Lawrence Parks and Recreation

Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

July 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:	Konnie Leffler; Jaden Leffler; Maureen Bernhagen; Amber Nickel; Karrey Britt

I. Meeting called to order by Chair Caldwell

II. Approval of the June minutes-- Motion to approve June 2012 minutes by Barth and seconded by Clayton.  Motion approved. 

III. Concerns of Board – Dawson said she had heard there were fish dying in the nature preserve pond. Shaw and Hecker touched on the issue that extreme heat brings to ponds. There has been a number of carp dying at the KANZA Southwind Nature Preserve. It happens when there are high temperatures, as it takes oxygen out of the water and fish aren’t able to breathe properly and die.  Fish kills like this happen when temperatures rise in quick and water doesn’t have a chance to cool at night.

IV. Konnie Leffler and grandson Jaden – Activities for 13-15 year olds – A list of activity/suggestions were submitted that would benefit 13-15 year olds.  Currently Parks and Recreation does not offer many activities/classes for that age range due to low enrollment numbers in the past years.

V. Maureen Bernhagen – Fenced Dog Park Areas.  A petition of 375 signatures was submitted to create a fenced in dog park within the city. The petition was forwarded on to the City Manager’s Office to be placed in the document archive. Peterson Park was suggested by Bernhagen, along with charging a $7 licensing fee for dog owners for each dog that would create approximately $123,000 in annual revenue.  Shaw indicated a master plan has already slated for Peterson Park that was established in 2000 by the community and the residents in that area.  It has not been developed because there is a lack of funding.  However, approval has been received to make improvements at the Mutt Run to include a fenced in area.  This will be pursued once funding becomes available.  Caldwell indicated staff will continue to look at some potential areas within the city and get back in touch with Bernhagen to continue discussions.            

VI. McSwain Park -- Naming suggestions – Several park names were discussed.  The concept of Firefighter Park will be presented to the McSwain family to gauge their interest in the concept.

VII. Updates on Lawrence Sports Village –Public meeting - A public meeting will be held on Monday, July 23, location will be at Free State auditorium at 6:30 p.m.  The meeting will consist of a brief updated overview of the status of the proposed facility and Gould Evans will present a drawing.          

VIII. Staff reports

i.Recreation/Golf Revenue/Expense Report – Hecker reported golf revenue for June was $107,000 and is at is still holding for the year.  Shaw indicated June recreation revenue is higher than last year.  Summer Playgrounds and Adult Sports enrollment have been lagging behind compared to last year at this time.

ii. Parks/Projects Report – Hecker reported no major projects going on at this time.  Trying to keep up with the maintenance of equipment due to extreme outdoor temperatures being so high.

iii. Marketing Report – Safe Kids Coalition donated approximately $100 in helmets that were distributed at the ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place at the Skate Park. Steinbrock announced work has started on the Fall/Winter activity guide that will be available the 1^st week in November.  NRPA has contacted Steinbrock regarding possible funding to keep progressing with the nutrition education programming.   

Meeting adjourned.  Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for noon, Tuesday, July 31, 2012, Parks and Recreation Conference Room located at South Park Administration Office.