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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987CAPE GIRARDEAU PARK AND RECREAITON ADVISORY BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 9, 1987 The Cape Girardeau Park and Recreation Advisory Board held their monthly meeting on February 9, 1987 at 7 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers. Present: Barbara Brune, Chairperson Stephen G. Bone, Dir. Parks & Recr. Jackie Todd, Vice -Chairman Dan Muser, Park Superintendent Jim Limbaugh, Secretary Peggy Barringer, Recreation Supt. Jim Logan, Board Member Marcia Stone, Park & Beer. Secretary Alan Barnett, Board Member J. Crosnoe, Board Member Guest: Al Spradling, III, Board Member Don Pritchard, KGMO-KKPE Jim Grebing, Board Member Mark Bliss, S. E. Missourian Peter Hilty, Councilman Gary Ride, City Manager Jeff Hancock, Asst. City Manager Jack Conklin, Men's Slow Pitch Absent: Jane Tilley, Board Member Chairperson, Barbara Brune opened the meeting with an introduction of our new Board Member, Jim Grebing. PUBLIC HEARING ON DEVELOPMENT OF CHEROKEE AND SHAWNEE PARK Mr. Bone informed the Board that the Department has again this year made applications with the Department of Natural Resources for a grant for multi -use courts. We have made the preliminary cut and have been asked to submit a full application. This year there is only $695,000.00 available for the entire state compared to 1981 there was over $6,000,000.00. It is getting very competitive and we need all the points we can obtain. By having the public hearing and asking for public input, we can gain from 1-5 points. The purpose of the public hearing is to solicit public input and to summarize the findings and do a final summary of how those findings were tabulated. On this year's grant application we are asking for a multi -use play court grant. This scores very high on the Federal standards because we have none. Mr. Bone then passed a drawing around to the Board Members, which displayed the multi -use play court, which includes a combination of volleyball, basketball, badminton, and various other court games that could be utilized. We have decided to place these courts in Shawnee and Cherokee Parks. Mr. Bone then displayed a current map of Cherokee Park which indicated the site in which we are proposing to locate the new multi -use play court. Park and Recreation Board February 9, 1987 Page 2 Suggestions made by the Board Members in regards to the Master Plan of Cherokee Park included: 1. That they liked the openness of that area. 2. An amphitheater located in the valley seems very feasible for Summer theater groups or concerts. Afed is secluded from residential area. 3. The multi -use play courts would be beneficial to the community. 4. This will relieve some of the high traffic from the already over used Capaha Arena Park. 5. Cherokee Park should be primarily used for picnicing and recreation for family use. 6. Some felt there was a need for some street lighting and others felt that this would take away from the beauty of the park. 7. The Board felt that the through traffic in Cherokee Park is necessary for entrance into the park from two different streets and that because of the curvature of the road it would not present a traffic problem or heavy through traffic. We could use a gate to block off the road if we should want to control the entrance to the park for temporary purposes. The Board did not want to eliminate through traffic at this park. 8. There is only room for one baseball field and those present felt lighting was inappropriate. 9. Exercise trail would be nice through the open area of the park. Mr. Bone then displayed the proposed Master Plan for Shawnee Park. He informed the Board that if the widening of Cape LaCroix and changing the channel goes through, there will be enough fill dirt to level the northern area and fill in the lake. This will give us additional area for ball fields. Depending on the channel change, we could loose two to three soccer fields. Suggestions for Shawnee Park included: 1. Purchasing additional land north of Shawnee Park and developiing a nice softball complex with lights and possibly additional soccer fields if needed. This area is high enough that it won't flood. 2. The Board agreed that future development should only be made to the area just north of the creek until the Corp of Engineers/ City decide definitely what areas they will be taking out for the Channel. 