Lawrence Parks and Recreation

Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

December 8, 2015

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  

Chair, LaRisa Chambers, Vice Chair, Sue Hack,  Kevin Loos, Joe Caldwell and Andy Clayton

 

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  

 

 

 

STAFF PRESENT: 

Ernie Shaw, Tim Laurent, Mark Hecker, Jimmy Gibbs

GUESTS:

 

 

 

I.             Meeting called to order by Chair Chambers

 

II.           Approval of November 10, 2015, minutes by Loos, and seconded by Hack. 

 

III.         Concerns of Board – Loos inquired on the status of the reopening of the levy from the Kansas River Bridge east to Oak Street boat ramp entrance.  Steinbrock reported he was in contact with Matt Bonds who indicated it is tentatively scheduled to reopen by the end of the year.  Clayton commended staff on obtaining permission from the City Commission to regulate golf fees as needed.  Loos commented on if there is a possibility to also obtain permission to maintain aquatic fees as the department deems necessary.  Hecker responded yes, it may be possible.  Staff will review current fees and if necessary pursue permission from the commission to oversee those also.  Loos also commented on Rock Chalk Park being selected to host the 2017 USA Track and Field Junior Olympic Championships on July 23-30th. He said it will be an exciting opportunity for Lawrence.

 

IV.         Tobacco and E-Cigarette Final Draft of P&R Policy

Gibbs reviewed with the board the department’s final draft policy.  The board unanimously approved (5-0) the final policy.  After the first of the year, the policy will move placed on an agenda for the City Commission to review and approve. 

      

V.           P & R Master Plan RFP – Master Plan committee

Shaw reported the RFP went out Wednesday of last week.  There were 18 vendors that had the RFP directly mailed to them.  January 15 is the deadline to submit proposals.  A small committee will be selected to assist in reviewing the proposals and developing the master plan.

 

VI.         Holiday Lunch December 17 – 11:30 -1:30pm

The department holiday lunch will be held at the Carnegie Building.  The entire meal this year will be catered.  Team work awards will be presented also.

 

VII.       KRPA conference in Dodge City  -- February 1- 4 - 2016

Shaw reported this is the first year the conference will be held in Dodge City.  Hotel accommodations are limited thus there will be transportation to and from the conference for those who have lodging outside of the area. 

 

VIII.     Staff reports

 

                                     i.    Recreation/ Expenses-Revenue/2015 Financial Updates

Hecker reported the recreation and golf revenue both have a positive number.  November and so far December’s warm weather have played a factor with the golf course’s increased revenue.  Recreation revenue has exceeded our expectations for the year.  As long as our expenses are held at a minimal we should finish the year with a positive number.   

  

                                    ii.    Parks/Golf Course/Projects Report/2015 financial updates

Hecker reported the skylight project has been completed at Holcom Park Recreation Center.  Currently working on one of the HVAC units at the Indoor Aquatics Center.  At SPL window shades were installed on the north side of the building.  Researching a solution for the front entrance windows that will not eliminate too much natural light.  During certain times of the year the sun shines down onto courts 3,4,5 making it difficult to use those courts.  Baldwin Creek Trail is still progressing forward.          

 

                                   iii.    Marketing Report

Steinbrock who is a Board of Director member for Outside for a Better Inside relayed a fund has been created with four benefactors, including: Bert Nash, the Health Department, City of Lawrence and public schools.  The Douglas County Foundation will distribute funds annually fro events specifically for the Sandra Shaw Park.  Ideas are being presented on what future events could be done for the community.  Our annual toy drive is currently underway.  We are working together with 9th Street Missionary Baptist Church, who has a program in coordination with the county jail.  Incarcerated inmates that have kids are the benefactor of the toy drive.  They also have a drop in program where food, clothing and toys are distributed to those less fortunate.  The OrganWise Program in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Club ended last week.  Currently researching other grant options that may be possible to help fund the program in the future.  Last year, we were awarded a $1,500 materails grant with the NFL Foundation.  NFL Play 60 Grant was awarded to provide new equipment, curriculum for after school programs.  We utilized the money that we were awarded to create the flag football program.  This year Steinbrock will apply for the same grant in hopes to use those funds to fund the program.    

 

IX.          Kevin Loos – Last meeting – 8 great years 2 terms of service! Thanks Kevin.

X.       Other – None

          

Meeting adjourned.  Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for noon, Tuesday, January 12th, 2016, Parks and Recreation Conference Room located at South Park Administration Office.