Lawrence Parks and Recreation

Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

January 12, 2016

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  

Chair, LaRisa Chambers, Vice Chair, Sue Hack, Joe Caldwell, Andy Clayton and Allen Humphrey

 

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  

 

 

 

STAFF PRESENT: 

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

GUESTS:

Kait Perry, Charlie Bryan

 

 

I.             Meeting called to order by Chair Chambers

 

II.           Approval of December 8, 2015, minutes by Hack, and seconded by Caldwell. 

 

III.         Introductions New Board Member(s)

Allen Humphrey is employed at the University of Kansas in the capacity of the Associate Director of Human Resource Management. He has resided in Lawrence since 1977 when he attended KU.  Humphrey is excited to serve on the board.

 

IV.         Board Elections – Chair and Vice-Chair

The board unanimously nominated Hack as Chair.  Motion to approve by Chambers and seconded by Caldwell.  Motion approved 4-0.  The board unanimously nominated Humphrey as Vice Chair.  Motion to approve by Hack and seconded by Clayton.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

V.           Concerns

None at this time. 

 

VI.         Tobacco and E-Cigarette P&R Policy on Commission Agenda January 12th

Shaw indicated the policy is on the consent agenda for the City Commission to review and the opportunity for public comment. 

      

VII.       P & R Master Plan RFP – Deadline for proposals January 15th

Shaw reported the RFP deadline is January 15.  A review committee has been selected to assist in reviewing the proposals and developing the master plan.

 

VIII.     Update EAB

Hecker reported he has been working with staff and would like to move forward in requesting funding for this year that is not budgeted to treat the Emerald Ash Bore infestation.  Proposing 3-4 full-time staff to treat in house at an additional cost of $238,540 for 2016.

 

IX.          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. 

 

X.            Staff reports

 

                                     i.    Recreation/ Expenses-Revenue/2015 Financial Updates

Hecker reported the total recreation revenue over expenses is (-$31,488).  Hecker indicated as we were going into the first year of operation with SPL we were uncertain where the numbers would land.  Programming didn’t start off until about half way through the year and LMH sponsorship/lease did not start until end of year.   There is still the possibility of some revenue or expenses that may come in that could be attributed to 2015.  There is always concern for the underage, but there is a fund balance behind this budget of approx. $800,000.  One year won’t hurt us, as long as we correct it next year.  Eagle Bend total revenue over expenses for 2015 is (-$26,199).  There was inclement weather on the weekends in May and June.  There is a fund balance behind this budget too totaling $300,000. 

  

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

Hecker will present the 2016 project list at the next meeting.          

 

                                   iii.    Marketing Report

                                         i.    Steinbrock reported enrollment was down in December by 15 percent but was up for 2015.  The toy drive was successful.  We were able to assist more than 100 children.  Steinbrock shared with the committee that Lawrence would once again receive the BlueCHIP award.  With the award, the department will receive $2,500, which will be used to fund our Nutrition Education program. 

 

X.       Other – None

          

Meeting adjourned.  Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for noon, Tuesday, February 9th, 2016, Parks and Recreation Conference Room located at South Park Administration Office.