2017 01-11iE IDIAN.---
PARKS Et RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING • AGENDA
Meridian City Hall • Council Chambers
33 East Broadway Avenue, Meridian, Idaho
Wednesday, January 11, 2017 • 5:30 p.m.
Mission:
The Meridian Parks ft Recreation Commission is a volunteer citizens' group that is created and
empowered to advise the City on issues relating to park facilities and recreation programs of the City.
Their mission is to gather input from staff and other qualified personnel on issues relating to the
creation and design of public parks and open spaces; to listen to public input; and to provide advice
and recommendations on parks and recreation related matters to the Mayor and City Council.
APProximate
Presenter i Time
1. Roll -Call Attendance
Sharon Borton, President Debbie Shaner
Jo Greer, Vice President Creg Steele
Kayla McNay Hannah Sturtevant
John Nesmith Jessica West
2. Adoption of the Agenda
3. Approval of Minutes of the December 14, 2016 Regular
Meeting
4. Announcements
a. Welcome Tyler Roberds: New Recreation Coordinator -
Sports
5. Committee Meetings
a. Parks Committee
b. Pathways Committee
c. Marketing Committee
6. Committee Reports
Rachel Myers ; 2 minutes
Jo Greer 2 minutes
Jo Greer 2 minutes
J---------------------
Colin Moss 5 minutes
50 minutes
15 minutes:
J---------------------
Parks 8 Recreation Commission Meeting Agenda - January 11, 2017 Page 1 of 2
Persons desiring accommodation for disabilities related to documents and/or hearings:
Please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
a. Parks Committee
b. Pathways Committee
c. Marketing Committee
7. New Business
a. Commissioner Creg Steele Recognition
b. Sports/Homecourt Update
c. South Meridian Regional Park Schematic Design
8. Old Business
a. Fire Station at Bear Creek Park Update
9. Workshop -NONE
10. Staff Reports
11. Adjourn
ATTACHMENTS:
1) 12-14-16 Regular Meeting Minutes
2) Parks Committee: Mission, Goals
8 Objectives, 12-14-16 Minutes,
1-11-17 Agenda
3) Pathways Committee: Mission,
Goals & Objectives, 12-14-16
Minutes, 1-11-17 Agenda
4) Marketing Committee: Mission,
Goals 8 Objectives, 12-14-16
Minutes, 1-11-17Agendo
5) Staff Reports: Administration,
Parks, and Recreation Divisions
6) Miscellaneous: Resolution 16-
1177 Adopting Meridian Park and
Facility Naming Policy and
Procedures
minutes ;
John Nesmith 5 minutes
Jo Greer 5 minutes
1
55 minutes:
Steve Siddoway 5 minutes
Garrett White 20 minutes
Mike Barton 30 minutes
I
Steve Siddoway 10 minutes
4---------------------J
I
I I
I
MPR Staff 15 minutes
Jo Greer
I
1 minute
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: FEBRUARY 8, 2017 • 5:30 P.M.
2017 All -Commission Goals:
1. Develop a connected pathway system across the City of
Meridian, with the Five Mile Creek Pathway as the top priority.
2. Explore options to obtain, build, or develop partnerships for
additional park space and/or amenities.
3. Participate in the design development of the future South
Meridian Regional Park.
4. Engage other task forces, commissions, entities, and agencies
through workshops and other outreach for partnership
opportunities.
5. Pursue improved tools and opportunities to communicate with
citizens and stakeholders.
6. Develop partnerships with the Meridian Fire Department for
future fire stations to be collocated with parks.
7. Continue to foster greater Commission involvement in
community events through advanced notice and sign-up sheets.
8. Continue implementation of the updated MPR Master Plan.
9. Explore opportunities to build a pathway along Locust Grove
Road to Chinden, connecting to Eagle's pathway system and the
greenbelt.
10. Develop plans for a new, updated Memorial Program.
Parks It Recreation Commission Meeting Agenda - January 11, 2017 Page 2 of 2
Persons desiring accommodation for disabilities related to documents and/or hearings:
Please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
E IDIAN�-
PARKS Ft RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING • MINUTES
Meridian City Hall City Council Chambers
33 E. Broadway Avenue, Meridian, Idaho
Wednesday, January 11, 2017 • 5:30 p.m.
The Meridian Parks & Recreation Commission is a volunteer citizens' group that is created and
empowered to advise the City on issues relating to park facilities and recreation programs of the City.
