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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-06-24 - Minutes•
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PRAB
SPECIAL MEETING
JUNE 24, 1998
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ackerman at 5:30 p.m. in Room 219 of the City
Administration Building.
Members Present: Ackerman, Bleidt, Charboneau, Judy, Luttrell, Thiel
Members Absent: Eads, Staggs
Staff Present: Edmonston, Dugwyler, Nelson
Guests Present: None
Media Present: Tom Erpelding, NWA Times
Jill Rohrback, Morning News
Julie Tribble, KIX 104
Laura Kelams, Arkansas Democrat Gazette
PRAB members discussed the proposed 5 -year Capital Improvements Program budget. The target
budget for 1999 includes $432,000 from sales tax and $760,000 from the hotel/motel/restaurant tax
for a total of $1,192,000.
1. Walker Senior Citizens Center/Trails Southeast $116,000
This amount will replenish the Senior Citizens Center building ($500,000 total committed)
funding depleted by the Walker Park Parking Lot project. Trails are funded at $25,000.
This center will be located near Walker Park and will serve area senior citizens with
programs orchestrated by the Council on Aging. The center will aid in providing recreation
for senior citizens.
2. Girls' Softball Complex Northwest $552,000
Phase 3 construction will include the concession/restroom facility, bleachers, concrete
concourse, signage, scorekeeper huts, sidewalks, and lighting. Phase IV will include the large
scale development improvements to Salem Rd. estimated at $105,000.
3. Lake Fayetteville
Field #2 Fencing Replacement (Safety)
June 24, 1998 / Page 1
Northeast $15,000
PRAB Special Meeting
This project will complete the replacement of fencing on Field #2 at the Lake Fayetteville
Softball Complex. The fencing was partially destroyed by a runaway truck in 1997.
Ms. Edmonston informed PRAB a runaway vehicle in fall 1997 ran through the 10' fence on
Field #2. The area was repaired enough for play to continue, but the outfield fence needs to
be replaced. It is scheduled for replacement between the summer and fall softball seasons this
year The $15,000 proposed would replace fencing remaining on Field #2. The current
fencing is original and has become a safety issue.
4. Playground Renovation (Safety) City Wide $50,000
This project will replace an oudated playground in a city park that does not meet current
safety standards. The playground will be determined by a safety audit of all playgrounds in
the park system.
This line item is currently being used to fund playground replacement at Hotz Park. This
budgeted amount could be used in conjunction with other funding sources such as cost shares
and grants. A grant is helping to fund the replacement of antiquated playground equipment
at Walker Park this year Ms. Judy suggested using the community to aid in renovating the
parks. Civic clubs have helped in the past. Playground warranties require installation by
certified installers to ensure all standards are met.
5. Miscellaenous Park Improvements City Wide $15,000
This project will include funding unforeseeable emergencies and removal of hazardous trees
in the Park system.
6. Wilson Pool Northwest $70,000
This funding should finish the dressing room renovation, replace the redwood deck and add
an accessible lift.
The current pool system is antiquated in many aspects, and substantial maintenance and
renovation expenses are incurred each year. There is a huge demand for this facility. Ms.
Judy inquired about the precautions taken at the pool in light of recent news regarding
illnesses contracted from swimming pools. Ms. Edmonston said frequent water tests were
required daily at the facility. Chlorine is still used at Wilson Pool. If a water test indicates a
problem, patrons are removed from the pool until the problem is corrected. The Health
Department also conducts inspections at the pool.
7. Babe Ruth Ballpark Southeast $99,000
Begin the renovation of the ballpark in the current location
Mr. Ackerman requested an on-site visit to the complex to better understand its needs. Ms.
June 24, 1998 / Page 2
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PRAB Special Meeting
Edmonston said the backstops and fences were in dire need of repair. The
concession/restroom building is in poor condition. Complaints from park users are received
frequently. This project would be completed in conjunction with the Babe Ruth Association.
Ms. Edmonston said it was difficult to program for this age group, and we need to provide
the best we can for those utilizing this particular program. Participation needs to be
encouraged. A survey was conducted which revealed the majority of Babe Ruth Park users
favored renovating the current facilities as opposed to relocating it entirely.
8. Master Plan - Phase I City Wide $25,000
The last Master Plan was completed in 1994. Plans should be revised every five years This
plan will guide the future development and philosophy of the Parks and Recreation Division
as it enters the 21st Century.
An updated master plan would establish priority areas and project future needs. A
professional agency would prepare the master plan. Ms. Dugwyler said when applying for
grants part of the review process looks at the master plan and it cannot be older than five
years. Staff is also currently obtaining quotes in regards to printing an updated park brochure.
9. Lake Fayetteville/Lake Sequoyah
Improvements Northeast/Southeast $75,000
Plans and specifications for a campground located in the "Lake Fayetteville North" area.
The concept for a RV park/campground has been on a wish list for a number of years. Mr.
Ackerman requested an on-site visit to evaluate specific needs The campground would be
a capital expenditure but would become an on-going revenue generator.
Questions were raised regarding the proposed trail at Lake Fayetteville. The final draft from
the consulting firm in Tulsa has been received and returned for corrections. There are several
issues which need to be resolved before this project can move forward from its development
stage.
10. Washington School Gym Southwest $125,000
This would be a cost -share project with the Fayetteville School System for a Community
Gym similar to the Holcomb and Vandergriff Community Gyms. (Additional $100,000
requested in unfunded category to equal half of the gym cost - $450,000).
Participation in this project would provide another community facility in a central location.
There were some questions in regards to limited parking, however, it was pointed out there
was a lot of pedestrian traffic in this area As far as the geographical area, Mr. Luttrell said
the numbers show both Holcomb and Vandergriff have been highly utilized and neither of
those facilities are located in a very highly concentrated area of the city (they're in extremes).
He felt this facility would be used just the same.
June 24, 1998 / Page 3
11. Park Land Acquisition/Development City Wide
Reserved for land acquisition and/or development
PRAB Special Meeting
$50,000
Questions were asked regarding both Summit Street and Sutton Street sites. Specifics
regarding these sites are uncertain at this time.
Community Development Block Grant
Walker Park Pavilion Southeast $30,000
The project will complete a replacement pavilion in the southeast section of Walker Park
($40,000 in 1998).
Community Development money has been used in years past and is restricted to certain,
lower-income areas of the city. $40,000 is included in the 1998 budget to raze the existing
pavilion at Walker Park and construct a new one. The Community Development Block Grant
will add $30,000 to this project.
Unfunded - 1999
Walker Park Tennis Court Resurfacing Southeast $12,000
(Safety)
Washington School Gym Southwest
Additional $100,000 requested to equal half of the gym cost of $450,000
$100,000
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board will conduct a tour of several park facilities on Wednesday,
July 1, 1998 beginning at 5:30 p.m. PRAB members will meet at the City Administration Building
and take a van to several sites recommended by staff for inclusion in the 5 -year Capital
Improvements Program. PRAB will also visit two locations which will appear on the July 6 regular
meeting agenda as green space items. If time permits, a meettng will follow to Room 326.
The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
APPROVED 8/w/9.9
MINUTES TAKEN BY:
,Lan
John L. Nelson
June 24, 1998 / Page 4
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