Lawrence Parks and Recreation

Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

February 14, 2012

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  

Joe Caldwell, Chair; Kevin Loos, Jana Dawson and Kelly Barth

 

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  

Andy Clayton, Vice Chair

 

 

STAFF PRESENT: 

Ernie Shaw, Mark Hecker and Roger Steinbrock

GUESTS:

Tom Pifeler, Tim Laurent and Blaine Clark

 

 

 

I.             Meeting called to order by Chair Caldwell

 

II.           Approval of the Jan. 10 minutes-- Motion to approve January 2012 minutes by Loos and seconded by Dawson.  Motion carried 4-0. 

 

III.         Concerns of Board – None at this time.

 

IV.         Intern – Blaine Clark – Steinbrock introduced Clark who is a Kansas University student.  Clark is currently interning with Tim Laurent, Facilities Operations and will also intern with John Morris at Eagle Bend Golf Course.

 

V.           Tom Pifeler – Lawrence Ks. Amphitheater Project – Pifeler presented information regarding fundraising for a portable stage that could be rented out to various groups for events within the City.  The cost for the stage would be approximately $300-$500 thousand dollars.  Fundraising and donations would be pursued to encumber the purchase.  Shaw suggested that Pifeler work with Laurent within the next month and present a proposal that would include stage options, providing different models and the cost for each one.   

 

VI.         West Lawrence Neighborhood –DeVictor Park Playground and LAWC – Westside neighborhood meeting 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, Langston Hughes Elementary School.  Hecker indicated the meeting will consist of DeVictor Park, trails and natural playgrounds and also introduce the Lawrence Activity Wellness Center concept.

 

VII.       2012 KRPA Conference Report - Shaw reported the conference was held in Topeka this year.  The attendance numbers were down on both the participant side and also on the vendor side.  Next January,  the conference for 2013 will be held in Hutchison, KS.

 

VIII.     LAWC updates – Nothing new to report. Memos regarding the firms interviewed and the panels’ recommendations will be given to the City Commission at their meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

 

IX.          BMX track Proposal – Progress report – Shaw presented a proposal from a group that is interested in obtaining a piece of land for a private venture.  The group would build it and maintain it.  Typically the City does not give land but designates an area under contract.  The group was informed that land options would be researched and they would be notified in the near future.

 

X.            Seeking dog Park improvement ideas – Steinbrock reported a webpage has been developed on the city website for citizens to provide suggestions for improvements to the dog park.  First day it was launched there were over 20 suggestions.  A report will be compiled and distributed at the end of the month.

 

XI.          Staff reports

                                         i.    Recreation/Golf Revenue/Expense Report – Shaw reported the January recreation revenue is off to a good start, enrollment has continued to increase.  Hecker reported golf revenue for January was extremely good.  Staff is strategizing and reviewing current operations that would profit future revenue for the golf course.

 

                                        ii.    Parks/Projects Report – South Park/Administration facility is moving right along Hecker reported.  Facilities Maintenance Shop located at 11th and Haskell was destroyed in a fire last week.  Currently looking for a site to rebuild.  Skate Park – Qualified design/build teams have been sent the Request for Proposal for improvements at the Skate Park.  $125 thousand dollars has been allocated to the project.  Deerfield Park – Working with Bartlett and West to master plan the park that would be jointly utilized by the school district and City.  Once the preliminary plans are drawn up a public meeting will be held.  Outdoor Aquatics Center – currently looking for a new/replacement mushroom cap that was perished in the fire.

 

                                       iii.    Marketing Report – Steinbrock reported KLWN has offered airtime to promote Parks and Recreation activities and programs every Tuesday at 9 a.m.  Interactive cemetery maps for Memorial Park and Maple Grove cemetery are currently being developed and will be place on the city website for citizens to utilize when researching their genealogy.       

 

 

Meeting adjourned.  Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for Noon, Tuesday, March 13, 2012, Parks and Recreation Conference Room.