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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-04-05 - MinutesFAYETTEVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD Minutes for April 5, 2010 Opening: The regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was called to order by Acting Chairman Craig Mauritson at 5:35 p.m. in Room 111 at the City Administration Building located at 113 West Mountain Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Present: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members Biendara, Hazelrigs, Lindsey, Mauritson, Meinecke, Waite, and Watson were present. Meldrum arrived at 5:37 p.m. Staff members Edmonston, Jumper, Humphry, Gipson, Thomas, and the audience were present. 1. Approval of March 1, 2010 PRAB Meeting Minutes PRAB Motion: Mauritson motioned to accept the minutes as written, and Biendara seconded it. Motion passed 7-0-0 by voice vote. 2. Botanical Garden Annual Report: Walt Filers, BGSO Board President Eilers said there are 1,849 paid members as of 2010. They want 2,500. They are developing a marketing program to promote the gardens. Two new gardeners have been hired to replace Susan Reagan. There are 44,000 bulbs planted and blooming at the gardens. They are also handing out free adult guest passes good through the end of May. Hopefully, through these passes, they will get more volunteers and members. Mauritson commented that they are getting quite a return on their investment. He said the passes are a good idea. 3. Community Gardens Update: Lisa Netherland, Horticulturist Netherland said that Community Gardens helps people focus on a common goal. In 2009, the coalition muddled through items and tried to raise awareness. A garden was developed at the Seven Hills shelter. A Community Gardens coalition was formed, and currently has nine members. In January 2010, the coalition held a strategic planning session that was very successful. She said that 2010 will define the coalition. They are working to fully define the criteria, as well as researching funding and grants. Netherland met with Washington, DC lobbyists m2010. A seed swap was held at the Fayetteville Public Library in February. Several places, such as the Walker Senior Center, have been identified in Fayetteville as potential garden spots. The coalition wants to focus on low to moderate income people. They hope to launch a website soon. Mauritson commented, "Wow! You've been very busy!" Netherland agreed. Watson asked how big the gardens could be. Netherland said that the gardeners could have any size they want, as long as they stay within the very general guidelines. Mauritson said they are doing great. Edmonston said that Netherland ran with the ball and took charge of this. She commends her and wants to brag on her. . Netherland said that the coalition is phenomenal. They are working very hard. 4. Farmers' Market at BGSO on Sundays: Connie Edmonston, Parks & Recreation Director The Farmer's Market has requested to be open at the Botanical Gardens on Sundays. They have to get a conditional permit, and the ordinance has to be amended. It will be going before the Council tomorrow night. The market will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It won't be allowed on the parking lot. Mauritson asked if a vote could be taken for a show of support. Edmonston said yes, if they wanted. PRAB Motion: Mauritson motioned to support the Farmers Market at BGSO, and Waite seconded it. Motion passed 8-0-0 by voice vote. 5. Veterans Park Restroom: Alison Jumper,.Park Planning Superintendent Jumper gave an update. The existing restrooms are on septic. Since a sewer lift station is being installed nearby, 600 feet of sewer line will be used to connect the bathrooms to the sewer main. The request is going to the City Council. 6. Other Business: Edmonston said that a vote was needed to install a new chairperson to replace Steve Hatfield. A vice chairperson also needed to be installed. PRAB Motion: Meinecke motioned to nominate Mauritson as the chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and Biendara seconded. Mauritson abstained from the vote. Motion passed 7-0-0 by voice vote. PRAB Motion: Mauritson motioned to nominate Biendara as the vice chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. Meldrum seconded it. Biendara abstained from the vote. Motion passed 7-0-0 by voice vote. Edmonston said that she had exciting news. She said today Parks got a signed letter from the bank about SouthPass. Mauritson said that it was a long time coming. Biendara asked about Red Oak Park. Jumper said that the plan was submitted to the Corp of Engineers. She is hoping the completion date will be August. Gipson said that the Lake Fayetteville Outdoor Festival will be held on April 17. This will be the second festival held. There will be lots of activities. Everything will be free except for the food. Waite said last year was great. Gipson said this year Parks and Recreation partnered with a University of Arkansas class, so the class could do a lot of the planning for the festival. A press release will go out Wednesday or Thursday of this week. Humphry said there was a controlled bum on the dam last week, and a partial burn on the prairie. The prairie burn will be completed when the weather conditions are right. The winds are causing the delay. Meinecke asked about the sign at Lake Fayetteville. He said people want to know how far the trail is. Edmonston said that park signs are being built in-house. A sign with park rules is also being built. Waite asked about the Gulley Park concert schedule. Gipson said it would be released next month. Eilers said that on April 27th, several thousand kids would be at the Botanical Gardens for Earth Day. 7. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m. Minutes taken by Melanie Thomas.