Parks and Recreation

Advisory Board Minutes

May 17, 2011             

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  

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

 

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  

Kelly Barth

 

 

STAFF PRESENT: 

 Ernie Shaw, Mark Hecker and Roger Steinbrock

 

 

GUESTS:

Mitch Young, Crystal Miles and John McDonald

 

 

I.             Meeting called to order by Chair Dobbs

 

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

 

III.         Concerns of the Board – Loos inquired about the Carnegie.  Shaw indicated that there has been an agreement reached regarding the viewing times for the exhibit hours.  The hours that have been agreed upon should not interfere with the current or future reservations.

 

IV.         IPM update – Crystal Miles and Staff – Miles explained the Integrated Pest Management procedures policies, guidelines and modifications for this year for our parks.  These modifications can be viewed on our city website.  Motion to accept the IPM report as presented, approved by Loos and seconded by Clayton.  Motion passed 4-0.

 

V.           Street Tree Inventory – Mark/Crystal – Miles indicated that she has requested a complete City Street Tree Inventory for the Lawrence area.  Miles explained how important it is to obtain this information because there are several potential risks and threats of insects that could potentially cause several thousands of dollars in damage to city trees.  Miles has been in contact with the State Community Forester in Wichita about coming to do a tree inventory and they are hoping to get started with 100 miles of streets in Lawrence.  There is 800 miles of street in Lawrence.  The software and all the components needed for the program would cost $10,000.  This cost would be funded by the Master Street Tree Program.  This program was started in 2002 and is created for new subdivisions where the builders/homeowners pay in to have trees planted.     

 

VI.         Memorial Day prep at Cemeteries/150th Civil War Anniv. – Mitch Young – Young reported that we have several departments helping out to get the cemeteries in order for Memorial Day weekend.  We’ve added additional seasonal staff to assist with power washing the headstones of the Civil War Veteran’s.  We have roughly 700 Civil War Veteran’s buried in Oak Hill and 70 in Maple Grove.  

 


VII.       Bowersock Dam ground breaking was May 16 –Trail re-route – Shaw indicated that the ground breaking ceremony turnout was great.

 

VIII.     2012 Budget – Commission review May 17 –3-6 p.m. – Shaw reported that the session is to begin this afternoon.  It will consist of an overview of everything that is going on, also the city survey will be discussed and the current goals and how those are going so far.   

 

IX.          Staff reports

                                         i.    Recreation/Golf Revenue/Expense Report – Hecker reported that golf is still lagging behind.  Shaw reported that the golf revenue is ~20% below last year’s revenue.  The weather has not been cooperating this year so far.  Shaw also reported that the recreational side is 4% up from last year.

 

                                        ii.    Parks/Projects Report – Hecker reported that the outdoor pool will be filled in the coming days.  Downtown flower planting is approx. 75% completed.   

 

                                       iii.    Marketing Report – Steinbrock reported that this year we will be distributing water bottles on opening day of the outdoor pool to the first 100 visitors.  The audit on the website should be completed by the end of the month.  The Bill Self tournament is scheduled for June 17.     

 

Meeting adjourned.  Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for Noon, Tuesday, June 21, 2011, Parks and Recreation Conference Room.