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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-12-17 - MinutesPRAB REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 17, 1990 The Meeting was called to order by Rodney Ryan at 320 of the City Administration Building. Members Present: Parks Staff Present: City Staff Present: Guests Present: BUSINESS I. Alexander, Robertson, 3:15 p.m. in room Anderson, Colwell, Kimbrough, Ryan, Waselues Clark, Edmonton David Cox, Perry Franklin, Scott Linebaugh, John Merrell, Stephen Street Press - Tom Sissom MOTION: The minutes from the December 3, 1990 PRAB meeting were approved unanimously 5-0. (Waselues & Kimbrough not present.) II. arms & RECREATION DIVISION RKDRGANIZATIOM PIsrnRSi g City Manager. Scott Linebaugh, reported that the funding for the city is near to the "critical' side. Twenty city positions have been cut. Linebaugh predicts there should be no more major cuts in the budget between now and. 1993. He stated that there will not be any additional positions for the Parks Maintenance Division, therefore making Parks Maintenance part of the maintenance pool would provide a larger number of people and equipment available to the maintenance of the parks. The Parks Maintenance will remain under the Public Works Department and the Recreation/Park Development will be transferred to the Planning Department. Linebaugh stated that this reorganization will not change PRAB. Perry Franklin will be in charge of Parks Maintenance and will make certain that Parks Maintenance is performed as requested by Dale Clark. Clark and Franklin will meet weekly and Franklin will attend all PRAB meetings. David Cox as Operations Manager will be responsible for making 12.02 • 3 PRAB Page 2 certain that all resources are available as needed and will set the Public Works Department's priorities on work orders. Linebaugh further explained that in the budget situation the city is currently in, this reorganization is an outlook that should be implemented in order not to spend more money. John Merrell stated that he will be a strong advocate for the Parks Department. He commented that "..our water resources are priceless resources for the city." Merrell affirmed that there is a natural relationship and coordination between Parks and Recreation and the Planning Department and that there will be a teamwork approach. Robertson asked how the priorities will be set for the Public Works Department? He was concerned that the Streets and Water Division projects would have a higher priority than Parks maintenance. Linebaugh answered that the priorities will probably remain the same. Parks maintenance staff will be performing their own work as they currently do most of the time. Linebaugh views that Parks Maintenance will receive more assistance from other divisions in the Public Works Department than they will in assisting other divisions. He confirmed that there will be a direct link between Franklin and Clark. No other levels will be involved unless there is a problem. Linebaugh stated that if this reorganization does not work, it would revert back to the old organization immediately. Linebaugh encouraged PRAB to communicate to him if there are any problems or if maintenance services are not adequate. Robertson asked if there would be a time frame for the evaluation of the reorganization. Scott stated that it will be evaluated every quarter and the reason for this change was to help the Parks. Members of PRAB expressed their concern for coordination of maintenance and planning occur. PRAB also stated their concern for the maintenance level of the parks deteriorating gradually and the process not being evident until later when there is a problem. 12.03 BAB Page 3 Kimbrough expressed his cone rn for enough flexibility in planning for tournaments and in working with the many associations to coordinate events and facilities. David Cox stated that he will be in (charge of all operations so that coordination of resources including personnel, equipment" and materials will result. Street assured that parks maintenance will not receive less service than it currently does, but will probably receive more. He stated that the reorganization has flattened the management levels. Robertson asked how the park maintenance will receive the same service with the Parks Horticulturist being transferred to the Planning Department. The horticulturists currently spends 75% of her time in performing maintenance jobs including flower bed development and maintenance; fertilizing ballfields; aerating