HomeMy Public PortalAbout2016-10-18 minutesPark Resources & Planning Committee Meeting
October 18, 2016
Commissioners and Co-Chairs Bill Plank and Stu Murphy called the meeting to order at Noon at the
Binder Lake Deck, 1200 Binder Lake Rd., Jefferson City, MO 65109.
Committee members present were: Kay Toft, Mark Leesman, Celeste Koon, and Charlie Palmer.
Commissioners Bill Plank and Stu Murphy were present. Staff present was Amy Shaw, JJ Gates, Andy
Carroll, Tina Werner, and Phil Stiles.
Capital Region Long Range Master Plan
JJ Gates stated that Director Spalding has attended meetings at Capital Region Medical Center where
they are undergoing a long-range master plan for their campus. Capital Region Medical Center along
with their consultant, Gasper, are looking at a November/December timeframe to present their findings
from the master plan to the Commission, and to see how the Commission and the hospital can
collaborate on park, greenway, and open space opportunities.
Drone Use in the Parks
Gates stated that staff is just beginning to research drone use in the parks, but reported that Andy
Carroll attended a session at the Capitol where the use and laws of unmanned aircraft systems was
presented. Carroll stated any flight object that is half of a pound or more is required to be licensed.
Carroll reported that ordinances can be created to regulate the flight, but there is nothing else that will
regulate drones.
Following discussion, staff stated they would continue to monitor and update the committee when
regulations and laws are updated.
Site Plans – 602/604 E. McCarty Street
JJ Gates showed a diagram of the property at 602/604 E. McCarty Street. He stated that the properties
sit next to the East Branch greenway trail and staff has plans to demolish the two homes which will
create open space. He added that in the future, this might be a good location for a greenway trailhead.
Commissioner Murphy stated on another issue, he asked about the demolition of the trailer in McClung
Park. Gates responded that the department is working to obtain a demolition permit, and hopes to
complete the demolition following completion of the playground.
Feedback from Website on Wellness Facility
Commissioner Plank stated included in the packet was a copy of the comments received regarding the
wellness facility. Gates stated that many of the comments were received early on in the process, and all
comments have been responded to. Gates also stated he hopes that through the open houses that
were held and general discussion since that time, the public will understand this facility is open to all.
2
Other Business
JJ Gates reported that on November 2 at 4:30 p.m. there would be ribbon cutting for the playground at
McClung Park and invited committee members to attend. Gates stated that as a part of the playground
project, the 2016 Leadership Jefferson City class donated a saucer swing that is ADA accessible as an
added feature of the playground.
Commissioner Plank stated he requested committee members to submit ideas for future
projects/improvements within the parks. Staff heard comments from committee members that
included the following:
Commissioner Plank talked about the playground replacement schedule.
Commissioner Murphy stated he would like to see more trash barrels at McClung Park as well as
improving the entrances to McClung Park.
Committee member Celeste Koon stated she would like to see the bridge on Ohio Street
replaced; she would like to see a gazebo in Memorial Park where the compost area is located;
she would like to see a bike skills area (similar to the one at Finger Lakes State Park); and she felt
that if the Frog Hollow trail would be extended, it would be a great home for the bridge that is
setting in North Jefferson City; in closing she stated she would like to see some more obstacles
on the mountain bike trail on W. Edgewood.
Committee member Mark Leesman stated he wants to see a dog park at McClung Park as well
as a disc golf course; and at East Miller Park, the basketball courts need to be worked on
including a new playing surface, lines and goals.
Committee member Kay Toft stated she has a neighbor that is concerned about using the new
facility and she understands from earlier discussion, this won’t be a problem.
Commissioner Plank shared Commissioner Layton’s comments that included the need for a tree
maintenance plan along the greenway; and the trail at McKay Park needs repair as the tree
roots are damaging the trail.
Commissioner Plank shared Commissioner Bates’ comments that included the following: Binder
Park – the desire to rent the tackle shop to someone that would offer food, canoe and
paddleboard rentals; to create a beach area along the shore line at Binder Park; at all of the
ballfields to replace the scoreboards, would like to create a large sandbox area, build batting
cages, and paved the unpaved lots at Binder Park; in North Jefferson City – add additional
ballfields and create an RV park; at Riverside – improve the amphitheater; utilize the old
caretaker’s home and handball courts; create a natural play area similar to Cosmo in Columbia.
Commissioner Plank added he would like to see some bike ramps along the greenway; create a
bike skills area; create open flat space for kids and adults to have fun; create/allow swimming in
Binder Lake; continue looking at private/public partnerships; create natural playgrounds within
the parks; need Katy Trail camping for the number of user of the Katy Trail system; and in the
long-term but would like to see a thoughtful athletic complex – create one area for most sports
Adjournment
With no other items to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 12:53 p.m. The next meeting is tentatively
scheduled for January 17, 2017 at Noon.