HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-19-2013 Regular MeetingThe Recreation Board of the City of Fairhope met Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at 5:15 p.m.
at the Recreation Center located at 803 North Greeno Road.
Present were: Sherry Sullivan, Jennifer Douglass, Tom Kuhl, Derek Thomas, Kevin Grimes,
Cathy Hudson, Bob Keyser, and Michelle Smith. Assistant City Clerk Candace Antinarella took
the minutes to the meeting.
Stephen Hazelwood attended as a guest.
Absentee were: Chairman Vann Saltz, Councilmembers Mike Ford and Diana Brewer.
Bob Keyser called the meeting to order. The minutes from the meeting on Wednesday, May 15,
2013 were reviewed and approved with a minor change (changing NBFC to MBFC) by 1"
motion by Derek Thomas and 2"d motioned by Kevin Grimes and unanimously carried.
Old Business —
Bob Keyser stated the Coca Cola contract is not yet complete but still in the works.
Stephen Hazelwood updated the Board on the Adult Soccer League. He shared there are nine
teams this year playing at Trione Park mainly due to location based on convenience of where the
players work but it is the Eastern Shore Adult Soccer Club and services both communities. Mr.
Hazelwood's opinion is that doing a competitive league would destroy what is currently in place.
New Business —
Bob Keyser met with John Avent of Preble Rish to review the newest drawing for the Manley
Road project. The current drawing includes 650 parking spaces and ten 80 foot x 120 foot in
size championship fields on which multiple games can be played for maximum use. This
proposed complex could have hosted the recent 140 team tournament which played across a few
parks in this area. It was also mentioned that there is an abutting ten acre parcel the City would
like to acquire for $11,000 an acre. Sherry Sullivan said the schools are starting archery
programs and with additional land and possible indoor facility we could accommodate such
programs. Bob Keyser asked that signs be placed on the land so that adjacent developers are
aware that a sports complex will be coming soon. Tom Kuhl stated that the Recreation Board
needs to get with Preble Rish and finalize the plans and get a cost estimate.
Derek Thomas made a motion to purchase the ten acres abutting to the Manley Road property
from the Burmeisters and 2"d motioned by Jenny Douglass and unanimously carried.
Tom Kuhl is happy with the proposed drawings but does not want to lose the high school from
playing at Majors Field. Tom also stated that he will need to adjust his budget for the 2014 year
to include 2 employees and about $150,000 in equipment for the Manley complex. This
complex can hold a 150 team tournament with the overflow playing at Founders Park.
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The next discussion was regarding the naming of the complex. All members are to give ideas to
Bob Keyser by July 10, 2013 to be voted on at the July 17, 2013 Recreation Board meeting for
the recommendation to be sent to the City Council.
The next item for discussion was the Fairhope Community Park. Sherry Sullivan said the
fencing around the park will go before the City Council on Monday night. Hagan Fence
Company won the bid with a cost of $32,000. The next step with this project is to appoint an
architect of record and once hired, the architect will consult with the Recreation Board. Neither
of the original groups will be doing the renovation project. A major portion of the funding has
already been secured but the source will be announced the first week of July.
Jenny Douglass made a motion on behalf of the Recreation Board supporting the City Council to
select an engineer of record to begin renovations to the Fairhope Community Park and 2"d
motioned by Derek Thomas and unanimously carried.
Stephen Hazelwood addressed the Fairhope Soccer Recreation League. He mentioned the lack
of participation and the need to channel kids back into the program. He said there has to be a
way to keep people in the recreation league and not lose them to the academy league. Discussion
ensued on the levels of soccer for adolescents and the differences. Bob Keyser stated the three
leagues will work together to come up with a resolution.
Sherry Sullivan discussed the Fairhope Tennis Association and pointed out they have never done
what they were asked to formally become a league although they reserve courts which leaves
limited space for the general public. According to Bill Carroll the insurance is not financially
feasible. It is assumed the Fairhope Tennis Association does not want to be a league and may
disband after the season.
Sherry Sullivan had no additional report to give other than topics previously discussed.
The next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, July 21, 2013.
The meeting was duly adjourned at 6:39 p.m.
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