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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPARKS & REC 2015-08-05 M I N U T E S rd 743 REGULAR MEETING PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION CITY OF LIVONIA On August 5, 2015 the above meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Livonia was held in the Livonia Community Recreation Center conference room, 15100 Hubbard, Livonia, Michigan. Mark Johnson, Chairperson of the Commission, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members present : Paul Condon, Kevin Summers, Roger Walklin, and Mark Johnson Members absent : Cathy Kevra Also present : Ted Davis, Superintendent Tom Murphy, Facility Manager Brian Hansen, Intern Amy Walker, Recreation Supervisor Jania McCorkle, LCRC Building Supervisor Upon a motion made by Mr. Condon seconded by Mr. Walklin, it was nd #3447-15RESOLVED, that the Commission waive the reading of the minutes of the 742 Regular Meeting of the Commission held on July 1, 2015 and that the minutes be approved as submitted. A roll call vote was taken on the foregoing resolution with the following results: AYES : Condon, Walklin and Johnson ABSTAIN: Summers ABSENT: Kevra adopted The Chairperson declared the resolution. Reports from StaffMr. CondonMr. Davis – asked why the tee signs were being replaced. said they are being replaced with full granite signs at -0- cost. He said it has been an ongoing project and Mr. Condon the company that does the signs will also sell the sponsorship and put it on the sign. Mr. Davis asked if we have the right to approve the sponsors? said yes and explained the process Mr. of choosing the company. He said they will run this by legal and bring it back to Commission. CondonMr. Davis said basically it is an aesthetic upgrade that we don’t have to pay for. said yes and explained what the signs will look like. Mr. CondonMr. Davis asked who is going for bids on the DMC lease? said the Department is going out for bids. He explained that the current contract expires November 30 and the Mayor wanted Livonia based businesses to have a chance at this. He said the bid opening is September 1 and DMC does want to renew. Mr. WalklinMr. Davis asked about the bids at Clement Circle. said we are no longer waiting for Mr. Davis the settlement because the Mayor would like to open by 2016. passed out a tentative Mr. Davis design for the project. There was a discussion about the cost. explained the design. Mr. Condon There was a discussion of the features and possible liability. asked if we know the cost Mr. Davis to replace the existing pool. said it’s hard to find a number because we don’t know the Mr. DavisMr. damage underneath. explained how the new pool will be built over the old pool. Summers said he has previously been involved in a similar situation and was concerned about Mr. Condon building over the old pool. said he is concerned about putting something new over 2 Commission Meeting August 5, 2015 Mr. Davis something bad and about the durability and longevity of the new thing. said it all comes down to the contractor. He said there are always unknowns and that could drive up the cost and that Mr. Walklin is his only concern. said he has no problem with the design but asked if a pool lift is Mr. DavisMr. Walklin necessary? said yes, due to ADA requirements on new structures. asked if Mr. Davis it is possible to investigate removal of the existing pool? said yes and explained the usual process when a pool pops out of the ground. He said they are trying to save money by using Mr. Johnson existing walls. said he appreciates that they are trying to save money but he needs Mr. Condon assurance if they are going to do it this way. said he would like to see some sectional Mr. SummersMr. cuts to be more comfortable with this. asked if there is money in the budget? DavisMr. Murphy said no. said there is $90,000 from the PVC liner carryover. There was a Mr. Walklin discussion about the amount of the unexpended fund balance. said he is concerned about spending money and then having it come back and hit them in the face. He said it is prudent for the Commission to do the job right and in his opinion in construction that if you build over Mr. Davis something you’re asking for problems. said he will bring these concerns to Bill Robertson, Mr. the original and current builder, and get back to the commission before the next meeting. Murphy said the more enticing it is the more people will come and spend money which will give us a better chance of breaking even on the outdoor pools that are currently losing about $30,000 per