City of Lawrence

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board                                       

December 14, 2004

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Chair Alice Ann Johnston, Vice Chair, Sharon Spratt, Tom Bracciano and LHS student Matt Riley

 

MEMBERS ABSENT

Bill Penny, Richard Konzem

 

STAFF PRESENT:

Fred DeVictor, Mark Hecker, Ernie Shaw, Roger Steinbrock

 

PUBLIC PRESENT:

Michelle Leininger, Area Neighborhood Planner

 

 

 

The meeting at 947 New Hampshire Street was called to order by Chair Johnston.  Minutes of the November 9th meeting were approved by consensus.

 

          It was noted Bracciano was reappointed to a 2nd four-year tem on the Board.

 

          Staff and Board members congratulated and recognized Chair Alice Ann Johnston and Richard Konzem for their eight years service to the Board.  A cake was presented, which was cut by Chair Johnston and DeVictor presented a plaque to her.  Johnston told the Board it had been very rewarding to serve on this Board and that our parks and recreations services were excellent and ones our citizens should be proud of.  DeVictor read a letter from Konzem, who apologized that he will not attend the last meeting due to work commitments, which reflected on issues, accomplishments and projects over these last eight years.  He also indicated parks and recreation services were well in hand with the professional staff Lawrence has.

 

          DeVictor reported the Tom Wilkerson Teamwork Awards were presented at our annual holiday luncheon December 10th.  Wilma Elder, long time senior aerobics instructor was recognized as a part-time employee; Lisa Hughes, Aquatic Program Clerk, won the full-time teamwork award and Clenece Hills was recognized for her work as Chair of the Sesquicentennial Commission.

 

          Hecker showed the Board conceptual drawing of future development for the 40-acre greenbelt park east of Langston Hughes Elementary School and the result of two public meetings.  The information will be placed on the LPRD website to gain more public input.  Final drawings and cost estimates would be completed this winter.

          Bracciano, Hecker and DeVictor reported on committee meetings of future park planning with the Planning Commission.  Additional meetings (next one December 20th) will be held before finalization of a report for Planning Commission and Advisory Board consideration.

 

          Michelle Leininger, Area Neighborhood Planner, was introduced to discuss a corridor study along the BNSF railroad between 12th and 23rd Streets near Haskell Avenue.  A committee is being formed and she asked for a Board representative to serve on this committee.  Staff indicated they would be involved and the Board suggested contacting Bill Penny who was absent from the meeting.

 

          Steinbrock showed the Board information about a wide variety of hits on the website and enrollment in winter/spring classes to date is 460 compared to 203 last year.  DeVictor reported there may be a LPGA golf tournament n May 2005 at Eagle Bend Golf Course but details have not been worked out.  Green fee increases have been recommended for Eagle Bend which the City Commission will consider on December 21st.

 

          Shaw projected overall annual recreation division revenue would be slightly less than projected, but would be better than expected with the loss of revenue from aquatics due to the wet and mild summer.

 

          Hecker updated the Board on park projects including South Park playground, irrigation and center renovations, Rotary Arboretum and tree planting.

 

          Meeting adjourned at 1:20P.M.  Next meeting January 11th, 2005.