ballfields; pruning trees and shrubs; planting and watering trees; etc. It was questioned why the horticulturist would not remain in the Public Works Department since must of the horticulturist's consultation is maintenance orientated to the divisions within the Public Wo}�ks Department. Robertson also stated that a horticulturist does not have the background to plan and design parks. Merrell statedl that the City Horticulturist will consult with the different city divisions concerning horticultural works and .will assists in a city tiree ordinance, tree preservation plan. and adopt -a -tree program. It was still unknoin if the City Horticulturist will remain under Parks Development or will be pla ed under the Planning Division. III.CalBSINKILS Rodney Ryan will set a date for PRAB to meet with the YMCA Board and Unite Way Board to discuss the coordination of recreational needs for the community. PRAB requested that the minut s of the PRAB meeting be more detailed and th t they be' taps recorded. to • PRAB Page 4 Todd White is resigning from PRAB due to his increased responsibilities at his work. This will make five openings on PRAB. Ryan stated that the new PRAB members will not be appointed until after the first of the year and that the current members will continue meeting until the appointments are made by the City Board of Directors. MOTION: RYAN/COL I.i. The meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. Minutes approved: Connie 6dmonston Acting Secretary • Of MRK & ATRIUM ONE CAPIML MAIL RFK 74201 PHON501-682-7777 FAX: 501-6824364 NI GOVERNOR" Richard W. Davies EXECUT1VE DIRECTOR aouE MRK. & TINE COMMISSION: Month McNally CHAIRMAN Lackw VICE-CHAIRMAN Stave Chyrchal Ed FOIsNI Jo" Puna Jam Gaston 10 elI1y Lindsay Cons MaQIe Dean Maras Olden Mum Neo Secret fad" ShamburgM Odd WON hafts woryan DIMON DIREOIDK: Joe MN TOUREN John L Pag parmaseN 'Mb Aikin s. THE NATURAL S ATE December 14, 1990 Dear Friends: On behalf of the Commission, I am enclosing a copy of a report detailing the efforts and achievements of the past year which has been prepared by the Arkansas State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commissioners. I think you will And the contents very enlightening and interesting. As 1990 draws to a close, we can all be proud of the progress we have made for the tourism industry and for the State of Arkansas The staff of the Parks and Tourism Department is to be commended fora Ane job, having efficiently and successfully guided the State through another year of progress and growth Their dedication and commitment to the development of our Industry Is clearly reflected in the results outlined in the enclosed report. Our advertising agency, Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods, has done an out- standing job of positioning Arkansas as a top vacation destination, providing a i Combination of expertise and effective strategy. The advertising and marketing plans for 1991 are Amily aimed toward our co five-year goal of enri�:.:.� the quality of life and improving the economy of by generating travel and enhancing the Image of the state. . I hope you will be as- pleased with the results outlined in the enclosed report as the Commissioners are. The accomplishments in the areas of Parks and Touristic are fine examples of what great things can happen when a group ofle work together toward goals that benefit every 'citizen of our state. Please feel free to contact me or any one of the Commissioners should you have comments or questions regarding the report. 'We feel privileged to serve you and the great State of Arkansas. • • I hope that you and yours enjoy a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Y Sincerely, Montane McNulty State Parks, Rec eadon and Travel Commission eztat MM:ns Enclosure din • 12.06 4 0 Arkansas. State Parks, Recreation And Travel Commission c.:1 'm .iQ3 .;':.