2019 10-09 MPRC Meeting Packet(::�/rEN5�DI-
PARKS Et RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING • MINUTES
Meridian City Hall Council Chambers
33 E. Broadway Avenue, Meridian, Idaho
Wednesday, October 9, 2019 a 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 President Jessica West called the meeting to order at approximately 5:37
p.m. MPR Administrative Assistant II Rachel Myers took roll -call attendance as
follows:
X Jessica West, President X Jo Greer
X Dom Gelsomino, Vice President 0 Michelle Jensen
X Keith Bevan* X John Nesmith
X Jennifer Bobo 7 Creg Steele
'arrived at approximately 5:40 p.m.
Others present were: MPR Department staff—Parks Superintendent Mike Barton,
Recreation Manager Garrett White, Marketing Coordinator Shelly Houston, Pathways
Project Manager Kim Warren, Volunteer Program Coordinator Chelsea Cantrell; Deputy
City Attorney Emily Kane; Ada County Parks Ft Waterways Director Scott Koberg; Idaho
Parks It Recreation Management Services Administrator Anna Canning Et Non -
motorized Trails Program Coordinator Tom Helmer; Ft Meridian Community
Development Director Cameron Arial.
2. Adoption of the Agenda
Commission President Jessica west entertained a motion to approve the agenda as
presented. Commissioner Creg Steele moved to adopt the agenda. Commission Vice
President Dom Gelsomino seconded. All were in favor of the motion.
3. Approval of the Minutes
a. August 14, 2019 Regular Meeting - Jessica West
b. September 11, 2019 Special Meeting - Jessica West
Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - October 9, 2019 Page 1 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.
Commission President Jessica West entertained a motion to adopt the two sets of
minutes as presented. Commissioner Creg Steele moved to approve the minutes.
Commission Vice President Dom Gelsomino seconded. All were in favor of the
motion.
4. Announcements
a. Farewell to Commissioner Abbey Hutchins - Jessica West
President Jessica West announced the Commission is having to say goodbye to their
youth Commissioner Abbey Hutchins. They really appreciate her willingness and
initiative to join the Commission, to be involved, and to have an interest in serving
in a public volunteer role. It is unfortunate that her remaining term expired so
quickly after filling her predecessor's seat for a few months. They look forward to
receiving another youth candidate soon, as they provide their input and feedback
from a great perspective on the different projects.
b. MPR Facilities Tour Debrief - Mike Barton
On behalf of MPR Director Steve Siddoway, Parks Superintendent Mike Barton
reported the MPR Facilities Tour was held on September 11, 2019, which is an
annual event. He asked for the Commission's input about how they thought it went
in terms of ways for improvement for next year, the time of year, transportation,
length and variety of the tour, etc.
Commission Feedback:
• Commissioner Steele - He thought it all went really well. The time was good
and everything else. The parks were relevant. Good job this year!
• Commissioner Greer - She particularly liked that there were some equipment
that they could operate with MPR staff present for demonstrations as well. She
thought that was fun.
• President West - Wonderful tour! She expressed she has never been so excited
to tour bathrooms at the Homecourt and to look at the overall facility and
layout. It was nice to get to walk through everything and to discuss the design
and implementation of the improvements and what is to come. It was also
really nice to get to talk to the different staff, and hearing their priorities and
some of their day-to-day tasks is always really helpful and useful in
understanding their needs.
• Commissioner Bobo - She took the opportunity to speak to quite a few of the
staff members who are very knowledgeable. She had fascinating conversations
with them to learn more about the parks they normally do not get to hear
about or see.
c. Upcoming Events - Shelly Houston
MPR Marketing Coordinator Shelly Houston highlighted some upcoming events. A
copy of the community calendar she referred to is attached to these meeting
minutes.
d. Commission Christmas Float - Jessica West
President Jessica West announced in the last few years, the theme for the
Commission's Christmas parade float has been "Elf -on -a -Shelf." The MPR
Department provides the float for them with some lights and will include the MPR
Commission's sign this year. This year's parade will be held on Friday, December
Parks lit Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - October 9, 2019 Page 2 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.
6, 2019. After some discussion, there was general consensus for everyone to dress
up in their own festive colors and costumes as their version of an elf. The
Commissioners will finalize the details amongst themselves.