3. The multi -use play courts would also be located in this high level area. 4. The further development of the south side of Shawnee should be postponed. The grant application for the playcourt is $57,200.00 of which the City would be responsible for $28,600.00 Mr. Bone then displayed several samples of Capaha Park entrance signs that he had solicited bids on. Prices ranged from $2,700 to $5,400. Park and Recreation Board February 9, 1987 Page 3 ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 1987 The ballots were handed out to each Board Member for the election of officers for the 1987 year. The following results were tabulated: Jim Limbaugh, Chairman; Barbara Brune, Vice Chairman; and Al Spradling III, Secretary. OLD BUSINESS A. "Friends of the Parks" Award On January 22, the Park and Recreation Department held an award's ceremony for all those who were "Friends of the Parks" for the year 1986. There were approximately 40 people in attendance to receive 35 certificates and plaques of appreciation. These individuals, companies and organizations contributed over 8,000 hours of labor and $99,000.00 worth of donations. Only those with completed pro- jects were recognized. B. "City of Roses" Campaign proposed by Mayor Rhodes Mr. Bone reviewed the letter from City Manager, Gary Bide in which he would like the input from the Park and Recreation Board on ini- tiating the idea of promoting Cape Girardeau as "The City of Roses" again. The consensus of the Board was that at this time the main- tenance and upkeep of roses is unrealistic with the present staff shortage. Several alternative ideas suggested were planting flower- ing trees such as the Aristocrat Pears that have been planted in the medians or we might have several annual flower beds thoughout the City. The discussion was then tabled till Spring. C. War Memorabilia Mayor Rhodes requested the Board's comments on placing military hardware in our various parks. Many of the Board Members felt that the only appropriate place for the military hardware would be civil war pieces at Ft. D. The Board felt that military equipment in the parks would be a liability, aesthetic and maintenance problem. D. League Liability Insurance The Park and Recreation Department requested a decision from the Park and Recreation Board pertaining to the liability insurance requirement that was curtailed last year for the various leagues that use the city facilities, that would hold the city harmless should any claims arise. Many leagues last year had not budgeted the additional money needed to obtain this insurance. The Depart- ment will not require this insurance until it is acted on by the City Council. Park and Recreation Board February 9, 1987 Page 4 The Board felt that each league has to protect itself. The City is not sponsoring these organized leagues and the City should not have to bear the whole responsibility for legal liability. Several of the leagues; ie., soccer leagues, American Legion, etc., have seen the wisdom to purchase league liability insurance for their leagues already. "It's just good business", stated Board Member, Jim Limbaugh. Al Spradling, III moved that the Board recommend that the City establish liability insurance guidelines and requirements for all sport league activities promoted or recognized by the City. Also,that the Council adopt guidelines determining which user groups would be required to carry liability insurance and name the City as co-insurer on the policy. Jim Limbaugh seconded the motion. Jim Limbaugh made an amendment to the motion stating that it should be for all organized sport activities promoted or recognized by the City and the minimum level of insurance should be $100,000, single limit coverage, $300,000 aggregate coverage. The Board requested action be taken by the City Council on the recommenda- tion within 45 days. Motion carried. New Business The Park and Recreation Department's Director and Superintendents will be attending the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association Conference March 25-27. Jim Limbaugh will be checking his schedule to see if he can represent the Board at the conference. If he can not attend, Jim Grebing or Jim Logan will be available. A letter of request from the Centenary United Methodist Church to hold church services through the Summer at the Capaha Band Shell was presented to the Board. Jackie Todd made the motion that we continue to operate as they have in the past, allowing anyone to use the facilities as long as they have permission. Al Spradling,III seconded the motion. The motion passed. The request will now go before the City Council. Park Division Presentation by Dan Muser Dan Moser, the Park Superintendent informed the Board that we have 21 parks which total 394 acres, 3 cemetaries, which total 43 acres. There are 36,000 graves, 12 blocks of medians, 6 cul de sacs and three additional parcels of land that the Park Division maintains along with the lot at City Hall, Riverfront Park and River Heritage Museum and the Library. Within the parks there are 17 ball fields,8 soccer fields, 19 shelters, 17 playgrounds, 12 tennis courts, 5 basketball courts, and 8 restroom facilities. We have 9 full-time employees, one sexton/foreman and one park foreman, custodian and superintendent. There are 30-35 seasonal staff employes, 4 -man night cleanup crew also included