Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Minutes
Regular Meeting – January 11, 2017
Meeting Location: Parks and Recreation Administrative Conference Room
Roll Call
Board Members Present: Kyle Emert
Abby Landmeier
Scott McBrayer
Sam Susuras
Bob Wiig
Parks & Recreation Staff Present: Rob Schoeber, Director
Mike Vendegna, Parks Superintendent
Traci Wieland, Recreation Superintendent
Allison Little, Administrative Specialist
City Staff Present Trenton Prall, Engineering Manager
Due to the absence of both Chair and Vice Chair, Scott McBrayer was nominated and approved, by acclimation, to be Chair of the January 11, 2017 meeting.
Item 1: Meeting Called to Order by acclimation at 12:00 p.m.
Item 2: Approval of Minutes
Sam Susuras made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 1, 2016 meeting. Abby Landmeier seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Motion approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: Yes 5 No 0
Item 3: Capital Projects Rankings
Rob Schoeber provided Board members with a handout showing the capital projects ranking initially and then any change to the rankings after the estimated project costs were provided. None of the rankings changed dramatically (one or two positions) and most didn’t change at all.
Item 4: Bylaws Revision
Rob Schoeber presented the final version of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Bylaws to the board. A few sections have been added to develop consistency with other boards and commissions (Contracts, Expenditures, Ethical Conduct, Legal Advice, Finances, Insurance, Conflicts, Compensation, Expenses and Notices). Additionally, specific meeting days and times have been removed from the language of the bylaws to give the board more flexibility when scheduling meetings. The annual appointment of officers will occur at the meeting when new members are seated, rather than specifically in June. Bob Wiig made a motion to approve the bylaws as amended. Sam Susuras seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Motion approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: Yes 5 No 0
Item 5: Riverfront Update
The Board was introduced to Trenton Prall, Engineering Manager for the City who has worked with Traci Wieland on Las Colonias, the GOCO Inspire Initiative (RIO), Jarvis, Riverside and Monument Road. Traci updated the board on the Riparian Restoration project at Las Colonias which will create and enhance wildlife and riparian habitat as well as provide a place for human interaction with nature. The boat launch (which is identified in the Las Colonias Master Plan) could be the next phase of development at Las Colonias Park. A Local Park and Outdoor Recreation grant from GOCO would be an ideal funding opportunity for the boat launch. Those grant applications are due in the fall. A historical review was completed by Colorado Mesa students in 2014 and approximately four signs will be installed as a part of the Amphitheater project. Additional signs can be included in future phases of the park development.
Colorado Discover Ability (CDA) which has a letter of intent with the City of Grand Junction to lease a portion of the Las Colonias Park property just east of the Phase 1 development continues to work with non-profit groups and secure fundraising for the construction their headquarters on the park property. Their facility will include administrative, programmatic and recreational elements.
Recreation Inspired by the Outdoors (RIO) is the planning effort funded by the GOCO Inspire Initiative. They have been working since January of 2016 to improve places, programs and pathways (leadership opportunities) to engage and connect underserved youth with the outdoors. The group will apply for an implementation grant in 2017. Emphasis for implementation will be focused on Riverside, Jarvis and the Riverfront Trail. The Jarvis area has been identified for improvements such as picnic tables, restrooms and a shelter, among other things, that will encourage greater use of the area by the neighborhood. Riverside Park has been identified as an area of focus due to its proximity to the Dual Immersion Academy and the Riverside Educational Center. Conceptual designs include closure of Riverside Park Drive to allow for a much safer and contiguous path along the riverfront, expanded playground area, larger basketball court, and a larger shelter.
Trenton Prall talked with the board about the Monument Corridor and Trail. Conceptual designs have been developed for a connection from No Thoroughfare Trail to the Lunch Loops, Tabeguache Trail and the Three Sisters. Work continues on right of way acquisition. A grant has been awarded for the re-design of the Lunch Loop Trailhead and parking lot as well for design of the Monument Corridor. The GOCO Connect Initiative is an excellent funding opportunity for the Monument Road Connector.
Item 6: Department Recognition
Rob Schoeber talked with the board about several end of year recognition of staff in the department. The Department as a whole was recognized for their efforts hosting the annual Colorado Parks and Recreation Association Conference. A $500 donation the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Scholarship Fund was made in their honor. A Director’s Award honoring resilience, initiative and customer service was given to the Golf division. Darcy Austin received a department award for her customer service. Callie Osborn submitted a photograph to the National Recreation and Parks Association for their annual calendar contest. Her photograph was chosen out of 400 submissions to be featured in the calendar. Traci Wieland was chosen as the Parks and Recreation Department Employee of the Year for her example, her integrity and her willingness and skill at tackling such large and important projects for the department.
Item 7: Project Updates
Mike Vendegna talked with the board about current Parks projects. In recent days the majority of their time has been spent working on snow and ice removal. Traci Wieland updated the board on the progress of the Las Colonias construction. The slough is complete, and staff will be reviewing the trail punch list with the contractor. Rob Schoeber also talked with the board regarding the change in restauranteur at Tiara Rado. Brent Miller will be taking over the restaurant and is completing that transition this month.
Item 8: For the Good of the Community
Board members inquired about the impact of the proposed event center on a future community recreation center. Rob Schoeber updated the board on a recent meeting with the PLACE committee; they are still very active and are pursuing funding to complete a feasibility study for a recreation center.
Item 7: Adjourn
The meeting adjourned by acclimation at 1:03 p.m.
Next meeting: February 2, 2017 at 12:00pm
Respectfully submitted,
Allison Little
Administrative Specialist
