The meeting was called to order by Parks Commission Vice-Chair Brandon Tate at 4:00 p.m.; roll was called, and members present were as follows: Jennifer Travis, Kay Headley, and Otis Edwards; a quorum was declared with the addition of the acting Chair; Commission members Joel Goldstein and Cinda Bell were absent, and City Clerk/Treasurer Sharla Derry was present.
Approval of Minutes
Motion was made by Mr. Edwards, seconded by Mrs. Travis to approve the 07-16-24 regular meeting minutes as presented; motion passed unanimously.
Committee Reports
- Freedom Fest Committee – None
- Trails Committee – None
- Tree & Plant Board – None
Agenda Items to be Added: None
Business Items - Director – Pavilion Rates Update – Mr. Craig presented these revisions for consideration and
answered any questions the Commission had; Mr. Craig indicated that even with the raised rates,
the City is still well under what others charge in the area; motion was made by Mr. Edwards,
seconded by Mrs. Travis to accept the changes as presented; motion passed unanimously. - Director – 5 Year Capital Outlay List – Mr. Craig said that he felt the list would be a good idea
to update the Commission on future needs, and encouraged members to take it home and review
it. He also emphasized the need for a Parks building for equipment and vehicle storage; Mr.
Edwards asked for an account of the number of vehicles and equipment and agreed that storage
should be added to the wish list; Mr. Craig said that he has already submitted his budget to Mr.
Marsh; Ms. Derry agreed that she would add the Parks 2025 Budget to the next regular meeting
agenda. - Finance Director – Discussion on Parks A&P Budget – Mr. Marsh gave the Commission a
detailed account of spending to date from the virtual A&P Parks Fund in contrast to revenue from
the A&P Fund received; and cautioned that any deficit that this virtual fund experiences will be
funded by unrestricted monies in the General Fund; Ms. Derry expressed concern with this
structure being “open-ended” and Mr. Marsh explained further that the major cost event is held in
the middle of the year, prior to the total revenue being realized at the end of the year; he went
through other updates such as the splash pad account and its portion of A&P funding, as well.
Areas to cut back on the Fall Festival were discussed, and Mr. Marsh encouraged everyone to
publicize the need to shop and eat local in order to keep taxes coming in. Ms. Derry reminded the Commission that if the Park Fund finds this area falling short year over year, consideration might
be given to go back to the A&P Commission to see if they could bump up the percentage from
45% to something more in order to keep events funded; Mr. Craig acknowledged the need to slow
spending a bit and he stated that he would not spend money irresponsibly. - Budget Amendment for Bell Park Project Reallocation – Mr. Craig said that he had submitted
professional fees as $20,000 for 2024 and they are actually $32,000 and he has talked to the
engineers and confirmed amounts. There was discussion between Mr. Marsh and Mr. Craig
about this and it was determined that other areas of the Parks budget could absorb this and no
action would be needed at this time.
Foundation Report
None
Director’s Report: Written report submitted with talking points as follows:
- Splash Pad update – opening date unknown as of yet
- Switchback Trail update – reassigned to a different Scout
- Liberty Park Bridge update – old fashioned timber framed covered bridge looking very nice
- ARDOT grant re-appropriated and easement obtainment underway for the paving of the trail from
the Oaks to Bell Park - Lake Trail Kiosk update
- Inclusive Park update
- God’s Plan movie being hosted at Bell Park August 22nd
Comments: Mayor Kinslow commended the new parks employees on the exceptional mowing job as of late; Mr. Craig indicated that he has recently sent them a message with the same sentiment.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn was made by Mrs. Travis, seconded by Mrs. Headley; meeting
adjourned at 4:58 p.m.