�'I�� • ARKANSAS STATE PARKS, RECREATION AND TRAVEL COMMISSION ' THE 1989-90 REPORT As Arkansas enters the last decade of the millennium, we are increasingly optimistic about our state's future. School programs are on the upswing and industrial growth continues at a record pace. And other crude! Issues like highways, solid waste management, and prisons are getting serious attention. Likewise, we are pleased with the progress being made in Arkansas on the recreation/environment/conservation/tourism front. In particular, we are proud of the Department of Parks and. Tourism and its accomplishments during 1989-90.. Every Division in the Department has improved its services during this period. Some examples: Tourism Division • Answered approximately 500,000 inquiries in 1990 — up 30% over 1989. • Unveiled the initial episode of "The Four Seasons of Arkansas"— a four-part series developed in conjunction with the Arkansas EducationalNetwork. ITelevision • Sponsored promotional events at two key motoYcoach marketplaces — Travel South USA's "Showcase" and the National Tour Association's annual convention. • Added new cities — Memphis, New Orleans, Houston, and Indianapolis to Its schedule of consumer travel shows. • Hired an additional travel writer to cover the southem part of the state. • Escorted 13 out-of-state travel writers and photographers on their visits to Arkansas, and provided editorial research and photographic services to countless writers and editors. a• Distributed the "Five-year Strategic Tourism Plan"— a document specifically written to keep the state's marketing campaign on the ri ht course. • Played a key role in the production of a new, 58 -page "image book" for Arkansas in conjunction with four other state agencies. • Strengthened the Division's Tourism Development Section — the section responsible for assisting communities in tourism planni , fostivals, and hospitality training. Page 2 12.08 4 • Enlarged the advertising campaign for motorcoach operators, and produced a new group travel planner. • Co -hosted with the Arkansas Industrial development Commission (AIDC) a very successful "Media Days II" event which brought Arkansas to the attention of prominent publishers and editors. • Worked with the 12 regional tourist associations to make the most of a 112% budgetary increase in the matching fund program. • Established a minority research program; increase black travelers' interest in Arkansas.. and then developed a campaign to • Began efforts to target the meeting/convention trade. • Obtained new uniforms for the 37 employees at the Tourist Information Centers. • Continued the research program, Including the compilation of data from • 10,000 visitors to 50 destinations across the state • Expanded the multi-million dollar research -based advertising program II(includ- • Ing television for the first time) both in-state and out-of-state by carefully targeting key demographic groups. • Saw Arkansas tourism get cover stories and dozens of features in national magazines, and saw the industry get unprecedented attention in Arkansas. • Premiered "Arkansas Proud" -- the new 1 li4-minute Arkansas video developed as a Partners in Tourism project with help from the Dr Pepper Bottlers of Arkare;as. • Promoted an "Arkansas Proud" campaign throughout the state, speciallyT designed to bolster the self-image of Arkansans. • Distributed a 44 -page, four-color annual raport for 1989-1990. • Unveiled a 12 -passenger VIP mini-motorooaoh, given to the Industry Partr»rs in Tourism project by Falcon Jet Corporacion, paaleaklO uiliy Doman, Ward Bus Sala, American Transportation Corporation, Greater Utile .._.., Chamber of Commerce, Little Rods Convention & Visitors; Bureau, Antall Tour$sm Development Foundatloh , and'ALLTEL Mobile Comihi itlloir rifi,l 4 12.05 alteadiaandalga • Served 8.8 million visitors In Calendar Year 1989.' • Generated over $10 million In revenue, which Is 80% of its operating revenue, during Calendar Year 1989. A. $2.9 million from cabins and lodges. B. $2.0 million from food sales. C. $1.4 million from camping fees. D. $1.4 million from gift, craft and store salesl E. $ .4 million from the got course. • Developed the PARCS (State Parks Resource Corps), a system -wide volun- teer program for Arkansas State Parks. • Utilized the services of over.4,000 volunteers who contributed 50,000 hours at an estimated value of $350,000 with donations of materials Omounting to $230,000 for a total value of over one-half.millIon dollars. • Presented interpretive programs to 240,000 State Park visitors. • Coordinated Earth Day promotion and activities in 24 State Parks, and hosted 28 Starlight Concerts In State Parks. • Completed an intensive study of Interpretive programs. • Improved programs and services for handicapped visitors to include program accessibility for the blind and hearing Impaired at Pinnacle Mountain and Toltec Mounds State Parka. • • Presented. numerous interpretive programs to organizations across the state, Including 121 appearanoes of the State Parks' Mascot,'ResOuros Raccoon'. • Conducted 10 museum workshops and provided !vices to ramming in 42 counties. < • Awarded $74,666 to 21 non-profit mussums and 1 osntsm In Arkansas. . . • Doubled the *ton at the ON morins MuNu $mpokov sr, dna Its opening in 1 et 1180•14. 