HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark Board Minutes 03.01.2007 MINUTES
PARK BOARD
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MARCH 1, 2007 5:30 P.M.
Members Present:
Chairwoman Kate Hart
Norm Stamper
Amy Pollock
Mark Mace
Others Present: None
The meeting was called to order by Chairwoman Kate Hart.
At 5:33 p.m., there was no one from tha public in attendance.
There were no previous Park Board minutes to approve, as this is the first meeting of the
newly-ereated board appointed by the City of Laurel Mayor Ken Oison.
The Park Board discussed a park maintenance district, how it would be achieved, and its
relationship with a new city pool. Several coiih~ents were made about the pool and its
present state as stated by Chairwoman Hart. Amy asked what the board should be doing.
A short discussion ensued regarding the park leases. Norm and Mark informed the Board
on what had been done by the Mayor's task force on park leases, which was formed from
the Public Works Committee. The information related particularly to Riverside Park and
the groups which reside there. It was discussed to inquire from Councilman Easton's
perspective of the condition of the park leases and the Riverside Park lessees. There was
a long discussion on the parks funding in general throughout the city. Mark mentioned
that the CIP funding for the parks might have been exhausted on the outdoor restmom
structures that would be installed at the "Kids' Kingdom" in Kiwanis Park. It was agreed
that a report from Public Works Director Klotz, as well as other direction on where the
department is heading on park maintenance in genera[ would be needed to decide any
further direction pertaining to funding recommendations.
Amy told the board that the (Moms) playground group had excess monies in a fund after
the "Kids' Kingdom" project was completed and closed out. The monies were
considered by that group to be used to fund a children's play stmeture at the Lions Park
playground. The group talked to a playground company that has a 30% off sale until
June 2007. Amy asked if there were any additional funds to use from the City of Laurel
playground fund that would match and help with shipping costs to ensure a large
adequate structure. The shipping costs for this playground series were estimated to be
around $2,000.00. Amy has been in contact with the new Wal-Mart's general district
manager and needs to set up a meeting with them to discuss any possible future help from
them on area playground support.
Riverside Park was mentioned again as to the condition of the usage and what the future
might hold for the Park to be used by more children in Laurel. The example of a trail
system was mentioned by Chairwoman Hart. Amy Pollock was not aware of the hazards
discussed during council workshops regarding the Laurel Rifle Clubs using the range on
the east end of the Riverside Park. The council members on thc committee reiterated the
conditions and concerns that rest with the use that is present at Riverside Park. Norm
Stamper stated that he has been contacted by the Little League as to whether there is
space available for a field to be built along the river, which would be attractive in the
future. Chairwoman Hart divulged a contact that asked if the city crews could pave an
area near the entrance of the boat ramps so that the "Peaks to Prairie" Triathlon could
have a better way to get the contestants offthe highway and exchange in a safer way to
start the final leg of thc canoe portion of the established race, which has been a longtime
statewide attended event. Norm and Kate both agreed that a Master Plan, similar to the
Cemetery Master Plan, would be needed before there are any plans to change or use the
Park in any future endeavor.
Norm brought up the committee's size of membership and whether or not members that
reside out of the city limits could be considea~d for inclusion. Norm knows of an
individual who would make a great addition to the City of Laurel's parks business. The
bylaws of the committee would need to be reviewed for the answers to this question on
members and where they reside. Chairwoman Hart stated that she would contact Mayor
Oison, Public Works Director Klotz, and Council President Easton regarding all the
questions that were discussed at this meeting for the next meeting on April 2, 2007 at
5:30 p.m. The chairwoman reminded everyone that the cortiiiiittee would be on a set
meeting on the first Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 6:41 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mark Mace