5. Old Business -NONE
6. New Business
a. Ada County Parks 8t Waterways Update - Scott Koberg
Due to technical difficulties with accessing Scott Koberg's PowerPoint
presentation, he was only able to provide a brief overview of Ada County Parks Et
Waterways and was invited back to the November 13, 2019 MPR Commission
Meeting for a full update.
Commission Feedback:
• President West - She expressed her excitement to see the youth sailing boats
out at Lucky Peak Lake. She also commented 25% is a huge increase from last
year in the daily gross revenue component of the float season. Scott must be
very proud with this record-breaking season.
• Commissioner Steele - How many people a year float the Boise River? Scott's
estimates are between 150,000-200,000.
What is the percentage of parked vehicles at Barber Park between the weekend
and weekday? On weekend days, the average is about 770 and around the 400
range during the weekdays for parking cars.
b. Eagle Island State Park Master Plan Update - Anna Canning ft Tom Helmer
Substituting for Operations Manager Keith Hobbs, Idaho State Parks Ft Recreation's
Management Services Administrator Anna Canning and Non -Motorized Trails
Program Coordinator Tom Helmer gave a PowerPoint presentation about the future
of Eagle Island State Park and pathway connectivity from Meridian. Copies of their
slides are attached to these minutes.
Commission Feedback:
• President West - She expressed the Commission's excitement to connect into
Eagle and Eagle Island State Park in terms of pathways.
Will winter snow tubing on the hill in Eagle Island be offered as an amenity this
year? It was uncertain at this time.
• Commissioner Steele - How close are they to having a full connection to the
greenbelt all the way out? The City Of Eagle is waiting to secure an easement
from a landowner, which could take a few months or decades.
• Vice President Gelsomino - Several of the times he has frequented Eagle Island
State Park, he noticed a lot of flammable dry brush and goat heads. Will this
area be cleared out? Weed management is a huge issue for them. They work on
a very small budget and have one resource manager who covers the entire
state. Dry land grasses (particularly cheat gross) is a concern. They are
constantly working to do the best they can. The area is very wet because it is
between the two rivers and stays wet for a very long time.
c. Open Space Survey Discussion - Cameron Arial
Meridian Community Development Director Cameron Arial provided a PowerPoint
presentation about a survey the Commission was invited to take regarding open
Parks St Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - October 9, 2019 Page 3 of 6
Persons desiring accommodation for disabilities related to documents andlor hearings:
Please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
space and land preservation Community Development staff produced as part of
their strategic plan objective 1.C.3 for the Comprehensive Plan Update, which
Cameron is responsible for. This survey has also been vetted through the Meridian
Planning Ft Zoning Commission, Meridian Historic Preservation Commission, and ad
hoc committees. Copies of his slides are attached to these meeting minutes. In
addition, Cameron welcomed their critique of the survey before it is sent out to
citizens via NextDoor and other online engagement methods.
Commission Feedback:
• President West - For the survey questions that included open text fields, is
there someone who is summarizing these responses and grouping them together
to complete an analysis? Yes, Cameron is the one to compile the information in
a scientific manner.
Has a survey like this been conducted in the past? No; this will be the first.
• Vice President Gelsomino - For a ten-year vision, what happens to the plan over
time as they see an influx of new citizens to Meridian who have different
wishes, desires, and expectations of their city? Are there ways to amend the
Comprehensive Plan implementation? As an example of the past comprehensive
plan that they are now essentially replacing, there is much of it they are
keeping and basically moving forward. This plan was projected to be a ten-
year plan. They outgrew it, and Council supported moving forward with the
new plan prior to the useful life of the past plan. Cameron would imagine this
would be the some process.
• Commissioner Bevan - One of the survey questions asked, "What does open
space mean to you?" All the categories listed did not come to mind to
Commissioner Bevan. Open space to him is undeveloped land. This is a great
point and may be another category to expand.
• Commissioner Greer - What she likes about the survey is that people are
inadvertently being educated about open spaces. She appreciated the survey
and that it is in an application format.
• Commissioner Steele - To him he is more concerned about multi -family versus
single family versus commercial. However, there are parts of the Open Space
Survey that are very important.
