Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-09-13 - Minutes�Itn�H'•M1' FAYETTEVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD Minutes for September 13, 2010 Opening: The regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was called to order by Craig Mauritson at 5:35 p.m. in Room 111 at the City Administration Building at 113 West Mountain Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Present: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members Mauritson, Biendara, Meinecke, Bailey, Watson, Waite, and Hazelrigs were present. Lindsey and Meldrum were absent. Staff members Edmonston, Gipson, Jumper, Humphry, Mihalevich, and Thomas were in attendance. Approval of August 2, 2010 PRAB Meeting Minutes PRAB Motion: Meinecke motioned to accept the minutes as written, and Waite seconded it. Motion passed 7-0-0 by voice vote. 2. Introduction of Ron Cox, new Botanical Garden of the Ozarks Executive Director: Walt Eilers, BGSO Board President Cox introduced himself. He said that the board had their annual meeting yesterday, and two new board members were elected for a 3 year term. There are 18 board members now. During this meeting, the BGSO volunteers were recognized. These volunteers donate roughly 7,000 hours to help the gardens. The UP Sprouts program for preschoolers is going well. There are approximately 50 little ones attending along with parents and grandparents. BSGO has grown collaborative working relationships with WAC, Crystal Bridges, Farmer's Market on Sundays, Aquatic Center, Flower, Nature and Garden Society, and Shaw and Baker elementary schools. 3. Botanical Garden Monthly Report: Michael Lindsey Ron Cox gave the report (see above) when he introduced himself. 4. Green Infrastructure Video and Introduction: Bob Caulk, FNHA Caulk is with the Fayetteville Natural Heritage Group, which is involved with maintaining and preserving green space. He showed a green infrastructure video featuring Wade Colwell, Patti Erwin, Chris Wilson, as well as other contributors. The video talked about how important it is to preserve native green space. Caulk said that the study in this area is done and they will work with the City to ensure the plan is done. The study encompassed Fayetteville, Johnson, Farmington, and Wedington. Mauritson said the timing is great. Trails are very popular now versus ten years ago. Someday it will be possible to walk on a trail from Fayetteville to Rogers. Caulk said that it's closer than people think. The surrounding communities are increasing their trail mileage, and will soon connect with Fayetteville trails. S. Trails Update: Matt Mihalevich, Trails Coordinator Mihalevich had a power point to update PRAB on the Fayetteville trail system. The trail master plan was adopted in 2009, and has 100 miles of trails. The trails that are currently being worked on are Mud Creek Trail, Bryce Davis Trail, Frisco Trail, the Lafayette Street bridge trail that goes under the bridge, Maple Street crosswalk, Oak Ridge Trail, and the Niokaska Creek Trail. $30,000 has been budgeted for on -street trails, which are designated with markings. They are called sharrows. Meinecke said that the triangular property near the Mud Creek trailhead possibly could be used for parking. Biendara asked if any parking would be around the kiosks. Edmonston said there was a parking sign at Gordon Long. Hazelrigs wanted to know where the general public could make a complaint about a trail. Edmonston said that Parks and Recreation had an e-mail address that complaints or anything else could be sent. It is parks and recreation(&,ci.favetteville.ar.us . That address can also be found on the City of Fayetteville's website- www.accessfayetteville.org . Hazelrigs concurred that the website is a good place to go. Mauritson asked if there were any more questions. 6. Parks and Recreation 2011 Budget Review: Connie Edmonston, Parks and Recreation Director The budget will be presented at the October 41h PRAB meeting. 7. Regional Park Update: Connie Edmonston, Parks and Recreation Director Edmonston said getting the deed took longer than expected. 8. Other Business: Mauritson went over the upcoming events. Cindi Cope, a guest, said that the annual tree giveaway, scheduled for 2 October 91h at the Town Center, will be all native trees, as well as some native shrubs. She said it will be a great time to plant. Mihalevich said there is a bike safety class on September 25th. It's an 8 hour class, and costs $25. It will cover all bicycle basics. Aubrey Shepherd, a guest, said that he was excited about green infrastructure. He brought a large poster showing the "World Peace Wetland Prairie". The prairie connects with Pinnacle Food. He talked about it being a natural area. Cope passed around caterpillars. She said monarch butterflies are losing their habitat in this area. Meinecke asked about unused farmland that people may have. How could it best be used to help this situation? Cope said just to plant native and then leave it alone. Watson asked what monarch butterflies liked. Cope said they love milkweed. 9. Adjournment Biendara motioned to adjourn, and Waite seconded it. Motion passed 7- 0-0 by voice vote. Meeting adjourned at 6:51 pm. Minutes taken by Melanie Thomas c