Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-20-1997 Regular MeetingThe Recreation Board of the City of Fairhope met Wednesday, August 20, 1997 at 6:30 pm at the City Administration Building, 161 N. Section Street Present: Chairman Richard Bass; members Charlie Langham, Trisha McMahon, Larry Thomas. Council Liaison Mike Ford, Recreation Director Eddie Boyett, Facilities Director Phil Rutherford and Secretary Betty Rivenbark Richard recognized Rock Searle and Joe and Cathy Sherard from Mobile who were present tonight to talk to the board again about disc golf which they wished to establish at the city park. They passed out a brochure that explained what they were talking about. Charlie asked them how much total land they were talking about. They said 1 /3 of the length of a ball golf course. That they have looked at land at the Volanta Park, on the south side of the park, the fitness trail for one, that you really work in and out of places not a straight course. That they feel there is ample room for a short course. The Sherards said that they and their 3 sons play in Mobile all the time. That it is a family sport and they travel around doing this all over the country. They were asked how much clear space they needed around a hole and they said 3 ft. around the basket, that maintenance is low and that there are now 6 courses in Mobile where they play. That the state of Mississippi is going to put them in all of their parks. They were asked how they expected to pay for this and Rock said the best situation would be the city fund it, but barring this if approved they would get sponsors. Where the recreation board gets its money was explained to them and how strained we are for funds. Larry said that he thought that it might be a good idea to plan to put this out at the new park, on the Hwy 44 side, Charlie said he had the same thought. That they would have to be in charge of the development. Rock said they could... get volunteers to help. They were told they could get with John Baker, Boone boys. They were asked what the cost was and they said $300 apiece for goals- $5400 total. Mike Ford asked if they could use the perimeter of Volanta park and Rock said yes. Charlie and Larry said what about the new place and they said one of the good things about Volanta was the in town usage, kids riding bicycles. Larry said again he would like them to start thinking in new park area. Mike Ford asked if this would wear down the trails? And would it pay for itself? Richard Bass asked how many people normally? Rock replied 25-30 on Sunday afternoon. Richard said the only thing that worries him is discs flying around in populated areas, and Volanta is very populated now with all the activities. Larry said it is true that our goal is to maximize use of our facilities, possibly he can get with Eddie and walk around the facility and go over the schedules of all events and see what they come up with. Rock said that would be no problem. They mentioned in leaving that this could also be a revenue producer. They thanked the board for their time and said they would get with Eddie and he can get back with us at the next meeting. The minutes of the July 16, 1997 were approved with one correction on motion by Larry Thomas seconded by Charlie Langham and unanimously carried. The bills were talked about and the bills for hurricane repair from NFL and Leisure Pools will be reimbursed when money from FEMA comes in. They were approved for payment on motion by Charlie Langham, seconded by Trisha McMahon and unanimously carried. It was reported that the 5 gang toro needed fixing and was going to run at least $3,000. Phil said he had gotten a price of $8,000 to fix lean to on concession stand. Discussion followed and it was the consensus of the board that they did not wish to spend that much when the building is so run down anyway. Larry, Eddie and Mike Ford said they would meet out there and look at it again. Ideally a new building would be best but don't have monies to do that, they will report at next meeting what they found. Mike Ford gave a report from Bob Callahan on the youth baseball program. He said that there were over 700 children in the program and mentioned that the new concession stand facilities helped them so much that they ended the year with money in the bank. Phil said the out front mower needs a new deck and that it will cost $3,800 for this. Mike Ford said he will request this money and money for toro out of Capital Improvement Fund. Eddie said the gym is going well almost complete. Mike Ford brought up he had gotten call from Janet White regarding student who is in the band and we need to address situation at the stadium for access for this child. That possibly we could take out necessary seats where needed. He said Steve Sims is suppose to be sending some specifications. Eddie said he met with Steve earlier today. All agreed that this needs to be addressed before football season. Eddie passed out paper and asked the board to be considering what they wished to have in new facility in activities as well as cost of allowing people to use it. Be thinking about this so we can discuss further and establish policy. He just needs some direction in which way we want to go. That all other facilities in area charge different groups. Richard Bass said we should think about what we want to use it for, as well as how to staff and how maintain. Eddie said he will be checking on fees/activities at other facilities so he will have something to report to us at next meeting. Eddie reported nothing further on new fields yet that Boones were scheduled to work the weekend that the hurricane hit so everything is on hold now. There being no further business meeting was duly adjourned.