Minutes - 5/13/03
LAWRENCE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
May 13, 2003
May 13, 2003
Board Members present: Chair, Tom Bracciano, Vice Chair, Alice Ann Johnston, Sharon Spratt, Richard Konzem and Bill Penny. Staff Present: Fred DeVictor, Ernie Shaw, Mark Hecker and Roger Steinbrock and guests Scott Wagner and James Graverholz.
Meeting was called to order by Chair Bracciano. Minutes of the April 8th meeting were approved on a motion by Spratt, 2nd by Johnston.
Board and staff discussed the recent tornado in southwest Lawrence and the clean up efforts. The Board commended the City and Parks and Recreation staff for their excellent efforts to help with the clean up.
DeVictor reported the City Commission had approved the location of the Langston Hughes sculpture for Watson Park. The location for the bust for the Buford Watson has been selected by staff and family; the "Emergence" sculpture had been approved and the Langston Hughes piece will be located on the west side of the park near 7th and Tennessee Streets.
DeVictor reported the City Commission gave no direction on the possible purchase of the Orchard's Golf Course and benefit district. A letter has been written to Ed White expressing the City had no interest at this time.
Staff reported they had submitted a two-fold proposal to use the Carnegie Library for recreation staff offices and programs after the renovation. The request would be to move staff and programs from the South Park Recreation Center and tear down that building. At least $100,000 in improvements are needed to the South Park Recreation Center and the Carnegie Building would provide more space for programs.
James Grauerholz, a trustee for the William Burroughs estate, discussed the idea presented by the Brook Creek Neighborhood Association to name the ATSF drainage tributary "Burroughs Creek". After considerable discussion the Board, on a motion by Spratt, 2nd by Penny, to rename the ATSF tributary "Burroughs Creek" in honor of the late author who lived at 1927 Learnard Avenue. In addition they encourage the City to apply to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) to have the tributary renamed Burroughs Creek on the national level from Barker Court north past 12th Street and Haskell Avenue to the Kansas River. Motion passed 5-0.
Staff reported on the 2004 budget process. The Department request will be very conservative with only one program enhancement request for a part time person to help with the new tree planting ordinance/regulations. The budget proposal will recommend fee increases in aquatics, cemetery and golf.
Hecker reported on project improvements including Holcom Park Recreation Center air conditioning and Depot sealing and tuck pointing. A final draft of the master plan for the Clinton Lake leased area will be ready for final review by staff next week.
Shaw reported class enrollment was going smoothly, with many classes and day camps beginning the week of June 2nd. The Kansas House legislature provided a one year proviso to the day care licensing regulations, which would adversely affect Lawrence day camps and playgrounds.
The Board was invited to the May 29th tour sponsored by the Sesquicentennial Commission of the site for the Sesquicentennial Plaza on the Clinton Lake property.
Meeting adjourned 1:15P.M.
Next meeting to be held in the Tom Wilkerson Room at the Indoor Aquatic Center, 4706 Overland Drive on June 10th.
Meeting was called to order by Chair Bracciano. Minutes of the April 8th meeting were approved on a motion by Spratt, 2nd by Johnston.
Board and staff discussed the recent tornado in southwest Lawrence and the clean up efforts. The Board commended the City and Parks and Recreation staff for their excellent efforts to help with the clean up.
DeVictor reported the City Commission had approved the location of the Langston Hughes sculpture for Watson Park. The location for the bust for the Buford Watson has been selected by staff and family; the "Emergence" sculpture had been approved and the Langston Hughes piece will be located on the west side of the park near 7th and Tennessee Streets.
DeVictor reported the City Commission gave no direction on the possible purchase of the Orchard's Golf Course and benefit district. A letter has been written to Ed White expressing the City had no interest at this time.
Staff reported they had submitted a two-fold proposal to use the Carnegie Library for recreation staff offices and programs after the renovation. The request would be to move staff and programs from the South Park Recreation Center and tear down that building. At least $100,000 in improvements are needed to the South Park Recreation Center and the Carnegie Building would provide more space for programs.
James Grauerholz, a trustee for the William Burroughs estate, discussed the idea presented by the Brook Creek Neighborhood Association to name the ATSF drainage tributary "Burroughs Creek". After considerable discussion the Board, on a motion by Spratt, 2nd by Penny, to rename the ATSF tributary "Burroughs Creek" in honor of the late author who lived at 1927 Learnard Avenue. In addition they encourage the City to apply to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) to have the tributary renamed Burroughs Creek on the national level from Barker Court north past 12th Street and Haskell Avenue to the Kansas River. Motion passed 5-0.
Staff reported on the 2004 budget process. The Department request will be very conservative with only one program enhancement request for a part time person to help with the new tree planting ordinance/regulations. The budget proposal will recommend fee increases in aquatics, cemetery and golf.
Hecker reported on project improvements including Holcom Park Recreation Center air conditioning and Depot sealing and tuck pointing. A final draft of the master plan for the Clinton Lake leased area will be ready for final review by staff next week.
Shaw reported class enrollment was going smoothly, with many classes and day camps beginning the week of June 2nd. The Kansas House legislature provided a one year proviso to the day care licensing regulations, which would adversely affect Lawrence day camps and playgrounds.
The Board was invited to the May 29th tour sponsored by the Sesquicentennial Commission of the site for the Sesquicentennial Plaza on the Clinton Lake property.
Meeting adjourned 1:15P.M.
Next meeting to be held in the Tom Wilkerson Room at the Indoor Aquatic Center, 4706 Overland Drive on June 10th.