Their mission is to gather input from staff and other qualified personnel on issues relating to the
creation and design of public parks and open spaces; to listen to public input; and to provide advice
and recommendations on parks and recreation related matters to the Mayor and City Council.
1. Roll -Call Attendance
Commission Vice President Jo Greer called the meeting to order at approximately 5:39
p.m. MPR Administrative Assistant II Rachel Myers took roll -call attendance as
follows:
0 Sharon Borton, President 0 Debbie Shaner
X Jo Greer, Vice President X Creg Steele
X Kayla McNay X Hannah Sturtevant
X John Nesmith X Jessica West
Others present were: City Council Liaison Anne Little Roberts; MPR Department staff—
Director Steve Siddoway, Parks Superintendent Mike Barton, Parks Et Pathways Project
Manager Jay Gibbons, Marketing Coordinator Shelly Houston, Recreation Manager
Colin Moss, Homecourt Facility Manager Garrett White, and Recreation Coordinator
Tyler Roberds; Deputy City Attorney Emily Kane; Arts Er Culture Specialist Hillary
Bodnar; Meridian Arts Commissioners Mary Jensen and Gretchen Caserotti; McCall
Studios Owner/Artist Ken McCall; and The Land Group Consultants Bob Schafer and
David Koga.
2. Adoption of the Agenda
Commission Vice President Jo Greer entertained a motion to adopt the agenda as
presented. Commissioner Creg Steele moved to adopt the agenda as presented.
Commissioner John Nesmith seconded the motion. All were in favor of the motion.
3. Approval of Minutes of the December 14, 2016 Regular Meeting
Commission Vice President Jo Greer entertained a motion to approve the minutes as
presented. Commissioner Creg Steele moved to approve the minutes as presented.
Commissioner John Nesmith seconded the motion. All were in favor of the motion.
Parks Ft Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2017 Page 1 of 10
Persons desiring accommodation for disabilities related to documents and/or hearings:
Please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
4. Announcements
a. Welcome Tyler Roberds - New Recreation Coordinator for Sports - Colin Moss Ft
Steve Siddoway
MPR Recreation Manager Colin Moss welcomed the MPR Department's new Adult
Sports Coordinator Tyler Roberds. Garrett White has taken over the role of
Homecourt Facility Manager and will still be in the office for the next year or so
while the YMCA transitions into their south facility. Once that facility is finished,
Garrett will move his work station over to the Meridian Homecourt permanently.
Tyler will now take over all of the Adult Sports programs so Garrett can get some
relief from the double duty he has been pulling. Tyler will visit all three
Committees to individually meet each person tonight.
Tyler Roberds stated he is originally from the Treasure Valley. In 2007, he
graduated from Borah High School and then attended the University of Idaho and
got connected with their recreation program where he started to build his skills in
becoming an official. A week ago, he finished officiating high school sports. He
graduated with his Exercise Science undergraduate degree and then graduated
with a Master's in Movement 8t Leisure Sciences. From there, he went to
Washington State University and worked for 2 1/z years where he oversaw their
intermural department, their sports club program, and their kids camp in the
summertime. When he saw this opportunity open up, he expressed he was really
excited to come down here, because this is home, and he has friends and family
here. Hearing what people have said about the City of Meridian and the Adult
Sports program is very inspiring to him. He appreciated everything that the
Commission does and looks forward to getting involved.
MPR Director Steve Siddoway stated he is excited to have Tyler as part of the
team. They went through a process where they interviewed several candidates.
There was initial written screenings and a large list of phone interviews which was
then narrowed down to a smaller group of in-person interviews. Tyler really
shined. He is one of those fits who comes already built with customer service as
part of who he is. Steve looks forward to having Tyler take on the Adult Sports
program and for the Commission getting to know him better.
Commission participants broke out into their respective committees at approximately
5:44 p.m.
5. Committee Meetings
a. Parks Committee
b. Pathways Committee
c. Marketing Committee
The Commission reconvened from committee meetings at approximately 6:36 p.m.
6. Committee Reports
a. Parks Committee - Mike Barton
Committee member Mike Barton reported the Parks Committee met that evening.
Those in attendance were: Creg Steele, Jessica West, Mike Barton, Anne Little
Roberts, Steve Siddoway (attended a portion), Rachel Myers, Tyler Roberds
Parks Ft Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2017 Page 2 of 10
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Please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
(attended a portion), Mary Jensen, Gretchen Caserotti, Ken McCall, and Hillary
Bodnar.