year. Mr. WalklinMr. Davis asked what repairs were needed at the Ford Field press box? said there was a broken window. Mr. Davis For General Updates said we have gone out for bids for drainage at Whispering Willows, LPS has been sent a letter about a possible increase in the gymnastic room rent next year. He also told the Commission that Barb is leaving and passed out an updated organizational chart and Mr. explained the changes and the requests that will go to the August 12 Civil Service meeting. JohnsonMr. Davis asked if there was a timetable. said it will take about 6-8 weeks to fill the new position and explained some shift in responsibilities. Mr. Davis asked the Commission if they would be on board with putting signage on the outdoor marquee as advertisement for whoever ends up getting the rehabilitation lease in order to get more money for the lease. He said it is not against the ordinance. There was a discussion about signs in Mr. the City, the size and location of the sign, DMC’s current lease and signs at Whispering Willows. DavisMr. said it is not written into the RFP. He said he believes there will be three bidders. Condon suggested telling the bidder that there is a possibility of signage. Communications Mr. Johnson Green Fee Report – July 2015 – said we’re slightly ahead of the 5 year average and we’ve had good weather. Mr. Johnson 409 Report – commented he liked the new report as he could figure out the expenses. Mr. Johnson There was a discussion about the 409 balance. asked where the money received from Mr. Davis the lawsuit with Dupont was applied? said he would check with Tom. LCRC Package Totals – July 2015 – There were no comments. Mr. MurphyMr. Walklin LCRC Code of Conduct – July 2015 – explained two incidents. said he Mr. Murphy thought an unauthorized entry should get a longer suspension. said it depends on each situation and the age of the offender. Mr. Johnson LCRC Comment Card Report – July 2015 – asked about the comment regarding Mr. MurphyMr. Johnson unlimited passes. explained what was meant. said there would be no Mr. Condon way to price this. said it is nice to see no negative comments about the equipment. Mr. Murphy explained about the age of the all of the equipment. 3 Commission Meeting August 5, 2015 Letter to Civil Service Commission Re: Request for Open Competitive-Assistant Superintendent- Mr. Johnson Department of Parks and Recreation – asked if the qualifications were pulled from a Mr. DavisMr. Johnson previous posting. said they were and they were adjusted. questioned if Mr. Condon these qualifications were more stringent than for the superintendent position. asked if Mr. Davis we were limiting our pool of internal talent by having something restrictive. said everyone in our department meets these minimum requirements and explained the process of getting certified Parks and Recreation Professional status. He said this is an open/competitive posting and will be a sought after job. Mr. JohnsonMr. Letter to Council Re: Duct Hanger Replacement – asked if there is a contract? Murphy said it is in the process of getting signed. Mr. Johnson Letter to Council Re: Duct Cleaning – said he was glad to see a Livonia company get Mr. Murphy the job. said even if they weren’t the low bidder the city has a 3% variance. Mr. Davis Thank you note from pavilion renter – said this was included because we don’t usually hear the good comments. Old Business Mr. Johnson Clement Circle Pool – said this was already discussed. Mr. Davis Teenagers on Friday nights – said he talked to Mr. Adamczyk but has not heard back from him since then regarding any further issues. He said Tom has stayed late a few Friday nights, reserve officers have been here and he himself stayed late to monitor the situation but there were Mr. Davis very few kids here. said he believes there is an issue with controlling kids on Friday nights and we will need to look at some rule adjustments and try to get this under control. He said Mr. the fit hub was very empty and he wonders if there is a drop in usage due to the issue. JohnsonMr. Davis asked if this decrease might just be a summer issue? said he doesn’t know but Mr. Walklin we will monitor it. said he likes Mr. Davis’ approach and that this should be left on the Mr. Johnson agenda for a few months. said he thinks once school starts there will be other activities for them to do. New Business Letter submitted by Erin Knieper approved for submission by Edward Davis Re: LCRC day passes Mr. Johnson for T-Ball/Coach Pitch volunteer coaches – said this is a great idea. Upon a motion made by Mr. Summers seconded by Mr. Walklin, it