• Commissioner Bobo - Has there been consideration to adding a back button to
the survey as the participants are learning what open space is and may need to
reprioritize their choices? if there isn't one, Cameron will ensure that there
will be this feature in the revised version.
• Commissioner Nesmith _ He commended Cameron on his efforts and the fact
that this survey is a huge need. He expressed his full support. He noticed that
when "no" is selected to open space, no other information is required. It may
be advantageous to know if the respondent does not like open space to note
their gender, age, etc. Perhaps there is an age demographic that doesn't care
about open space, etc. Having this bit of information may provide more
awareness to the analytics. Great observation. if it does not click on to the
demographics, then they will ensure that it does, when choosing "no. " They
would want to analyze this information just as much as they would want to do
the same when choosing "yes. "
Parks rr Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - October 9, 2019 Page 4 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.
Cameron will work to revise the Open Space Survey and take the final version
forward to the Mayor and City Council for their consideration prior to the survey
being released to the public.
d. Volunteer Program Update - Chelsea Cantrell
MPR Volunteer Program Coordinator Chelsea Cantrell shared a little history about
herself, being new to the City/ Department. She also presented a PowerPoint
presentation about the City's volunteer program. Copies of her slides are attached
to these meeting minutes.
Commission Feedback:
• Vice President Gelsomino - He extended a huge thank you! He commented it is
amazing to see the liveliness and excitement in so many of the volunteers. He
is happy to see a fresh new face (Chelsea) and what the future holds for the
volunteers with her coordinating.
7. Workshop -NONE
8. Staff Reports
MPR Parks Superintendent Mike Barton reported on the following:
• Discovery Park Phase 2 Design - Staff kicked off the design of Discovery Park Phase
2, which is really exciting. They are in the process of developing concepts. He
hopes to be in front of the Commission soon with these documents to request
feedback and direction.
• Fuller Park Event - On Friday, October 18, 2019 at 2 p.m., Fuller Park will be
dedicated. The City recently closed escrow on the property and now officially
owns the park. Many improvements were made, and the park looks beautiful. He
hopes to see everyone there.
• Heroes Park PAL Agreement - Emily Kane has been busy working for the MPR
Department on a reimbursement agreement with Meridian PAL for the parking lot
remodel design. This signed agreement will be taken to Council on October 15,
2019. PAL will pay for half of the design of the parking lot remodel over time,
should Council go forward with the construction of the parking lot remodel.
• Forestry Ordinance - Emily Kane has also been busy rewriting the forestry
ordinance.
• MYB Agreement for Fuller Park - Emily Kane is preparing a priority use agreement
with Meridian Youth Baseball for Fuller Park.
• School District Agreement - Emily Kane is also working on an agreement with West
Ada Schools.
MPR Recreation Manager Garrett White reported on the following:
• Classes Et Camps - .senna Fletcher is currently working on instructor class
descriptions and Winter/Spring Activity Guide information for publication.
• Special Events - Renee White's focus is Trunk or Treat and Christmas in Meridian.
With help from Chelsea Cantrell and all of the volunteers, Renee is working on all
of the logistics.
• Sports - Fall Softball concluded on October 4, 2019. With the number of teams and
field conditions, due to the weather, the league ran longer than usual.
Historically, the season ends around early- to mid-September.
Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - October 9, 2019 Page 5 of b
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.
The Department added the two fields at Discovery Park this year and in turn
increased the leagues by 26 teams in one season. Staff is anticipating a similar
increase in the spring.
Fall Volleyball, Basketball, and Flag Football are all underway. Staff members are
already starting to advertise for the winter season, which kicks off in January
2020.
Maggie Combs is working with Ross Cipriano about the Holiday Classic Volleyball
Tournament in terms of logistics and organization. Staff members have already
met with the Head Start program, and they are willing and ready to help out in any
way they can.
• Homecourt- Regarding the renovations, the restrooms are now open. Staff is still
tidying up items in Bay 5 for the new flooring installation, which was delivered.
Jake Garro is working on staffing needs. The turnover regarding part-time staff has
been a challenge for nim. He is also scheduling the facility, which is booked
through almost next May.
• Field Reservations - He has sent out applications to interested parties. The booking
of all of next year's fields starts this November.
