playground equipment, pond cleanup and walking bridge. After discussion, Jorge explained that once the bo4rd decides what they want, they need to convey that information to Rob and then JTL will do a finalized Master Plan. After discussion, the board decided to wait until next month to approve the 5-year Master Plan when the changes are finalized. Jorge offered to provide the board with a copy of the project descriptions with the actual planning to better describe what is proposed. Josh Hillman gave a presentation on Duffy's Landing. The research was done, by request of the Parks Board, to determine the needs of the city, the residents and people who use Duffy's. Information was cornpiled in a report that Jorge distributed to the. board members. Photos were presented 3 showing the deterioration of the docks. Josh explained that debris such as tree limbs and river garbage catch on the docks that clog the boat ramps and said the docks should be dredged soon so the boaters don't damage their boats. Parking is at capacity and overflows on a busy day of usage. The public has requested restrooms, signage posting rules such as no wake zones and no mooring, better lighting for safety at night, a shelter facility with a vending area, floating docks and a boating safety program put on by the parks board. The team researched dock alternatives. Th~ Corp of Engineers suggested putting a jetty in the water to help eliminate some of the water pressure and debris that the dQck receives. They suggest putting in an angled dock so that it allows d~bris to hit it and brush off. Photos of restroom facilities at Cox's Creek in Louisville and Madison were shown as possible structure choices. Jacobi, Toombs and Lanz made the following recommendations to the board: r~ove the existing boat docks and install a floating dock or a stationary dock made of durable material, install additional lighting and pave the green space between the docks for parking. Additional recommendations, if funding permits: acquire more land and cr~e more parking, add a shelter facility and a restroom facility in the same location and a boat wash ar~. The following are some preliminary cost estimates which are all subject to change: dredging ($15,000), installing boat slips ($85,000), paving the existing green space for parking ($42,000), additional lighting ($50,000). In order to have restroom facilities at Duffy's, a sewage lift station would have to be installed ($398,OOO). The board discussed the possibility of charging a daily or annual fee to boaters for launching their boats at Duffy's Landing to offset the cost. Kevin thanked Jorge and Josh for their time, effort and impressive presentation. The board will review the information and then come back and discuss it further. New Business: Rob informed the board that the RiverStage Committee for 2007 will be: Vicki Conlin, Chairperson, Ronnie Breedlove, Jenni Herfel, Jeep Taylor, John Gilkey and Rob Poff/Bev Couts. . A motion to approve this committee was made by Sue Pfau, seconded by John Young, carried unanimously. Vicki extended an invitation for board members to participate in fundraising for the RiverStage. Review of the SNR Report from Clerk Treasurer will be tabled until the next board meeting in October. 4 Aquatic Center Report; Sara distributed report for revi~w and noted figures from August of this year were lower than last year due to the shorter season and incl,ement weather. Season pass sales in 2006 were about 200 less than 2005. Concession costs were $40,282.62 with a profit of $12,213.78. Next month's report should be a -bottom-line" figure after all claims for the season have been paid. Sara said the pool shelter house has been a nice addition to the aquatic center and is helping pay for itself by generating income from pool party rental fees. Sara said the troubles at the pool that occurred in the early part of the season settled down. Sara suggested the board consider changing the hours of operation next year. She found the trouble seemed to occur in the later evening hours,.so closing earlier might be an option. Correspondence: Rob reviewed a letter from J~on Smith, representative of the John B. Houghton, Jr. Memorial Softball Tournament. This is a fundraiser to be held October 7-8 to help raise money toward scholarships for Jeff High School and also to sponsor teams for Jeff Little League. The fee is waived for use of the softball field every year because the tournament gives money back to the community that is in John's name. A motion was made by Ted Throckmorton to waive the fee for use of the softball field, seconded by Vicki Conlin, carried unanimously. Rob reviewed a letter from Ste~ and Robin Morton, Directors of the Julia Kay Vissing Memorial Scholarship Bass Fishing Tournament held annually at Duffy's Landing. They are requesting the fee for the boat ramp be waived. The proceeds go toward scholarships at Presentation Academy. Nine young ladies attending Presentation Academy have directly benefited from this particular fundraising event. A motion was made by John Young to waive the faCility fee for the use of D~ffy's Landing for the Julia Kay Vissing Memorial Scholarship Bass Fishing Tournament, seconded by Vicki Conlin, carried unanimously. Rob reviewed a letter from Sacred Heart Church thahking us for the donation we gave them for -A TaSte of Sacred Heart". We gave them a two- hour party rental at the Nachand Fieldhouse. A letter was read from Dana Sartini expressing her appreciation to Sara and staff at the Aquatic Center for a job well d()ne this year. She also had her 5 son's 8th birthday party at the pool and was very pleased with the party and complimentary of Sar~ and her crew. She wanted Rob Poff to pass along her appreciation and thanks to Sara. Superintendent's Re,.