HomeMy Public PortalAbout2017-01-17 minutesPark Resources & Planning Committee Meeting
January 17, 2017
Commissioners and Co -Chairs Bill Plank and Stu Murphy called the meeting to order at Noon at the
Washington Park Ice Arena, 711 Kansas Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Committee members present were: Mary Telthorst, Mark Kaiser, Cyndi Schnieders, Kay Toft, Jim
Chilcutt, Charlie Palmer, Anne Lock, Celeste Koon, and Mark Leesman. Commissioners Bill Plank, Stu
Murphy, and Bob Weber were present. Staff present were Todd Spalding, Amy Shaw, Aaron Grefrath, JJ
Gates, Andy Carroll, Tina Werner, Phil Stiles, Daunte Castro, and Travis Rion.
Park Master Plan Update
Director Spalding stated that a master plan has been discussed for some time, and the Commission has
now hired a consultant to prepare a master plan. The consultant will begin to work in the upcoming
weeks, and there will be a time when the consultant will also meet with the committee members to gain
their insight. Spalding stated he hopes the consultant will have the master plan prepared by the end of
August.
Wellness/Recreation Center Update
Spalding stated that included in the meeting packet was a schedule from Architects Alliance and pictures
of the new facility. Spalding stated that on Friday, January 20, staff would be meeting with the
contractors to review construction details and see what repairs need to be done prior to a soft opening
of the facility. Spalding stated there will be times when the public can come to the facility free of
charge to use the track and see the facility.
Spalding stated that nearly fifteen events have already been booked at the facility with some of the
events spanning over a two day period.
The committee then had discussion about the community's perception of the facility. It was the
consensus of the group to deliver as much in the facility without cost. Spalding responded that he has
yet to find a facility like this that is free and that staff is working hard to keep costs affordable at the
facility.
Parks/Lincoln University Tennis Court Complex Status
Director Spalding stated that in conjunction with Lincoln University we will be participating in
construction a new tennis facility at the intersection of Dunklin and Lafayette Street. Initially six courts
were planned, but due to the location and the costs, only three or four courts will be built. Spalding
stated that he will have information to present to the Commission at the February meeting.
Committee member Kaiser asked about the courts in Washington Park and asked if it would be better to
spend the money on the courts in Washington Park in order to attract tournaments to Jefferson City.
Spalding stated if that is what we want to do, then we as a Department and City need to find a way to
attract those wanting to play tennis tournaments to Jefferson City.
Washington Park Flood Summary — Summer 2016
A Gates distributed information on the flooding in Washington Park during the summer of 2016. Gates
provided a recap of the flooding and stated after insurance the total out of pocket amount was
approximately $120,000.
FY16 YEAR-END FINANCIAL REPORT
Director Spalding stated that information in the meeting packet provided a snapshot of the year-end
budget. Overall, Spalding stated that revenues exceed budgeted amounts as well as a nice increase in
the Local Parks Sales Tax.
WHAT ARE YOU HEARING IN THE COMMUNITY/WHAT DO WE NEED
Commissioner Plank stated the real value of the committees is not about meeting, but rather the people
and those contacts they make in the community that can make changes within the park.
Committee member Kaiser stated communication and perception are important and asked if staff
studies the amount of money spends on an activity that is only attended by a few. Commissioner Plank
stated this was discussed at length. Director Spalding also stated that everything that Parks offers is
subsidized. He stated that doesn't mean we have to be okay with be subsidized or that we don't strive
for it to be different.
Committee member Koon stated she would like to see more trails in Jefferson City. She stated that a
large number of people use the trails and they are relatively low cost to build. She also stated that the
small park by the Jefferson City Daycare could be upgraded to a better quality playground.
Adjournment
With no other items to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 12:45 p.m. The next meeting is tentatively
scheduled for April 18, 2017 at Noon at the Wellness Center.
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