9. Adjourn
Commission President Jessica West entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Commissioner Creg Steele moved to adjourn. Commission Vice President Dom
Gelsomino seconded. The vote was unanimous and in favor of the motion.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 7:35 p.m.
(AUDIO Et VIDEO ON FILE OF THESE PROCEEDINGS)
►111:1617JAII
JESSIC ES , PRESIDENT DATE
DOM GELSONO, VICE PRESIDENT
/ rem
Attachments:
1) Upcoming Events (1 page)
2) PowerPoint Presentation: Idaho State Parks &t Recreation - Pathways and
Development—The Future of Eagle Island State Park (4 pages)
3) PowerPoint Presentation: Open Space Survey (11 pages)
4) PowerPoint Presentation: MPR Volunteer Program (7 pages)
Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - October 9, 2019 Page 6 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.
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I TEM SHEET
C ommission A genda I tem - 3.b.
Presenter: J essica West, P resident
Estimated Time f or P resentation: 2 minutes
Title of I tem - September 11 2019 S pecial M eeting
C ouncil Notes:
AT TAC HM E NT S:
Description Type Upload D ate
9-11-19 MP R C Minutes Minutes 9/20/2019
RE V I E WE RS :
Department Reviewer Action D ate
P arks and Recreation Myers, R achel Approved 9/16/2019 - 1:34 P M
Meridian Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Agenda October 9, 2019 – Page 34 of 44
Parks & Recreation Commission Special Meeting Minutes – September 11, 2019 Page 1 of 3
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.
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Meridian Parks & Recreation Facilities Tour
Starting Location: Discovery Park
2121 E. Lake Hazel Road, Meridian, Idaho
Wednesday, September 11, 2019 5:15 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 relatin g 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
X Jessica West, President X Abbey Hutchins
X Dom Gelsomino, Vice President O Michelle Jensen
O Keith Bevan X John Nesmith
X Jennifer Bobo X Creg Steele
X Jo Greer
Others present were: Mayor Tammy de Weerd; Councilmembers Treg Bernt, Joe
Borton, and Anne Little Roberts; Meridian Parks & Recreation Department Staff -
Steve Siddoway, Mike Barton, Garrett White, Jake Garro, Shelly Houston, Kim Warren,
Renee White, Roger Norberg, Jeremy Aldrich, Chelsea Cantrell, Maggie Combs, Jenna
Fletcher, Phil Harris, and Rachel Myers; Meridian Arts Commissioner Maria Tzompa
(and spouse); Planning & Zoning Commissioner Andrew Seal (and spouse Meredith);
Meridian Purchasing Manager Keith Watts (and spouse Rhonda); Meridian
Volunteers/Park Ambassadors Bill Bowman, William Heller, Cynthia Herrick, Peter
Herrick, and Jack Robinson.
2. New Business
The group gathered at the green picnic shelter in Discovery Park at 5:15 p.m. MPR
Director Steve Siddoway welcomed everyone, and introductions were made. Packets
and boxed dinners were handed out to participants. Steve recognized Bricon, Inc.—
this year’s dinner sponsor. Various pieces of maintenance equipment were displayed
on the turf for participants to try out and/or receive a demonstration on how they
Meridian Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Agenda October 9, 2019 – Page 35 of 44
Parks & Recreation Commission Special Meeting Minutes – September 11, 2019 Page 2 of 3
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.
operate. Topics: Phase 1 Grand Opening Celebration and Phase 2 Design/Construction
– presented by Mike Barton.
Tour of Meridian Parks & Recreation Facilities – Steve Siddoway
Participants loaded a charter bus to embark on their tour of various sites within
Meridian. Steve Siddoway was the main tour guide.
While driving to the Meridian Homecourt, topics included: Special Events and
Volunteers – presented by Renee White; and Maintenance – presented by Roger
Norberg.
Tour Sites, Route, Key Topics, & Speakers:
Meridian Homecourt (936 W. Taylor Avenue) – Topics: Project Update and
HVAC/LED – presented by Jake Garro. Participants exited the bus and walked into
the facility.
While driving to Fuller Park, topics included: Classes and Camps – presented by
Jenna Fletcher.
