Lawrence Parks and Recreation

Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

January 15, 2014

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  

Vice Chair; Kevin Loos; LaRisa Chambers-Lochner, Joe Caldwell; Sue Hack

 

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  

Andy Clayton

 

 

STAFF PRESENT: 

Ernie Shaw; Mark Hecker, Roger Steinbrock, Tim Laurent, Jimmy Gibbs, Chad Tower

GUESTS:

Chad Lawhorn; Jana Dawson

 

 

I.             Meeting called to order by Vice Chair Loos

 

II.           Jana Dawson – Shaw Thank your service to P&R  

Board members and staff shared a warm thank you to Dawson for all the work and dedication that she has contributed for Parks and Recreation.

 

III.         Welcome new Board member – Sue Hack  

Hack served previously on the board and was recently appointed to fulfill the unexpired term of Jana Dawson.  Shaw said we are extremely excited to have her return.

 

IV.         Election Chair and Vice Chair for 2014 –

The board unanimously nominated Loos as Chair and Chambers-Lochner as Vice Chair.  Motion to approve by Caldwell and seconded by Hack.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

V.           Approval of December 10th 2013 minutes by Caldwell, and seconded by Chambers-Lochner. 

 

VI.         Concerns of Board –

Chambers-Lochner was approached by a business owner inquiring about the possibility of raising funds to install a restroom along the levy.  Hecker reported after talking to Public Works and the Corp. of Engineers the best solution would be installing one outside of the levy.  4th and Walnut could be a possibility and could be discussed further.  Chambers-Lochner suggested a port-a-pot may be more efficient since a permanent restroom would be inaccessible during the winter season.  Hecker will look further into the inquiry.  Chambers-Lochner also reported on the Burroughs Creek Trail between 19th and 23rd Streets there is a stench that is very noticeable and it is deterring runners from using the trail.  Hecker will contact staff to look into it.          

 

VII.       Chad Tower –Facility Supervisor at RCP—Introductions –

Laurent said Tower previously worked for Parks and Recreation 12 years ago and left to work for Johnson County Parks and Recreation.  He was a key player for the Kansas City Corporate Challenge which is the largest in the nation.  Laurent said we are excited to have Chad back on our staff.   

 

VIII.     Rock Chalk Park/Recreation Center – Update –

Shaw shared with the board photos of the progress of the facility.  Hecker presented to the board the preliminary plans for the proposed trail.  Currently the route is flagged out as a metered 3.23 mile trail.  The Tennis courts are also in the preliminary stages.  

 

IX.          RFP – Branding/Sponsorships – Miller/Meiers and Premier Sports Management –updates – Miller/Meiers and Premier Sports Management –

Shaw said a memo has been sent to City Hall in regards to continuing with entitlement naming exploration for the center.  Once permission has been granted to move forward than Miller/Meiers can move forward with obtaining a name and we can proceed with the branding of our logo.     

 

X.            Horizon 20/20 – New committee –starting updates – Board involvement. 

Shaw reported a new committee is being established and they will be contacting the board in the near future to schedule a visit requesting a volunteer(s) from the board to assist them.

 

XI.          Sandra Shaw Nature Park –

Shaw gave an update. The Sunflower Grant was awarded and John McGrew has matched the awarded amount with donations.  The amount now is approximately $55,000.  Staff will meet this afternoon to flag out the center of the trail.  

 

XII.        Food vendor RFP out 1-3-14 --due back January 31. 

Laurent reported the RFP went out and a public meeting is scheduled for this afternoon.  Deadline is scheduled for January 31.

 

XIII.      Staff Organizational chart updates –

Hecker reviewed the staff chart with the board.  There are many transitions taking place as we prepare for the opening of the new recreation center.

 

XIV.      Holiday Lights – Has been big hit again this year – requests to keep up downtown until Valentine’s Day.

Hecker reported our staff has started the process of removing some of the lights located on the outer perimeter of parks and some buildings but the white holiday lights downtown will remain up as it has been requested.

 

XV.        KRPA conference in Wichita January 27 – 31st.  Download the updated KRPA Conference Schedule here – Shaw reported conference for this year is in Wichita this year.  Two city commissioners had been submitted for an award for Elected Officials and they have been chosen.  Schumm and Dever will be receiving an award through the State Park and Recreations.  The award is presented to them for their endeavors that they have assisted with throughout the past few years.

 

XVI.      Staff reports

                                     i.    Recreation/Golf Revenue/Expense Report – Hecker presented the recreation budget estimate total and it looks like we are going to make about $100,000 more than we spent last year.  December revenue was really good.  Golf revenue reflects approx. $40,000 in revenue.     

  

                                    ii.    Parks/Projects Report – Hecker reported several parks and trails are listed on the project report for this year.    

 

                                   iii.    Marketing Report – Steinbrock is currently gathering year end numbers for enrollments.  In 2013 there were 21,989 enrollments, 5% up from the previous year and 3 ˝% up from 2011.  The Did You Know Campaign first e-newsletter will come out by the end of this month.  In the process of applying for the Playful City USA designation again for 2014; currently working together on the development of the new playground at Edgewood park with Hack and Leadership Lawrence, scheduling public meetings for public input in the near future.  Also, we are applying for the Gold Medal Award which is the highest recognition of the National Recreation of Parks Association.  It is the most prestigious award for parks and recreation agencies across the country.  Steinbrock along with the Director from Liberty, Missouri will present at the KRPA conference on the Did You Know campaign.      

 

XVII.    Other – 

 

 

Meeting adjourned.  Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 11, 2014, Parks and Recreation Conference Room located at South Park Administration Office.