12.10 • Opened the new exhibits in the main Gallery of the Plantation Agriculture Museum at Scott, Arkansas. • Worked with the Office of "•irsonnel Management to develop an equitable classification system for all Arkansas State Park employees. • Participated with the Employment Security Division in the General Aptitude Test Battery for uniformed personnel to develop a national job standard for State Park Superintendents, Interpreters and Rangers. • Updated 95% of telephone systems at State Parks! including the Implementa- tion of long distance discount services and 1-800 numbers for the State Park lodges. • Awarded $344,202 from the Outdoor Recreation Grants Program to 15 local recreation projects. • Responded to 640 individual requests for trail information. 1 • Developed a "Fun Park Program" for rural areas which Governor Clinton will recommend to the 78th Arkansas General Assembly. I • Obtained special use permit from the U. S. Forest eervice for the proposed Mount Magazine State Park. • Produced Resource Management Plan for the Cossatot River State Park and Natural Area, a Maintenance Managernent Pian for the Parks system, a Program Plan for the Ozark Cultural Resource Center at the Ozark Folk Center, and a Feasibility Study/Historical Structure Report on the Powhatan Jail. • Completed evaluation and feasibility studies at ten (10) locations throughout the state. 12.11 i • • Completed major maintenance projects at Lake Chicot, Ozark Folk Center, Pinnacle Mountain, DeGray Lake Resort, Toltec Mounds, Mount Nebo, Lake Catherine,' Bull Shoals, Moro Bay and Powhatan Courthouse State Parks. A. Renovated 64 DeGray Lake Resort lodge rpoms. B. Roofed 60 Ozark Folk Center lodge units; several Ozark Folk Center craft buildings, including the Targe auditorium; Lake Chlcot Visitor Informa- tion Center and Assistant Superintendent's reildenoe C. Started major project to phase In the rept mint and/or removal of underground petroleum storage tanks to bring stat Parts Into compli- ance with Environmental Protection Agency R ulatlons. Page 5 • D. Replaced electrical wiring at 34 campsite and 4 (four) cabins. • Received $987,300 dollars from Natural and Cultural Resources Coundl for 25 State Park projects In 1989 and $350,000 for 14 State Park projects in 1990. • Completed $1.8 million of capital improvements protects in State Parks in 1989 and over $1 million in 1990. The best parks and all the tourism promotion dollars in the world won't do any good unless Invoices are processed, bills paid, Interviews scheduled, employees trained, records maintained and audits performed. Those and other critical functions are provided by the Department's Administrative Services Division, Personnel Section and Internal Auditor. Administrative Services Division . • Paid $10,549,219 In wages (via 23,389 payroll chiecks) to over 1,500 employees. * Processed 28,164 checks and vouchers (excluding payroll). ® An average of 1,523 vendors were paid each month. • Accounted for over 100,000 pre -numbered receipts. . . • Saved considerable staff time by implementing computer programs for tip reporting, pre -numbered receipt accounting, and monthly finandal reports. • Turned out a record of nearly three million pnnted impressions at the Warehouse/Print Shop. • Shipped 223 tons of literature to Tourist Information Centers, Sport, Boat & Travel Shows, State Parks, and others • Traveled 6,000 miles delivering literature to 9 Spl,rt, Boat & Travel Shows. • Established a clearinghouse for redistribution of used equipment. • Conducted 33 training workshops. (With 719 paRidpants.) • InteMewed 454 Individuals (from a total of 2,679 applicants) for 68 positions (excluding field positions and extra help). • Visited 24 schools or universities on a regular balls for rsorultment purposel Pali. IS 12.12 L • Completed 571 performance appraisals. • Performed pre -audit functions for 1,140 travel vouchers, and conducted annual audit of Mid-America Museum. • Reviewed time sheets and leave records In accordance with Fair Labor Standards Act. This partial list of accomplishments — and we feel It is a very Impressive one did not just happen. It Is the product. of, countless hours of work by a dedicated Depart- mental team of nearly 1,000 full and part-time employees who are absolutely devoted to Arkansas and Its people. They believe in what they're doing, and It shows. To sum up, it's been a very productive and encouraging: time period. We think the Department of Parks and Tourism Is doing an exemplai'y job, aiding immensely in the efforts to advance our. state. We feel fortunate to have an opportunity to work with this outstanding group. VieAs .i' .a. FA,YETTEVI LLE TH* CITY W FATIRWIUI. ARKANSAS DEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE 12.11 TO: Scott Linebaugh.Q FROM: Connie Ed nston DATE: SUBJECT: December 14. 