-t: 1) The Aquatic Center shut d9wn begins this week. We are going to do something different this year. We are going to keep the pool completely full and treat it with chemicals rQther than draining down. It's supposed to help cost and be better for the pool. 2) Bob Hedge Park update. the trusses have been set on the shelter. The play equipment will be installed around September 21. It will take approximately 3-4 weeks to install equipment and surfacing. Planning for when the walkways are installed is underway. 3) Vogt Park update. The concrete walkways are done and the monument is in place. Flag installation will be completed soon. The board needs to decide on lighting. In the proposal, there was a request for decorotive lighting to be installed on at least one side of the monument. The contract (contingent upon the City's Attorney's recommendation) with Du~ Energy has a payment plan for two lights on the east end next to the monument for $96.66 a month for 5 years for the two lights. There was discussion about how much additional money the board should spend on Vogt Park. The board decided only flag lights would be necess~ry. 4) Had to relocate the bask~tball court near the Boys and Girls Club. This was necessary because of the construction of the new Ken Ellis Center. 5) We have filled the vacant full-time position in the Maintenance Department. We have hir~d Brian Rider to fill the position that was open when Bud Apple retired. Brian has been a part-time employee for about eight months. 6) Highland Park Shelter update. The repairs to the shelfer, caused by a storm a few months ago, should be complete within days. 7) Rob passed around photQS showing the work that Eagle Scout Derrick Boots did on Vissing Park's walk bridge. Rob said he is very appreciative of the great job he did. 8) Programming at the Fieldhouse is ul1derway. Justin is working on K-I-2, adult leagues and after school events. We are going to try a new league. It's Q 60/over basketball league with one basket and 4 on 4. Also, Sara is working on Run for the Pumpkins which is going to be a family fitness day. This is going to be a partnership with Greater ) 6 Clark County Schools, Community in Schools, Clark Memorial Hospital and the Purdue Extension 9~fice. It will be held Saturday, October 28th at the Fieldhouse from lOam to 12noon. 9) Metro United Way Day of caring is this Thursday, September 14th. The City of Jeff will have. a team to do landscaping in the Claysburg neighborhood. If interested, please join us. 10) A community foundation grant (not out of our budget) will enable us to connect a satellite radi~ sound system in Warder Park. Should be operational next month. 11) Sending Mike Reynolds to a playground safety training seminar September 25th. The Parks Department needs someone on staff to be able to help troubleshoot. Kevin laGrange asked Rob to briefly discuss the 2007 budget and the workshops they are having. Next budget workshop is scheduled for Monday, September 18th at 5:30pm and in~ites the board members to be there. Kevin asked Rob to get a copy of the proposed budget to each board member. Board Input: Robbie Valentine said he thought the football field dedication was great. However, the speakers as well as the brochure failed to recognize Greater Clark County School. The Parks Department leases a portion of the land from GCCS. Rob and the board apologized for the oversight. John Young suggested forming a committee to come up with suggestions for Duffy's Landing. Kevin thinks that would be a good idea. Vicki COnlin thanked Rob for let~ing her great-nephew Derrick Boots do his Eagle Scout project at Vissing Park. Rob said he did a great job. Vicki also requests the Parks board send a letter to the girls softball team that won state. Sue Pfau thanked Vicki for taking over the chairmanship of the RiverStage again. Expressed her appreciation for a job well done. Ted Throckmorton asked if the board will be getting any information about the Christmas lighting in the Warder Park at the next meeting. Rob said the parks and merchants are going to be meeting together regarding this matter. Ted complimented Rob. Poff, Mayor Waiz and Kevin laGrange on their comments made at the foo1;ball field dedication ceremony. However, he " 7 indicated that he is e>(tremely disappointed with the signage. He feels the signs fail to conform with signage from other parks and they can't be read from one side of the field to th~ other. Indicated that the ceremony was well done, the individuals and tl1eir families are appreciative, but is very unhappy with the signs. Kevin LaGrange asked Rob to send a letter to Bob McEwen, representative from GCCS, regarding the oversight at the football dedication in recognizing the Greater Clark Schools. Rob agreed and said he already has that on his list of things to do. Kevin as~ for volunteers to serve on the Duffy's Landing Committee. After discuS$ion, it was decided that John Young, Sue Pfau and Kevin laGrange would serve. Announcements: *Rob reminded the board of the Metro United Way Day of Caring which will benefit our parks. It is scheduled for Thurday, September 14th at 9:00am. *The next scheduled meeting for this board will be on Monday, October 9, 2006 at noon. Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:45pm on a motion made by Vicki Conlin, seconded by John Young, carried unanimously. President - Kevin laGrange Secretary - Vicki Conlin