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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Commission Minutes 081519 CITY OF CENTRAL POINT PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 15, 2019 MEETING CALLED TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Patricia Alvarez Park Commissioner Present Dennis Browning Parks Commissioner Present Fran Cordeiro-Settell Parks Commissioner Present Jennifer Horton Parks Commissioner Present Mark Ludwiczak Parks Chairperson Absent Lee Orr Parks Commissioner Present Sharon Rogers Parks Commissioner Present Staff Attending: Dave Jacob, Elizabeth Blodgett III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Jennifer Horton said that the May 19th minutes showed her as present but she had not attended the meeting.With this correction Lee moved that the minutes for May 16 be approved with the correction and Fran seconded.The motion was approved by all. IV. CHANGES TO AGENDA No changes were offered. V. PUBLIC APPEARANCES No public appearances. VI. BUSINESS A. Bohnert Family Farm Park-Pickleball Noise Issues The Bohnert Family Farm Park has been under development for several years with the property being transferred to the City of Central Point in July of this year.The park has many amenities including two permanent pickleball courts which were finished this spring. Pickleball is a very popular sport in the city, but it also a produces noise due to the paddles and plastic balls.The city has received complaints from residents neighboring the park due to players using the courts as early as 6 am. The courts are not lit so that evening play has not been an issue.The Parks Department is examining options for dealing with this issue which may include a noise policy which would limit hours of play and requested input from the Park Commission. Park Commission members felt that this would be primarily a seasonal issue since the courts are not lit, but they agreed that limiting pickleball playing hours via signage and or ordinance might provide a solution. RESULT: FOR DISCUSSION ONLY ri) B. Community Center-Review Ad Hoc Committee Recommendations City of Central Point Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes August 15, 2019 Page 2 In 2018, City Council created a Community Center Ad Hoc Committee with the purpose of prioritizing the elements of a Community Center. Staff reviewed the history of the community center planning effort which included plans developed in 2010 and 2017. Both of these plans would have cost over$20 million.The ad hoc committee worked with the limitation of a 30,000 square foot metal building with a cost of approximately$6,000,000 to$8,000,000. Uses would include a senior center or an intergenerational center.The ad hoc committee did not think that a commercial kitchen would be necessary but it would be worth discussing since it would provide more flexibility for facility use. Gymnasium space would allow the parks and recreation department to expand youth athletic programs and offer adult league play for the first time. Expanded classroom space would provide opportunities for additional recreation class offerings. The ad hoc committee was not supportive of offering weight and aerobic exercise equipment since it could potentially compete with local businesses.There may be opportunities to partner with these businesses to provide these services onsite.The next steps in the process would be to contract with a architectural firm to develop conceptual drawings. Public meetings would be held in the new year to get their input into the project. Staff reminded the commission that a park and recreation fee increase would potentially need to be raised in order to fund maintenance costs for the facility. City Council would make a final judgment in late spring or early summer as to moving forward with the project. The Park Commission was excited by the committee's recommendations and looked forward to reviewing facility plans. Members suggested having indoor pickleball courts, outdoor walking track and thought a full kitchen would be a beneficial. RESULT: FOR DISCUSSION ONLY C. Dennis Richardson Memorial Update As was reported at the May 16 Commission meeting, an ad hoc committee has been formed by the City Council to discuss a memorial for the late Dennis Richardson.The committee has been working with John Galbraith, a landscape architect, who has provided several options to the committee. Staff reviewed the options with the commission.The option selected by the committee would provide a meditation area near the war memorial. It would have a water feature and be landscaped with trees and roses.This plan is currently being reviewed by the family. Once an option is selected and construction documents and cost estimates finalized,the project will be presented to city council for final approval. Currently,full funding is not available for the project but we expect that a variety of city, state, and private funds will be sought once the design is completed and the project is ready to proceed.The Park Commission thought the designs were very impressive. RESULT: FOR DISCUSSION ONLY D. Boes Property Riparian Restoration Project City of Central Point Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes August 15, 2019 Page 3 The City of Central Point has received a nearly$15,000 grant from the Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District to fund a riparian restoration project on Bear Creek. The 30-acre property is located just north of the Expo and the Upton Road I-5 overpass.The property was donated to the city by Jackson County in 2006 with the stipulation that it be used as a park.The city has completed a great deal of work at the site this spring and early summer, removing blackberries and other invasive plant species to make the area fire safe.The restoration project will start in fall of 2020 focusing on the riparian area of the stream removing invasive species and planting native trees and shrubs.The site offers great potential as an educational site and natural area.The city hopes to start a master planning process in the future that will involve Central Point residents in creating a new and exceptional park for our community.The Park Commission was supportive of the project and looked forward to future planning efforts. RESULT: FOR DISCUSSION ONLY VII. UPDATES Recreation &Special Events: Made in Southern Oregon was a great success with over 70 venders, live performances, and a food court. It went so well that another one has been scheduled for August 24th.The July 4th Run 4 Freedom and the associated events were very successful.The 2nd Annual Park and Recreation Day was held July and attendance was up from the previous year. Recreation instructors were able to demonstrate their classes at the event. Movies in the Park are ongoing -there are 8 dates rather than 6 this year. Upcoming events include Battle of Bones at the Expo and a new event called Battle of the Food Trucks which will be held at Pfaff Park. Facebook response for this event has been greater than any other event so it will be interesting to see what happens. Pumpkin Fest will be held on October 27 at Hanley Farm.As to recreation classes,the department held its first week long camp at Hanley Farm. It went very well.A very popular basketball camp was held at Central Point Elementary School. The fall recreation guide has gone to the printer and will be out shortly. Elizabeth was complimented on the guide design. Parks: Dave reported that the remodel of Recreation A has been completed so its great to have additional classroom available. Concerning the Skyrman House, it's been decided to demolish the house due to structural issues. Bohnert Family Farm Park has finally been transferred to the city.The city was not able to use available grant funds until the property transfer took place.A restroom, playground and other amenities have been ordered and should be in place by October.A grand opening was held for the Pfaff Park Playground in June.The city is also looking at replacing the tot lot and new design will be used for fundraising at events. Work will begin on the Flanagan Park parking area this fall. rot VIII. UPCOMING MEETING DATE City of Central Point Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes August 15, 2019 et Page 4 The next Park and Recreation Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, PIN November 21 at 6 pm. IX. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:58 PM. The next scheduled meeting is November 21, 2019. n