was #3448-15RESOLVED, that the Commission approves giving volunteer T-Ball and Coach Pitch coaches two (2) passes to the LCRC as a thank you. A roll call vote was taken on the foregoing resolution with the following results: AYES : Condon, Summers, Walklin and Johnson ABSENT: Kevra adopted The Chairperson declared the resolution. Mr. Davis Letter submitted by Edward Davis Re: Revision of House Rules, Skate Park – explained the background of the skate park and his recent meeting with a skate boarder passionate about changing the rules. He said he agrees that the rules deter usage of the skate park. He wondered what is the difference between using the inline rink or the sand volleyball court as they are all parks. Mr. JohnsonMr. Murphy asked if we have had any noise complaints recently? said no probably Mr. Davis because there are few users. read aloud the rules of Riley Park in Farmington and said 4 Commission Meeting August 5, 2015 Mr. Johnson when he went there the park was packed with kids. said that is not in a residential Mr. CondonMr. Davis area. said the kids will go where it is the coolest and newest. said we will see increased usage if our rules were not so restrictive. He said protective equipment should be worn when using ball fields but it is not required. There was a discussion of the helmet rule, Mr. Johnson protective equipment and lawsuits. said he is willing to try this and see what happens. Mr. Walklin asked what it would cost to convert the skate park into a better facility to possibly cut Mr. Davis down on noise. said a quarter million dollars and there would still be some noise but not Mr. SummersMr. much due to the trees blocking it. asked if we require helmets on the inline rink? Davis said outside it is recommended but inside it is required because we have staff to monitor it. Mr. JohnsonMr. Davis said we can see if this increases usage or if we get more complaints. said if Mr. CondonMr. Davis there is a problem than we can readjust. asked will we let anyone use it? Mr. CondonMr. Johnson said yes. suggested this get run by the Law Department. said that is a good idea. Upon a motion made by Mr. Summers seconded by Mr. Condon, it was #3449-15RESOLVED, that the Commission approves the following changes to House Rules XII. Outdoor Facility Rules, A. Skate Park contingent on approval by the Law Department. In order to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all users of the facilities, the LCRC respectfully asks that all users be aware and adhere to the following policies: Skate boarding\\ blading can be dangerous…Skate at your own Risk. In choosing to participate in this activity, you assume all risk. 1. Skaters must have daily admission or annual pass id. and show it upon request. 2. Park hours are: April 1 – November 1 Monday – Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (school days open at 3pm) Saturday 10 a.m. -6 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. LCRC reserves the right to close the park at anytime. 3. Protective helmet is required for anyone on cement area. Elbow and kneepads are Use of protective equipment is strongly recommended. recommended. 4. Youth 11 and under must be supervised by a parent. For safety it is recommended that riders 5. All equipment must be in safe working order. ensure that equipment is in good working order, they are properly attired and loose fitting jewelry is removed. 6. Food/drink not permitted in the skate park area. Plastic water bottles only. 7. Personal belongings, gym bags, backpacks, etc. are not permitted on the skate park cement area. 8. No headphones. Music may be played at a low volume. LCRC reserves the right to eliminate music at any time. 9. Spectators must remain outside the fenced area. 10. No smoking, tobacco products or foul language. 11. Only one skater on the ramps at a time. Be courteous for equal time to all. Observe flow patterns. 12. Proper attire is required. Shirt and shoes are mandatory. 13. Please remove loose fitting jewelry or tuck inside clothing. 14. Management is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal property. 15. Report vandalism to the LCRC. THANK YOU FOR KEEPING YOUR PARK CLEAN AND SPENDING TIME ON THE RAMPS. 5 Commission Meeting August 5, 2015 A roll call vote was taken on the foregoing resolution with the following results: AYES : Condon, Summers, Walklin and Johnson ABSENT: Kevra adopted The Chairperson declared the resolution. The Chairperson called the meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m. MARK JOHNSON, CHAIRPERSON PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015 AT 7:00 P.M.