#4 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING Park and Recreation Department Conference Room, 11th Floor, City Hall Monday, May 16, 2005 3:30 p.m. Present: Bob Aldrich, Dennis Brunner, June Bailey, Colleen Craig, Glen Dey, Janet Miller Also Present: Julie Headrick - Facility Director of Design and Construction for USD 259; Richard Wertz - Principal, Linwood School; Susan Perry - Art Teacher, Linwood School; Barbara McKee - Ceramic Artist; Brandon Dorian, Allora Riley, and Jason Juarez, students at Linwood School; Shannon Bohm - Schaefer, Johnson, Cox, and Frey Architects; Mike North - Law Department; and Doug Kupper and Linda Baker (staff) President Bailey called the meeting to order at approximately 3:30 p.m. PUBLIC AGENDA No items. REGULAR AGENDA The minutes of the April 11, 2005, meeting were reviewed and approved as revised. 1. Fencing at Linwood Elementary School. Julie Headrick, Facility Director of Design and Construction for USD 259, displayed artwork of the brick fence that had been constructed at Linwood School. Bob Aldrich asked if the fence was completed. Ms. Headrick said yes, except for the corner element. She added that the ice storm had damaged some of the trees that in turn caused damage to the fence, but it was now repaired and complete. She introduced Shannon Bohm of Schaefer, Johnson, Cox, and Frey Architects. Ms. Bohm reviewed the drawing of the artwork located at the corner of Harry and Hydraulic. She stated that the 31-foot facade would have a brick sign that would have two columns on each side made of bricks to match the building. She said the design also included enhancements of limestone that would also match the existing buildings and tie the elements together. She said the signs would read "Linwood School Park" and that tiles would surround each sign. She said the lettering would be large enough to be seen from the intersection. She said between the two columns there would be a black wrought iron gate with an overall height of 6' 4". She concluded by suggesting that the area be landscaped with flowers or stepping-stones. Bob Aldrich asked what other options had been considered and the estimated cost of each. School staff reported that the cost of the fence and artwork was estimated at $9,500 and that USD 259 would pay for it; that there would be no cost to the Park and Recreation Department. Dennis Brunner asked about the original plan and commented that there was some concern that the wrought iron gate may give the impression to "stay out" to the local residents. Richard Wertz, Principal, Linwood School, stated that the gate would be closed during school hours while children were outside but it could be opened at other times. He added that further down the fence along Hydraulic Street, there was a five-foot pass-through gate and mentioned that there were several other pass-through entrances/exits along the perimeter. Director Kupper said most of the neighbors would probably use the entrance at the corner on the south end of the school close to the recreation center. Responding to a question regarding maintenance responsibility and upkeep, Ms. Headrick explained that USD 259 had money set aside in the budget for property improvements at the Linwood School site. She asked about sidewalks along Harry and Hydraulic. Park staff commented that there is a sidewalk on the north side of Harry Street. Janet Miller expressed concern that USD 259 would not have the budget to landscape the area. Ms. Headrick stated that Mr. Wertz had established a relationship with Park Department employees at the greenhouse adjacent to the school and that USD 259 was hoping for a cooperative effort for the landscaping. Mr. Wertz said they are going to wait and see how the project played out and then determine how to place those items in motion. If the project turns out differently than they have envisioned, then they will decide how to proceed. Bob Aldrich expressed concern about children short cutting across the landscaping rather than using the entrances. Mr. Wertz mentioned that all entrances/exists to the school building would be locked except the front entrance, which would encourage children to use the front gate. Richard Wertz stated that they were trying to incorporate the "child element" into the building artwork. He said there is a mural inside the double door entrance to the school that was created by last year's students. He said it is their goal each year to have the graduating class do a project for the school as a lasting monument. One of the projects for this year's class will be the wall and fencing project. Mr. Wertz introduced Susan Perry, Art Teacher at Linwood Elementary School. Ms. Perry introduced Barbara McKee, a ceramic artist, and students Brandon Dorian, Allora Riley, and Jason Juarez. Ms. McKee and the students brought samples of the tiles they had made to decorate the fence. They explained how the design concept for the tiles was created and how the design on each tile was created. They commented that each of the forty-four tiles would be a "one-of-a-kind" piece of artwork. President Bailey thanked everyone from USD 259 for their presentation, and gave free-swimming passes to Mr. Wertz for the students at Linwood School. On a motion Dey, second Brunner, IT WAS VOTED UNANIMOUSLY to accept the project. 