Lawrence Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
April 12, 2016
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Chair, Sue Hack, Vice Chair, Allen Humphrey, Joe Caldwell and LaRisa Chambers |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
Andy Clayton |
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STAFF PRESENT: |
Tim Laurent, Mark Hecker, Jimmy Gibbs, Roger Steinbrock, Josh Maike |
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GUESTS: |
Commissioners: Lisa Larsen and Stuart Boley |
I. Meeting called to order by Chair Hack
II. Approval of March 8, 2016, minutes by Caldwell, and seconded by Chambers.
III. Concerns
None at this time.
IV. Josh Maike – Adult Sports Supervisor
Maike has been with the department for the past eight months. Since he has been here he has initiated surveys for feedback from those who have utilized the Adult Sports program. Several responses were received inquiring about offering post season tournaments. Maike instituted that suggestion and it has increased the number of registrations, as well as opened up other opportunities for post season tournament options for other sports within our program. Revenue is up compared to last year.
V. P & R Master Plan --- upcoming Dates and Process -- Roger
Hecker reported the Focus Group meetings have started. Two public meetings have been scheduled Thursdays April 14 and April 21. Once the information has been collected from all meetings, we will move forward initiating a public survey. The process will take several months for it to be completed.
VI. Tobacco Free Parks – Dedication was April 1st /Video – Roger
Steinbrock reported the video is now on our website.
VII. Still time to volunteer --Flower planting http://lawrenceks.org/lprd/flowerplanting
There are several dates available for volunteers to sign up.
VIII. Emerald Ash Borer: Progress report
Hecker reported staff has been hired, the injection system and chemicals have been purchased. The injection treatments will need to begin by May on those trees that will be saved. The inventory on the Ash trees is approximately 90% completed.
IX. Staff reports
i. Recreation/ Expenses-Revenue/2016 Financial Updates
Hecker reported March looks good on the recreation side. Total revenue over expenses is ($332,856) up 25% compared to last year. Golf Course revenue is down, total revenue over expenses is (-90,600). Year-to-date we are doing better than last year at this time.
ii. Parks/Golf Course/Projects Report/2016 financial updates
Hecker reported April and May are the busiest time of the season. April 15 is the target date to have all restrooms, water fountains and shelters opened.
iii. Marketing Report
Steinbrock reported the Summer/Fall 2016 Activity Guide will be released on Sunday, April 24. Online registration will begin that day. Currently working on activating links within the pdf version, so citizens can enroll directly from the activity guide online. Target date for completion is early next week. Steinbrock relayed we did not receive the NRPA Out of School Time grant this year. The nutrition education program, which was funded by the grant, will still be incorporated into the summer camp using the grant funds that were received from BlueCHIP award. An application was also submitted for Playful City USA City. For the 38th consecutive year the Tree City USA City was awarded to Lawrence. We will be hosting the Bill Self Classic on Friday, June 17 and the KRPA tournament on Friday, August 26. Steinbrock also shared there will be 3 new interns beginning in May for the summer.
X. Other – Hecker indicated an application for KDHE grant will be submitted to do playground surfacing. If successful the grant is a 50/50 match to help alleviate the cost of replacing the playground surface to a rubber surface. An announcement should be made soon if we were awarded the KDOT grant for the trails on the East side of town. The Recreational Trails Program grant that was received in 2014 for the construction of the Baldwin Creek Trail will begin tomorrow.
Meeting adjourned. Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for noon, Tuesday, May 10th, 2016, Parks and Recreation Conference Room located at South Park Administration Office.