City of Lawrence

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board                            

June 14, 2005

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Chair Sharon Spratt, Tom Bracciano, Chris Schumm and Kelly Barth

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Vice Chair, Bill Penny

 

STAFF PRESENT:

Fred DeVictor, Mark Hecker, Roger Steinbrock, Ernie Shaw, Jimmy Gibbs, Lee Ice and intern Ryan Martin

 

          Meeting at the Outdoor Aquatic Center was called to order by Chair Spratt.  Intern Ryan Martin, parks and recreation student from Emporia State University was introduced.  Minutes of the May 10 meeting were approved on a motion by Barth, 2nd by Bracciano.

 

          Board members suggested Roxanne Miller, Kansas Land Trust, be invited to a future meeting to discuss their organization.

 

          Park staff and Board member were thanked for the efforts for the June 4th dedication of the Rotary Arboretum near YSI.  Spratt indicated $50,000 was raised for the project, which will be ongoing as additional funds are available.  A gazebo is being planned for installation this fall.

 

          Staff handed out a final agreement to review for the Watson Park, pesticide free, pilot project, which is now in effect.  Volunteers are being solicited to assist in pulling weeds from gardens and landscaped areas.

 

          Jimmy Gibbs headed a committee to review and update our scholarship policies.  He presented updates to the youth scholarship policy.  We award an average of $12,000 in scholarship annually.

 

          Hecker and DeVictor discussed the May 25th Planning Commission meeting where they reviewed the updated Chapter 9 on Parks and Recreation.  Various suggestions were made, which will be reviewed by the committee before they go back to the Planning Commission and eventually the City Commission.

 

          DeVictor presented a proposed ordinance on hunting and trapping in parks, which has been recommended by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks conservation office.  Animals have been caught in traps along the bank of the Kansas River along the mountain bike trails.  This will assist KDWP in enforcement of their regulations.  On a motion by Bracciano, 2nd by Barth, the wording was approved to not allow hunting or trapping in parks.  Motion carried and would be forwarded to the City Commission for consideration.

 

          Hecker reported we have been declared temporary custodians of Memorial Park Cemetery effective Wednesday, May 25th and his crews worked hard getting it in shape for the Memorial Day weekend, which was only a few days away.  The Kansas Attorney Generals office moved, based on numerous complaints, to claim that the owner was not keeping it maintained per state law and turned it over to the City.  Staff will keep the Board updated on progress on court actions pending this cemetery becoming a permanent city responsibility.

 

          Shaw reported summer classes and programs were going well, pool revenue was up and only five classes were cancelled due to limited enrollment.  More customers are enrolling on-line.

 

          Board members were reminded of the Bill Self Youth Scholarship Golf Tournament at Eagle Bend, June 17th.  About 100 golfers are expected.

 

          Meeting adjourned at 1:00P.M.