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.