Lawrence Parks and Recreation

Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

April 14, 2015

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  

Chair, LaRisa Chambers, Vice Chair, Sue Hack, Kevin Loos, Joe Caldwell and Andy Clayton

 

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  

 

 

 

STAFF PRESENT: 

Ernie Shaw, Tim Laurent, Jimmy Gibbs, Mark Hecker, Roger Steinbrock

GUESTS:

Chad Lawhorn; Mark Kern

 

 

I.             Meeting called to order by Vice Chair Hack

 

II.           Approval of March 10th, 2015, minutes by Loos, and seconded by Caldwell. 

 

III.         Concerns of Board – Hack relayed a suggestion to display information/maps of the Lawrence Downtown area for those who are visiting from out of town and are attending tournaments at the Sports Pavilion Lawrence.  Loos inquired if the water fountains have been turned on at the ball fields, with baseball soon starting up the need for the fountains will be in high demand.  Hecker indicated the water fountains at the complexes have already been turned on.  Chambers inquired on the sponsorship banners in the gymnastics area being removed.  Gibbs indicated that they are scheduled to be installed next week.  

 

IV.         Mark Kern – Phog Sports LLC

Phog Sports LLC was created to look for an economic stand point, to reach out to local states.  Hoop It Up is partnered with USA basketball, based out of Colorado Springs, CO.  USA basketball allows Hoop It Up to send a 3 on 3 18U team to a tournament, all expenses paid.  The winner of these 3 on 3 events in that age bracket gets to go to Colorado Springs to compete to play for USA basketball in the Olympics.  The tournament date scheduled for May 23rd at Sports Pavilion Lawrence will be one of the qualifying tournaments for that.  Divisions for all ages and skill levels.  Possibility of future tournament dates are also being discussed.

 

V.           BSG – Bob Billings Parkway Safety Group Discussion — Info. from Jerry Harper

Loos relayed the safety concern letter the board received in regards to those who ride bikes and also those who are traveling in a vehicle along Kasold to K10.  It is becoming more difficult to cross over to Bob Billings Parkway.  The concerns are being addressed by Public Works at a public meeting, scheduled on Wednesday, April 15th. 

 

VI.         Sales Tax Project List – 2015-2016

Heck shared a list of prioritized maintenance projects and needed enhancements to existing facilities.  If portion of the sales tax funding is to be diverted to the police project it will be difficult to maintain these projects.     

 

VII.       SPL/ Facilities report for April

No reports were given

  

VIII.     Staff reports

                                     i.    Recreation/Golf Revenue/Expense Report – Recreation and golf revenues are looking good.

  

                                    ii.    Parks/Projects Report – Hecker reviewed the list of projects.  Photos have been attached to the projects to get a visual of the projects that are listed.    

 

                                   iii.    Marketing Report – Steinbrock reported enrollment numbers have preceded last years’ enrollments at this time. Activity guide is now available to view online and printed copies will be distributed on April 26th in the newspaper.  Over 200 people have volunteered for flower planting.  

 

X.       Other – At a future meeting, inviting the new commissioners to meet the members of the board.

          

 

Meeting adjourned.  Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for noon, Tuesday, May 12th, 2015, Parks and Recreation Conference Room located at South Park Administration Office.