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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2017-10-17 minutesPark Resources & Planning Committee Meeting October 17, 2017 Commissioner Bill Plank called the meeting to order at Noon in Room 204 of The LINC at 1299 Lafayette Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Committee members present were: Celeste Koon, Mark Leesman, Darryl Winegar, Mark Towner, Cyndi Schnieders, and Randy Allen. Staff present was Amy Shaw, JJ Gates, Andy Carroll, Tina Werner, Phil Stiles, Ray Wallace, Aaron Grefrath, and Todd Spalding. Nicole Roberts from the News Tribune was also present. Commissioners present were Stu Murphy and Bill Plank. Park Master Plan Update Director Spalding stated that nearly twelve of the City parks have had drawings rendered for the Master Plan. Spalding stated the next step is to prepare cost estimates for the improvements. He hopes that public input sessions will begin in late November. Spalding added that he will be meeting with the Commission’s budget subcommittee to discuss how some of the Master Plan improvements can be funded. Parks/Lincoln University Tennis Court Complex Update Director Spalding stated that work at Parks/Lincoln University Tennis Courts continues to progress. He stated that the contractor will begin putting on the final colors soon with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony scheduled for November 9, 2017 at 2 p.m. Memorial Tree Program Commissioner Bill Plank stated the Commission had received an email from a concerned citizen regarding the Memorial Tree program. The question raised was relative to tributes to loved ones placed at the memorial tree site and felt this detracted from the intent of the Memorial Tree. JJ Gates provided a history of the Memorial Tree/Bench program for committee members. The committee then discussed the concern and felt that no action should be taken. Forestry Operation Director Spalding stated he did not know if committee members knew who the City Forester was and what his responsibilities are. Spalding introduced Ray Wallace the City Forester and stated he is tasked with beautification within the parks, tree work, and clearing brush along Wears Creek and other areas with the parks to help with the homeless campers. Wallace further explained his job for committee members and the equipment that the forestry crew has to perform the work. 2 The committee continued to discuss forestry operations. Committee member Celeste Koon then made a motion that the City continues to evaluate the work required by the Forestry Division to ensure that park dollars are being spent for park purposes. Committee member Mark Leesman seconded the motion. The motion passed with all voting in favor. Anti-Littering Campaign Commissioner Murphy stated he would like to know how the Environmental Quality Commission could interface with the Parks and Recreation Commission. Murphy stated that Spalding had reported at the last Commission meeting that the EQC would be working on an anti-littering campaign for the City of Jefferson. Park Facility Rental Adjustments JJ Gates presented a list of the park rentable spaces with the park system. Staff is proposing a modest increase in facility rental rates as well as an increase of the use/key/damage deposit at the indoor and outdoor facilities. Following discussion by committee members, Committee member Randy Allen made a motion to approve the rental rate adjustments as presented. Committee member Leesman seconded the motion. The motion passed with all voting in favor. What are you hearing/seeing in the community? Committee member Celeste Koon expressed her thanks for the new bike feature at the Frog Hollow Mountain Bike Trail. Committee member Mark Leesman asked about the bbq grills at McClung Park as well as other areas. JJ Gates responded the grills are replacements at many facilities while a few new ones are being added. Commissioner Plank stated he heard many positive comments relative to the Eclipse event. Commissioner Plank expressed his concern for more tent camping areas in Jefferson City. Committee members stated they are hearing many positive comments regarding The LINC. Spalding stated that we continue to gain memberships and Grefrath stated that the group exercise classes are going well and introducing many new people to The LINC. Other Business None. Next Meeting and Location The next meeting of the Park Resources Committee will be January 23, 2018 at the Washington Park Ice Arena, 711 Kansas Street, Jefferson City, MO at Noon. Adjournment With no other items to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 12:55 p.m.