City of Lawrence

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board

October 09, 2007                                         

MEMBERS PRESENT:	Vice Chair Bruce Muzzy, Sharon Spratt, Bill Penny and Tom Bracciano
MEMBERS ABSENT:	Chair Kelly Barth
STAFF PRESENT:	Ernie Shaw, Mark Hecker and Roger Steinbrock
GUESTS:	Cynthia Boecker, Assistant City Manager, Jon Goering, KU Journalism Student

I. Meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Bruce Muzzy

II. Approval of the July 10^th minutes on a motion by Tom Bracciano, 2^nd by Bill Penny.

a.   Introduced Cynthia Boecker, Assistant City Manager, on job for about 2 ½ weeks, to Board.  Board members introduced themselves to Cynthia.

III. Muzzy will contact Westar about the trees trimmed at the entrance to Burcham Park.  Bracciano announce there will be a meeting October, 22^nd – Inter-local concerns about athletic facilities needs

IV. KU Row House in Burcham Park was City Commission approved.  Andy Pitts, Treanor Architects gave presentation at August Board meeting.  Some concerns were birds flying into the glass windows and amount of concrete needed, look into use of pavers as alternate.

V. Applied for $8,000 IPM Program – Kansas State grant.  Which would be enough money to have an intern research how, when pesticides can be applied.  Bracciano commented seems volunteerism is declining, this type process requires a full time coordinator and the trial and error process of applying different products can become a financial issue.

VI. Burroughs Creek August presentation to City Commission was received well.  The Public Works and Legal Departments are working on grants.  Applying for the same grant as last year will need to scale it down and apply in phases.

VII. City Commission approved 2008 budget.  No changes except on pool fees.  Will be $3/children, teens and seniors.

VIII. Board discussed the need for a connection along 15^th Street from Kasold to Iowa.  Current sidewalk is to close to the street on 15^th Street.  15^th & Iowa Street is a dangerous intersection.  Suggestions of getting with David Woosley, Traffic Safety Commission or getting in on a City CIP Plan.  Suggested also that the City should embrace a city wide sidewalk/bike path comprehensive plan put together by the City, integrated and maintained by the City, get away from homeowners having to take care of sidewalks.  Also maybe including this type of thing when building new roads.

IX. Discussed and agreed if not quorum, no meeting.

X. Staff Reports

a. Shaw reports recreation on track, currently at 104% projected revenue.  Had a hot August, Eagle Bend Golf Course suffered fairway damage.  $113,000 down in revenue.  Steinbrock is analyzing the use of EBGC, focusing on tee times.  Currently averaging 70% capacity at peak times and developing a marketing plan for tournaments.

b. Steinbrock reports he’s waiting on estimates for publishing the activities guide, will start publishing only twice a year.  Steinbrock handed out invitations for the Sesquicentennial Point and DeVictor Park Dedications.

c. Hecker reports fall planting in full swing.  Planted over 1,000 mums.  Athletic fields are in shut down mode and reseeding where needed.

XI. Miscellaneous

a. Sesquicentennial Point dedication.  October 24^th, Rain date November 2^nd.  Might be locking and unlocking gate daily.  Invitations have been sent out.  Signs still need to be made.

b. DeVictor Park dedication, October 26^th.  Fred will be in attendance to cut ribbon.  Invitations have been sent.

c. Appointment of P&R Advisory Board member to Arts Commission.  Shaw will find out more information.

d. Cemetery fees increase approved by City Commission

e. Rotary Arboretum Day was held Saturday, September 29^th.  Is developing well.  Trees and plants are labeled, good education tool for schools, etc.  Also developing a web site.

XII.     Adjournment 1:20PM.  Next meeting December 11^th.