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Home My WebLink About12-19-1990 Regular Meeting.t. The Recreation Board of the City of Fairhope met Wednesday, December 19, 1990 at 6:00 P.M. at the City Administration Building, 161 N. Section St. Present: Chairman Al Johnson, members Rae Jackson, Charlie Langham, Richard Bass, Larry Thomas. Phil Rutherford, Facilities Director and Betty Rivenbark, Secretary were also present. Al opened the meeting by addressing the articles that he had read in the paper regarding tennis, written by Howard Threlkeld, also recognizing Howard and a few other people that were present tonight that were here to talk about the tennis program. He went through the last several years and when Howard had worked and was paid by the Board, teaching lessons, and the program ran good. How he had resigned and Susan Smith had taken his place and then she resigned and we didn't have anybody since that time. It was pointed out that these programs were not funded by the Board that all programs run at the facilities are run by volunteers, - parents who raise their own money for equipment and uniforms. He said he agreed that we need restroom facilities at the tennis courts that are open all times and a drinking fountain, but he also cited the vandalism that we have had. He went over the number of municipal courts in surround- ing towns in Baldwin County and we were well within what everybody else had except Gulf Shores who has increased their number to 12 in the last year He cited further the vandalism at St. James and that we finally had to remove the brand new nets after they cut them down again. Howard said he has been trying to find someone to run the program but he has not gotten any response from his articles. He wanted to know what kind of plan the Recreat Board had for tennis in the future. He said the youth are being forced to join private clubs because the recreation board does not have anything to offer in the way of programs. Perry Thomas spoke saying that as agressive as the city is he can't see why we can't come up with a programs director for recreation. It was explained to them where we get our money from, that we are on a budget and that cigarette and beer purchases are way down. Mr. Threlkeld was told we do not have a plan but if he has one or someone who wants to come forward with a program we will work with them any way we can. Mr. Threlkeld said he had seen a masterplan with four more courts on it and wanted to know if we had come any closer to building them. He was told no, money was tight. At this time the group left after being told we would welcome anyone who would come up and run the program. Richard Bass passed on to the Board that Rich Cleveland (who was present tonight but did not comment) had told him before the meeting that he is interested in running the program and that he is well qualified. Further discussion led to the Board asking Richard to get in touch with Mr. Cleveland and report back at the next meeting. Later a Mr. Robin Jolley came in and offered to help with the tennis program in any way. The minutes were approved as written and the bills were considered and approved with the exception of the Trayco bill on motion by Larry Thomas 2nd by Rae Jackson and unanimously carried. Al read a letter of thanks from the Powder Puff committee and also read the letter from the high school about the state sanctioning them for soccer. He said they had places to practice but he did not see anything wrong with them using the stadium for games. Further discussion led to a motion by Larry Thomas for them to use the stadium for games only, with the underst ing they would be responsible for clean-up as they are for football games. Charlie Langham 2nd and motion carried unanimously with Richard Bass abstaining to vote as he is school board trustee. The secretary to inform th of this decision by letter. This being for one year only with reveiw before next season. Under new business the Board discussed getting a 5 wheeler with a dump for $4325. Phil said he has looked at this and it will pay for itself, that we can get the top dresser later in the year. It was the consensus of the Board that if we get it that recreation employees only be allowed to use it. Richard Bass moved to purchase a John Deere 5 wheeler w/hydraulic dump, for use by rec- reation board employees only for a price of $4325. Motion was 2nd by Larry Thomas and unanimously carried. There being no further business, meeting was duly adjourned.