Lawrence Parks and Recreation

Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

February 12, 2013

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  

Chair; Andy Clayton, Vice Chair; Kevin Loos, Joe Caldwell, LaRisa Chambers-Lochner

 

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  

Jana Dawson

 

 

STAFF PRESENT: 

Ernie Shaw, Mark Hecker, Roger Steinbrock, Jimmy Gibbs, Tim Laurent

GUESTS:

Chad Lawhorn

 

 

I.             Meeting called to order by Chair Clayton

 

II.           Approval of the January minutes-- Motion to approve January 2013 minutes by Loos and seconded by Caldwell. 

 

III.         Concerns of Board – Caldwell relayed concerns from a citizen regarding Hoopsters and people from outside counties registering teams.  Shaw indicated currently registration is taken by first-come/first-serve basis regardless if they live in Douglas County or other surrounding counties.  Loos inquired about future plans to expand additional fields at YSC to accommodate the younger age group.  Hecker indicated there are no immediate plans on expansion.  Four fields were added within the past 6 years.  In the future, it is planned to add an additional 3 fields to the south of the fields that were created, when funding becomes available.   

 

IV.         Aquatics Swim meet concerns –Report –Jimmy reported he met with Mike Hill, Athletic Director at Lawrence Free State High School regarding utilizing gym space during swim tournaments.  Mike indicated he would assist with the situation when possible.  Schedules for 2013 have already been set, so modifications at this point are not possible. However, for year 2014 and beyond there is the possibility to modify the schedule so that not as many school activities will coincide with swim meets and gym space could possibly be used as a team crash area.

 

V.           Rock Chalk Park/Center –Updates – Shaw reported no changes to the floor plan have been made since the last update.  At next Tuesday’s City Commission meeting, the agreements, documentation and the bid process will be presented for the Commission to consider.  Commissioners will determine on whether to move forward with the bid process. 

 

VI.         The Changing Point – Ian Hill -- KRPA conference ---30 day Challenge.  Shaw shared key points from Ian Hill’s presentation which reflected on change.  Recognizing areas that change could help the department do its jobs or help staff better understand their roles within Parks and Recreation.  For the next 30 days, weekly updates will be provided from Ian Hill, providing staff with resources to assist on making changes that will benefit the department.

 

VII.       McSwain Park sign draft – Shaw presented draft of the park signage to the board.  A dedication ceremony will be held in the Spring once the sign has been completed and installed.

 

VIII.     Batting Cages – request to operate as vendor – Laurent reported a vendor contacted him who is interested in operating and overseeing the batting cages.  The vendor has experience in running batting cages in Topeka.  Laurent is currently working on an RFP that will be placed on a future City Commission agenda for approval to seek proposals to operate the batting cages at Clinton Complex by a vendor. 

 

IX.          Staff reports

                                         i.Recreation/Golf Revenue/Expense Report – Shaw reported recreation revenue for 2012 was over the projected revenue total by 7 percent.  Eagle Bend Pro Shop has been renovated and new electric golf carts will soon be in place.         

 

                                        ii.    Parks/Projects Report – Hecker shared the project list of completed items for 2012.  For 2013, Hecker is looking at increasing the number of restrooms at YSC.  With the weather being so dry, there has been concrete damage to sidewalks that will need to be fixed in the early spring.           

 

                                     i.    Marketing Report – Steinbrock reported the city has an incentive program with our health initiative and Jessie with our OrganWise program is currently putting together helpful information for citizens, as well as our employees for seminars.  An award was received for our OrganWise Program from the KRPA Recreation Branch for Outstanding New or Innovated Program.  Also, the KRPA Outstanding Distinguished Fellow Award was presented to Ernie Shaw at the state conference.  Shaw served as president this past year for the second time and is only 1 of 3 in the history of KRPA to serve as president for the organization for two terms. 

 

X.            Other:        None at this time.

 

Meeting adjourned.  Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for noon, Tuesday, March 12, 2013, Parks and Recreation Conference Room located at South Park Administration Office.