City of Lawrence

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

June 13, 2017 minutes

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Chair, Allen Humphrey, Mandy Enfield, John Blazek

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Vice Chair, LaRisa Chambers, Sue Hack

STAFF PRESENT:

Mark Hecker, Ernie Shaw, Roger Steinbrock, Brandy Shoemaker, Crystal Miles, Darin Pearson

PUBLIC PRESENT:

 

 

I.               Meeting called to order by Humphrey

 

II.       Approval of May 9, 2017 minutes by Enfield, and seconded by Blazek. 

 

II.             Highlights/Concerns

Enfield shared with the board a fun activity going on in the Lawrence area promoting summer fitness.  Game of Gnomes is being promoted through the Lawrence Public Library.  A friend of Enfield, Artist Geoff Benzing of Lawrence was contracted by the stormwater utility’s program, Drain Doodles in Hutchinson to paint storm drain covers to remind people not to dump chemicals down them.  Might be a good alternative solution versus signage, Enfield said.  Blazek relayed a concern by a citizen regarding the showers at Sports Pavilion Lawrence and whether it is possible to add a lip to contain the water to prevent an accident of someone falling when they are outside of the shower area.  Another concern is the usage of private trainers using the recreation centers as training facilities.  Staff will look into these concerns.

 

III.           Kansas Opening Meetings Power Point – Roger

Steinbrock shared a presentation from Legal Services, reviewing the rules and guidelines of the Kansas Open Meetings Act.         

 

IV.            Action Plan review of Master Plan

Hecker presented a list of items that were identified in the Master Plan, concept is to move them into an action plan.  Hopefully by the end of the year a few of the items will be completed and new items can be added. 

 

V.              Oak Tree/ Lot Purchase

Miles presented photos of the lot the city is considering purchasing to save a majestic bur oak tree.  The tree is estimated to be about 100 years old and is located in East Lawrence at 12th street and Haskell Avenue.  It will be presented to the City Commission on June 20th.     

 

VI.            Update on KGA agreement/Eagle Bend renovation

Pearson reported the KGA lease agreement should be completed within the next few days.  Sealed bids were taken for the renovation of the new cart barn.  Riley Construction out of Wamego if chosen by the City Commission will be awarded the bid.  Renovation of Phase 1 should be completed by August.      

 

IX.       Staff reports

 

i.                Recreation/ Expenses-Revenue/2017 Financial Updates –

Hecker reported to-date revenue is 2.4 million dollars with expenses to-date at 2.2 million dollars.  Eagle Bend is not looking bad either.  Revenue has a negative balance which is not a concern due to purchasing equipment and golf cart leases that were done early in the budget cycle.

          

ii.               Parks/Golf Course/Projects Report/2017 financial updates –

Hecker reported April through August is our busiest time of the year. Citizens venturing out and enjoying our parks and trails.                

       

iii.        Marketing Report

Steinbrock reported enrollments for the month are running parallel to where we were at this time last year.  OrganWise program is being offered with Boys and Girls Club and preschools throughout the City, as well with our own summer playground camps.  Intern Ryan Schadler has started with us and will be interning through the Fall.  We are also working with the International Program at KU. Two students will be shadowing staff a couple hours a week until November.  It will be a great opportunity to acclimate them to American life. 

 

 

X.        Other –

         

 

Meeting adjourned.  Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for noon, Tuesday, July 11, 2017.