HomeMy Public PortalAbout2015-10-20 minutesPark Resources & Planning Committee Meeting
October 20, 2015
Committee Chair Darryl Winegar called the meeting to order at Noon in the Multipurpose Room of the
City Annex, 427 Monroe Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Committee members present were: Jim Chilcutt, Kay Toft, Gene Bushmann, Randy Allen, and Karl
Staub. Commissioners Cindy Layton, Denise Chapel, and Bill Plank were present. Staff present was Bill
Lockwood, J.J. Gates, Tina Werner, Phil Stiles, Andy Carroll, Amy Schroeder, and Amy Shaw. Mark
Leesman with Friends of McClung Park was also present.
Friends of McClung Park
Director Lockwood introduced Mark Leesman. Lockwood stated that JJ Gates and Any Carroll have been
working with Mr. Leesman and the neighborhood.
JJ Gates stated that Mark Leesman contacted him over one year ago. He stated that at that time the
neighborhood was working on a celebration of the park. As a part of the celebration event, the
neighborhood talked about how to improve the park and to make changes/additions to the park. Gates
commented on things that are being funded at the park by the Department which includes replacement
of the wooden playground structure. Gates stated that as of November 1, some money will be available
to help with repairs to the upper parking lot. Gates stated that the Friends of McClung Park
understanding the funding that is available, but there are some additional items they would like to
undertake.
Mr. Leesman thanked JJ Gates and Andy Carroll for the help they have provided. Leesman feels that
McClung Park has been forgotten over the years, but the park provides much to the community.
Leesman stated there are a number of people that reside in the Moreau Heights historical area that
have an interest in McClung Park. Following the celebration in the park last year Leesman stated that
the group met and stated they would like to have an advocacy group to act as a resource group to the
Park Resources and Planning Committee. They want to work in tandem with the committee in order to
see the park and their community improved while providing resources.
Leesman stated that the Friends of McClung Park would like to get the okay to proceed with some work
at the park which included a walking trail. Leesman with the help of power point showed the area
where a walking trail could be located. Another idea was an unpaved nature trail. Leesman stated that
the neighborhood also has a number of dog owners and feels that a dog park would be a great addition;
however, he understands the concern of barking dogs in a residential neighborhood. Other ideas by
Friends of McClung Park included general landscaping of the park and an area for a smaller disc golf.
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Director Lockwood commented on the ideas of a dog park and a disc golf course. He stated that
typically we don’t have the necessary funds to build items like this at more than one location. He stated
that if you act on these items, you can be sure that the patrons will want the same things at other
locations.
Following an in-depth discussion, Committee member Karl Staub made a motion recommending to the
Commission moving forward with Friends of McClung Park to develop a nature walking trail through
the park, and through the Adopt-A-Park program, work on beautification of the park. Committee
member Gene Bushmann seconded the motion. The motion passed with all committee members
voting in favor.
Greenway Usage Report
Director Lockwood stated that approximately nine months ago staff purchased some counters for the
greenway system to get data on trail usage. Andy Carroll, Planner, described the locations for the three
counters currently in the park system and stated that the counters have an electronic eye that count
when the beam is crossed. Carroll stated that the counters were put into place in March and described
the data collection for committee members. The committee went into an in-depth discussion with the
outcome being that the information was valuable and the committee recommends purchasing
additional counters.
Green Berry Acres Use Policy and Rental Rates
Director Lockwood stated information was at each member’s seat relative to the use policy and rental
rates. JJ Gates stated that Green Berry Acres is a hybrid park - a neighborhood park with rental facilities.
Gates stated at the summer bbq staff received feedback that was valuable in helping determine the
hours for this park being shorter than the larger parks of 11 p.m. Staff feels that a 9 p.m. cutoff time is
better suited. Gates stated that the outdoor shelter rental rate would be $12 per hour which is in line
with the lake deck at Binder Park. The indoor cabin rate would be $17 per hour since this is a smaller
venue with no indoor restrooms or kitchen facility. Gates reported it is important that we continue with
the rental rate of $25 per day for the Girl Scout groups. Gates went on to describe other policies for the
rentals and closed stating that the facility would be available for rentals starting April 1, 2016. Only one
rental would occur at time (indoor cabin/outdoor shelter) due to parking. Following discussion,
Committee member Randy Allen made a motion recommending to the Commission the use policy and
rental rates for Green Berry Acres. Committee member Kay Toft seconded the motion. The motion
passed with all voting in favor.
