HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-19-1989 Special Public HearingThe Recreation Board of the City of Fairhope met July 19, 1989 in a
special public hearing at the Fairhope Municipal Complex, 161 N. Section
Street, Fairhope, Al. at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Chairman Barney Shull, members Don Smith, Rae
Jackson, Richard Bass and Al Johnson
Phil Rutherford, Facilities Director and Betty
Rivenbark, Secretary were also present and
John Strickland and Wanda Jackson of
A.D.E.C.A./Parks & Recreation Dept.
Barney Shull introduced himself to the audience, some 75 'people present,
and stated that the purpose of the meeting tonight was to remind all
of us to be aware that all recreation facilities and all programs are
available to everyone, and to give the residents of Fairhope a chance
to make suggestions and comments about the programs.
Barney then introduced the Board members and John Strickland and
Wanda Jackson who were present from A.D.E.C.A.
A pad had been put out for those present who wished to speak to sign,
at this time Barney recognized them:
Eloise Rowe, said she was proud and pleased the way we have kept up
the beach area, she just wanted to tell us that there are jet skiiers in
the swimming area and she wished that we could do something to control
them and move them from the swimming area.
Joyce Bishop, said she is pleased with the wonderful work of the Board,
but that from the picnics they have at the beach there is an awful lot
of loud music from people and she wishes we would control the loud music.
Chester Hunt, he wanted to know what plans we have for Young Street,
that he would like to be brought up to date, that for the last 7 years
the program has been going down and he would like to know what can be
done to upgrade the area for the young people. He said he would be glad
to serve to get somethingQoing.
Douglas Taylor, said he was particularly interested in Senior programs
and would like to see something in a swimming program/facility for seniors
and the walking tract finished.
Charles Cummings, said he lives by Stimpson Field, that sometimes 8-10
people use the lights there and maybe if they are made aware of the costs
that they will be more prudent.
Hilde Killoch, said she would like to make a suggestion that a gazebo or
bandstand be built down by the beach area.
This was the end of people who signed in and said they wished to addressed
the Board.
At this time, Billy Powe and Roy Parker spoke stating problems at Yot4ng St.
Mr. Powe said he represented the American Legion who wished to get some-
thing going at the site. Mr. Shull said he thinks the plans now would be
to tear down the building and rebuild from scratch, noting that a joint
effort must be made between community leaders and the recreation board.
Samuel Jenkins, County Commissioner spoke saying this was in his district
and he would like to know what could be done, either restore the park
or turn it back over to the people. Don Smith responded saying that
we have tried over the years to reach the community leaders, have them
come forward. He cited the resurfacing of the tennis courts and having
them torn down within weeks of being built. Further evidences of work
down there was cited, but we failed to get adult leadership in the community
to make the programs work. Barney said plans now are to make it a "passive
park" as it was in the past.
Barney told how the different programs supported themselves. That we
do not pour money into the programs. Tommy Springer, James Gillespie,
and Vann Saltz spoke saying how the different programs are run and
the volunteer support given by the parent groups. That over the years
no children have been turned down that wanted to participate, that
transportation was provided and all programs are open to all the people
in the area. A Samuel Weeks spoke saying that he had run the program
at Young Street in the past and did not have any problems when he
was running it. It was noted that the children are participating in the
other City programs so there are not as many interested in the area
as in years past.
The budget of $78,200 was quoted and that we derived our money from
a beer tax and cigarette tax and that the money is mo •stly used for
facility maintenance. That the organized sports programs within the City
are operated by volunteer groups. Rae Jackson said that due to shortage
of funds the expenditure of funds is prioritized to a certain extent, because
our resources are dropping. We have to pick programs where there will
be most participation for the dollar amount spent. That we are trying to
come up with ways to get more money. A fall festival was being considered
but we have encountered problems with the health department so nothing
has been finalized.
The different park sites that are maintained was pointed out, and that we
derive no money from the golf course or beach area. Some people spoke
about trying different ways to raise money. Mr. Strickland was asked
how Montgomery was able to get their complex. He explained the way
the state distributed the funds, that they had a $300,000.00 budget last
year and probably would have the same this year. It was pointed out that
we have had 3 state grants, for Stimpson Field, beach area, and Volanta
football field. It was also pointed out that we could in matching funds
provide in -kind services.
Ms. Jackson asked if the black community residents had problems utilizing
any other facilities available. Mr. Parker said no. Ms. Jackson asked
if they wanted the Young Street facility back, Mr. Parker said it had
not been discussed.
Mr. Killoch remarked that it looked like our revenue was inadequate for
the upkeep of everything we were trying to do. Barney re -iterated that
our funds are not sufficient now. That the Council is aware of our problems
and we are trying to come up with ways to get more funds. Mr. Killoch
suggested maybe we could piggyback the Arts 8 Crafts and get some money
that way. The tax on soft drinks was brought up, and that we would like
to consider that.
Mr. Shull ask if there were any more suggestions or comments, there were
none. He said he was glad for the meeting, that we learn by hearing
ideas and getting suggestions and together we can get things done.
Meeting was duly adjourned.
There was no meeting in August 1989