Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Minutes

Regular Meeting – June 2, 2016

 

 

 

Meeting Location:  Parks & Recreation Administration Office

 

Roll Call

Board Members Present:  Scott Coleman

 Kristy Emerson

 Marc Litzen

 Bob Wiig

 Chris Kennedy

 

Board Members Absent:  Kyle Emert

 Scott McBrayer

 Gary Schroen

Parks & Recreation Staff Present:  Rob Schoeber, Director

Allison Little, Administrative Specialist

Mike Vendegna, Parks Superintendent

Traci Wieland, Recreation Superintendent

 

Item 1: Meeting Called to Order by Scott Coleman at 12:05 p.m.

   

Item 2: Welcome New Board Member

Abby Landmeier was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board at the June 1, 2016 City Council Meeting. Her first official meeting will be July 7. Welcome Abby.

 

Item 3: Approval of Minutes

Marc Litzen moved to approve the May 5, 2016 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board minutes. Kristy Emerson seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously.

 

Motion approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: Yes 4 No 0

 

Item 4: Election of Officers

Marc Litzen nominated Kristy Emerson to the office of Chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Kristy Emerson nominated Marc Litzen to the office of Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Bob Wiig made a motion to accept both nominations. Scott Coleman seconded. The motion was approved unanimously.

 

Motion approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: Yes 4 No 0

 

Item 5: Board Bylaws

The Board discussed the proposed bylaws and decided that the existing proxy language in Article XI Section 5 could be confusing. They would like to replace it with language allowing for attendance at the meeting by telephone. The board will approve the bylaws once the new language is incorporated and approved by the City Attorney.

Item 6: Project Updates

•  Traci Wieland updated the Board about Las Colonias. Staff is working on the final design for the amphitheater building, the slough and the related site work and expect to begin the bid process in August. The project is estimated at $3.8 million with $3.5 million in confirmed funding. Staff is still waiting to hear about funding from the Department of Energy for the radon mitigation. With the improvements that have already been completed, the area is already seeing increased use.

•  Mike Vendegna spoke with the Board about the North Avenue improvements. The contractor will landscape the north side of the street while park staff will be responsible for the center medians. The design will ensure a cohesive look with the landscaping on the north side of the street as well as the other medians along North Avenue that have already been revitalized as part of Phase 1 and 2.

•  Mike Vendegna also talked to the board about Horizon Park. Park staff will be completing some upgrades to this neighborhood park including a walking trail and new signage and new split rail fencing.

•  Rob Schoeber updated the board about the downtown public restrooms on 5th Street. Staff have made some changes inside the restroom in an effort to reduce vandalism. The standard light bulbs have been replaced with much brighter lights. Also, children’s music is playing on a continuous loop in the restroom to discourage extended stays inside the restroom.

•  Rob Schoeber also talked with the Board about Westlake Park. There is a parcel of land between the eastern edge of the park and the old City Market building which is not owned by the City. The owners of that parcel have approached the Parks and Recreation Department about purchasing that parcel. Staff have suggested an MOU for continued maintenance of the parcel, or the opportunity to donate the land to the city for a tax credit.

 

Item 7: For the Good of the Community

•  Bob Wiig told the group that he appreciated all the vendors that were selected for the JUCO concessions.

•  Marc Litzen complimented the softball fields and maintenance at Columbine Park. He was there for a tournament and Debbie Gemoya was especially helpful, went above and beyond and had a great attitude.

•  Councilman Kennedy talked with the group about ensuring that the Board continues to address community priorities. Board members talked about addressing project priorities as well as a high level financial picture of the Parks and Recreation Department budget at the July meeting.

 

Item 9: Board Member Recognition

Rob Schoeber thanked Scott Coleman for this six years of service on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. We wish him well in his future endeavors!

 

Item 8: Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 1:10 p.m.

 

 

Next Meeting: July 7, 2016

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Allison Little

Administrative Specialist