Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAbout2016-02-16 minutesPark Resources & Planning Committee Meeting February 16, 2016 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: Kay Toft, Jim Chilcutt, Larry Vincent, and Charlie Palmer. In addition to Commissioner Darryl Winegar, Commissioner Bill Plank was present. Staff present was Todd Spalding, Amy Shaw, JJ Gates, Andy Carroll, Tina Werner, Phil Stiles, and Carter Patton. Introductions Committee Chair introduced the new Parks and Recreation Director, Todd Spalding, to committee members, and Spalding gave a brief history of his work experience for committee members. Neighborhood Park Overview and Equipment Replacement Schedule JJ Gates provided an overview of the park playground replacement schedule and gave a history of the park playgrounds and the anticipated replacement schedule. Gates stated that the neighborhood playgrounds are the next in line for replacement. He reported that in the fall of 2013 the Rolling Hills Neighborhood Park playground was completed, and for Green Berry Acres staff is in the process of installing a “natural” playground such as logs, sticks, and natural components to play on. Staff feels that the following parks (photos shown) are in need of playground equipment and are planned in the order listed: Community Park, Binder, East Miller, Aurora, Hickory/ Adams, and Park Place. Gates stated there are a total of 13 playgrounds in the park system. Following discussion, Committee member Larry Vincent made a motion directing the staff to continue the playground replacement as scheduled, but with flexibility as needed. Committee member Kay Toft seconded the motion. The motion passed with all voting in favor. North Jefferson City Masterplan JJ Gates introduced Andy Carroll who is the Park Landscape Planner with the department. Gates stated the report being presented is a combination of things that have been built through the years as well as things that have been discussed for North Jefferson City in the future. Carroll showed committee members the North Jeff land that is located in the floodplain and floodway. He noted park land that is in the airport flight path where staff has to be concerned about lighting and explained for committee members building requirements for these areas. Carroll then expounded on current amenities in North Jeff that included two tee ball fields, practice fields, rugby field, the area used by the Master Gardeners, garden plots, as well as the land used for farming. Committee chair Darryl Winegar expressed his thoughts and the need for multipurpose space for soccer kids to practice. Committee member Larry Vincent expressed his concern for additional maintenance and upkeep for park land. He stated that with the multipurpose building, the possible tennis courts with 2 Lincoln University, he has concern for upkeep of the park land currently in use as well as what will be coming on board. Carroll then presented future needs for the department that included additional ballfields, another RV campground, area for tent camping and then open practice field area. Following discussion, no action taken. Sales Tax “G” JJ Gates reported that Sales Tax “G” is scheduled to be on the ballot in August 2016, and he feels that this always needs to be on the minds in the community. Gates reported that since 2005 when voters approved the Local Parks Sales Tax, this is a bullseye for additional revenue to the General Fund. Gates stated if we want to keep the money, we need to lobby the City Council and the public to retain this funding. This is a vital program for park improvements beyond what can be done with the annual operating budget. Gates stated no action was needed on the report, but committee members should keep this on the forefront of their minds and be ready to explain why Parks and Recreation needs to continue receiving no less than 10% of the Capital Improvement Sales Tax. Project Update  Wellness/Recreation Center – Director Spalding called attention to information in the meeting packet that provided an update on the construction project, and a calendar that showed progress and anticipated completion dates on the project. Spalding stated that he and the staff are working information to present at three Public Forums/Open Houses that is positive and real and what this facility means to the department, Lincoln University, and the community as a whole. Open houses are scheduled for February 18, March 1 and March 2 at McClung Park. Spalding commented on the building plans and reviews and stated that Lincoln University being a State facility does not have to abide by City building permits, but since a large portion of funding on the project is from the City, the Parks Department is working with City Planning to review and meet all requirements of the Building Codes. Following an in-depth discussion by Committee members on what information to present at the public forums, no action was taken.  Due to the length of the meeting, no additional project updates were given. Other Business None Adjournment At 1:25 p.m. Committee member Chilcutt made a motion that the meeting adjourn. Committee member Palmer seconded the motion. The motion passed with all voting in favor. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for April 19, 2016 at Noon.