Quigg Commons Facility Rental Rates and Naming
Director Lockwood stated that staff has been working to make improvement to the Quigg Commons
area in North Jefferson City. Staff is currently working on the addition of another small picnic shelter
and working on trails through the tree planting and landscaping in the area. Lockwood stated that staff
is beginning to receive requests for rental of the shelters.
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Director Lockwood called on Committee member Kay Toft for another report on the area. Toft reported
that the Foundation has a generous benefactor and friend who has made it possible to enhance the
Quigg Commons. That person is Gene Bushmann. Due to his generosity the staff has been able to build
the shelter in the conifer garden area and with the remaining funds, other improvements are planned.
Over the years Gene Bushmann has been a loyal and active supporter of the park system. Therefore,
Committee member Kay Toft made a motion that the Park Resources and Planning Committee make a
recommendation to the Commission that the shelter and the surrounding area be named after Gene
Bushmann. Committee member Randy Allen seconded the motion. The motion passed with all voting
in favor.
JJ Gates then spoke regarding the rental rate for the shelter. He stated that other shelters of this size
rent for $12 per hour and suggested that we would offer this rate as well. Gates stated that since this is
a smaller park with a small parking lot, staff would only like to offer one rental at the pavilions (one or
both can be used during the rental time). Following discussion, Committee member Plank made a
motion recommending to the Commission the rental rate of $12 per hour for the pavilions at Quigg
Commons. Committee member Staub seconded the motion. The motion passed with all voting in
favor.
J.C. Miller Park Field Lighting
Committee chair Darryl Winegar stated he would be asking the committee for action. Winegar stated
these are the lights at the Scott/Byrd fields at Binder Park. Winegar stated that when doing some
inspections of these lights, staff has found excessive deterioration beyond repair.
Director Lockwood stated that the Commission briefly discussed this at the October meeting, but staff
found further problem when inspecting the lights for repair. Lockwood reported that the light poles
have twisted over time and the lights are not focused in the right direction. The poles have splits in
them and are rotted in many locations. Lockwood stated that the system was installed in the mid 1970’s
and the oldest athletic lighting in the park system that still remains. Lockwood stated staff did not
realize the amount of damage but feels in order to keep the patrons safe, this is a repair that needs to
be done quickly in order for use in the spring of 2016. Lockwood stated there are some cooperative
procurement opportunities that could help expedite the project.
Following discussion, Committee member Randy Allen made a motion recommending to the
Commission approve the J.C. Miller Park Field Lighting at outlined. Committee member Jim Chilcutt
seconded the motion. The motion passed with all voting in favor.
Project Update
JJ Gates stated that park crews have completed work on the #9 hole and tee at Oak Hills and showed
before and after pictures of the project. Park crews have helped the disc golf club finish up the new
course at Binder Park. Gates reported on the Ellis Porter Pool rehabilitation project. He stated that bids
are out and will be received for renovation of the pool that will include removal of the wading pool in
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order to create a zero-depth entry. A new gutter system will be installed as well as new features at the
pool that include a diving board.
Gates reported on work at the tennis courts. He stated that the old courts will be “white topped” in
order to create an area for youth tennis and pickle ball.
Gates stated that crews have been working at the Noren Access on riverfront improvements. Gates
reported that a hard surface trail is being installed.
In closing Gates reported on the greenway system. Gates stated that the department in working on an
easement for the Frog Hollow area that will allow additional trail to be built.
Other Business
Multipurpose Building
Director Lockwood reported that the project is out for bid. The pre-bid meeting will be held on October
15 at 10 a.m. for prospective bidder to learn more about the project. The bid opening date is scheduled
for November 5 and the anticipated award by the Commission will be November 10 followed by the
Board of Curators Meeting on November 12. Lockwood stated that the bid is setup with several
alternates depending on availability of funds. The site plans and building plans were submitted to City
Planning and Code Enforcement on October 12 for them to begin their review process and is sue
required permits.
General questions ensued by committee members with Lockwood and Gates responding.
President Chapel closed by stating that a ceremonial groundbreaking was held during Homecoming.
Chapel stated that everyone is excited about the project and looks forward to this partnership
opportunity.
Adjournment
At 1:45 p.m., Committee member Karl Staub made a motion that the meeting adjourn. Committee
member Gene Bushmann seconded the motion. The motion passed with all voting in favor.