City of Lawrence

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

December 12, 2017 minutes

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Chair, Allen Humphrey, Sue Hack, John Blazek, Amanda Enfield

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Vice Chair, LaRisa Chambers

STAFF PRESENT:

Derek Rogers, Roger Steinbrock, Lee Ice

PUBLIC PRESENT:

Michael Almon, Kim Anspacin, Alan Cowles

 

I.               Meeting called to order by Humphrey

 

II.       Approval of November 14, 2017, minutes by Hack, and seconded by Blazek. 

 

III.           Highlights/Concerns

Hack and Blazek commented on how well kept our facilities are and the assistance they have received from staff has been so helpful.

 

It was recommended by Enfield to further discuss Ordinance No. 3470 in reference to the naming of the Horseshoe Pits after citizen, Wynne Mihura. Family members have been unable to obtain one-percent of the signatures needed to proceed with the request to the City Commission as outlined in the ordinance.  It was discussed further with Enfield motioning to request the City Commission to accept volunteer hours worked by Mihura over the years in lieu of obtaining the one-percent of public signatures needed to move forward with the consideration of naming the horse shoe courts after Mihura.  Motion carried 4-0.  A second motion was also presented, requesting the City Commission to review Ordnance No. 3470 | Naming of Parks and Recreation Facilities for potential update.  The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board also volunteered to review it and offer its recommendations.  Motion carried 4-0.

 

IV.          Trail Markers

          Rogers reported signage for the Lawrence Loop will proceed, next step is to present the idea to the public, emergency personnel and Multimodal Transportation Committee for recommendations on the types of signage that should be used. 

 

V.          Grant Update

Rogers reported $9690 has been received from the LiveWell grant.  We are still awaiting notification on whether the department will be awarded the grant from Walk USA to be used for destination signage along the trails. The Kansas State Historical Society Grant was also submitted to assist with repairs to the mausoleum roof. The recipients will be announced in February, 2018.

 

VI.          By-laws Update

Steinbrock reached out to the legal department and was informed that a template to be used for the draft of by-laws is currently being created and will be distributed within the next few weeks.  Once it has been updated it will be presented at the next scheduled meeting to be reviewed.     

 

 

VII.       Staff reports

 

i.                Recreation/ Expenses-Revenue/2017 Financial Updates –

Ice commented the Holiday Extravaganza at SPL was a huge success.  Special Populations Acting 101 class will perform an adaptation of Beauty and the Beast at Theatre Lawrence Monday, Dec. 18.  Also, at the end of December, SPL will host a Heart of America volleyball tournament.     

           

ii.               Parks/Golf Course/Projects Report/2017 financial updates –

Rogers reported there will be 10-acres devoted to parks at the police station location at Eisenhower and Overland. Possibly creating a fitness integration trail.  Rogers also clarified, Eagle Bend Golf Course deficit reported last month was based on ten months of revenue.  With the full 12 months of revenue, the golf course expects a surplus for 2017.  Just under thirty-thousand rounds of golf were played at Eagle Bend for the year and just under $1M in revenue was collected.  After expenses are paid for the new cart barn and lease with the Kansas Golf Association is taken into account, Eagle Bend will be in the black for the year.         

               

                    iii.       Marketing Report

Steinbrock reported the toy drive is under way.  This year the toys collected will be distributed to Toys for Tots.  Winter/Spring Activity Guide has been distributed.  Preparation will soon take place for the Bill Self/LPRD Golf Classic in mid-June.    

 

VII.        Public Comment

Almon a representative from the Brook Creek Neighborhood Association would like the opportunity to resubmit a new proposal in regard to the Brook Creek Park wooded area, making it a nature preserve area.  The proposal would be submitted in a different format than what was submitted previously, as it did not meet format guidelines.  Board agreed they would review.  

 

IX.       Other – Next Meeting Election of Chair/Vice Chair

         

 

Meeting adjourned.  Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for noon, Tuesday, January 9, 2018.