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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2021-10-19 minutesPark Resources & Planning Committee Meeting October 19, 2021 63 Diamonds, 12143 Renz-Farm Road, Holts Summit, MO Committee members present: Mark Kaiser, Celeste Koon, Karen Griffin, Mark Leesman, Taylor McNail, and Tina Casagrand, Gene Bushmann, Brandy Bergthold - Commissioners present: Stu Murphy and Mary Schantz Visitors –Michael Shine, News Tribune Park staff present: Director Todd Spalding, JJ Gates, Aaron Griffin, Stacy Landwehr and Rena Barron Call to Order Commissioner Stu Murphy called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. Introductions of Attendees Attendees introduced themselves. A quorum was present for the meeting. Attendees left off the minutes for the July 27, 2021 meeting were noted: Brandy Bergthold, Karen Griffin, and Delora Skaggs. 63 Diamonds Sports Complex Assistant Director, Gates, introduced Parks Assistant Director, Aaron Grefrath, to provide information on the 63 Diamonds complex and the other athletic field complexes operated by Parks. 63 Diamonds was purchased in February 2019 for competitive baseball, softball and flag football. The fields shed water well and give an opportunity for tournament play by having three fields within the complex. 63 Diamonds held nine (9) tournaments in 2021. More were scheduled, but weather played a role in the cancelations. There were approximately 219 field preps which includes all outdoor sports complexes operated by Parks. It is projected that the games had a 1.4-million-dollar economic impact for Jefferson City. A cost analysis study will be done next year to see what can be done to increase revenue. Assistant Director, JJ Gates, noted the importance of placing equipment up higher to be more helpful during times of possible flooding. Capital Improvements Projects Updates Botanical Gardens Assistant Director, Gates advised that negotiations are in the works with Arbolope Studios for a more comprehensive thorough masterplan. Conifers are scheduled to move from North Jefferson recreation area to the garden this fall. The MOU with the 2 Master Gardeners has been adopted by the Parks and Recreation Commission to define responsibilities as the gardens are built and maintained. Washington Park A contract has been negotiated with BSB Designs, out of Kansas City, to begin the next level of design and planning at Washington Park. The improvements will be budgeted. Ice Arena Feasibility Study Director, Todd Spalding, advised that Firland Management was chosen to do the feasibility study. The Missouri State Penitentiary site was picked to be an ideal area. The study laid out a 1 year monthly + 5-year annual profit and loss plan showing that a new ice arena could sustain itself, especially with having relations and opportunities with the National Hockey League, Lincoln University, and other sporting clubs. Financing options would have to be evaluated. An approximate 1.5- million-dollar repair is in store for the Washington Park Ice Arena due to the equipment in the last years of its lifetime. The City Council has agreed to a deadline at the end of 2021 for a decision on the MSP masterplan. Ellis-Porter Riverside Park Caretaker’s Residence Rehabilitation The windows have been installed at the caretaker’s residence. Construction work is continuing with access being gained to the basement level from the outside. Utilities have been roughed in and restoration of a restroom is underway. Debra Cooper Riverside Park on Adrian’s Island Progress Assistant Director, JJ Gates, advised the bridge is now connected to the Capitol side of the river. Park development is underway with trails, restroom sites, and tree clearing. Elements for a prefabricated restroom and outdoor shelter are out for bid. A soft opening of the park could happen as early as late November / early December. Official opening is scheduled for late spring 2022. Park Operations Update Assistant Director, Gates, spoke that it is business as usual in addition to the major park projects that have been occurring. Sculptures are being added to Community Park as planned. What are you hearing/seeing in the community? Committee member, Celeste Koon, made mention that if there is any person or organization who is interested in helping with the Botanical Garden to contact the Master Gardeners or Stacy Landwehr. 3 The NICA bike race would be occurring at Binder Park on October 30-31st. The pickleball group is still asking for adequate pickleball courts. Criminal activity is going on in the parks but with the addition of camera’s, violators are being found and prosecuted. Other Business N/A Next Meeting Tuesday, January 25, 2022, Noon; location: TBD Adjournment Commissioner Murphy called the meeting adjourned at 12:55 PM. A tour of 63 Diamonds was then given to those interested in the facility.