Fuller Park (3761 W. Park Creek Drive) – Topics: Property Transfer, Charlie
Rountree Ball Field, and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on October 18, 2018 at 2 p.m. –
presented by Mike Barton. Guests viewed the park site from the bus.
While driving to the Community Center, the topic included: Forestry – presented
by Steve Siddoway.
Meridian Community Center (201 E. Idaho Avenue) – Topic: Civic Block RFP –
presented by Steve Siddoway. Guests viewed the site from the bus.
While driving to Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, topics included: Pathways –
presented by Kim Warren; and Outside Events (Temporary Use Permits) –
presented by Garrett White.
Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park (1900 N. Records Avenue) – Topics: Fishing Dock,
Story Trail, and Bandshell Shade – presented by Mike Barton. Participants viewed
the fishing dock and story trail from the bus. In addition, they then exited the bus
and walked to the bandshell.
While driving back to Discovery Park, topics included: Sports – presented by
Maggie Combs; Marketing – presented by Shelly Houston; and Closing Remarks –
presented by Steve Siddoway and Mayor Tammy de Weerd.
3. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:20 p.m.
Meridian Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Agenda October 9, 2019 – Page 36 of 44
Parks & Recreation Commission Special Meeting Minutes – September 11, 2019 Page 3 of 3
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.
APPROVED:
_________________________________________ ________/ ________/ ________
JESSICA WEST, PRESIDENT DATE
_________________________________________
DOM GELSOMINO, VICE PRESIDENT
/rem
Meridian Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Agenda October 9, 2019 – Page 37 of 44
I TEM SHEET
C ommission A genda I tem - 8.a.
Presenter: M P R Staff
Estimated Time f or P resentation: 15 minutes
Title of I tem - Steve Siddoway, M ike B arton, & Garrett White
C ouncil Notes:
AT TAC HM E NT S:
Description Type Upload D ate
O ctober 2019 S taff Reports S taff Report 10/3/2019
RE V I E WE RS :
Department Reviewer Action D ate
P arks and Recreation Myers, R achel Approved 9/16/2019 - 1:32 P M
Meridian Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Agenda October 9, 2019 – Page 38 of 44
Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports – October 9, 2019 Page 1 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.
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORTS
October 9, 2019
Administration Division
Director’s Report:
STEVE SIDDOWAY
(Please note, a verbal report will be provided at the October 9, 2019 MPR
Commission Meeting.)
Parks Division
Parks Superintendent Report:
MIKE BARTON
(Please note, a verbal report will be provided at the October 9, 2019 MPR
Commission Meeting.)
City Arborist’s Report:
ELROY HUFF
1. Storey Park – I have sprayed some Pine trees in the park that have a 5 Spined
Ipps Beetle pest infestation which carries a fungus that attacks the tree. I have
been monitoring this problem over the summer months and will have more
information next month.
2. Kleiner Arboretum – A few new additions for this fall are the Rugged Ridge
Maple, the Shumard Oak, and the Valley Oak, which was donated by a Meridian
Meridian Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Agenda October 9, 2019 – Page 39 of 44
Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports – October 9, 2019 Page 2 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.
resident from California. These should be interesting trees if they can establish
themselves.
3. Tree Planting 2019 – I am starting another round of roughly 20 tree plantings
for this fall in various parks.
4. City Christmas Tree for 2019 – A live tree has been chosen this fall for the
annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony which will be transported to
Generations Plaza on Tuesday, November 12. It is a Big Blue Spruce and is
approximately 35 feet tall. Christmas in coming!
Pathways Project Manager’s Report:
KIM WARREN
1. Fairview Avenue Connection – The engineering is complete, and the
construction cost estimate was furnished for power utility relocation. We have
requested a revised scope of work from The Land Group to remove and will
issue notice to proceed for project engineering, once that is approved.
2. Rail-With-Trail Pathway – Staff is looking to expand the scope of this project
from City Hall to Linder. We met with Council on October 1, 2019 to gauge
support for an additional half mile of RWT pathway west of 8th Street. We
believe the additional length would make this pathway segment far more
valuable to the system. There’s also a real likelihood of procuring easements
between 2nd and 3rd Streets, which would take the pathway as far as the one-
way alley south of the City Hall parking lot and out to Meridian Road. Staff has
been researching contact information for property owners we would need to
approach to grant easements. The plan is to complete this groundwork as we
wait on final approval for the land trade properties on 3rd Street. I am working
on a standard valuation process with Legal for easement purchases. I produced
a large-scale illustrative of the full proposed project scope for communication
and presentation purposes.
