2021-02-10
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
City Council Chambers, 33 East Broadway Avenue Meridian, Idaho
Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 5:30 PM
Mission:
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.
All materials presented at public meetings become property of the City of Meridian. Anyone desiring accommodation
for disabilities should contact the City Clerk's Office at 208-888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the public meeting.
Agenda
VIRTUAL MEETING INSTRUCTIONS
Limited seating is available at City Hall. Consider joining the meeting virtually:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88239644348
Or join by phone: 1-669-900-6833Webinar ID:
882 3964 4348
ROLL-CALL ATTENDANCE
____ Jo Greer, President ____ Keith Bevan, Vice President
____ Dom Gelsomino ____ John Nesmith
____ Autumn Short ____ Albert Kang
____ Jennifer Bobo ____ Jessica West
____ Camden Hyde ____ Jessica Perreault, City Council Ex-Officio
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
1. January 13, 2021 Regular Meeting
Jo Greer, MPRC President ~ 2 minutes
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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2. Upcoming Events
MPR Marketing Coordinator Shelly Houston ~ 5 minutes
OLD BUSINESS
3. Lakeview Golf Course Master Plan Progress Update
National Golf Foundation Director of Consulting Services Ed Getherall ~ 30
minutes
4. Community Center Update
MPR Director Steve Siddoway ~ 10 minutes
NEW BUSINESS
5. Meridian Parks & Recreation Department Adult Sports Update
MPR Recreation Coordinator Maggie Combs & Recreation Coordinator 1 Sports
Skyler Cook ~ 30 minutes
6. Arts & Culture Update
MPR Arts & Culture Coordinator Audrey Belnap ~ 30 minutes
7. Kleiner Park Pickleball Concept Discussion [Action Item]
MPR Parks Superintendent Mike Barton ~ 15 minutes
WORKSHOP ~ NONE
STAFF REPORTS
8. MPR Staff ~ 20 minutes
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT MEETING ~ March 10, 2021 at 5:30 PM
2021 All-Commission Goals:
1. Support development of a connected pathway system across the City of Meridian, with a
focus on developing projects for future construction.
2. Support design and construction of Discovery Park Phase 2.
3. Participate in the design and programming of a new Community Center on the Civic Block.
4. Participate in the development of the Lakeview Golf Course Master Plan.
5. Pursue improved tools and opportunities to engage citizens and stakeholders.
6. Engage other task forces, commissions, entities, and agencies through workshops and other
outreach for partnership opportunities.
7. Participate in the partnership with the Meridian Arts Commission to add theming and
identity reinforcing art in Meridian parks and along pathways.
8. Continue to foster greater Commission involvement/presence in community events
whenever appropriate.
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9. Discuss progress on Goals and Objectives in the MPR Master Plan.
10. Hold workshops during Commission meetings to address current issues.
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Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports ~ February 10, 2021 Page 1 of 8
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
February 10, 2021
Administration Division
Director’s Report:
STEVE SIDDOWAY
(Please note, a verbal report will be provided at the February 10, 2021 MPR
Commission Meeting.)
Parks Division
Parks Superintendent Report:
MIKE BARTON
(Please note, a verbal report will be provided at the February 10, 2021 MPR
Commission Meeting.)
Pathways Project Manager’s Report:
KIM WARREN
1. Fairview Avenue Connection – Five Mile Pathway – With the recent spring-like
weather, our contractor is looking to resume work on this project in the next couple
of weeks.
2. South Slough – East of Locust Grove, South of Ustick – A pre-construction
meeting was held in January. Work is nearly complete.
3. Local Rail-With-Trail – Staff is working with our legal department to determine a
strategy for obtaining necessary easements along the western half mile of this
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Item 8.
Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports ~ February 10, 2021 Page 2 of 8
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.
proposed pathway. In researching area developments, one pathway easement has
been discovered. Legal is looking into options for securing permission to build
pathway segments that were conditioned previously (2008) but not constructed.
