Lawrence Parks and Recreation

Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

April 10, 2012

MEMBERS PRESENT:	Joe Caldwell, Chair; Andy Clayton, Vice Chair; Jana Dawson, Kevin Loos, and Kelly Barth
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:	Ernie Shaw, Mark Hecker and Roger Steinbrock
GUESTS:	Chad Lawhorn

I. Meeting called to order by Chair Caldwell

II. Approval of the Mar. 13 minutes-- Motion to approve March 2012 minutes by Barth and seconded by Loos.  Motion approved. 

III. Concerns of Board – Barth inquired about Riverfront Park and the maintenance that is taking place.  Hecker informed there were multiple issues that had been taking place within the park with people starting fires along the banks to fallen trees along the trails.  Those areas have been cleared to eliminate any further issues.

IV. Deerfield Park and Skatepark public meetings – Hecker reported that both meetings were well attended.  Deerfield Park – two concept plans were presented, feedback was received.  Ultimate goal is to narrow it down to one master plan for that park.  Hecker is working with Bartlett & West on the project.  A concept plan is being revised with the priorities that have been established.  Basketball court and skatepark were both high on the priority list.  Skatepark – Hecker is working with a firm from Maine to design a plan for the skatepark.  The design plan will be presented to the commission next Tuesday at the commission meeting. 

V. Projects:  South Park offices —YSC lights – Hecker confirmed that the renovation has been completed with the exception of some lighting issues that will not deter the move.  YSC lights – Fields 5-7 are currently being wired for ball field lights.   First baseball game is scheduled on Monday, April 16.

VI. Forestry Division --Stump removal in Harveyville - Projects: Shaw reported recently a few members of our Horticulture & Forestry Division volunteered to go to Harveyville to lend a hand.  They removed approximately 50 stumps.     

VII. Move to South Park – scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, May 2-3 – Shaw indicated that a notice will be sent out about a week in advance indicating that there will be little to no phone/computer contact during the move since the phone lines will need to be relocated to South Park.

VIII. Dog Park improvements – A list was created from the suggestions received from the public.  Next step is to come up with a plan on how do we implement some of those ideas based on the dollars that are available?  A few of the suggested ideas were to expand parking area, an area for the dogs to swim and a fenced in area. 

IX. Staff reports

i. Recreation/Golf Revenue/Expense Report – Shaw reported the March recreation revenue is doing really well.  Aquatics revenue is up $36,000 over this time last year.  Golf revenue is up 118% and expenses are down 24%.  Currently staff is looking into electric golf carts.  The current lease on the gas golf carts are due to expire this year.  The projected savings would be approx. $3.25 a gallon a gas.

ii. Parks/Projects Report – Hecker reported that it is extremely busy.  Flowers will be planted next week. 

iii. Marketing Report – Steinbrock reported a release went out asking for volunteers to help plant flowers.  Every Tuesday Steinbrock invites a member of the Parks and Recreation staff to join him on the radio to promote Parks and Recreation activities and programs.  This week Marty Birrell with Prairie Park Nature Center spoke about our new black-footed ferret named Harlem.  Harlem is a female that is 6 years-old.  The Summer/Fall activity guide was released on April 1.

Meeting adjourned.  Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for Noon, Tuesday, May 8, 2012, Parks and Recreation Conference Room located at South Park Administration Office.