in the staff. This year we have added a seasonal assistant custodian. The maintenance duties include mowing and litter pickup, restroom cleanup, ball field maintenance, maintenace on shelters, benches Park and Recreation February 9, 1987 Page 5 playground equipment, tennis and basketball courts, Cemetery mausoleum, Arena Building and trees or shrubs within the parks. The division has been able to save the city a lot of money this last year by performing in-house labor on several projects, ie., new playground equipment that was assembled in the Arena Park, the remodeling of the Pro Shop at the Golf Course, tree planting, and are now making plans to construct offices above the lobby. Along with the knowledge of saving the City money, the employees are proud of the fact that they are able to do it themselves. This has be- come possible through hiring knowledgeable people who are able to train the existing employees. There has been a complete turn around in the attitude of the veteran employees because they are now proud of their department and their work. REPORTS Aquatic Division Peggy Barringer reported for Dayna Miles, Aquatics Superintendent inherabsenx. In the month of December, the tenth graders were using the pool through December 17. The girls completed half of the American Red Cross Basic Rescue Class, which included various assists of care of neck and back injuries and artificial respiration. All Park and Recreation Department programs are going well. The pool was closed December 2, 25, 31 and January 1, 1987 and special holiday hours were provided to better serve those home for Christmas break. The Cape Swim Team had two -a -day practices during the Holidays. In the month of January the 8th and 9th graders had their swim program this month. They had a guard meeting on January 29th and brushed up on their swim skills. A promotional brochure has been mailed to all local churches as well as newspaper advertisements to increase Winter use of the City's Central - Municipal Pool. The promotion allows anyone who visits the pool on Sundays to receive free admission with a church bulletin. Limit one family per bulletin. Recreation Division Peggy Barringer, Recreation Superintendent reported that in December, Enterprise Coordinator, Libby Webster and she attended the second River - fest meeting. Research was completed, requisitions made and purchase orders obtained for two capital items, slide projector and screen. These items will be a definate asset to the division. Park and Recreation Board February 9, 1987 Page 6 Recreation Division cont. The third senior citizen's dance was held with 185 people in attendance. This was a somewhat smaller crowd, but the holiday seemed to be a factor. In the month of January, there was an initial, pre -planning meeting was held with Cliff Crosnoe of the local Babe Ruth division of the Cape Youth Baseball League. It looks like they are going to host the District Babe Ruth Tournament on July 30 through August 2, 1987. The main field at Capaha Park will be the site of this tourney. The Men's Recreational Basketball league started in January with a full 12 teams. Two teams had to be turned away due to lack of time and space in the gym. , The Riverfest Committee Chairmen met twice this month and plans are moving right along for that event. Also, the SEMOtion week planning committee also met and we are continuing our plans to participate in some of the activities of that week. On Thursday, January 22, we held a "Friends of the Park" appreciation day in the Arena Building. Plaques and/or certificates of appreciation were presented to the various groups. Extensive remodeling is in progress in the Pro -shop at the Golf Course. Once less extensive work was begun, it was discovered that additional improvements were badly needed. The building has been long neglected and was on the verge of collapse. Applications were also taken for a Pro Shop manager during January. PARK DIVISION Dan Muser, Park Superintendent informed the Board that in the month of December the crew continued tree pruning and removal and planting. We have received shipment of fifty (50) picnic tables, nineteen (19) benches and six (6) grills from Game Time, which will be installed this Spring. The benches were purchased through a donation made by the Optimist Club and will be placed around the Capaha Park Lagoon. Construction was finished on an insulated paint room at the Arena Building and a new ceiling tile and lighting were installed in the main office at the Arena Building. They began work on writing equipment specifications for mowing equipment to be purchased this Spring for the Golf, Cemetery and Park Divisions. The major project for the month of January was the crew doing the remodeling of the Municipal Golf Course Pro -shop. The remodeling will not only improve the aesthetics, but with the addition of wall and ceiling insulation, will improve