HomeMy Public PortalAbout2019-07-16 minutesPark Resources & Planning Committee Meeting
July 16, 2019
Parks Management Center, 935 Ellis Boulevard
Committee members present were: Celeste Koon and Mark Kaiser. Commissioners present were Stu
Murphy and Bill Plank. Park staff present: JJ Gates, Todd Spalding, Andy Carroll, Josh Werdehausen and
Dotty Sanning.
I. Call to Order: Commissioner Stu Murphy called the meeting to order at 12:07pm. Lunch was
provided by the Parks and Recreation Department. He thanked the attendees for taking the time to
come to the Parks Management Center and had been given a short tour.
II. Introductions were made.
III. Proposed Park Hours and Classifications.
JJ Gates opened a lengthy discussion regarding Park hours as noted on the handout. He stated the
information was an internal document which could be posted on the Parks website as well as at the
facilities. It is important the hours be set for each Park to enable Jefferson City Police Department
personnel to better enforce and keep quiet hours in the Neighborhood and Community Parks as well
as rentable facilities in some Parks. Staff related issues that had come up in the past related to late
hours, loud music, and vandalism. The start time of 5 a.m. has been in effect for a number of years
and enables anglers the opportunity to fish early in the morning and have 5k’s completed early in
the day. Closing times for the Parks were discussed relative to events taking place and lighting. A
motion was made by Mark Kaiser, seconded by Celeste Koon to accept staff recommendation for
the Proposed Park Classification and Hours to include no rentals beyond 11pm as presented to be
sent to the Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration.
Commissioner Bill Plank informed the group that he had experienced with Parks Departments that
charge a fee for fundraisers and 5k’s. He asked if this had been considered and offered it would be
an opportunity to raise some funds for the Parks and Recreation Foundation. JJ Gates stated the
current Department policy is to collect 10% from commercial enterprises and that it is self-reporting.
IV. Community Park Improvements.
JJ Gates reported utilities have been moved but rain has caused a delay so they had to add 21 days
to the completion. When asked by Commissioner Bill Plank about the purchase of a house near this
location, Director Todd Spalding said it is in process.
V. Tornado and Flood Update.
Josh Werdehausen reported that staff has cleaned up 112 tons of debris in the North Jefferson City
Recreation area to date, the Dog Park has been opened up for use and they are still doing cleanup
inside the Multi-Purpose Building. Due to mold concerns they have removed wall board and
insulation in the building which had not been since the last flood in 1995. Staff from the Street
Department and Waste Water Department has been assisting in this cleanup. A brief discussion
followed concerning the usage of this building and the plans for grounds restoration in North
Jefferson City.
JJ Gates described some of the tornado damage found in Hickory Park and Aurora Park. He added
that assistance was requested and freely given to the Street Department as well as citizens in the
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removal of debris and general cleanup. He also mentioned that hazard trees remain a priority for
the Forestry crew in all Parks and City right-of-way.
VI. What are you hearing/seeing in the community.
Mark Kaiser voiced his appreciation of the Parks Resources Reports that were included in the packet.
JJ Gates responded that staff received some assistance from Amy Schroeder to put them together
and they are also given to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Mark Kaiser asked Director
Spalding if there were any flooding concerns on Adrian’s Island. He answered that there had not
been any issues and talked about a drone video that he had done. He also reported that the bridge
project is at 90% completion of the drawings and still expects work to begin on time.
VII. Other Business:
Celeste Koon showed the Trail Users shirts that her group is handing out to trail users on the West
Edgewood Greenway and mentioned that she has discovered users are from all over the country,
not just Jefferson City, to walk and bike the trails. Mark Kaiser asked if there was an update to the
Greenway trails and JJ Gates replied that there has been a new committee formed to discuss new
Greenways.
Commissioner Bill Plank started a brief discussion of the selling of beer at ball parks during youth
and adult events which is common practice at some of the venues he visits outside Jefferson City.
Director Todd Spalding remarked that this seems to be a trend and that alcohol sales have been very
profitable at the golf course and Vivion Field for the Renegades ball games. Bill Plank further stated
that other places have upgraded their concession foods to which Director Todd Spalding responded
that the new concession manager, Ben Herrick, is also interested in upgrading. Commissioner Bill
Plank requested the Parks and Recreation Commission look into the possibility of beer sales at
Binder and Optimist Sports Complexes.
VIII. Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 15 at Noon – at the Ropes Course, Binder Park. Weather
permitting.
IX. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 1:10 p.m.