Lawrence Parks and Recreation

Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

May 14, 2013

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  

Chair; Andy Clayton, Vice Chair; Kevin Loos, LaRisa Chambers-Lochner, Jana Dawson, Joe Caldwell

 

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  

 

 

 

STAFF PRESENT: 

Ernie Shaw, Mark Hecker, Roger Steinbrock, Jimmy Gibbs, Tim Laurent

GUESTS:

Chad Lawhorn, Neighborhood Members

 

 

I.             Meeting called to order by Chair Clayton

 

II.           Approval of the April 9 minutes-- Motion to approve April 2013 minutes by Loos, and seconded by Dawson.  Motion passed 5-0

 

III.         Concerns of Board – Loos inquired about an update from Mike Hill regarding the scheduling of the Sunflower League games.  Shaw responded that an update should be sent by the end of May.  Chambers-Lochner inquired about the safety procedures that are in place at our recreational centers.  Laurent indicated there are security cameras and staff has been instructed to contact the police if necessary.  Clayton inquired if pesticides will be used to eliminate the problem of ticks at the ball fields this season.  Hecker indicated spraying would consist of a wide area and could become very costly.  Hecker said we  recommend park visitors take personal action through personal repellents because they would be more effective.   

 

IV.         Rock Chalk Park/Recreation Center – Shaw reported a pre-bid meeting was held on April 25 with contractors.  Bid openings have been moved to May 15.  City Commission will vote on accepting the bid on May 21.

 

V.           LMH feasibility for RCP Rec. Center – Several staff members attended a feasibility study forum on the Wellness Center that will be potentially located within the Rock Chalk Recreation Center.  Suggestions, concerns and needs were compiled and by the end of May a recommendation will be presented to LMH.  LMH at that time will decide if they would be interested in exploring further.

 

VI.         LHS – Tennis Courts – Shaw reported the Tennis Association is pursuing the lighting of the tennis courts located at LHS.  This issue will be added to the regular City Commission agenda in the near future.  There will be 8 lighted tennis courts installed at the Rock Chalk Recreation Center with ample parking. 

 

VII.       2014 Budget submitted May 8 – Budget recommendations were submitted.  June 4 is the scheduled study session and finalization is typically completed in August.  The budget does include a proposed Rock Chalk Park budget.

 

  

 

VIII.     Staff reports

                                     i.    Recreation/Golf Revenue/Expense Report – Shaw indicated that Adult Sports has declined in registrations so far this year.  We are on track to make our revenue.  Golf has also declined due to the weather for the month of March and April.  Projecting a $20,000 profit for the year.

  

                                    ii.    Parks/Projects Report – Hecker reported the outdoor pool is scheduled to be filled today.  Weather has finally been cooperating and flower planting has been completed.  A Port-a-John has been attempted to be placed in Riverfront park/levy area.  Resistance has been made because the park and the levy are located within the flood plain and city code does not permit restrooms within a flood plain area.  An alternative solution is placing a Port-a-John in Walnut Park. 

 

                                   iii.    Marketing Report – Steinbrock reported there will be two interns that will be working for us right after Memorial Day.  One intern is attending KU and is working towards a Master’s degree in Health and Psychology of Physical Activity.  He will be working on developing a participant evaluation for our fitness classes looking at the overall experience they are having, which will assist instructors with how they teach their classes.  He will also work with the OrganWise program to enhance the physical fitness portion of the program by developing exercise workouts to be used in the summer camps. Our other intern is a recent graduate with Emporia State and will be part of our traditional internship program.  We have also hired another person to run our OrganWise Guys program, who has a degree from Kansas State in dietetics and is working toward her registered dietitian license. OrganWise Guys, Inc. is also using us in their marketing materials to promote their curriculum to other parks and recreation agencies nationwide.

 

Meeting adjourned.  Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for noon, Tuesday, June 11, 2013, Parks and Recreation Conference Room located at South Park Administration Office.