4. Whitestone Pedestrian Bridge Across Ten Mile Creek (SW of Franklin and
Linder) – The bridge has been installed by the developer, and they’re in the process
of pouring a concrete sidewalk on the north side to connect it to the new Twelve
Oaks development. The City will inspect the bridge prior to acceptance. An asphalt
pathway connection will be paved on the south side of the bridge as soon as weather
conditions and contractor availability allow.
5. Ten Mile Trailhub – Construction on this project is still on hold for the winter. The
contractor is on board to execute the approved planting plan and site furnishings as
soon as weather permits. Staff will apply for a license agreement with ACHD to
bring power to the site for a future restroom. We are also coordinating with the
Meridian Arts Committee (MAC) on timing of RFPs for artwork at the trailhub site,
planned for later this year after sitework is complete.
6. Five Mile Pathway Branding/Pathway System Identity – Staff is working with an
artist from our Master Services list to create a brand for the Five Mile Pathway,
currently the most major, contiguous pathway ‘spine’ in our system. This project
will also explore simple sign imagery ideas (to be implemented in the future) for
other priority pathways (Ten Mile, Meridian Loop). This effort aims to establish a
highly recognizable system of pathway identification and wayfinding in Meridian.
Concepts have already been submitted for staff review. Final options will be
presented to the Commission for input and approval at an upcoming meeting this
spring. Imagery derived from this effort will also set a preliminary tone for the
Artist Proposals (for the above-mentioned trailhub) to respond to.
7. Management of (14) Pathway Infill Projects – Staff is moving forward with our
three consultant teams to accomplish a long list of small-to-medium infill projects
that will bridge some missing gaps in the system and enhance connectivity at large.
GROUP ONE:
(1) Locust Grove – McMillan to Chinden “Missing Teeth,” (2) Meridian High
School Pathway, (3) Five Mile Pathway– Woodbridge Neighborhood, (4) Five
Mile Pathway – Locust Grove to Woodbridge (5) Watertower Pathway at
Tuscany (6) Five Mile Pathway– Woodbridge Neighborhood, (7) Five Mile
Pathway Striping
Concepts for these projects have been submitted to MPR staff for review and
discussion and are currently undergoing revision. Staff has communicated project
intent to Nampa & Meridian Irrigation District (NMID) to obtain preliminary
approvals. A site visit was conducted with the consultant team and City Arborist to
determine realistic alignments, optimal creek crossings, and work out design
specifics in the field. Informational letters have been sent to notify property owners
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Item 8.
Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports ~ February 10, 2021 Page 3 of 8
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.
of the City’s intent to construct these pathways, and to initiate easement acquisition
discussions.
GROUP TWO:
(8) Five Mile Pathway– Nine Mile Creek to Black Cat Rd., (9) Creason Crossing –
Bud Porter Connection, (10) Linder Rd. – Cayuse Creek to Chinden, (11) Five
Mile Pathway - Paramedics at Ustick and Linder
The consultant has presented preliminary concepts to staff and is currently
undertaking revisions. Staff has notified NMID of these proposed projects – both to
convey design intent and obtain preliminary approvals. Letters are being developed
to send to property owners and begin the easement acquisition work.
GROUP THREE:
(12) Meridian Road & Victory Intersection Gaps, (13) Stoddard Road –
Ridenbaugh to Bear Creek Park Connection, (14) Lavender Heights to Black
Rock
GIS mapping data and HOA contact information has been handed off to the
consultant team who is in the process of finalizing initial pathway concepts
(expected 3 Feb). Staff will provide input for concept revisions and work with the
consultant to develop notification letters to be sent out by end of February.
8. Other Review and Coordination Activities – They include review of incoming
development applications and issuing pathway conditions for development. Also,
site visits relative to both the preceding and ongoing pathways map updates.
Continued attendance of Streetscape and Community Character meetings with City
Staff, coordination with ACHD relative to South Meridian Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan.
Input and review of easements, and fielding inquiries from community members
about pathways.
