HomeMy Public PortalAbout2018-09-18 minutesRecreation Services Committee Work Session
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Noon
Washington Park Ice Arena
711 Kansas Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
The work session was called to order at Noon by Co-chair Lindsey Rowden.
Committee members present included Glenda Fry, Steve Duncan, Michael Couty, and
Rev. Stephen Buchholz. Commissioners Rowden and Leuckel were present. Staff
present included Julie Prenger, Missy Morarity, Angie Toebben, Kerri Gates, Phil Stiles,
Amy Shaw, and Aaron Grefrath.
Vogel Field Ribbon Cutting and Dedication
Committee Co-Chair Lindsey Rowden stated that the Ribbon Cutting and Dedication
for the newly renovated Vogel Field was scheduled for 4:45 p.m. on September 18.
Rowden invited committee members to attend.
Committee member Steve Duncan complimented staff on the renovations. He stated
that the field is now a first-class facility.
Ice Arena Updates
Kerri Gates stated that lessons and practices are in full swing. She reported that Mizzou
has their season opener this month. She also reported that merger meetings continue
between the two figure skating organizations. While the meetings are going slow,
Gates is hopeful for a great outcome.
Youth and Adult Sports Updates
Aaron Grefrath stated that Derrone Wilson has been hired as the new Program
Manager and will start on October 1.
Angie Toebben reported that adult softball and indoor/sand volleyball are underway.
She also reported that the 5th/6th grade softball league is also underway.
Toebben stated that all concession stands are open this fall due to games at all facilities.
She reported that concession operations are going well.
Toebben also reported that in youth sports, flag football is being played in Washington
Park. She reported that the number of teams is down due to the emerging popularity of
the tackle league.
Swimming Pool Updates
Julie Prenger stated that the pools are closed for the season. She reported receiving a
number of compliments for keeping Ellis Porter-Riverside Pool open until Labor Day.
Linc Updates
Aaron Grefrath reported that the membership units continue to grow. He stated that
since the last committee meeting, water exercise classes have been offered and have
been a great hit.
The fall exercise classes are scheduled for September 4 through December 21, 2018. He
stated that incentives are being offered to participants to increase participation.
Grefrath reported that he is working with Lincoln staff to offer early openings at the
Linc. He stated that staff is hoping to begin opening the Linc at 5 a.m. in November as
well as opening the Linc at 10 a.m. on Sunday’s.
Grefrath reminded committee members that due to the home football games, the Linc
closes three hours before game time. As a part of Lincoln’s Homecoming, a special
inauguration of Dr. Woolfolk will take place on October 5 followed by an inaugural
ball.
Special Events/Arts Updates
Phil Stiles distributed a handout to committee members that outlined the special events.
He also reported that Leann Porrello is the Cultural Arts Specialist and she is doing a
great job with all the events as well as opening the art gallery s even days a week to the
community.
Fiscal Year 2018-2019 (Budget Updates)
Aaron Grefrath reported that the City’s 2018-2019 budget was approved on September
17. Grefrath stated that Parks and Recreation was approved to hire two new
employees, a Program Manager and a Recreation Program Specialist.
Program Surveys
Missy Morarity stated that she was unable to get her program surveys included in the
ones emailed to committee members, but highlighted the surveys. Angie Toebben
stated that her program surveys were included in the committee information.
Other Business
Committee Co-Chair Lindsey Rowden commented on the late school start for the
upcoming school year due to the school remodeling project. She stated this might have
an impact on the summer programs and camp attendance.
Angie Toebben stated that staff worked hard to make positive changes for the camps
this year. She stated that a number of kids were put on waitlist, but staff worked hard
to extend the camps and enroll all kids from the waitlist. Committee Co -chair Lindsey
Rowden and Committee member Michael County stated they have heard many positive
comments regarding the summer camps this year.
Aaron Grefrath reported that staff is researching to see if we should continue offering
the Showdown Camp next year. He stated due the cost of the camp and the many
incidental costs the camp charges, we are looking at not offering the camp next year, but
rather have Parks and Recreation staff a theater camp. Staff will continue discussions to
see about offering the theater camp internally.
Angie Toebben reported that Parks staff is working to start offering adult dance classes
again. The first session only had one enrolled, so staff is trying to be creative and look
at ways to get people enrolled.
Toebben also reported that staff will be offering the Walk with Ease program, a senior
program offered through the Arthritis Foundation. She is working to find instructors
and find ways to promote the program.
In closing, Toebben reported that the Friday Night Recreation and Special Olympics
programs are going well. She reminded committee members about the Special
Olympics State Games and invited committee members to volunteer should they have
time.
Adjournment
Being no other business, the Recreation Services Committee Work Session was
adjourned by Co-chair Lindsey Rowden at 12:56 p.m.
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, December 19, 2018 – Noon at
The Linc.