• Heroes Park Art - Input Names for People on the Flags for Journey of Heroes -
The Committee talked about the art for Heroes Park that is part of the theming
and identity, which was approved by City Council on January 10, 2017.
Committee members were joined by members of the Arts Commission—
Gretchen Caserotti, Mary Jensen—and the staff representative Hillary Bodnar,
as well as the artist, Ken McCall. The group talked about which heroes to put
on the pieces of art. There are three taller pieces that will go on the planter
box, and there are shorter ones that go around the loop pathway as mile
markers. What they are doing is the larger pieces will have national heroes that
may be nondescript people, like a silhouette of a firefighter. One set of poles
will have explorers; one set will have professionals; and one set will have
emergency responders for a good blend. For the smaller pieces that go around
the loop pathway, the idea is to reach out to four of the art schools and the
closest elementary school, which is Willow Creek, and have them do a contest
(with first and second choices) of what their idea is of a hero. There will be a
recognition piece of the school. Hillary Bodnar will lead this charge. After they
get these heroes narrowed down to where they think "it's a go," they will bring
the selections to the full MPR Commission for approval and then on to City
Council prior to turning the artist loose to create the mylars which will go on
the sails.
b. Pathways Committee - John Nesmith
Committee Chairman John Nesmith reported the Pathways Committee met that
evening. Those in attendance were: John Nesmith, Hannah Sturtevant, Jay
Gibbons, Steve Siddoway (attended a portion), and Tyler Roberds (attended a
portion).
• Adopt Pathways Committee 2016-2017 Goals - The Committee adopted its
2016-2017 goals, which will be included in the next meeting packet.
• Discuss Opportunities for Community Outreach in Support of Pathways - The
group discussed meeting with the City of Eagle so they can work on their
connections. Jay advised the group on COMPASS' map that will be coming out
in the coming weeks which ties all of the cities and pathways together.
• Pathway Signage - They talked about sign updates. This project will be
wrapped up within the next month. Pathway signs will be installed by the
middle of next month.
• Staff Update on Council Resolutions - Jay presented the MPR Commission's 2017
Pathway Priority Task List and Meridian Pathway Network Map Updates
Resolutions to City Council on January 3, 2017, which were approved.
• Rail -With -Trail Pathway - Steve mentioned the Idaho Statesman did an
interview with him and will possibly have an article in the paper soon about the
RWT Pathway.
c. Marketing Committee - Jo Greer
Committee Chairwoman Jo Greer reported the Marketing Committee met that
evening. Those in attendance were: Jo Greer, Kayla McNay, Colin Moss, Shelly
Houston, and Tyler Roberds (attended a portion).
Parks Ft Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2017 Page 3 of 10
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Please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
• Update on Commissioner Presence in the Community - Shelly created a master
calendar with a list of events throughout the entire year in which the
Committee went through and highlighted, which will then be modified. The
goal is to have sign-up sheets for the Commissioners to be present at
community events. The next event scheduled is the Movie Meet -Up to view "A
Dog's Purpose" at Majestic Cinemas on Saturday, February 4, 2017. Shelly
handed out flyers. They also went over the year -at -a -glance calendar, which
was discussed last year. With the new list of master events, they can now
create a year -at -a -glance calendar for City events and have them available.
• Update on MPR Presentation and Solicitation to Community Organizations -
Spear -headed by Committee - The group has a slideshow that will be presented
at the Meridian Chamber of Commerce luncheon. The Commission will have a
preview of the PowerPoint at the March 8, 2017 meeting so they can get an
idea of what it will look like for when they attend different events and also for
solicitation information.
• Update on Chamber of Commerce Presentation - Anne Little Roberts reported
she is getting more parameters on the grant that the Meridian Chamber has
received so they can include something park -related, as long as it is aimed at
tourism. She has not yet received any feedback from Twin Falls regarding their
PowerPoint.
• Parks Ft Recreation Month Activities Planning for 2017 - For "Parks it Recreation
Month" in July 2017, the Committee talked about doing a potential event
through social media because it is so busy in the summer entailing photos or
selfies at parks and having people tag #MeridianParks including the national
theme and #MyMeridian. They want to draw the public to the Department's
Facebook page and maybe start rolling this out the month prior to build
excitement. If anyone has any other ideas for a good promotional event in July,
please let them know.
