Lawrence Parks and Recreation

Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

November 10, 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, Mark Hecker, Jimmy Gibbs

GUESTS:

Laurie Comstock, Chris Tilden, Candice Tarver, Charlie Bryan, Nikki Wentling, Frank Leinch

 

 

I.             Meeting called to order by Vice Chair Hack

 

II.           Approval of September 8th, 2015, minutes by Clayton, and seconded by Caldwell. 

 

III.         Concerns of Board – Hack relayed to staff concerns she has received from Clenece Hills regarding Sesquicentennial Park.  Hills said there was minimal to no usage of the area due to no lights or other amenities.  Hack has asked staff to follow up with Hills regarding the status of those inquiries.

 

IV.         Tobacco and E-Cigarette final draft Policy review

Shaw reported the department is drafting a policy that aims to ban tobacco use on any park operated land, including all 54 parks.  This will be a department policy not a City Ordinance.  A written proposal will be presented to the Advisory Board at the December meeting and to the City Commission early next year. 

 

V.           P & R Master Plan discussion

Shaw reported permission was granted to complete an RFP (Request for Proposal). Currently in the final stages of development. Shaw said it is the goal to have it on the City Commission agenda for approval to send it out in the next month.

 

VI.         Emerald Ash Bore – Discovered in Douglas Co.  What does that mean?

Hecker presented a map of the downtown corridor pinpointing 457 ash trees.  The mortality rate is 100% unless they are treated annually at a cost of approximately $150 for each tree.  There are an estimated 3,000 ash trees in parks and right of ways throughout the City.  The cost to contract a company to remove and plant another variety could cost about $900 per tree, totaling about $2.7 million over the next five years.   In the next month a plan to combat the infestation and estimates on options will be given to the City Commission.

 

VII.       Update on Burcham/Constant and Baldwin Creek Trails

Hecker presented photos of the progress of the Burcham and Constant Trail connecting the two parks.  Hecker also reported the TA Grant to authorize staff to submit the application for the Lawrence Loop Shared Use Path Connector was on the City Commission agenda Nov. 10.  Hecker reported the Baldwin Creek Trail project excavation has been completed and bids should be ready to go out early 2016 after final designs and plans are completed.

 

VIII.     Staff reports

 

                                     i.    Recreation/ Expenses-Revenue/2015 Financial Updates

Hecker reported the recreation revenue exceeds expenses.  Special Population has had a significant increase due to the 50+ program.  Eagle Bend’s revenue to-date has a positive number but is predicated to end the year with a negative balance due to a wet Spring. 

  

                                    ii.    Parks/Golf Course/Projects Report/2015 financial updates

Hecker reported the skate rink will open on Friday after Thanksgiving along with the lights being turned on downtown that evening.  Clayton inquired about the status of KU architecture bathrooms to be installed at YSC.  Hecker reported the final design will be presented to Planning and Development to obtain a building permit to proceed.         

 

                                   iii.    Marketing Report

Steinbrock reported enrollment for the month of October has decreased compared to last year’s numbers but the overall year enrollments have increased by 20%.  Health and Wellness Programming is continuing with the Boys and Girls Club.  Steinbrock said he has met with the curriculum director at Lawrence Public Schools about teaming to provide the program within the schools.  Discussion will continue to look if it is feasible and if partnerships with other agencies might assist with implementation.  The Winter/Spring Activity Guide is now out. Steinbrock said he contacted the NRPA about providing a story in an upcoming edition about the Gold Medal celebration we had with Parks and Recreation actor Jim O’Heir. He said they were receptive and he is putting something together for a future edition.  He will provide a link to the advisory board when it is received.

 

X.       Other – None

          

Meeting adjourned.  Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for noon, Tuesday, December 8th, 2015, 2015, Parks and Recreation Conference Room located at South Park Administration Office.