HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-20-1994 Regular MeetingThe Recreation Board of the City of Fairhope met Wednesday, April 20, 1994
at 6:30 p.m. at the City Administration Building, 161 N. Section Street
Present: Chairman Richard Bass, members Rae Jackson, Larry Thomas,
Charlie Langham, Bob Callahan. Recreation Director Eddie Boyett,
Facilities Director Phil Rutherford and Secretary Betty Rivenbark
Mike Ford, Council Liaison
Mr. Bass recognized Clyde McGuire, Mr. Johnson and Angelo Tucker of the
Boys 8 Girls Club. They spoke to the board and told that the Board of Educa
tion had provided them with space at the old intermediate school at Twin Beech
Road, a cafeteria, 2 classrooms and outside area to use. They went over some
of the statistics for their Mobile club citing they served over 3700 children
between the ages of 6-18, mostly disadvantaged, and that they have reduced
crime 40% in the areas that they have served. They said they have an oppor-
tunity to come to the Eastern Shore, they will not be in competition with any
programs we have. They went over the program they hoped to put in place -
they would operate from Monday - Friday, 9 - 6 with an early bird program
and it would cost 3.00 per child. They have a station rotation system: arts 8
crafts, education, game room, outdoor recreation, education trips, tours and
a 1 week camp. They would start at the end of May and run 2 months. He
said if they spend time on the ballfield they must spend equal time in the
library, also they give incentives. When he was finished speaking Larry asked
him specifically what he wanted from the city/board. They said they were re-
questing 19,600.00 and had been directed to the Recreation Board. Larry
Thomas explained to them where the Recreation Board gets their funds and
the problem we are having now just meeting our budget with the decline in
cigarettes. Mike Ford said they tried to start something over here 3-4 years
ago at Young Street and the community was against it, they wanted to run it.
He said it is a good program. All agreed it is a great program and that they
supported what they are trying to do 100 percent but that we do not have the
funds they are asking for, Starke Irvine, came in and said he is the president
of the Boys 8 Girls Club in Baldwin County and that they are presently servir
300-400 children at the Daphne site alone. The different programs they offered
vs. our programs was discussed and they said they did not want to take away
from our programs, just serve the unserved youth, not in competition. Starke
said he sees it as a great opportunity to stop problems in Fairhope before they
start, not wait to remedy them when they occur. They were asked if we could
offer in -kind services and they remarked that they really need the money to
make it work, a quality program. They were thanked for coming and told
we would make a recommendation to the City. After they left, Larry Thomas
made a motion to recommend to the Mayor and Council that any financial
support they can give, that they do so, but the Recreation Board does not
have the funds at this time to participate and our employees are so busy we
cannot even offer in -kind service. Charlie Langham seconded and motion
carried unanimously.
The minutes were approved as written on motion by Larry Thomas, seconded
by Charlie Langham and unanimously carried
The bills were approved on motion by Larry Thomas, seconded by Charlie
Langham and unanimously carried.
The board discussed the need for a curfew at the Volanta Street park on
using--the,-basketball goals. Discussion led to a motion by Rae Jackson,
to have a 11 :00 p.m. curfew and post a sign to that effect at the Greeno Road
park. Charlie Langham seconded and motion carried unanimously.
Under old business, Eddie brought up the NAIA soccer tournament. That they
plan to be here 3 days Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday with 16 teams. He said
he had gotten a call and that they were requesting a reducation of the $1500
we had quoted them on renting the field, and also requesting and also part
of the concessions. He said he is just passing this on for discussion. It
was the consensus that the Booster Club should have the concessions and
if they wished to meet with them and work something out that was their
perogative. The city to get the parking. Further discussion led to Rae J'acksoi
making a motion to keep the original agreement of $1500 and that the Booster
Club keep the concessions or work out arrangement with them. Charlie Langha
seconded and motion carried with Richard Bass, Rae Jackson and Charlie Langh
voting for it and Larry Thomas opposed.
Eddie mentioned that he had been contacted by a group of ladies wishing to
place a playground in town, he just wanted to make the board aware.
e mentioned further that he had been contacted by McGill and possibly they
ight request having the state soccer play-off in Fairhope, So far, just talking.
J
lThe publicity we are getting on the restrooms was discussed and Eddie and Phil
assured the Board that the restrooms are cleaned every day.
(Phil said they are still working at the pool, Eddie said we have a new sign,
he has planted flowers and mulched and he is in the process of hiring lifeguards
He has hired a man as head lifeguard. He said the tennis program is going fine
iving lessons Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 6-8 every other week.
The grant letter from Phillip Roth was discussed and it was the consensus of
he board that we did wish to pursue it, convey this to the Mayor.
The board discussed briefly possibility of recreation center and adult recreation
center and how to fund these.
here being no further business, meeting was duly adjourned.