• Update on Park Ft Pathway Z -Card Map - This project will go to print. There will
be 1,000 z -cards printed.
7. New Business
a. Commissioner Creg Steele Recognition - Steve Siddoway
MPR Director Steve Siddoway stated Commissioner Creg Steele, who joined him at
the podium, is known as the "godfather." He is the longest running MPR
Commissioner who was appointed in late 1999 and started his first meeting in
2000. This past year, Creg has been the Commission's president, and Steve
presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation and award plaque. Rachel Myers
snapped a photo. Everyone applauded him for his outstanding efforts and valuable
contributions in serving as past president.
b. Sports/Homecourt Update - Garrett White
MPR Homecourt Facility Manager Garrett White mentioned Tyler Roberds will take
over the Adult Sports program. They also hired Hilary Hixon who took over Ross
Cipriano's spot as Recreation Site Supervisor (nights). Ross moved over to the
Homecourt. For almost two years, Hilary previously worked as a Scorekeeper for
the City. She is now the Recreation Site Supervisor in the evening.
Sports:
Parks Ft Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2017 Page 4 of 10
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• They went from 531 teams in 2015 to 559 teams in 2016, excluding the
tournaments that the MPR Department ran, which is strictly related to the
support from the Commission, Council, leadership team, and staff.
• Since September 2016, they have added the Boys Ft Girls Club, which includes
two volleyball courts or one basketball court, as well as the Homecourt facility,
which is directly related to the same groups of people previously noted.
• Volleyball, which used to run in late October, was moved up to starting in
September. There are now four seasons of Volleyball.
• Basketball was moved up, which was a success. He added more teams, which
caused the league to grow again, resulting in the largest one they've ever had
at 37 teams in the Winter league. Three Basketball leagues are being offered.
• There are ten different leagues being ran right now: four Volleyball, three
Basketball, one Flag Football, and two Softball leagues.
• On top of the ten leagues, he runs two tournaments, including a Girls Fastpitch
Tournament, which is held over Memorial Day weekend. They average 40+
teams. In the past, games were held at three different sites: Bear Creek Park,
Tully Park, and Heritage Middle School. All eight fields are being utilized. This
next year, Garrett has been working with Meridian Youth Baseball to use the
ball fields at Settlers Park, which will hopefully limit the tournament to two
sites instead of three.
• There are five adult softball fields; one of them with lights at Storey Park,
which were recently redone. In the Spring league, he typically limits teams to
100. In the Fall league, he limits teams to 90 teams, due to sunlight availability.
Last year in the spring, they turned away 12 Softball teams. In the fall, they
turned away 16. Needless to say, more softball fields are welcome.
Homecourt:
• As of October 1, 2016, the City took ownership of the Meridian Homecourt,
which is a 49,000 -square -foot facility split up into six different bays.
• There are three part-time employees, one full-time evening/night staff person,
and himself overseeing the entire facility.
• There are over 500 people in the building every day, which includes YMCA
members, reservations, City programs, and other guests. The building is heavily
used Monday through Friday, especially after 3:30-4:00 p.m. on up until 10:00 or
10:30 p.m. from adult Volleyball and Basketball leagues.
• Open Gym is run seven days a week from 6:30 p.m. -9:30 p.m. Each day has a set
activity going on in there. For example: Mondays are for basketball; Tuesdays
are for volleyball; Wednesdays -Thursdays are for pickleball, based on the
pickleball community; and Fridays -Sundays are all for Family Night. The fee is
anywhere between $2-$4, based on where the customer lives. Open Gym is
going well.
• There is a martial arts tournament that happens the first week in October. The
very next weekend after Thanksgiving is a Turkey Day Shootout. A Brian Dunn
Basketball Tournament is held over the New Year's Eve weekend.
• Every Saturday, with the City's YMCA partnership, YMCA runs their AAU
programs there at all four courts from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Open Gym is held right
after they conclude. YMCA typically runs approximately 26-27 Saturdays of the
year.
Parks 8 Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2017 Page 5 of 10
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Please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
• Upcoming events include: This weekend is a Girl Scouts kick-off event at the
facility. He just booked a Basketball tournament for the deaf community on
March 24-25, 2017. A Mother's Day youth tournament is scheduled. In November
is the Holiday Classic Volleyball Tournament which benefits the Meridian Head
Start program. In year's past, he ran the tournament at Heritage Middle School
and had to pay for custodial staff to unlock the facility, etc. This year, the MPR
Department is able to save roughly $500, due to facility relocation.
