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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-21-2013 Regular Meeting247 The Recreation Board of the City of Fairhope met Wednesday, August 21, at 5:15 p.m. at the Multipurpose Indoor Training Facility at Fairhope High School, 1 Pirate Drive, Fairhope. Present were: Sherry Sullivan, Bob Keyser, Cathy Hudson (left meeting at 6 p.m.), Chairman Vann Saltz (left meeting at 6:05 p.m.), Tom Kuhl and Kevin Grimes. City Executive Assistant Gayle Fogarty took the minutes to the meeting. Absentee were: Michelle Smith, Jenny Douglass, Derek Thomas and Council members Mike Ford and Diana Brewer. Guests: Ron Havard, Ron Lavigne and John Campbell -residents of Summer Lake subdivision; Fred King of the Fairhope Police Department and Stephen Hazelwood of Fairhope Soccer. Chairman Vann Saltz called the meeting to order. The minutes from the meeting on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 were reviewed and approved, 1 S` motion by Bob Keyser and 2"d motioned by Cathy Hudson and unanimously carried. Manley Road Update — Ron Havard, Ron Lavigne and John Campbell (residents of Summer Lake subdivision) attended the meeting to share concerns about the Manley Road Complex. They are concerned about drainage, parking, entrance points of park, lighting, noise level, hours of operation of the park, property values in Summer Lake, safety of children that live in Summer Lake, EMS/Fire department having appropriate access to their subdivision. There was general discussion of these issues with the Recreation Board members. Review of New Gun Law — Fred King of the Fairhope Police Department provided an update of the new gun law that was recently passed (SB286). He stated that as of August 1, 2013, it is legal to carry an open fire arm in the State of Alabama. Fred shared how the new gun law affects school buildings, public buildings, etc. Ways to exclude carrying an open gun are the following things: 1. Signage 2. Guard 3. Cameras There was general discussion among the Recreation Board members regarding this new gun law. Sherry stated that the new gun signs are ready and will be displayed at City buildings and parks in the next few days. Soccer Update — Guest Stephen Hazelwood informed the group that soccer registration was extended due to the amount of people that wanted to participate. He added that 421 boys and girls are registered to play soccer. There are 50 Tots (3-4 year old) registered to play soccer this year as well. Stephen mentioned that the number of older girls registered to play soccer is down. Bob Keyser added that usually numbers pick up, as kids go back to school. Update from Tom Kuhl — Tom provided an update for the group on recreation fields. He stated that the ADA sidewalk at Volanta is complete. The building is about to go up at Barnwell and the excavation is underway. The football jamboree will be held on September 7, 2013 at Barnwell. Tom provided the group with some maintenance issues going on at the parks around town. 06 Update on Baseball — Kevin Grimes provided an update on baseball. He stated that 2 teams won state tournaments this year, 7-8 year old Peanut team and 14 year old Dixie Boys advanced to World Series. Sherry Sullivan informed the group of a suggestion made by Kevin Boone. He suggested that children playing baseball could volunteer their time to the City, and then the City could contribute to a fund for service hours donated by the children. Then, when a tournament comes up funds would be designated to be used for the baseball tournament, based on service hours contributed by the children. Bob Keyser added that soccer puts the fundraising on the shoulders of the team that is going to a tournament. He mentioned a car wash, bagging groceries, etc. Recreation Board members feel it is important for the children going to a tournament, need to work and fundraise to attend, rather than going to the City for a donation. The stance of the Recreation Board is to send people asking the City for money back to their league, rather than contacting the City on their own. Report from Sherry Sullivan — Sherry Sullivan informed the group that the grant provided for Volanta is nearly complete, they are just waiting to complete the playground area. According to Sherry, the Mayor would like this to be complete by the end of the year, so the City can apply for another ADECA grant next year. Sherry said the work had to be complete within two years of receiving the grant. Kevin Grimes questioned if the City was able to apply for another grant within the window, even if the project was complete. Sherry said, according the Mayor, the City can reapply. Bob Keyser added that there is grant money available through DCNR (Department of Conservation & Natural Resources) There is recreation grant money that is available through them, Bob will meet with John Baker to get more information and report back to the group. Sherry also stated that a part-time tennis person has been hired for the tennis center. Sherry will bring suggested rules for the tennis court to the next meeting. She added that she has met with Clay Adams and is getting more information on the survey. The Mayor, Sherry and Clay will walk through the park and discuss what items need to be incorporated in the new park as far as artwork, etc. She shared information about the ACE program, stating over 500 residents completed the survey. A special meeting will be held on September 6, 2013 at 9 a.m. in the Fairhope Civic Center to report the findings of the survey and have open discussion. Update on Soccer — Bob Keyser stated that opening day for soccer will be September 21, 2013. Sherry shared a draft of the Manley Road Complex with the group. There was general discussion of the layout and what items could be completed by the City. Bob Keyser suggested enlarging two of the fields to be tournament regulation size. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at the Fairhope Recreation Center. The meeting was duly adjourned at 6:48 p.m.