1990 City Manager Assistant Parks Director Herbicide Task Force Meeting - December 13. 1990 Enclosed are detailed notes on the Thursday Herbicide Task Force Meeting. The next meeting was set for Tuesday, January 8. 1991 at 5:30.pM to iron out all questions before the policy is presented to the public. The committee decided to present the original policy as submitted to you at the public meeting. The public meeting date Will be set at the January 8th meeting. CC: Ce/ce herbm Stephen street David Cox Jerry Codper {2•I4-ROtLJ • Members Present: Staff Present: Press Present: DISCUSSION: Linebaugh: Noble: Coody: Linebaugh: Linebaugh: Noble: Vick: Coody: Linebaugh: Talbert: Telthorst: • HERBICIDE COMMITTEE MEETING DECEMBER 13, 1990 Coody, Ferrall, Forsythe, House, Massey, Noble, Talbert. Telthorst, Vick Scott Linebaugh, Stephen Street, Jerry Cooper, Connie Edmonston Tom :'issom, Representative from Morning News ITEM NUMBER ONE PART B ... as determined by the City Board of Directors. Does this mean general or specific? Minimum that the City Board. know where they're ,spraying. Also be aware of alternatives. and what possible City to try alternatives first, then use herbicides only as necessary. If the term is general, then it is acceptable. ITEM NUMBER FOUR PART C I see time and cost involved if we notify adjacent property owners. Is this item really necessary if it is posted? Item #4 Part B- To post after herbicide is applied Item #4 Part C -Problems have been that adjacent property owners might want to protect their property or leave town if they're sensitive to herbicides. Maybe post the notice a few days in advance. Run advertisements in the newspapers. We agree with posting the signs in advance and running ads in the newspapers. We are not going to have drifting or run off that is an example of misapplication. Accidents do happen, signs are stolen and played with. '..h"i<A M'w 12.12 • r • Forsythe: Noble: Street: Telthorst: Linebaugh: Vick: Coody: Linebaugh: Talbert: Street: HERE PAGE 2 I was worried that this would imply that we are asking permission for the public to apply herbicides. We need a combination of newspaper and Open Channel. We will make every effort to inform people. We could send notices in the water bills. I hear you say that you are planning on spraying more than at the airport? Item number seven is to enforce Ordinance 2076. We would like to but how would we enforce it? We came up with some ideas: Half of the citizens are now maintaining right-of-ways. If we enforce it, we would worry about: 1. Will it encourage private individuals to take care of the weeds? We'll have bigger problems than now. A lot of right-of-ways are ditches that go into streams. (Trained verses non -trained people applying herbicides) 2. How will we enforce it? expensive fcr the City cleaned up, send notices, ideas of how to do it - a. City do it?' b. Hiring contractors to do it? Enforcement problems will be great. It needs to be put in the water bill that the City will selectively be enforcing the ordinance. Insert should recommend herbicide alternatives to .the public. It is very to have lots etc. We need The City could send lawn mowing crew to mow areas and add $20 or so to the water bill. Let us get back to the enforcement problem -Those who would have paid would have already paid it. Property owners versus renters creates problems. We don't have a better idea. These areas are currently mowed by the City. If the right-of-ways are not maintained, the City must do it. 414.11160,0410 . All 12.1: 0 Talbert: HERB PAGE 3 The Vegetation Management study go;s into procedures to enforce these types of control. Arkansas legislation might govern. ITEM NUMBER EIGHT Linebaugh: The City Board of Directors could set up a committee of oversight. This could create some problems. This would put another chain of bureaucracy so people could not go straight to the City Board of Directors. We recommend against Item Number Eight. This committee could not do anything, it would have to go to the City Board anyway. We are ready to present this to the public. Most of the policy can be implicated without taking City Board