Parks and Recreation

Advisory Board Minutes

April 19, 2011             

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  

Chair Jana Dobbs, Andy Clayton and Kevin Loos

 

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  

Vice Chair Joe Caldwell,  Kelly Barth,

 

 

STAFF PRESENT: 

 Ernie Shaw, Mark Hecker and Roger Steinbrock

 

 

GUESTS:

Tim Laurent, Darin Pearson and Chad Lawhorn

 

 

I.             Meeting called to order by Chair Dobbs

 

II.           Approval of March 2011 Minutes -- Motion to approve March 2011 minutes by Loos and seconded by Clayton.  Motion approved.

 

III.         Concerns of the Board – None at this time.

 

IV.         Introduction of our new Park District Supervisor, Darin Pearson 

 

V.           NRPA Midwest regional conference April 17-19 – Overland Park - Shaw reported that he is currently attending the conference.  He is the President Elect that serves on the Regional Council Board for two years for Kansas.  The session started on Sunday and will end this evening with a closing banquet.

 

VI.         Tennis Court Lighting – Shaw reported that at this point we are currently at a stand still.  The department is trying to determine the best options to light installations on tennis facilities. 

 

VII.       2012 Budget process underway - Shaw indicated that the 25th is when the budget for Parks and Recreation needs to be completed and submitted to City Hall for their review. 

 

VIII.     Discussion of project, facility needs and priorities – Hecker reported that the

Project list consists more of maintenance issues than cosmetics. 

We are in the process of getting approval for an additional restroom at the Youth Sports Complex.  Administration Dept. lease is up the middle of 2012.  We are currently looking into other facilities and the possible cost in renovating. Shaw reported that the additional fields at YSC have come along very nicely and quickly.  It has helped out significantly, but we still run short of fields in June and July.  He also commented that the public has voiced that there is a need for a recreation facility in West Lawrence.  At this time there have been a few committees formed.  Hopefully in the near future it can be determine if we can move forward depending on how the economy is doing.  As for the indoor facilities, there is a concern that with schools closing that will eliminate gym space that we currently use for practices and games.  Lee Ice and Duane Peterson have met with the school district regarding an Intramural Program in which the school district would like for LPRD to operate it.

 

IX.          Bowersock Dam project to start construction – Construction is anticipated to take 2 1/2 years.  While construction is in process the trail leading under the bridge will be closed.  There will be posted detours for the levy trail.  Construction should begin within the next month.  Steinbrock will send out a news release to inform the public.

 

X.            Report on Carnegie Building usage -- Laurent reported that there are currently 162 reservations to date.  The rental rate was raised on March 21st.  No reservations have been made since the increase.  It was also discussed that the gallery will be installed and that it will be displayed for public viewing during the weekday and also during the day on the weekend.  A compromise of some sort will need to be made since it may interfere with reservation times.     

 

XI.          Staff reports

                                         i.    Recreation/Golf Revenue/Expense Report – Shaw reported that recreation was doing really well.  We are at 104% of the projection for the end of the year of what the projected revenue was to be.  It is a little bit misleading because our projections are down from 2010.  Year to date we are at 2000% above where we were last year at this time.  Steinbrock reported that we are about 8% up with enrollments compared to last year.    

 

                                        ii.    Parks/Projects Report – The month of March was not good at all for golf.  Hecker reported that so far things have gone pretty good with overseeing the mowing contract for the City.  Parks are ready to go, restrooms have been opened and water has been turned on. 

 

                                       iii.    Marketing Report – Steinbrock reported that he has been working with a group who would like to offer a youth activity fair that is tentatively scheduled for May 7th.  There will be booths set up for parents to visit to see what kind of summer activities will be offer for children.  The Bill Self Tournament flyer will be out by the end of the week.  The standings for baseball are up and running on our website.  May 13th is the kick off the annual summer BBQ.  We are also asking for volunteers to help plant flowers in the downtown area in May.  Shaw mentioned that on May 13th we will be hosting the Metro Area Directors Association Meeting at the Carnegie Building.  Judy Billings will be talking about the Heritage group and Mark Hecker will discuss the Carnegie project.    

 

Meeting adjourned.  Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for Noon, Tuesday, May 17, 2011, Parks and Recreation Conference Room.