PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES

 

AUGUST 16, 2005

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jones at 7:00 p.m.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Russ Jones, Cathy Dwertman, John Marshall, Rowland Seymour, Debbie Groat, John Howard     Excused:  David Monk

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Doug Tailford, Jim Watkins, Jim Morrisey. Phil Roush, Lane Stillings

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  There being no additions or corrections, the minutes for the meeting of July 19, 2005 were approved as distributed.

 

REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION:  No report.

 

REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS & RECREATION:  Mr. Conley reported that there is a possibility that the auto-flushers that were approved for purchase at the last meeting will be done in-house, which will save approximately $3,000 if contracted out.

 

Pool activity is winding down.  When school starts, pool will have evening hours only.

 

COMMISSIONER’S REPORT ON INDIVIDUAL PARKS:

 

Rowland Seymour – Schwartzkopf and Mill Creek Parks are well groomed and beautiful.  Could use more parking at Mill Creek Park.    Mr. Conley stated that lines will be drawn on the asphalt, which will make parking more organized.  All overflow parking will have to park at the high school.

 

John Howard -  The JuJu Bees and British Invasion concerts were well attended.  Attendance was down last week due to rain.

 

John Marshall – Mill Valley Park looks okay.  Activity has picked up with soccer season.  He noted a tree chipper has been setting at the park for several days.  Mr. Conley will check it out.  It does not belong to the City.

 

Deborah Groat – Aldersgate Park looks good.   She expressed disappointment with the attendance at the concerts at Legion Park.

 

Cathy Dwertman – McCloud and Lewis Parks look good.

 

Russ Jones -  Some of the grills at Eljer Park are in bad shape. Mr. Conley noted a couple of new grills had been ordered and received, but not put in place yet.  McCarthy Parks are in good shape.

 

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS NON-AGENDA ITEMS:  No comments.

 

OLD BUSINESS:  None

 

NEW BUSINESS: 

 

          Adena Pointe.  Mr. Jim Watkins, owner of Watcon Consulting Engineers, Mr. Morrisey, Engineering Tech, and Mr. Talpert, developer for Beazer Homes, addressed the Commission with their plans for South Park.  These plans are an attempt to solve some of the drainage issues in the area.  They showed a map of the area and what they are proposing for the development and South Park.  They are proposing a pond to be located in the center of South Park.  It will be designed upstream of the development in order to catch and hold the water and release it at a slower rate, which would help the situation at the airport property.  They feel it’s a win-win for the City and the Developer.

 

Mr. Seymour asked if the proposal was to turn South Park into a retention pond.  Response was “a wet pond.”  Mr. Seymour asked why?  Response was pond is proposed to cover 2 to 2-1/2 acres in the center of South Park.  That is the natural low point.  An engineered pipe outlet will be constructed, either 18” or 24”, that will catch in their new development, proceed forward with the new stormsewer improvement and tie it into their ponds in their development.  The water will drain past Eljer Park to airport park through the Town Run. 

 

Mr. Conley asked about an aeration fountain to keep down the algae.  Mr. Talpert said they could put in a fountain, but chemicals would still be needed to control the algae.

 

This will be controlled by gravity outlet and an engineered stormsewer outlet.  Proposed depth is 7-10’.  A safety bench in the pond will be designed for the safety of the children. 

 

Developer is proposing 350 single-family homes.  Drainage issues would be handled early on.  However, he noted a key point of a PTI issue with the sewer plant at this point in time and unless they get some kind of assurance that they can build 350 units, then that would affect their ability to do this.  If EPA only approves 100, then they must look at other issues. 

 

Mrs. Groat moved to endorse the plan before the Commission tonight, seconded by Mr. Howard and the question put, stood:

 

Mr. Jones  YES  Mrs. Dwertman  YES  Mrs. Groat  YES  Mr. Marshall  YES   Mr. Howard  YES   Mr. Seymour  NO

 

Motion passed.

 

Mr. Seymour added that he is not opposed to the pond, but he is opposed to the location.    He fears it will become a mosquito harbor. 

 

The developer said the plan would be brought back to Parks & Recreation again.

 

Mr. Marshall sees this as a savings for the City, as well as a benefit to have the developer pay for the asset.  It’s a win-win situation for everyone. 

 

Mrs. Groat asked if there was any chance the developer would not finish the project.  Response was the developer would have a bond for the project, so they would have to finish it. 

 

Mr. Conley stated bottom line, when completed, there will be positive drainage and the City would not have spent any money. 

 

2)     Tour MacIvor Wood

 

Tour was not conducted due to wet weather.  Will reschedule for September meeting.

 

COMMENTS OF CITIZENS – AGENDA ITEMS – No comments.

 

COMMENTS OF INDIVIDUAL COMMISSIONERS:

 

Mrs. Dwertman stated she felt the gentleman presenting tonight would be very good neighbors and have good ideas for South Park. 

 

ADJOURNMENT:  There being no further business to come before Parks & Recreation Commission, the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.