heating and cooling comfort and energy cost. Park and Recreation Board February 9, 1987 Page 7 The assembly of the 50 new picnic tables were finished last month. New vanities and sinks were built and installed along with hot water heaters in two of the men's restrooms in the Arena Building. The activities at the Arena Building for the months of December and January mainly consisted of holiday parties. The Thilinius Distri- buting Sports Show held the largest crowd attendance for the two months with 3,000 people. A list of the 5 -year Capital Improvement projects presented to the council will be provided at the next board meeting. There being no further business, Jim Limbaugh made the motion to adjourn. Chairperson Barbara Brune seconded the motion. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Marcia Stone Park and Recreation Secretary �dl�v CAPE GIRARDEAU PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING ADVISORY BOARD MEETING OCTOBER 15. 1987 ,Ircrosau '-aT,. ann Pecreatinn Advis,ry Board 'nsie their Oct obe, i5. 1987 _ _Imp.Jl']". l-3irm-3n -.eve one, ilir, Par' -S and Pe -'r. .lim L_n 3'"".. h0.3rd Membr�r Dan MUSf•Y ''aark. 5Unt. )Ir _I Phil. :,. .l r,9rp lo.mlear Mar, -13 jrnne+. �3r4. p r{er^r rieC. A.Os�r�t; ,Uectp B3r03ra nr Vne,�/i re -,;.hal rman Mar, h1i55, S. E. N'i BCO�ir i an Board Member Gar, Worth. Dir. rr,mmunity De,. JHC�i' Teri, Bnarcd Memoer Ted LAeI1e,/. Atlas rl_?Sti.r A. Soradlinn. Beard Member Jef� H5nrec4. Asst, City Mar. _,airman Jim _Imb3uo,, ooened the meeting. The aooroval Of the last meetino's minutes was disoensed until the next month h,,l 10 r,_ llc- of -3 auoru,. GUEST SPEAKER Chairman _imcaugn introcluren Ted Kell, reore5entat ive from Ati=mss P�astio. Mr. Kellev informed the Board members present that his _o,^gagv wns in N1a orocsss of exoandino their of ant. The, are nsino ti- i.. plant in Mansfi. eld. Teras and hringi n that line hers. Tie eroans;on to the present Cane ,i rarde-�.iu plant is est imat ar $250.000.00. It would em,10, aaomximretely 20 When rhes Ki na nn their abstract for huildinn_ exeans ion. it was riiscr,vFr -i tri.jt thou had been usinn Oary.. orr,r,ty fpr over twenty .r✓ ti,r,ir mailer_ r'na ,"--,t,east =,de ,.- Arena oar4. Thi=�sem� s. _r. and rhe cxi st ing dopa oougc! shed rr,,,t, is needed - _ anslon „f rhe olanr. A., :_imarc'v +3.271 _.g�.iare - _ tV or nnprty i5 _ : an evesors n{ the nary. Ir. KFI I,/ Snlgegr Pd that ^.e^.Fpr the nrooyrt v, rh�ir mca3nv w,�lrl imr ,vim -he '•�. with the city doing to-, ,pr _ rend r,l,no. ie _ rh. or a nuorum the ho, _l was un ;•,In r,, m_'" n _ 1 reggesl„ 3vr r,!iviau �' rnemnr. kror� '7 thAir PARK AND RECREATION BOARD OCTOBER 15. 1597 PACE 2 Jim Grebina felt that the value OF the land should be considered. His research showed that the value of this orooerty would be a market value of aooroximately $.50 -$.75 a square foot which would make it's total value of $15-22_504. He also made note that this oiece of oroeorty is virtually uselews to anvone else, other than Atlas Plastics, because of the flood olain and that it is an obvious distraction to Arena Park. Another factor to be consi- dered is that Atlas Plastic home office is now based out. of St. Louis. Jim Loaan emohaslZed that. Dan Moser. Park Suoerintendent should be a vital reference source and supervise the landscaoina of the orooerty to auarantee a cosmetic unification to blend in with the rest of the Park and orooer olannina to Prevent flood damane to the oroiect. if that notion were Pursued. Jim Limbauah alona with the other Board Members wanted to keeo the rood neighbor relatlonshio and Pleased to be a Part of the arowth of a Plant in Cane Girardeau. He stressed that we have a arowina Problem of ad _ioinina orooertv owner encroaching on our Citv Parks. Arena Park is shrinkina. He suaoested that the City Council be sensitive to encroachment on our city Parks on any future situations. He also Pointed out the need for At'las Plastics to make some form of monetary offer or other donation in return for the orooerty. The aeneral opinion of the Board Members Present was that the orooerty should not be aiven to Atlas Plastics, but that it be sold to them at the fair market value. Jeff Hancock. Assistant Cit_v Manaaer. will be oresentino these thouahts of the Board to the City Council alona with his or000sal of a lease-ourchase aareement with Atlas Plastic with the stipulation that they will be orovidina the trees. Shrubs. fencina. and demolition of the old doa Pound to intensifv the aesthetics of Arena park. NEW BUSINESS `+andatory Land Dedication This ureSentation was tabled for the next meetina because the lack OF Board Members Present, There beino no further business. the meetina was ad+nurned. The next scheduled meetino will be held on Wednesday. November 4. 1587 at the City Co ncit Chambers at City H=.nil. Re=_oectluiiv submitted. Marcia Stone Park ,and Recreation Secretar'v