• Improvements include exterior painting and bark spreading in the parking lot
islands. Aluminum benches were purchased to replace the folding chairs that
marked up the floors for the major tournaments and leagues in the evenings.
The Meridian sign was put up on the front of the building. HVAC repairs wrapped
up today. Garrett worked with Mike Barton on the roof moisture barrier and
condensation issue, which was completed last October. Garrett has been
working with Building Services staff for other miscellaneous needs, such as toilet
paper and paper towel dispenser installations, etc. There are over 500
lightbulbs in the building. He and Ross changed out 60 of them. The floating
hardwood floor over the concrete layer which has the holes for volleyball was
repaired, due to shifting. Now all of the volleyball holes match up.
• Once the YMCA moves out, he is exploring how to keep the pickleball program
going strong. He also wants to explore indoor senior wiffle ball for the winter.
• He has been working with Recreation Coordinator Jake Garro for a Basketball
Fundamentals class and Pickleball classes.
MPR Commission Feedback:
• Hannah Sturtevant - How has parking been going, due to the facility being
packed with people? When it comes to special events, parking is very
congested, especially during the large basketball tournaments. On Saturdays
for AAU usage, it is typically not too bad, but the parking lot is full. For the
Brian Dunn Tournament, they did have to have two vehicles towed, based on
parking in the incorrect spots, blocking people, and ignoring the
announcements to have the vehicles moved. For special events, he believes
there is a parking issue, which needs to be resolved, and will talk to the
appropriate groups. Commissioner Steele interjected that perhaps letting the
neighbors know the day before might also help so that they can put out signs.
• Creg Steele - Taxpayers paid a lot of money for the Meridian Homecourt. Is
there able to be some time where there is no charge—maybe pick an evening
timeslot where the building would be available for open use at no cost? This
has been discussed quite a bit in the past. Right now there is not very good
attendance on Monday nights for Basketball. MPR staff is monitoring this to
see what time would become available, which is an option in the future; he
could come back to the Commission and Council for a recommendation. The
current minimal fees are to help pay the bills, which are the same rates as
Fort Boise and other open gyms around the state.
• Jo Greer - Something to think about is maybe having one of the nights where
there is a family rate.
c. South Meridian Regional Park Schematic Design - Mike Barton Ft Bob Schafer
MPR Parks Superintendent Mike Barton welcomed back to the Commission Bob
Schafer and David Koga from The Land Group to have a discussion about the South
Parks Ft Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2017 Page 6 of 10
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Please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
Meridian Regional Park located on Lake Hazel Road between Eagle and Locust
Grove Roads. The last time the Commission heard from Mike and the consultants,
they were talking primarily about theming. They wanted to theme the park and
brought two ideas to the Commission. One was looking backwards with history, and
the other was forward thinking which morphed into a discovery park learning
landscape with softball. They took the concept of that theme with the MPR
Commission's recommendation to City Council. Council unanimously agreed with
the same theme and concept in which the MPR Commission approved for
recommendation. They are now in the process of fine-tuning the concept.
In a roundtable format in the City Council Conference Room, the consultants
showed a large-scale design concept/sketch with image boards including amenity
and element ideas, which they reviewed in great detail with the Commission.
Copies of these documents are attached to these meeting minutes. The main
components of the draft concept for phase one include a destination playground;
plaza space; discovery elements, such as a splash pad with sand play elements,
etc.; passive green space and berming; perhaps a small pond or water feature;
artwork; dog park; maintenance yard and building; sports courts, including tennis
and pickleball; a central main parking lot to service the entire park; picnic
shelters; restrooms; concessions; pathway network; pump track; and multipurpose
field(s). For phase two, main components include athletic facilities toward the
back of the park, restroom building, small playground, and another large parking
lot.
Is this a tournament complex sports park with discovery elements rolled in? Or, is
it a discovery park with active sports recreation added in? Which one is dominant?
MPR Director Steve Siddoway stated the way they are headed is the discovery park
aspect is dominant, which has pros and cons for the park, depending on if one
wants the tournament softball complex or the destination playground portion.
Commissioner Steele noted dominance could change with phase two construction.
