Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAbout2022-04-26 minutesPark Resources & Planning Committee Meeting April 26, 2022 Riverside Manor, 401 Ellis Porter Drive Jefferson City, MO Commissioners present: Stu Murphy, Mary Schantz, Roger Schwartze, Chris Leuckel Committee members present: Taylor McNail, Karen Griffin, Mark Leesman, Eugene Bushmann, Tina Casagrand, Brandy Bergthold, Mark Kaiser Park staff present: Director Todd Spalding, JJ Gates, Rena Barron Call to Order Commissioner Stu Murphy called the meeting to order at 12:00 noon Introductions Venuworks staff is based out of Riverside Manor and they were introduced. Attendees at the meeting introduced themselves. FY2022/2023 Budget Director Spalding stressed the importance of the budget regarding the quality of life expenses, the Parks ‘Masterplan’, bonds, and staff. He explained the budget process and the challenges. It was noted how Parks Management, the largest of the parks department staff division, has reduced personnel cost over the past several years. Assistant Director, Gates, advised how Parks anticipates investing more with the capital improvement funds. The Parks and Recreation Commission is set to present a year-end review to the City Council on May 2, 2022. Capital Improvements Projects Updates Assistant Director, JJ Gates presented the following park updates: Debra Cooper Park Debra Cooper Park is open. On April 23, ‘Serve Jeff City’ planted trees and shrubs in the park. Phase II is in the process, which consists of an outdoor shelter to be delivered and installed, a life-size chessboard, commercial hammocks, a restroom, more plantings, and other amenities. Washington Park Wears Creek has been cleaned by Korte Tree Care. Tuckpoint ing was completed on the bridges and a retaining wall. The Capital Arts building was included in the clean-up of Washington Park. Greenway at Cole County Park 2 A 550-foot greenway is in being built behind the baseball field at the Cole County Park which will provide a pathway from the neighborhood to the park. Ellis-Porter Riverside Park Caretaker’s Residence Rehabilitation Phase I, which consisted of work on the first floor is complete. 63 Diamonds Sports Complex The back stop was not high enough to catch balls and was a safety concern. A 40ft high netting with removable padded walls was purchased and installed. Grant Street Improvements Phase I has begun to replace the roadway from Edmonds St to the Ellis-Porter pool parking lot entrance. Jefferson City, Cole County, and Parks are working together to improve access to Ellis-Porter Riverside Park. The project is scheduled to be completed mid-to-late summer. Am phitheater Improvements Easier access was needed for sound crews to setup. Park staff removed concrete islands in the parking lot and did flat work to widen the drive and have an area for food trucks and future restrooms. Park Operations Update Assistant Director, Gates advised Parks will be refraining from renting out Adrian’s Island at the current time. The park is needing more amenities, along with public safety concerns referencing access to and from the park. What are you hearing/seeing in the community? Committee member, Mark Leesman, expressed appreciation of the park staff, volunteers, and organizations in the community participating with the removal and planting of trees. Committee member, Tina Casagrand, questioned the removal of trees at Adrian’s Island. Assistant Director, Gates, advised the trees that were removed were undesirable species, and new selective trees are continuing to be planted. Committee member, Taylor McNail, noted people are coming from out of town and are using greenways and camp areas. Other Business N/A. Next Meeting Tuesday, July 26, 2022, Noon; location: TBD Adjournment Commissioner Murphy called the meeting adjourned at 12:58 p.m.