Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes

October 12, 2010             

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  

Chair Jana Dobbs, Vice Chair Joe Caldwell, Kelly Barth,  Andy Clayton and Kevin Loos

 

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  

 

 

 

STAFF PRESENT: 

Ernie Shaw, Mark Hecker and Lee Ice

 

 

GUESTS:

 

 

 

I.             Meeting called to order by Chair Dobbs

 

II.           Approval of September 14 Minutes -- Motion to approve September 14 minutes by Caldwell and seconded by Clayton.  Motion approved.

 

III.         Concerns of the Board – Barth said she had an elderly woman call her about donating a tree in honor of a KU professor.  The caller wasn’t sure how to go about it and felt that there wasn’t much information available as to whom to contact.  Once she was directed to Crystal’s office, she was very pleased with the process.

 

IV.         School gyms – Lee reported that he has approximately 120 gym spaces available through the school district and 96 teams.  The junior high schools really helped out this year with their gym availability.  Board members, Dobbs and Loos will try to set up another meeting with Frank or Rick in January to discuss facilities.

 

V.           Burroughs Creek Dedication Ceremony Oct. 16, 11:00am at 15th Street – Hecker reported that the project is pretty well complete with the exception of a few little punch list things that we are finishing up.  Project turned out well and people have been enjoying it.

 

VI.         Misc. – Hecker spoke of the project list that he updates weekly.  The Carnegie Building project is getting closer with a November 1st completion date.  As the completion draws nearer, we will discuss having an open houses and looking at reservations.  There is still some work to be done to complete project along with a separate window replacement contract that will take place in November.  Clinton Parkway trail is primarily done; DeVictor Park trail, we applied and received a grant which was matched by the city and that project should be complete within the next couple of weeks; replacing the gym lights at East Lawrence Recreation Center for higher efficiency lighting; Eagle Bend turf work was continued.

 

 

VII.       Staff Reports

 

a.     Recreation/Golf Revenue/Expense Report – Recreation has picked up.  We are projecting to make what we anticipated, $1.7+ dollars.  Youth sports deficit is due to switching some of those programs into the Special Events category.  Looking better than it has all year.  Golf side is a little more stressful – almost 17% down in revenue this year compared to last year and over 20% down in rounds this year.  Almost every course out there that we keep in contact with is having the same problems.  Expenses have been cut down, but our goal is to break even.

b.    Parks/Projects Report – Trying to regenerate the grass that burnt up this summer; staff is putting up Christmas lights; downtown planting of mums.

c.     Marketing Report – Winter/Spring activity guide should be going to print very soon.  Roger hired a new intern after being without for three months.  Roger has been working with different parties on the Burroughs Creek agenda for the 16th.   

 

Meeting adjourned.  Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for Noon, Tuesday, November 9, 2010, Parks and Recreation Conference Room.