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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2018-01-23 mintuesPark Resources & Planning Committee Meeting January 23, 2018 Commissioner Bill Plank called the meeting to order at Noon at the Washington Park Ice Arena, 711 Kansas Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Committee members present were: Celeste Koon, Mark Leesman, Darryl Winegar, and Randy Allen. Staff present was Amy Shaw, JJ Gates, Andy Carroll, Tina Werner, Phil Stiles, Aaron Grefrath, and the Park Interns – Alexis Kerman and Patrick Ward. Nicole Roberts from the News Tribune was also present. Commissioners present were Stu Murphy and Bill Plank. Riverfront Access Update Bill Plank stated that fundraising for the riverfront access continues while funds are still needed to complete the project. Plank added that once funds are raised, the design of the park will be passive in nature with no large structures built. Committee member Darryl Winegar asked about the fundraising for the project. Plank responded that the bare project cost is estimated at $3.2 million and $2.3 million has been raised. Preliminary North Jefferson Recreation Masterplan Elements JJ Gates stated there has been discussion about the land in North Jefferson City and future plans. He stated that the Park Master Plan is suggesting a $30-$40 million investment into the property and described some of the suggested improvements to committee members. Gates added that there are some challenges to the land in North Jefferson City that included the floodway versus the floodplain and deed restrictions on part of the property. Binder Light Display Report Phil Stiles stated that the Binder light display was organized by Homemaker Health Care. Stiles stated that Homemaker Health Care was well pleased with the event and had many positive comments. Stiles reported that 2,500 cars went through the display with an estimated 16,000 people. Stiles added that the organization is already making plans for the event in December 2018. Wears Creek and Park Cleanup Volunteer Opportunities JJ Gates stated that these volunteer opportunities exist within the park system. He reported that Serve JC is an organized event that focuses on park and stream way cleanup, but should the date of that event not work for a service organization or citizens wanting to get involved, they can contact him for other dates and ways to provide cleanup efforts. Gates added that staff is working on an effort to clean along the creek in Washington Park to remove the invasive brush and species. Committee member Darryl Winegar suggested that signage be placed along the creek to notify patrons of the date and time for the cleanup efforts. 2 Vivion Field Improvement Update/Progress JJ Gates reported that park crews on working on the new dugouts at Vivion. In addition to the work on the new dugouts, Gates stated that staff will be replacing the netting on the backstop. With the upcoming spring season for the Jefferson City Jays, staff plans to have the improvements completed by the end of February. Projected Frog Hollow Greenway Connection Timeline Gates referred to a handout at each committee member’s seat that detailed the Frog Hollow Greenway Connector. Gates stated that staff hopes to present a recommendation to the Park Commission at their February 13, 2018 meeting for construction of Phase 3 while Phase 4 is currently under design in conjunction with a new sewer improvement along Frog Hollow. Committee member Celeste Koon asked if there was any plan to expand the parking along the greenway trail. Gates responded that additional property would have to be acquired to expand the parking. He stated this would be something for staff to consider. LINC and Ice Arena Update Aaron Grefrath announced the retirement of Mike Bollinger on January 5 and the hiring of Angie Toebben to fill his position. Angie Toebben’s positon is currently available to apply for and he encouraged committee members to spread the word to get a great pool of applicants. At the LINC, memberships continue to grow. Indoor cycling equipment has been purchased and staff is working to get everything hooked up and ready for use. Youth basketball leagues are up and running. The boy’s recreational and competitive leagues were offered in November and December with 54 teams in the competitive league and 36 teams in the recreational league. The girl’s recreational league is now going with 18 teams registered. Adult winter volleyball is underway with 54 teams registered and spring adult and youth registration will begin in February. Grefrath announced that the Ice Arena would be getting new bleachers and should be installed prior to the Ice Show, and public sessions are very busy and are well attended. Other Business Committee member Celeste Koon reported that new trail features have been added at Frog Hollow and at Binder Park. Other plans are in the works. Adjournment With no other items to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 12:35 p.m. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for April 17, 2018 at Noon – Green Berry Acres.