PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
CITY HALL, 100 LOCKVILLE ROAD
MONDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2006
REGULAR MEETING
7:30 P.M.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 24 Regular Meeting.
Ms. Green moved to approve. Seconded by Mr. Boetcher. Mr. Boetcher, Ms. Green, Mr. Frazier, and Ms. Hammond voted to approve. Motion carried 4-0.
3. COMMUNITY COMMENTS.none
4. PARK DEVELOPMENT/IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
A. Master Plan. Ms. Green commented that the Master Plan was not what she had expected. She thought its presentation would be more sequential with year-by-year projections. Mr. Carr said that it was ordered into 5 year, 5-10 year, and up to 20-year segments. A discussion ensued on impact fees and their effects on the Parks & Recreation Budget and the Master Plan. Mr. Carr explained that Pickerington is charting new waters, since there are probably only three other communities in Ohio with an impact fee regulation in place. Ms. Green asked who researches restraints on the use of impact fees. Mr. Carr answered that the staff, under the direction of City Manager Judy Gilleland, is doing that now. Their findings will eventually become a report. He added that one stipulation is that the monies be used for capital expenditures. The projected income from the impact fees is projected to be around $260,000 a year.
Mr. Boetcher
moved that the Board demonstrate general support for the Master Plan, and that
the Board should receive projections and timelines as they become available.
Seconded by Ms. Green. The motion passed 4-0.
B. JOINT PARK DISTRICT. Mr. Carr gave an update on the status of investigations into a Joint Park District. The groundwork has been delayed while the Master Plan was developed; the research will resume soon. He explained that the legislative authority of any entity can pass a resolution to establish a district. Currently, there are approximately 14,000 city residents who pay for the city parks; there are over 19,000 residents in the township who have access to use of the parks, but don’t pay for that. Ms. Green asked what is the goal of a joint park district. Mr. Carr answered that an increased tax base increases the possibility of projects. Mr. Frazier stated that he believes that anyone who uses the parks should have to pay for that privilege.
C. NATURE WORKS UPDATE.
1. DISC GOLF COURSE. Mr. Carr reported that the city has received
an extension for the use of grant monies to assist in the disc
course development until June 30 of 2007.
5. FACILITY USE DISCUSSION. Mr. Carr explained that the Parks and Recreation Department has been getting requests from several groups to use the city’s athletic fields. Formerly the PYAA and PASA had been the only ones to request that. He distributed a survey indicating what neighboring communities do in similar situations. He asked the Board to review the survey, and then to bring comments and suggestions to the November meeting. He will also explain staff recommendations at that meeting.
6. RECREATION AND EVENTS. Mr, Carr reminded the Board of three upcoming events: “Make NOYS,” “The Haunted Village,” and “Tots Trick or Treat.” He also noted that the winter class brochure will be mailed to homes on December 15.
7. OTHER BUSINESS. Mr. Boetcher asked the students in attendance if they had any questions. He also inquired about their perceptions of the skate park. The students indicated that that park appeals more to younger teens.
8. ADJOURNMENT. Mr. Boetcher moved for adjournment. Ms. Green seconded.
ALL AYE. The meeting was adjourned by Mr. Frazier at 8:14 pm.
Respectfully submitted
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Don Ross, Board Recorder
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Steve Carr, Parks and Recreation Director