#1 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING Monday, January 8, 2001 Present: June Bailey, James Johnston, M.S. Mitchell, Trix Niernberger, Leon Robinson, and Joe Todd Absent: William Sanders Also Present: Tonia Fairbanks, Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department; and Doug Kupper and Maryann Crockett (staff) President Mitchell called the meeting to order at approximately 3:30 p.m. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 11, 2000, were reviewed and approved. 1. Discussion of Possible Land Donation - District V. Deferred from the December, 2000, meeting. Director Kupper briefly reviewed the item stating that the area consisted of approximately three acres west of I-235 and the Wichita/Valley Center Floodway (Big Ditch) and south of Central at Gilda St. Todd asked several questions relative to land donation and deed restrictions, the outbuilding located on the property and paving the road to the property. Director Kupper referred to Sim Park and explained that some land donations include deed restrictions. He commented that the out building was negotiable and that the owner would like to see the property kept in some type of agricultural use or demonstration gardens. He stated that the City would not be required to pave the road. There was brief mention of the future possibility of using the Big Ditch for recreational purposes and the use of this acreage for either ingress or egress to the ditch. There was also discussion concerning future reconfiguration of the south on-ramp to I-235 and how that might affect the property. Staff commented that maintaining the acreage in gardens would be costly. Bailey gave Todd a brief background of the proposed donation stating that she had been approached by Frank Smith because of his association with the Sun Flower Land Trust, who had also been offered the donation. Others ideas discussed were using the acreage for a tree farm, maintenance substation or Public Works material storage. Mitchell suggested that Joe Todd contact Frank Smith and see if together they could speak with the property owner regarding the proposed land donation and restrictive covenants. 2. Discussion of Facility at 25th St. and Arkansas. Director Kupper reported that the City has submitted another Request for Proposal to lease the facility. He gave Todd a brief background on the facility stating that SER has relinquished their lease on the property. Niernberger inquired about the status of the $75,000 previously allocated for roof repair. Staff reported that since the repairs have not been done, those funds might become part of the negotiations with the new lessees. Niernberger asked if the department could use the building. Staff said not for current programming. There was brief discussion concerning Evergreen Recreation Center and the Mini City Halls. 3. Director's Update. Director Kupper briefly reviewed the following items: * Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Land. Director Kupper referred board members to a map of several properties along the Cowskin and Calfskin Creeks in West Wichita previously discussed at the August 14, 2000, meeting. He said FEMA offered municipalities the ability to buy out flood prone properties so that individuals would stop building on them. He said the City has purchased ten such parcels and that the City Council will consider transferring the properties to the Park and Recreation Department for oversight at tomorrow's Council meeting. Director Kupper commented that no buildings or other structures that would impede water may be built on the properties. He stated that fencing and playground equipment would be considered on a case-by-case basis. He said another part of the proposal was to allow neighborhood groups, homeowners associations or adjacent property owners to lease the parcels and provide mowing and other maintenance services. He said the Department will probably maintain those parcels that are not leased as open space or Wichita Wildlife Habitat sites. On motion by Johnston, second by Todd, IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED to concur with the transfer of the properties to the Park and Recreation Department for oversight and allow neighborhood groups, homeowners associations or adjacent property owners to lease the parcels and provide mowing and other maintenance services. * Rezoning of Property Adjacent to Evergreen Park. Director Kupper referred to discussion of this subject at the November 13, 2000, meeting. He reported that the City Council had denied the conditional use and rezoning request. * Schell Park and Playground Improvements. Director Kupper stated that improvements to Schell Park were behind schedule due to inclement weather conditions. He added that the playground improvement program has also been affected, particularly the Sherwood Glen Association project at the Law Enforcement Training Center. He briefly explained the Matching Playground Equipment Fund Program to Todd. * Web Site Information. Bailey expressed concern regarding board member's work phone numbers appearing on the City's Web Site. It was the general consensus of the board that their work phone numbers be deleted and that home phone numbers be listed on the Site. Bailey also mentioned that Kiwanis Park was not listed on the Site. * Kansas Recreation and Park Association Conference. Director Kupper reminded members of the upcoming conference in Kansas City. Kupper requested that staff update the department's agency membership. * Status of Park and Recreation Superintendent Position. Requested by Bailey. Director Kupper stated that resumes were currently being ranked for further processing. He also mentioned the Director and Technical Director vacancies at Century II. * Omnisphere Closure. Director Kupper stated that the Omnisphere would officially close on Saturday, January 27, 2001. * Naftzger Park. Director Kupper reported that renovation of Naftzger Park was on schedule and that a rededication will be scheduled once the project is completed, probably in March. He also mentioned several special events being planned at the park. * Auburn Hills Golf Course. Director Kupper reported that Auburn Hills Golf Course should be completed sometime in April. There was brief discussion concerning opening ceremonies. * Riverside Park System Master Plan. Director Kupper reported that staff had met with the consultant and would be meeting with them on a weekly basis. He added that the Consultant would give a presentation to the Board at some future date. * Botanica. Mitchell reported that the Botanica Long-Range Planning Committee would be meeting Thursday, January 11, 2001. Director Kupper said the full Board would be meeting on Thursday, January 17, 2001, to discuss changes in the guidelines and by-laws. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS * Report - Wichita Golf - Retrospect & Prospect. Director reported that the Council has voted to renew the current golf professional contracts for two years. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 4:25 p.m. ____________________________ M.S. Mitchell, President ATTEST: _____________________________ Maryann Crockett, Clerk Recording Secretary Page 3 of 3 Park Board 1/8/01 (Contd.) 1 3