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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2022-01-25 minutesPark Resources & Planning Committee Meeting January 25, 2022 The Linc, 1299 Lafayette St, Presidential Suite, Rm #205 Jefferson City, MO Committee members present: Mark Leesman, Celeste Koon, Karen Griffin, Taylor McNail, Tina Casagrand, and Brandy Bergthold Commissioners present: Mary Schantz, Stu Murphy, Roger Schwartze Visitors –Katrina Williams, Dept of Planning and Protective Services, CAMPO Division Park staff present: Director Todd Spalding, JJ Gates, Amy Schroeder, and Rena Barron Call to Order Commissioner Mary Schantz called the meeting to order at 12:03 a.m. Introductions of Attendees Attendees introduced themselves. CAMPO Regional Active Transportation Plan Assistant Director, Gates, introduced Katrina Williams, planner with the City of Jefferson, Department of Planning and Protective Services , CAMPO Division. Williams explained CAMPO’s 2016 Capital Area Active Transportation Plan was created as a jurisdictional resource to improve pedestrian-bicycle safety, connectivity, and mobility needs. The 2016 plan had a basic city sidewalk plan showing where sidewalks should be built but was not specific. The 2022 work plan is seeking updated research and analysis including a comprehensive transportation network, incorporating greenways with sidewalks and other transportation avenues to improve safety. CAMPO had to change the work program and sought additional funds to seek a consulting firm. The 2022 work plan is being tasked to include crime prevention through environmental design which was not in the other plans, along with policy, code, and program recommendations. The plan includes a capital improvement set schedule to prioritize projects for plan implementation and utilize a public engagement campaign to achieve the project goals. CAMPO staff, JC Parks staff, and others will be assisting with the public campaign. CAMPO is looking at a winter yr-2023 completion. The greenway masterplan needed updated, which is a much more intensive process to update and make recommendations. JC Parks agreed to pay a matching component of a 20% match loan. 2 Capital Improvements Projects Updates Debra Cooper Park – Bicentennial Bridge Assistant Director, JJ Gates, the bicentennial bridge has been dedicated and Debra Cooper Park is open. Phase I - trails, restroom sites, and tree clearing is finished. Phase II consists of an outdoor shelter to be delivered and installed, a life-size chessboard, commercial hammocks, a vault toilet, and other amenities. Ellis-Porter Riverside Park Caretaker’s Residence Rehabilitation The contractor will be finishing up electrical component work in March. Phase I consists of work on the first floor. Wood floor restoration is underway. Kitchen case work has been installed. Venue Works will be moving into the house which will then be the box office for the amphitheater. 63 Diamonds Sports Complex The sports complex was originally built for slow pitch softball with a 16ft high chain- link back stop. Baseball is now played in the complex and back stop is not high enough to catch balls and has become a safety concern. Bids are out for the purchase and installation of 40ft high netting with removable padded walls. Washington Park With Commission approval, request to use authorized funds to clean-up and beautify five sections of Wears Creek. Several bridges are in the park and a retaining wall that need cleaning and tuck pointing. Funds from the sale of the cell tower at Washington have been earmarked for these capital project. Amphitheater Upgrades Funds are needed for a wi-fi upgrade at the amphitheater. Staff is seeking Commission approval for a wi-fi design to increase the coverage area and reliability. Ticket and concession sales rely on wi-fi, along with a patron need of wi-fi for social media posts during events. Park Operations Update Assistant Director, Gates referred to the monthly reports that were emailed in the meeting packet for recent park operations. Staff is preparing for spring projects such as painting Ellis-Porter pool. Pavilion rentals and garden plot rental prices have increased. What are you hearing/seeing in the community? Committee member, Celeste Koon, voiced concern over the Ohio bridge re-opening because of speeding motorist and safety issues in adjacent neighborhoods. 3 The NICA mountain bike race at Binder Park on October 30-31st was a huge success with much praise given to park staff and Program Manager, Kevin Schwartz. Commissioner Schwartze made mention of the decaying ash trees in Riverside Park and McKay Park. A plan is in place to remove the trees . Many positive comments have been heard about Adrian’s Island and the Debra Cooper Park. Park Supervisor, Stacy Landwehr has been tasked with obtaining accurate information regarding the bald eagles on Adrian’s Island. Suggestion was made to get the local River Bluffs Audubon Society chapter involved. Other Business • The Sugar Backer property is no longer being sought by JC Parks. • Director Spalding is working on a masterplan for Washington Park. • Talk of tennis and pickle ball courts in a different location. • Positive feedback on the feasibility study for the ice arena. • Parks budget process begins in the spring. • Discussion was held reference the funding of the Parks Department. Next Meeting Tuesday, April 26, 2022, Noon; location: TBD Adjournment Commissioner Schantz called the meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.