HomeMy Public PortalAbout2022-07-26 minutesPark Resources & Planning Committee Meeting
July 26, 2022
Memorial Park Family Aquatic Center
120 Binder Dr, Jefferson City, MO
Commissioners present: Mary Schantz, Stu Murphy, Roger Schwartze
Committee members present: Taylor McNail, Karen Siegel (Griffin), Mark
Leesman, Eugene Bushmann, Tina Casagrand, Delora Scaggs, Mark Kaiser,
Celeste Koon
Park staff present: Assistant Director JJ Gates, Rena Barron, Julie Haupt
Visitor: Anna Watson- News Tribune
Call to Order
Commissioner Mary Schantz called the meeting to order at 12:02 noon.
Introductions
Attendees introduced themselves. Commissioner Mary Shantz introduced Aquatics Program
Manager, Julie Haupt.
Presentation-Julie Haupt, Program Manager-Aquatics
Aquatics Program Manager, Julie Haupt reviewed her employment and experience history
with the Aquatics program. She made note of the seasonal hours of daily operation, the
number of pool staff for both Ellis-Porter and Memorial facilities, and the programs held for
patrons at the pools. Extensive course in-service training is done weekly, and audits are done
without staff knowledge to be sure standards and best practices are in place. Approximately
1,200 patrons enjoy the pool facilities each week. Memorial Pool was built in the 1940’s and
Ellis-Porter pool was built in the 1970’s. Both pools have received renovations throughout the
years.
Capital Improvements Projects Updates
Assistant Director, JJ Gates presented the following park updates:
Grant Street Improvements
The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of August 2022.
Greenway at Cole County Park
A 550-foot greenway has been completed. It runs behind the baseball field at the Cole County
Park and provides a pathway from the neighborhood to the park.
Debra Cooper Park
Phase II is in the process, which consists of an outdoor shelter, a life-size chessboard,
commercial hammocks, a restroom, electric to the island, more plantings, and other amenities.
2
63 Diamonds Sports Complex
Architect Alliance has been contracted for a site masterplan.
Hickory Adams Park
New playground equipment has been ordered and is scheduled to be delivered in November
2022. The goal is to have the park completed by Spring 2023. The park will also host a half
basketball court. Renderings of the renovations were displayed.
Ellis-Porter Riverside Park Caretaker’s Residence Rehabilitation
Verslues Construction was approved to finish Phase II, which is the second floor of the manor.
Park Operations Update
Assistant Director, Gates advised fencing has been removed at the skate park in Washington
Park, and the two older tennis courts in the skate area have been removed. Water stations &
dog bowl stations will be installed at the Bicentennial Bridge, and one at the Hyde Park area
which includes a bench. Monthly park operation reports were made available to the
committee.
What are you hearing/seeing in the community?
Committee member, Eugene Bushmann, expressed expanding the planting of trees. At this
time, Parks plants (2) trees for every (1) tree that is taken out. The Botanical Garden that is
budgeted in Fiscal Year 2023 will help with the planting of trees in our community.
Committee member, Tina Casagrand, mentioned concerns referencing contact with
VenuWorks director. More diversity group entertainment is wanted at the new amphitheater.
Commissioner Schantz inquired about the upkeep and replacement of a Memorial Tree. Park
staff takes care of the trees and replaces a young failing tree at no cost to the original
purchasers.
Committee member, Celeste Koon, mentioned the park trails are in good shape. The
wildflowers along the Edgewood greenway are a nice addition.
Other Business
Assistant Director, Gates gave an update on the structure fire which occurred at the North Jeff
pavilion in the early morning hours of Monday, July 25th. Fencing is being obtained to keep
people away from the pavilion and an insurance adjustor has been contacted along with a fire
restoration agency.
The budget process was pushed back due to the pay increase process for city employees.
The FY23 budget will be presented soon.
Next Meeting
Tuesday, October 25, 2022, Noon; location: Oak Hills Golf Center
Adjournment
Commissioner Schantz called the meeting adjourned at 12:48 p.m.