#2 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING Monday, February 5, 2001 Present: June Bailey, James Johnston, M.S. Mitchell, Trix Niernberger, Leon Robinson, Joe Todd, and William Sanders Also Present: Lucy Burtnett; Doug Kupper, Larry Hoetmer, Leah Hoffman, Kirk Zoellner, and Maryann Crockett (staff) President Mitchell called the meeting to order at approximately 3:30 p.m. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 8, 2001, were reviewed and approved. 1. Discussion of Proposed Ten-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Kirk Zoellner, Assistant to the Director, provided board members a copy of the updated CIP spreadsheet dated February 2, 2001. Director Kupper commented that the current focus of the CIP would be to bring existing facilities, i.e., recreation centers, tennis facilities, roads, parking lots, etc., up to standards before moving forward with new projects. He mentioned that development of projects such as the Northeast Baseball Complex, Brooks, Chapin and Garvey have been deferred to future years. He referred board members to the figures in bold type on the latest spreadsheet that he said reflected major changes. There was discussion concerning the following projects: * Courts - basketball and tennis. Kupper indicated that the plan was to refurbish four courts per year within the next three years. He added that the issue would be re-addressed in 2003 or 2004. He briefly explained various options including rebuilding versus removing some courts. ($160,000 - GO/2002) * Indoor Tennis Facility. Responding to a question from Johnston, Kupper explained that there was a proposal to build a city-owned indoor tennis complex with private funding. ($1,500,000 - Other/2002) * Parking lots and entry drives. Kupper stated that parking lots at recreation centers and other facilities were in need of repair. He explained that some roadway systems categorized as "park roads" did not fall under the auspices of Public Works for maintenance and repair. He also mentioned that the item included landscaping and entrance signs. There was brief discussion concerning establishing repair priorities. ($1,050,000 - GO/2002) * Land Acquisition and Development. Responding to a question from Niernberger, Kupper explained that additional adult soccer fields and other items were included in that figure. Bailey asked why no funds were allocated in 2002 and 2003. Kupper explained that no funds were allocated because the focus of the CIP has been shifted to existing facility repair and preventative maintenance. ($250,000 - GO/2001) * There was brief discussion concerning Botanica and how that facility was funded. Kupper explained that although the City administered the facility, most of the funding was provided through private donations or "other" dollars. * Ralph Wulz Riverside Tennis Center. Johnston asked about the allocations for this project in 2004 and 2005. Hoetmer stated those were contingency funds in the event the proposed indoor tennis facility and private funding did not become a reality. Johnston asked if a study has been completed that indicated a need for an indoor public facility? Kupper explained that a study was completed prior to his arrival, but that he understood the idea for an indoor tennis facility in the core area of the City had been discussed for sometime. There was considerable discussion. Johnston requested that he be provided the name of the group raising funds and promoting the idea. ($240,000 - GO/2004 and $250,000 - GO/2005) * Swimming Pools. Niernberger stated that she felt more money should to be allocated for swimming pools. Kupper commented that perhaps some of the $400,000 allocated in 2002 for Park Facilities Renovations could be moved to pools. There was considerable discussion regarding costs associated with various pool repairs and renovations. Bailey asked which pools were scheduled for renovation? Zoellner said staff would research that information and report back to the Board. Niernberger said she would like to see other items included in the budget besides maintenance, such as the addition of umbrellas and slides. Mitchell mentioned several recommendations of the Facility Study Report such as providing more adult usage, moving the fencing and extending pool hours. ($100,000 - GO/2001) * McAdams Park. Johnston asked for specifics on the projects for McAdams Park. Hoetmer said projects included the football field, baseball field, irrigation work, parking lot adjacent to the basketball complex and the parking lot at the recreation center. Johnston suggested including tennis courts in the projects. Kupper mentioned establishing a preventive maintenance CIP program in the future. Hoetmer briefly reviewed locations of various tennis courts that have been replaced. ($500,000 - GO/2004) * Kupper responded to several questions from Todd concerning the golf system being an enterprise fund, the golf budget and administration of the golf system. * Westside Athletic Field/Athletic Field Master Planning. Kupper commented that a consultant would be hired to review and evaluate all athletic field facilities and that the Westside Athletic Field would be a part of that study. There was brief discussion regarding field access when games were not in session. Kupper said he would check with staff and report back to the Board. * Watson Park. Kupper explained that funds were earmarked for a new park entry off McLean Boulevard and expansion of the railroad system. ($300,000 - GO/2004) * Playground Rehab. Kupper stated that funds included monies for the matching playground equipment program as well as repair of vandalized playground equipment. ($40,000 - GO/annually) * Director Kupper briefly mentioned other projects such as Century II, the downtown river corridor, Northeast Baseball Complex, development of Garvey and Chapin Parks and the proposed Aviation Museum to be located in the former Omnisphere facility. * CityArts Facility Improvements. Responding to a question from Bailey, Kupper explained that the $600,000 - GO/2009 was set aside to improve exhibit space and special event space between the Boathouse and CityArts. President Mitchell commented that it should be obvious to all board members that more CIP and Operating funds were needed to bring park facilities up to the standards recommended in the Park Facility Study to adequately serve the public. He suggested that all board members work with their elected officials. Bailey inquired about the chances of accessing federal grant monies. Kupper indicated that staff continually researches grant possibilities. Burtnett commented that funding for the Riverside Park System Master Plan has decreased from $12 million, to $8 million, to currently $5 million. She stated that it will not be possible to accomplish all the projects that were originally programmed and that priorities will have to be re-established taking into consideration downtown redevelopment. 2. Director's Update. Director Kupper briefly reviewed the following items: * Riverside Park System Master Plan. Kupper reported that the plan consultants requested that three people from the Riverside Citizens Association meet with them to discuss the plan. He commented that the design team is also focusing on the art aspects of the project. * Properties. Kupper indicated that City staff is meeting with the School Board and their consultants concerning properties required for completion of the bond issue program. He stated that because the bond issue did not address funds for land acquisition, the consultants were researching all publicly owned land to address the possibility of land exchanges or joint usage. There was brief discussion concerning the request for five acres at Linwood Park and an additional request for land at McAdams Park. He concluded by stating that Wildwood Park was mentioned as a possible trade as well as the possibility of a right-of-way road access at Garvey. Mitchell requested that Kupper also inquire about Greiffenstein. * Summer of Discovery. Responding to a question from Bailey, Kupper indicated that scholarship monies were in place, and that staff was working with Neighborhood Assistants and Community Educators to better market the program around specific sites such as Colvin, Attwater and Lynette Woodard. He mentioned working with VITA on registration activities. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS * Statehouse News for the City of Wichita - Edition 2. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 4:45 p.m. ____________________________ M.S. Mitchell, President ATTEST: _____________________________ Maryann Crockett, Clerk Recording Secretary Page 4 of 4 Park Board 2/5/01 (Contd.) 1 4