Steve Siddoway stated for the five-plex, the third field that comes with phase one
could become one of the multi -use fields and probably doesn't have an outfield
fence. This field could become a softball field, or a rugby, soccer, or lacrosse
field, depending on which weekend it is. Bob stated the field could also be used
as a large, flat event lawn for car shows, etc. Steve asked the Commission to let
them know if they are headed in the wrong direction as far as the layout and
dominance, because this is the time that these kinds of big -picture decisions really
start taking shape.
Participants were encouraged to jot down their comments and any other general
ideas on post -it notes and place them directly onto the renderings, or they could
draw right on them. These comments will be taken into consideration for concept
refinement by the design team at which time an updated concept will be brought
forward to the Commission for further review, discussion, and feedback at a future
meeting as they move to design development.
MPR Commission Feedback: (See additional comments noted on the attached
renderings/image boards)
• Jo Greer - She likes the idea of having a parking lot in the middle of the park.
Was a main water feature avoided for safety? The cost was taken into
consideration as well as there was not a great need for a large feature. The
Parks tt Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2017 Page 7 of 10
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rough cost for a pond was roughly $1 million. With limited resources, it would
be more important to have a big playground instead of a big water feature.
• Kayla McNay - She concurred with Commissioner Greer.
• Colin Moss - With parking being in the middle of everything, the current park
parking lots each have an adjacent road. He would like to see a road that goes
through the park at some point, perhaps in a location where park patrons do
not have to cross it on foot.
• Creg Steele - He requested that the multi-purpose fields be large enough to
accommodate for rugby and lacrosse.
In general, what is the cost per acre to build a park? On average, it is roughly
$180,000-$200,000 per acre without land.
• Jessica West - For the sand play areas, she would like to see a shallow section
for younger children and then a slightly deeper section for others.
• Hannah Sturtevant - A clean-up station next to the sand play areas to hose off
afterwards may be needed (or spout at the splash pad noted by Commissioner
Steele).
8. Old Business
a. Fire Station at Bear Creek Park Update - Steve Siddoway
MPR Director Steve Siddoway reported he asked the Fire Chief for an update on the
status of the fire station at Bear Creek Park. The planning is moving forward. City
Council, the Fire District, and the MPR Commission have all given their approval to
continue the partnership discussions to move forward. The next step is a site plan.
In order for them to do a site plan, Fire staff members are first working on a joint
powers agreement with some of the other fire entities that they are partnering
with because they want to create a floor plan that can be replicated at other
sites. They anticipate the joint powers agreement being completed by the end of
this month. Their goal is to have a site plan or design prepared by late spring that
they can then bring back and show a concept of their floor plan and how it might
work with the park. By early summer, Steve stated MPR staff and the Commission
should see an updated proposal for what the facility could look like in Bear Creek.
9. Workshop -NONE
10. Staff Reports
MPR Director Steve Siddoway reported on the following:
• 2015-2016 MPR Department Annual Report - Copies of the final version were
handed out that evening. The reports are printed on special glossy paper. He is
pleased with the way they turned out. He encouraged the Commission to share it.
The annual report gives an overview of the MPR Department's accomplishments.
• Snow Event - He shared the incredible effort that is underway for the snow event.
The Parks Department crew has been heavily involved in the larger effort. The
parks maintenance staff deserve some huge kudos. They have been coming in
early and working late. They worked until 7 p.m. that evening and arrived at 5
a.m. that morning. Clearing storm drains and to help get water to drain from the
flooding areas, particularly those that were pooled up over manholes that were
then seeping in and sending water to the Waste Water Treatment Plant (which
causes problems of its own) has been their priority today. They have done a really
Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2017 Page 8 of 10
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Please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
big effort coordinating with the West Ada School District. After a snow event, the
City's main priorities are to keep emergency services running. The MPR
Department is a part of the emergency services team. The Parks crew not only
mows and trims lawns, they keep police on the road and fire trucks going when it
snows. Whenever there is a snow event, MPR staff is taking care of their lots and
at City Hall. They are keeping that continuity of operations moving forward. Once
this was done with the latest snow event, they would normally move on and get
parks and restrooms open and sidewalks, pathways, and parking lots cleared. This
time it was decided that the higher priority than getting parks open is getting kids
back to school. So they have been mustering resources and going out. There is a
long list of road sidewalks that the Parks crew has been clearing. They have had
help from the Water Department. They also brought on some contractors. MPR
Parks Maintenance Foreman Roger Norberg has been in the operations side of
running those. It has been a huge undertaking. MPR staff worked through the last
weekend, and they have not had a day off for a while. The end appears to be
nearing. The roads are drying up. In addition, there is a Meridian Storm Hotline:
895-3300, which received a large volume of calls when it first opened. There is
also a website for up-to-date information: storm@meridiancity.org. Steve is really
proud of his team.