2. Review of Administrative Regulation - Charter Ordinance #125. Bob Aldrich asked about the most current published Park inventory. Director Kupper stated that the inventory is usually published every two years, and that the last time it was published was in 2002. He said it was not published in 2004 due to budget cuts. President Bailey asked about the items on the ordinance in blue print. It was determined that the blue printed information were comments from the last meeting, and that the red printed information were items that were added to the regulation at the last meeting. Items #5 and #6 were removed from the proposed regulation, and item #8 was added to the proposed regulation. President Bailey asked for comments. Bob Aldrich stated that he wanted to be sure that the thoughts and feelings of the Park Board were included in the administrative regulation; and that if the revisions were accepted, he felt that a change of how parkland was handled would follow. Mr. North said the wording could use improvement. He said "neighborhood" is not a functional definition. Director Kupper suggested geographical areas of a one-mile circle around park areas. There was discussion about how to add and delete properties to the inventory acquired and/or disposed of by the Park Department between publishing dates and how to insure that newly acquired properties would automatically be included in the inventory upon acquisition. Mr. North said he would review the regulation and make changes before the next meeting and draft a copy for Park Board review. It was the general consensus to defer action on this item until the June meeting. 3. Director's Update. Director Kupper reported briefly on the following items. * Kingsbury Track - site development plan for area will include recreational opportunities and sewage treatment plant. The utility is required to purchase the land but staff does not know if the funds will go into the park improvement fund or the general fund. Someone asked why the sewage treatment plant was moved from the Brooks Landfill site to its current location at Kingsbury. Staff explained that the location was moved because of citizens' requests. * Park Regional Master Planning - stated that the 2006 Budget would have $250,000 for development of a Park Regional Master Plan and review of City recreational services. He commented that staff will attempt to get Sedgwick County to help pay for the regional master plan, since the County is responsible for providing regional recreational opportunities and would like to partner with the City. Ideally, half of the cost would come from the County, which would leave funds to do an analysis of the City's existing system. He added that another plan was to hire a consultant to complete a professional study of the City's recreational services. President Bailey asked what the Park Board's role would be, and Director Kupper commented that the Board would participate in the interview process to select a candidate. * Four-by-Four Wheel Drive Park - reported that Park staff is working on a concept to create a four-by-four wheel drive park approximately 140 acres in size. He reported that monies are available from the Feds to create the ATV trail system. He said staff would also like to create a dirt bike track as well as a pick-up/ SUV track at the area. * Ice Sports - reported that the City Council will review an item tomorrow to convert Ice Sports into a Park and Recreation facility staffed by City employees. President Bailey asked if there is a plan for Ice Sports operations regarding hours, etc. Director Kupper stated that he requested that employees and hours remain the same. * Orchard Park Skateboard Area. Bob Aldrich asked for an update on where the City engineers were on the Orchard Park Skateboard area. He specifically requested information on the concrete. Director Kupper said he would email that information to Mr. Aldrich tomorrow. * Using City Pools for Diving Team. Bob Aldrich reported that he received a letter from a district diving coach requesting time at the City pools for diving practice. Staff reported that Craig Nelson, Park Department Aquatics Supervisor, has responded to the letter. * City's Reforestation Policy. Janet Miller reported that she had received questions from constituents regarding the reforestation policy in City parks. She asked if this would be an appropriate Park Board agenda item. Director Kupper said most of the 2500 trees planted annually by the City are planted on street right-of-ways. * Construction of Bike Path between 13th & 21st Streets. It was noted that construction has started on the bike/walking path from 13th to 21st Streets along the Little Arkansas River, including North Woodland Park. Director Kupper reported that work has also begun on the area adjacent to Westar Energy where the pedestrian bridge and riverbank stage project is going forward. He mentioned that the "Keeper of the Plains" statue would be temporarily removed. * Reflection Square Park. Bob Aldrich asked about the status of the sidewalk repair at the park. Director Kupper reported that John D'Angelo and the art community were working together to come up with a solution. * Central Riverside Park - reported that the estimated completion date for the fountain repair at the park was August. * Annual Elections. It was noted that President Bailey's last meeting as Board President is June 2005. Annual election of new officers is in September; the first vice-president will chair the meetings until the election. * Orchard Park Party. Bob Aldrich reminded Board members that the Orchard Park Party is Saturday, June 25 and asked every one that was available to attend. Since this was Bob Aldrich's last meeting as a Park Board member, President Bailey asked him if he had any comments. He thanked everyone and said it had been an educational experience. Mitch Mitchell asked what the relationship was between the Board of Park Commissioners, Park staff, Wichita Festivals, and Public Works with respect to the river during the bathtub race because there was a lot of confusion last Saturday. He stated that no one knew what to do when the river came up. Director Kupper stated that the Park Department had no control over the event or the dam. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:00 p.m. ___________________________________ June Bailey, President ATTEST: _____________________________________ Linda Baker Recording Secretary Park Board 5/16/05 (Contd.) Page 2 of 2 1 2