action. Noble: This would be a City Advisory Panel. Linebaugh: I see no problems if the City Board wished to appoint one. House: The way this is written gives a broad range of interpretation. I am not comfortable with City staff determining herbicides are necessary or cost prohibitive. Who will be interpreting these areas that herbicides will be applied to? Linebaugh: The City Board must dictate policy. There is no problem with an advisory group to advise the City Board. I recommend that an advisory committee is formed to the City Board to review policies. I have problems in the "oversight." I am a firm believer in Advisory Boards that have the expertise needed. Talbert: A staff committee will establish a policy from the herbicide committee general policy. If there were .an advisory group, they would review it. We must rely on a policy that staff can make good judgement on. There are problems in taking each situation on a case by case basis and have a committee meeting to determine what and if to apply it. The University of Arkansas would be interested in giving various alternatives for the staff to follow. Telthorst: Unless at the airport or ballfielda, it wold have to be approved by the City Board. &74S.S4?`.;!,:+"Ai7t.Z , I$tlzlnta,t& s sL a 'Mtt tut ttvl dat wakowwomimmm 12.14 Street: Telthorst: Street: Noble: Vick: HERB PAGE 4 We would take a specific policy to City Board for approval once a year. Whenever spraying herbicides is wanted it must go to the City Board. We have a large segment of people who do not want any spraying. The only practical way would be to lay out a program. It is not practical to do without herbicides. If the City intends to go beyond the specific policy that the City Board approves once a year, then it must go to the City Board for approval. These policies have been a major compromise between all parties. The "spirit" is reducing herbicides, using the least toxic when you have to apply, reducing, and having alternatives through research with the U of A. House: It requires effort and diligence from the people involved in making the policy. Linebaugh: City Board will need to approve this policy first. Talbert: This is a cautious approach. Forsythe: There is a distrust on this committee and on the City. There has been a distrust for science and professionals in this area. The advisory board should be a committee of experts. House: How do you see the future of this committee? Linebaugh: You need to conduct a public meeting, listen to the public, review, and finalize a policy for me. Talbert: What would be the time frame for the public meeting? Noble: I would like to take what we originally had to the public meeting and then revise it. Linebaugh: We would like to have what we feel comfortable with before presenting to the public. Coody: We will wait until January for Public meeting. 12.15 T House: HERB PAGE 5 Could we have a rough draft of how the City would like to interpret the policy and an example of a herbicide plan? Linebaugh: It will take a lot of time to prepare one. Telthorst: Let's get the public's input. Talbert: I think this group is somewhat representative of the public. Coody: One more quick meeting in January before we meet with the public. Ideas on Ordinance 2076 and others that Scott has brought up that we need to kick around. Telthorst: I would like the City to givo us what they interpret before we meet again. Coody: The City should be able to give us a hypothetical approach before next meeting. House: Now I think Street has something more in mind that just airport and ballfields as he reported before. What does the City really plan on doing? I am concerned if we have built in any recommendations. Coody: Also see the City has alternative research as with the U of A for Vegetation Management. Talbert: We are definitely trying alternative methods. The City horticulturist should be able to draft a hypothetical scenario of the City's herbicide policy. Vick: Let's try to iron out questions before public meeting. Massey: ,We need to meet the night after the ?ublic meeting to review for finalization. Next meeting on Tuesday, January 8, 1990 at 5:30. Edmonston is to tell Scott that the committee requests a hypothetical scenario before the next meeting. This scenario is to be sent to the Task Force members prior to the January 8, 1990 meeting so that the committee will have time to review it. Dr. Forsythe requested that all members of the committee receive the samples from Des Moines, Iowa and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. 12.16