HomeMy Public PortalAbout2018-03-20 minutesRecreation Services Committee Work Session
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Noon
Wellness Center – Room 115
1299 Lafayette Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
The work session was called to order at Noon by Co-chair Lindsey Rowden.
Committee members present included Steve Duncan, Stephen Buchholz, Julie
Stotlemeyer, and Gart Pollard. Commissioner Lindsey Rowden was present. Staff
present included Julie Prenger, Missy Morarity, Angie Toebben, Kerri Gates, Darus
Brondel, Alexis Kerman, Patrick Ward, Todd Spalding, Amy Shaw, and Aaron Grefrath.
Staff Update
Aaron Grefrath stated a few staff changes have taken place over the past couple of
months. Grefrath stated that with the retirement of Mike Bollinger, Angie Toebben has
transferred into that position. Aaron then introduced Darus Brondel who has been
hired to take over the youth programs.
Summer Camp Update
Angie Toebben stated that several changes have been made to the summer camp
program. Angie stated she has hired Garrett Haslag as her assistant to ov ersee the
camps. She stated that the biggest changes are at Camp Green Berry where the camp
is now open to kids in Kindergarten through 4th grade. Toebben stated that all the
camps run for nine or ten weeks and Camp Eagle will be offered for kids in 6th thru 8th
grade. Toebben added that she has also made a change to offer kids going into
Kindergarten to Camp Green Berry and Wokka Wokka to meet the needs of parents
and try to increase camp enrollment.
Toebben stated that the hours for all camps has been changed allowing a drop off time
as early as 7:30 a.m. Swimming is now included as a part of the camp cost and staff is
looking at an option to allow one day of ice skating as an after camp event. Toebben
added that the camps that have busing as a part of the transportation have been
changed to only have one pickup location at the LINC and parents can drop their kids
off as early as 7:30 a.m.
A new payment option was also offered for camps this year. Parents were allowed to
pay a deposit on each camp their child wanted to attend and then the balance has to be
paid in full by May 24.
Ice Arena Update
Kerri Gates reported on the lesson programs and stated that lessons will begin now the
Ice Show is over. Gates stated that the new bleachers have been installed and have
increased the seating capacity within the Ice Arena. She stated the Ice Show was held
March 2-4 and shows were well attended.
Kerri Gates spoke of the damage to the bleachers at the Slap Shot Against Cancer event
where Mizzou fraternities play games against each other. On Friday nearly 300
attended and on Saturday nearly 600 attended. The damage was caused by the crowd
jumping on the bleachers. Gates stated that the fraternities have insurance to cover and
pay for the damage.
Gates reported that as a part of the summer camps, ice skating will be offered one day a
week as an after camp activity. She is hopeful this will allow kids to try ice skating and
increase interest in the Ice Arena.
In closing, Gates stated that the Ice Theater camp will be offered in July.
Youth and Adult Sports Update
Missy Morarity stated with the reorganization of duties within the department, she will
now be in charge of all adult sports as well as Start Smart programs and Darus Brondel
will be in charge of all youth sports.
In adult sports, Morarity stated that adult basketball and adult winter volleyball have
finished and adult spring volleyball is underway. She reported she is working with the
pickleball players to fix the fencing around the perimeter to keep balls from being
chased. She added that the pickleball players are very interested in an outdoor area for
play, and staff might consider some of the tennis courts behind the Ice Arena as a part
of the Master Plan.
Morarity and Angie Toebben talked about the decline in youth sports due to the
number of kids playing competitive, traveling sports. Commissioner Rowden
expressed her concern about the team her son is playing for having to play in Columbia.
Morarity responded that part of the reason for the displacement is due to the renovation
of Cosmo Field in Ellis-Porter Riverside Park.
Darus Brondel reported that t-ball/coach pitch registration ends March 31. The Jr. NBA
and summer youth volleyball registration opens April 1. The Pitch, Hit and Run event
is scheduled for April 22 and the Home Run Derby event will be held April 23.
Swimming Pools Update
Julie Prenger stated that the pools will be offering season passes this year. Memorial
Park Family Aquatic Center will have two new party pads this year to allow for more
party rentals and Memorial will open for the season on May 26 and closed on August 12
and Ellis-Porter Riverside Pool will open on May 29 and close September 3, 2018.
Prenger stated that the Saturday morning swim lessons will open be for preschool and
then the remainder of the morning will be offered for group exercise time. She added
that Little Splashers will be offered at Ellis-Porter Riverside on Saturday mornings.
In closing, Prenger talked about the change to liquid chlorine at the pools this summer.
She stated this will offer a huge cost savings and be safer and easier for staff.
LINC Update
Grefrath stated that memberships continue to grow at the LINC. Grefrath reported that
we are currently working on indoor soccer tournaments for early 2019. Day passes
continue to grow we continue to work with some of the youth that use the facility to
make sure they understand our discipline policy. Indoor cycling classes should start
soon. There have been technical issues with the equipment and Technogym is working
to resolve the issues. Grefrath stated that during the high school basketball league,
several thefts occurred. Staff is working to increase surveillance in the gym with the
addition of six cameras.
The President’s Gala is scheduled for April 7 at the LINC and Lincoln’s graduation in
May.
Special Events/Arts Update
In the absence of Phil Stiles, Grefrath presented a special events report for committee
members.
Program Surveys
The program surveys were sent to committee members by email for their review.
Adjournment
Being no other business, the Recreation Services Committee Work Session was
adjourned by Co-chair Lindsey Rowden at 12:37 p.m.
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 19, 2018 – Noon at The Linc.