3. South Slough Pathway – I contacted the Chamberlain HOA about this proposed
pathway along the neighborhood common lot north of the Finch Lateral. I sent
a graphic and the narrative information via email. I also requested time on the
agenda to present this project at their October board meeting. Staff is
currently conducting research into land values and other logistics.
4. E. James Court Pathway – Power utility work is complete with infrastructure
either relocated or lowered to allow for pathway. I sent construction plans in
for final ACHD approval. These came back with some conditions we are still
Meridian Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Agenda October 9, 2019 – Page 40 of 44
Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports – October 9, 2019 Page 3 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.
working to meet. Staff is currently problem-solving with the design consultant
to meet ACHD requirements. I reached out again to a new contact towards
procuring the final needed easement at the corner of Meridian Road and James
Court.
5. Pine Avenue Rest Stop – The design development plan with a cost estimate is
now complete. Staff is in the process of applying to ACHD for a license
agreement. We plan to bid the concrete portion of this project this fall/as soon
as possible.
6. Ten Mile Trailhub - We continue to work out final design details for the
parking lot and trailhead amenities. Staff met with our landscape architect,
ACHD, and civil engineer to discuss how best to handle stormwater on site if we
do not discharge it into the ACHD basin. The team agreed permeable pavers
would be the most efficient, eloquent solution. The civil engineer will provide
the square footage required and cost to install. This drainage solution needs to
be constructed with the parking lot/cost share portion of the project which will
be out to bid this month.
Recreation Division
Recreation Manager’s Report:
GARRETT WHITE
1. Staff Shuffle/Hiring/Trainings – All staff have been hired and are hitting the
ground running.
2. Field/Event Scheduling – I have been scheduling fields and reviewing all
outside events held in our city parks. I am in constant communication with
parks staff who are onsite or who oversee the park where the event was held. I
have also been helping Jake Garro schedule the Homecourt facility and showing
him the logistics of invoicing, once the schedule has been inputted into the
computer.
3. Projects
Homecourt Renovations – Renovations are going well and are on track to be
completed soon. We have occupancy in the restrooms and the front office
at this time, which will be ready for the martial arts event scheduled for
this weekend. Bay 5 flooring should arrive by the end of the week and
installed next week sometime.
Meridian Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Agenda October 9, 2019 – Page 41 of 44
Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports – October 9, 2019 Page 4 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.
Parking Lot Planters – This project may be put on hold. Rocks will be
placed in the islands.
4. Invoicing – With the help of Jeannette Sanchez, all invoices have been sent
out.
5. Park Concessions – I have been reviewing the contracts with each
concessionaire, and no updates are needed for next year.
6. Downtown Concert Series – I have met with the contracted organizers of this
event, and they are interested in doing it again next year; but this is still
undecided. Attendance was still on the light side, but we are hoping it is
something that grows in popularity, especially once more development in
downtown is completed.
7. Meridian Main Street Market - No changes here. The number of vendors and
attendance has remained strong as we continue to build momentum.
8. NRPA Conference – I attended the National Recreation & Park Association
Conference in Baltimore from September 23-26, 2019.
Homecourt Facility Manager’s Report:
JAKE GARRO
1. Homecourt Renovations - The restroom portion of the project has been
completed. At this time, the construction team is finalizing some minor details
in a few of the bathrooms. The newly constructed bathroom area includes the
following:
Four family rooms – Two of these rooms are equipped with handicap-
accessible showers
Men’s restroom
Women’s restroom
Other renovations include a new front reception area and office space. In Bay
5, the old flooring has been removed. At this time, we are waiting for the
arrival of the new floor that will be placed in this area. This floor will have
Pickleball and Volleyball lines. Upon completion of this space, it is our goal to
make this space available for community education classes.