MPR Parks Superintendent Mike Barton reported on the following:
• Future Neighborhood Parks - Bids will open tomorrow for Hillsdale and Bainbridge
Parks. Next Tuesday bids open for Reta Huskey Park. MPR staff will put together
contractor pricing and come up with a guaranteed maximum price from the
construction management team. Added to this are the owner provided items on
each park, such as things like garbage cans, drinking fountains, security cameras,
etc. The goal is to have all the contracts presented to City Council on February 7,
2017 and to break ground on the three parks March 1 (weather permitting).
• Storey Park ADA Restrooms - The remodel contract is on next week's City Council
agenda for approval. This project will get started in a week or so.
• Memorial Program Plaza Design for Kleiner Park - He will focus some effort on this
project, which has initially been discussed and vetted with the Parks Committee.
MPR Recreation Manager Colin Moss reported on the following:
• Homecourt Grand Reopening Celebration - The event was held last month, which
he thought went really well. An exhibition basketball game was held between the
City and members of the media. They were able to get the Mayor,
Councilmembers, Chief Niemeyer, and City staff to participate on the City team.
There were then representatives from the Idaho Statesman, KTVB, and other
media outlets that came and participated on the other side. It was a great way to
have some fun and really get some exposure as well by having all the media
members present.
He provided kudos to Garrett White for getting the Homecourt facility up and
running. Last Friday, a pipe burst, and staff was right on top of cleanup. Colin was
very impressed with the procedures Garrett already has in place and the
knowledge he already has of the facility that within two minutes of receiving the
phone call, he was able to walk his staff through shutting the water off and getting
a potential disaster mitigated in a hurry.
Parks 8 Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2017 Page 9 of 10
Persons desiring accommodation for disabilities related to documents and/or hearings:
Please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
Bridgetower is in the next phase or two, probably later in the year. The
specifications have been set for the pathway in terms of size, etc.
MPR Parks Superintendent Mike Barton reported on the following:
• Future Neighborhood Parks - The contracts and budgets for Keith Bird Legacy Park
and Hillsdale Park were all approved last night by City Council. Regarding Reta
Huskey Park, the contract was approved last night; however, the City still needs
the property. The property transfer agreement is in place. The final plat has
been signed by the City and was sent over to the county two weeks ago. Ada
County is running about six weeks for final plat signature. The MPR Department
cannot start the park until the lot is received. Once the Department receives the
signature on the final plat and the legal lot, the property will be gift deeded to the
City at which time Mike can give ESI notice to proceed and start work on the park
sometime around March/April. Everything was put out to bid in the middle of
December 2016 and opened bids the middle of January 2017. The MPR Department
received some favorable pricing.
• South Meridian Regional Park - Designing the park is still ongoing. There are every -
other -week coordination meetings being held. MPR staff will return to the MPR
Commission next month to show the latest rendition which depicts softball fields
and a discovery area. There have been discussions about the Solid Waste Advisory
Committee (SWAC) potentially funding some benches that are shaped like native
tree species, etc.
• Storey Park ADA Restroom Upgrades - The renovation of the old restrooms in
Storey Park is underway, which is funded by the Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG). The crew tore out the entire area, including the floor. All of the
plumbing is being redone. They had to lower the floor to get the approach from
the outside flatter for accessibility. There are new doors and toilet fixtures. The
entire project will be ADA compliant, which is approximately halfway finished at
this time.
11.Adjourn
Commission President Sharon Borton entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Commissioner Creg Steele moved to adjourn the meeting. Commission Vice President
Jo Greer seconded. The vote was unanimous and in favor of the motion.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 7:36 p.m.
(AUDIO ON FILE OF THESE PROCEEDINGS)
APPROVED:
S ARON BORTON, PRESIDENT
J GREEK, VICE PRESIDENT
DATE
Parks Ft Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 8, 2017 Page 5 of 6
Persons desiring accommodation for disabilities related to documents and/or hearings:
Please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.