HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-11-2019 Regular MeetingMinutes of the Fairhope Recreation Board
The Fairhope Recreation Board met Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 5:15 p.m. in the Rec Center
at 803 North Greeno Road.
Present: Bob Keyser, Vann Saltz, Cathy Hudson, Pat White and Michelle Smith Absent: Derek
Thomas, Corey Martin, Charlie Langham, and Jay Robinson. Gayle Fogarty took minutes.
The meeting was called to order by Bob Keyser at 5:15 p.m. The minutes of the November 13,
2019 meeting were considered and approved, after amending two items: update word from
exceptions to expectations and update of ESMS Tri Club to TeamWorks Multisport Training, on
a motion by Vann Saltz, seconded by Michelle Smith, none opposed.
Old Business: Pat White provided an update on the stadium becoming ADA compliant, he stated
that the goal is to have it complete before graduation and added that a 90-day contract will be in
place, once the bid is awarded. There was general discussion among the board members and Pat
regarding a vision for the football/baseball areas, Vann agreed that a new entrance to volanta would
be a positive improvement.
Pat added that he is working to get the bid for the pool out in January/February or March. Michelle
requested waiting until after February to bid the pool, to allow Master Swim's members to prepare
for an upcoming meet. Pat added that at this time he is not sure of the timeline on the pool.
There was general discussion among the board members regarding the founders press box. Pat
commented that he would like to replace the press boxes, redo the bathrooms and place a fence
around field one at Founder's Park, several board members agreed the park needs some
improvements. Pat informed the board that he met with a lightning detection company, the service
would send a notification to the City, if lightning is within 10 miles. The software is $50,000,
which is a one-time cost, and then an annual fee of $1,000.
There was general discussion among the board members of the 5-year plan.
Old Business:
Bob informed the board that he joined Pat, Charlie and Vann to look at the property on Co. Rd. 13
& 32, he added that the City renewed the lease to farm approximately 100 acres of the property.
He added that he is looking at having a Rec Summit on January 25, for all youth and adult leagues,
items to be discussed include board of directors for each league, club officers, updated bi-laws and
facilities use agreements. He said, travel ball teams will be required to have a franchise agreement
and stated that those using the City facilities are schools, recreation programs, and club programs.
Bob informed the board that a tree outside the high school baseball field needs to be removed. He
prepared a letter on behalf of the Recreation Board addressed to the Tree Committee requesting
the tree be removed for public safety, see attached.
New Business:
Cathy Hudson informed the board members that FHS won at the County meet. Sectionals were
held in Mobile and 39 swimmers qualified, boys placed I" and girls placed 2"d. Cathy also stated
that Kaleigh Spears was named Alabama 6A7A State Champion 100 Butterfly at the State Meet
in Auburn.
Cathy stated that all the new swim blocks have financial commitments, except for $1,500, Bob
stated that the Booster Club is interested in helping construct a ticket booth on the East side of the
stadium for the visitors entrance, the club will work with the City on this project. Bob added that
the Booster Club has formed a Capital Improvement Committee and he suggested that the Rec
Board work with them on projects when possible.
Pat shared thoughts on the possible future of the 40-acre Colony Property on Co. Rd. 13 and the
Rotary Youth Club outdoor playground. He added that phase # 1 of the volanta ADA stadium
project will cost $160.000, and phase # 2 will include handicap parking.
Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:12 p.m.
Karin Wilson
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Kevin G. Bvne
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Jack BurtelL ACM0
Jimmy Comers
Jar Robins"in
Lisa A. Hanks. AMC
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Ki r:herh Creech
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Al"S1776 NIN
l I December 2019
Tree Committee
City of Fairhope-
161 North Section St-cct
Fairl-lope, Al- 36532
SUBJECT: Tree removal from City Recreation Properly
The Pairhope Pals and Recreation Department is responsible for operating and maintaining
recreational properties throughout the City. The Rccrcntion Board provides advice and
assistance to the. Dcpar mcm Director and City Officials in the areas of lon4ywrm planning.
facility Operation and liaison Avltll the various recreation orr�anlzations that Utilize the city
facilities.
During a site visit oil 9 December 2019 at Volanta Park. two Recreation Bond members
noted a. large live oak tee immediately south of the high school baseball field that appears
to besigllliiculdy compromised. The branches of the tree are cabled together its shown in
Photo 41 attached. Examination of the tree front: shows the center of the we has rotted.
Photos 92 and ll3 sho\y the extent of the deterioration Of the trunk. Speaking with Public
Works employees on site, we were told that exploratory borings \were made into the tree and
it was determined that only app aximmely 4-5 inches of solid wood \vas on the perimeter of
the t-ee, with the center rotted away. Photos 44 and R5 show the borings in the tee. It should
be noted the tree diameter is in excess of 4 To. The ce'nier of the tree also shows a fare e
Void at where the t-t. ul: dlvlile5 into its Wpm brnnchcs.
From the above inRorninticm, it is apparent that the: inig—'rity of this tree is compromised. Its
current locution has Inge branches oredmoghg the existnt ; visitor bleachers, the backstop
adjacent to home plate. ,uul the location of the nc\y grandstand and pressbox being,
constructed belllnd home plate. In its compromised state. this u-c•e poses an irnnlinent dan`�rr
w both spectators aiRl city facilities. Additionally. as :his is a publicly accessible area• Were
are often times children and park visitors in the vicir.ily Of the tree. Wilt the high school
baseball season scheduled to begin in early February. and players and coaches on site
already, it appears we awjeopartlizing the public's safety on a regular basis. The she of the
limbs that hang Oyer the bleachers Would likely critically injure, if not kill anyone they fell
on. Consequently, the RM-eutic,n Board requests that r: n;oval of this wee be approved and
excc:utcd by the appropriate City Dcpartrtcnt as MWn cis prtssiblc to clintinate Ibis public
safety hazard vxl pcucntinl liability to the City.
ShOUld yotl have an)r Ciueaicros. I :Mallet ready to discuss this Maher \Vole you. I can be
re::che(jl by phone at (251) 463-5341 or by e-mail at k yserri)?rPumnH.u)m.
Warns regards..
Robert B. l:e•,l Cl
C llsairrn:ln, Ft'.irhoL,c ttii: real r.ul LiO;!rd
Cu Director or Paws umi I. irecior of Puhlic: \Vorks: Cit\' Attorney
I Attael11lreiiI
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Photo 2