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.
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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.