2. Scheduling of Facility – I am working with community athletic groups in
scheduling court space for practice and game times. Local AAU groups
continue to use the facility on a regular basis during the week. Treasure Valley
YMCA basketball is set to begin games the end of October through December
Meridian Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Agenda October 9, 2019 – Page 42 of 44
Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports – October 9, 2019 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.
each Saturday. The facility is open to the public for open court time Tuesday
through Sunday, and the Meridian Parks & Recreation adult sports league hosts
activities in the facility Monday through Thursday evenings.
3. Staff – I am interviewing and hiring staff, as people have made the choice to
accept full-time work, go back to school, and pursue other opportunities.
Recreation Coordinators’ Report:
RENEE WHITE, JENNA FLETCHER, & MAGGIE COMBS
1. Meridian Community Block Party – The Block Party celebrated its 10th year.
More than 74 community organizations and businesses participated in the
annual one-day event on Saturday, September 14, in Kleiner Park. That is an
increase of 30 from last year. New this year we added an area for dog lovers
named the Bark Party on Ruff Row. Bark Wash & Treat Shoppe sponsored the
area. We have 16 dog-specific vendors. It was well received.
2. Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council/Teen Activities Committee/Trunk or Treat -
TAC is going strong. We have already had our two social events—a picnic at the
last Movie Night and an outing to the corn maze. The free events drew more
people with approximately 50 each of MYAC members and friend who played
and got to know each other a little better.
Planning for Trunk or Treat is well underway. We are adding Broadway from
Main to 3rd Street to give the event a bigger footprint and breathing room for
the crowds who attend. We are encouraging treaters to come in from any
entrance rather than having just one line. A new games area will provide a
place to play. We continue to take trunk reservations daily and are currently
approximately half full of our total 148 capacity. Trunk spaces are free, and
Renee expects we will fill to capacity. The MYAC Community Service Team will
raise money during Trunk or Treat for the Meridian Food Bank’s Backpack
Program.
If attendance continues to exceed the number of trucks and space provided, it
might be time to reinvent the event into a daytime harvest-festival-style
activity and possibly move it to a park with more space and more participant
parking.
3. Christmas in Meridian - The Christmas committee is busily planning for this
year’s Christmas in Meridian events. Our Grand Marshal is Mayor Tammy de
Weerd.
Meridian Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Agenda October 9, 2019 – Page 43 of 44
Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports – October 9, 2019 Page 6 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.
Save the Dates!
Winter Lights Parade – Friday, Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Candy Cane Fun Run - Friday, Dec. 6 at 6:25 p.m.
Twilight Christmas Market – Wednesday, Dec 11. from Noon – 7 p.m. at
City Hall
Children’s Winterland Festival – Saturday, Dec. 14. from 10 a.m. – 3
p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club
Downtown Business Decorating Contest – All month long
4. 2019 Fall Classes – Fall classes have begun. Jenna is tracking numbers and
working with contractors to make sure their classes are running smoothly.
5. 2020 Winter/Spring Activity Guide – Jenna sent out proposal requests to
contractors. Winter guide information is due by October 11.
The Winter Guide will come out December 9, with registration also
starting December 9.
Guide dates will run December 30, 2019 through May 15, 2020.
6. Class Spacing Needs – Jenna is meeting with Community Center contractors to
discuss with them the transition of moving over their classes to the Meridian
Homecourt. Many of the classes are running out of space in the Community
Center, so holding classes at the Homecourt will allow them to bump up their
maximum enrollment numbers.
7. 2019 Fall Sports – The Fall Softball season just wrapped up for the year. The
new Discovery Park ball fields will allow for more teams in the 2020
Spring/Summer season. Volleyball and Basketball have just started their fall
seasons. Coed and Women’s Volleyball numbers are up from the 2018 fall
season with a total of 112 teams playing at the Meridian Homecourt and local
schools. Men’s Basketball has 25 teams playing the majority of their games at
the Meridian Homecourt facility. Flag Football is up in numbers as well with a
total of 18 teams for this year playing their games at Storey Park.
8. 2019 9th Annual Winter Volleyball Holiday Classic Tournament – The 9th
annual tournament will take place on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at the
Meridian Homecourt. The tournament is to help the youth in the local Meridian
community. All proceeds from the tournament will go to the Meridian Head
Start Program to help make a few Christmas mornings a little brighter.
Meridian Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Agenda October 9, 2019 – Page 44 of 44