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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2018-12-20 minutesRecreation Services Committee Work Session Tuesday, December 20, 2018 Noon The Linc 1299 Lafayette Street Jefferson City, MO 65101 The work session was called to order at 12:05 p.m. by Co-chair Lindsey Rowden. Committee members present included Steve Duncan, Greg Gaffke, and Mark Leesman. Commissioners Rowden, Grinston, and Plank were present. Staff present included Phil Stiles, Missy Morarity, Kerri Gates, Angie Toebben, Steve Schellman, Ben Herrick, Julie Haupt, Aaron Grefrath, and Amy Shaw. Personnel Update Aaron Grefrath introduced two new employees, Steve Schellman and Ben Herrick. Steve Schellman is in charge of youth sports and Ben Herrick will be in charge of concessions, facility and field supervisors and assisting with web design mana gement. In addition, Grefrath stated that Alexis Kerman will begin on January 3, 2019 and will oversee the ropes course, campground, hayrides, and other outdoor activities. Fiscal year 2018 Year End Budget Review Aaron Grefrath stated that on the recreation side, revenues were up compared to that collected in 2017 and expenses are down. As we move forward in the 2019 budget, staff will work to contain the budget as we work to implement the Park Master Plan. Customer Service Aaron Grefrath reported that Director Spalding received a letter from Police Chief, Roger Schroder, thanking the staff for their above and beyond efforts during the search for the missing 4 year old, Darnell Gray. Grefrath added that a letter from received from USA Softball re cognizing Jefferson City Parks and Recreation’s Binder and Optimist Sports Complex as the complex of the year. Grefrath stated that Zeke Vanderfeltz and the ballfield crew do an exceptional job in preparing the fields for all tournaments. Program Costs Aaron Grefrath stated that staff has met regarding the minimum wage increase and staff will be looking at ways to increase costs at the pools and ice arena through admissions to help minimize the effect of the minimum wage increase. Ice Arena Updates Kerri Gates stated that the winter season is the busiest time of the year at the Ice Arena. Gates highlighted special events at the Ice Arena that were well attending. She stated that staff is working on information to include in the upcoming program guide. Gates added that the Department continues to work on the merger of the two figure skating clubs. She stated that staff is working on the bylaws ad staff is working with High 5 Communications to develop a new name and logo for the figure skating program. Youth & Adult Sports Updates Steve Schellman stated he is currently working with the competitive basketball program and there are 53 teams compared to 54 teams last year. He stated that the boys Jr. NBA program will be done December 20. Currently there are 36 teams compared to 44 teams last year. The girl’s Jr. NBA program is set to begin soon. He reported that there will be 18 teams this year compared to 17 teams last year. Registration is complete for the High School Hoops program and there will be 32 teams which is the same number from last year. Schellman continued updating the committee on programs on the horizon. Commissioner Rowden asked about the K-4 basketball league. She reported that she continually hears the plea for more practice time. She asked if the number of games could be scaled back and allow more practice time. Schellman responded he could definitely look at this as an option for the future. Missy Morarity reported in adult sports that she is in charge of men’s basketball and adult volleyball. Morarity stated she also offered a pickleball tourney and had 25 participants. Swimming Pool Updates Julie Haupt reported that she in the working with park staff to install party pads at Ellis Porter-Riverside Pool. She hopes this will increase private party pad rentals at the pool. She also reported that another renovation at the pool will be to replace the remainder of the fence surrounding the pool and at Memorial; a new slide will be installed in the baby pool. In closing, Haupt reported she is looking at new program ideas to incorporate into the pool. Linc Updates Aaron Grefrath reported that staff is working with Technogym to create a standalone wellness app for the Linc. With this Linc, staff will be able to add gym schedules and class schedules. Grefrath stated that staff is working to find a firm to help with the digital displays throughout the Linc to better market our classes, special events, registration dates and more. The early morning exercise classes have increased from two days per week to four days per week. He stated that memberships at the Linc continue to grow and he is sure with the new year, even more memberships will be added. In closing, Grefrath reported that on Thanksgiving Day, a t urkey burner event was held. He stated there were 28 participants and the participants donated $380 to help the Boys and Girls Club with needed supplies. Special Events/Arts Updates Phil Stiles provided an update on special events/cultural arts events from September through December for the committee. Adjournment Being no other business, the Recreation Services Committee Work Session was adjourned at 1:06 p.m. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, 2019 – Noon at The Linc.