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.