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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.