Centerville City Parks and Recreation Committee meeting held February 21, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Business Conference Room, 250 North Main, Centerville, Utah.
MEMBERS PRESENT Steve Blais
William Duncan
Gary Goff
Kevin Merrill, Chair
Peyton Smith (arrived about 7:00 p.m.)
Stephanie Wheatley
STAFF PRESENT Steve Thacker, City Manager
Bruce Cox, Parks and Recreation Director
Kathy Streadbeck, Recording Secretary
VISITORS Justin Allen, City Council Liaison
MINUTES REVIEW AND APPROVAL
The minutes of the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting held January 17, 2008 were reviewed. Kevin Merrill made a motion to approve the minutes as written. The motion was seconded by Stephanie Wheatley and passed by unanimous vote (5-0).
PORTER-WALTON PARK – Ribbon Cutting Event
Kevin Merrill reported that the City Council approved the distribution of free hot dogs, chips and root beer at the Porter-Walton Park ribbon-cutting event set for May 1, 2008. Stephanie Wheatley said the Trails Committee is committed to hosting a family walk on a loop that includes the Bamberger Parkway that evening and helping with the food as needed. She also said the Trails Committee will have coolers full of water (from one of the City’s wells) available for patrons. Grills for cooking hotdogs will be provided by Stephanie Wheatley, Kevin Merrill, and Bruce Cox.
Steve Thacker, City Manager, said he would ask staff to purchase the food. He also said that Mayor Russell and Ruth Porter (previous owner of the property) will speak at the event. Bruce Cox, Parks and Recreation Director, said he would take care of setting up the necessary sound equipment.
The Committee agreed to announce the event in the March newsletter and post flyers at area businesses. Staff will prepare the flyers. Steve Blais will make a sign/banner to be posted in the park in advance of the event.
ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PARK
Peyton Smith reported he has spoken with several musical groups. He said he has set up the following tentative schedule, but has made no commitments as of yet.
Date Artist Genre Cost_Estimate
June 12, 2008 Fire on the Mountain Blue Grass $795 - $1000
June 26, 2008 Movie
July 10, 2008 Crash Pontiac & the Hubcaps 50’s & 60’s
July 24, 2008 Movie
August 7, 2008 Voice Male Acappella $3500 - $4000 OR
Vocalocity Acappella $750
August 21, 2008 Dallyn Vail Bayles Broadway Music $400
Mr. Smith said Voice Male is expensive, but may bring some validity to the program (this group is well known). He also said he is still negotiating the price with this group and is hoping to bring it down to $3,000. He said the entire summer series will cost around $6,500. This is less than the budgeted amount ($10,000). Mr. Smith also distributed a list of possible movies that could be shown in the park on the dates listed. Films range from $200-$350, depending on the movie shown. The cost includes the necessary licensing to show these films. He made a couple of suggestions (PG or G only), but asked the Committee to review the list and come with recommendations to the next meeting.
The Committee listened to some samples of music from a few of the groups. They discussed adding an additional performance or movie since the total cost is lower than expected. The Committee agreed to add an additional movie on June 19, 2008. Overall, the Committee agreed this is a good start for the new program and includes a good mix of talent. The Committee also agreed to go with Voice Male for the August 7th performance. Mr. Smith will proceed with booking these groups for the summer.
Mr. Smith reported that he and Steve Thacker, City Manager, met with Dan Morgan, a sound consultant, regarding sound equipment for these events. Mr. Morgan is currently working on a proposal. Mr. Smith said he would like to advertise this entertainment program in the City newsletter, listing the entire series. He said he would also like to purchase two (2) banners (one announcing movies and one announcing concerts) to be posted in the park prior to each event. The Committee agreed with both of these ideas.
Mr. Smith said he is still working on the logistics of a movie screen and will report back next month. William Duncan said he has left a message for Kurt Green of Creative Color regarding a movie screen and is still waiting for a response.
PORTER LANE PARKWAY - Plantings and Maintenance Update
Bruce Cox, Parks and Recreation Director, reviewed the history of the Porter Lane Parkway and updated the Committee on the current state of the parkway. Steve Thacker, City Manager, explained that surrounding residents have mixed feelings about a trail, but were interested in replacing vegetation. Mr. Thacker said several scenarios were discussed, including bank re-stabilization and culverts. It seems that development of a trail would prove costly and without a plan and financing, it may be premature at this point. He said the goal for this year is to beautify the parkway by reviving and/or increasing the vegetation.
Steve Blais said there were several stumps left along the parkway that are unsightly. He said if a trail is ever developed, he recommends the stumps be removed and the bank re-stabilized. If no trail is developed, he suggests the stumps be killed and allowed to rot on their own. Stephanie Wheatley said a trail would be nice for connectivity, but there is sidewalk on the north side of Porter Lane that would suffice.
COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS
This item was postponed.
REVIEW/RECOMMEND PARK IMPROVEMENTS FOR NEXT FISCAL YEAR
This item was postponed.
NEXT MEETING
The next Parks and Recreation Committee meeting will be held on March 27, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. rather than the normal third Thursday, due to the Easter school break. (Note: The Committee agreed to change their regular meeting time to 7:00 p.m. instead of 6:30 p.m. from now on.)
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
_ 3-27-08
Kevin Merrill, Chair Date Approved
Kathleen Streadbeck, Recording Secretary
