HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-19-2019 Regular MeetingMinutes of the Fairhope Recreation Board
The Fairhope Recreation Board met Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 5:15 p.m. in the Rec Center at
803 North Greeno Road.
Present: Bob Keyser, Michelle Smith; Cathy Hudson, Corey Martin, Derek Thomas and Charlie
Langham. Absent: Tom Kuhl, Vann Saltz and Jay Robinson. Guest: Pat White, Recreation
Department. Gayle Fogarty took minutes at the meeting.
The meeting was called to order by Bob Keyser at 5:17 p.m. The minutes of the May 22, 2019
meeting were considered and approved on a motion by Charlie Langham, seconded by Corey
Martin, none opposed.
Pat White of the City of Fairhope Recreation Department provided an update on recreation items
that have been requested for the 2019-2020 budget and other items that Tom Kuhl is currently
working on. Pat stated: Update lighting on high school baseball field, plaster the pool, bids for
pickleball have gone out, stabilizing the hill inside volanta park that is used for overflow parking;
track will be resurfaced this summer, expanding the tennis center parking, purchasing soccer goals
and posts in the stadium. There was general discussion among the members regarding baseball
field needs, Pat stated that a new field with no lights is estimated between S17,000-$20,000.
There was general discussion among the board members regarding the current baseball fields at
Volanta. Charlie Langham made a motion to pass a resolution, that the Recreation Board is not in
favor of constructing additional baseball fields in the w•oodline behind the existing Dixie Youth
fields. 2"d by Michelle Smith, motion passed unanimously.
Pat added that the soccer fields at the Fairhope Soccer Complex on Manley will be shutdown for
June and July. He added that City staff is working to improve drainage and they want to give the
fields a break from soccer play.
The summer camp that is held at Volanta/Recreation Center has about 30-35 kids a day. Pat added
that the Recreation Department is working to be eco-friendly on City fields, and the department is
currently using 90% organic material.
Charlie Langham stated that the Recreation Board does a great job and wanted to share his
appreciation for all they do. He added that FHS meet the Pirates will be held in the stadium on
August 17, the following week FHS will play Wetumpka.
There was general discussion among the board members to reappoint Vann Saltz to the Recreation
Board. Charlie Langham moved to recommend to the City Council the reappointment of Vann
Saltz to the Recreation Board. 2"d by Cathy Hudson, motion passed unanimously.
There was general discussion among the board members to appoint a new chairman of the
Recreation Board. Cathy Hudson moved to recommend Bob Keyser as the chairman of the
Recreation Board. 2"d by Michelle Smith, motion passed unanimously.
Cathy Hudson stated that 280-290 swimmers are signed up for swim team. She stated that the
blocks at the pool need to be replaced and range from $3,50045,000 each, there are a total of 8.
She added that lessons are going on now and the City Meet will be held at the Rec Center next
month.
Michelle Smith stated that USMS recognizes the month of June as trail membership month, ESMS
had several visitors during the month of June. She also informed the board that she has been
nominated to be the Regional Vice -Chair for USMS.
Derek Thomas inquired about an updated on the 40 acres on Twin Beech Road, no update was
provided. Charlie Langhan stated that the City is waiting on an appraisal of the property on Hwy
13/32.
Corey Martin inquired about young African American kids learning to swim. Michelle shared that
members of the ESMS volunteer to teach swim lesson to Rotary Youth Club members during the
school year. He mentioned the idea of installing a pool at the Rotary Youth Club and adding it to
the Recreation Board's 10-year plan.
Bob Keyser stated that wrestling camp is currently underway, he inquired about space to host a
wrestling fundraiser during November 22-23, 2019. Corey Martin stated that the Rotary Youth
Club gym maybe an option. Bob also commented that Tots soccer camp is going on at Founders.
Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6 p.m.