City Arborist’s Report:
MATTHEW PERKINS
1. Contract Tree Work – All of the aforementioned tree contract tree work will be
accomplished at a lower rate than was expected. This will allow me to accomplish
additional work this year. Tully Park pruning began on January 26, 2021, and
Heroes Park began on February 2, 2021. The Split Corridor does not have a defined
start date at this time but the bid has been accepted. Other smaller projects will be
completed before the end of January. I will begin identifying other pruning projects
to put out for bid in February.
2. Urban Forest Management Plan – The plan is in the review process. There will be
some modifications and changes made to some of the verbiage and content, as well
as having some imagery and improved formatting added.
3. Continued Maintenance – I continue my work on the plan for Plant Health
Care/Integrated Pest Management applications that will be administered to trees
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Item 8.
Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports ~ February 10, 2021 Page 4 of 8
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.
throughout the parks this spring. My objective is to streamline the process and
make it easier and less labor intensive, as well as providing some savings in the cost
of products, and reducing the amount of chemicals being applied in the parks. This is
the first time using our Tree Plotter Inventory Software for this process, it is taking
some time initially up front, but will be much faster after getting it all set up. At the
same time, I have also been taking inventory of vacant tree rings and tree stumps
throughout the parks, and I am making plans to have them replaced.
4. Tree Planting – I am planning to have some larger caliper trees transplanted into
the South Dog Park at Storey Bark Park. There has been a lot of feedback from the
people who use the area; they are excited that there will be some trees planted that
will offer some much-needed shade.
5. Tree Root/Pavement Conflicts – I will look at some areas in our parks where tree
roots are lifting/cracking pavement on walkways. The hazards will be mitigated
with root pruning and pavement repairs.
Recreation Division
Recreation Manager’s Report:
GARRETT WHITE
1. Shelter Season/Opening – Shelter reservations for the 2021 season opened
Monday, February 1st. The shelter season for 2021 will begin April 10th. With the
help of Vicki Wagner and Jeannette Sanchez, we have added prompts in our Rec 1
Scheduling software notifying customers that their reservation is subject to be
cancelled if there are gathering size limitations at the time of their reservation. We
have also updated our website with this information.
2. Field/Event Scheduling – Skyler Cook and I have been inputting all 2021 Field
Applications into the computer. We are also gathering data that shows the
approximate availability for each ball field and each reservable open green space.
This data will be split up between seasons and primary use times. We will continue
to work with CDH in regards to gathering sizes and Covid-19 protocols.
3. Community Center RFP – I have attended bi-weekly meetings in regards to the
Community Center RFP. We are currently in a holding pattern and will explore the
possibility of a new RFP. The next steps are to explore and confirm what our
community center needs are concerning community education classes and special
events. We continue to compile information on community center room sizes and
space.
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Item 8.
Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports ~ February 10, 2021 Page 5 of 8
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. Meridian Youth Baseball Agreements – I have sent both the 2020 Amended Fuller
Park Agreement and the 2021 Fuller Park Agreement to Jake Hines with MYB to
sign. I am waiting for the documents to be sent back; and once they do, I will get
them on the next available City Council meeting.
5. Covid-19 Protocols – Like last month, this will be an ongoing item until there is a
solution to Covid-19. We continue to work with CDH for all programs, activities, and
events. We have cancelled all sports leagues except Cornhole and for now most
community education classes. The few classes that are going can follow protocols
and meet all CDH requirements. Nothing has changed from the last month. The next
CDH meeting is scheduled for Friday, February 19th at 8:30 a.m. We will monitor
this meeting and make any changes necessary based on the information received.
6. Kleiner Park & Fuller Park Concessionaires - I have sent out the Kleiner Park
Concessions RFP. The deadline for this RFP was Wednesday, January 13th. I held an
onsite pre-application meeting in December. There were three people in
attendance. We received three RFPs before the deadline. We hope to confirm the
winning RFP within a few weeks. We will then work with Legal to develop an
agreement with the awarded concessionaire.
7. Fuller Park Snow Cone Concessions RFP – I have sent out the Fuller Park
Concessions RFP and held an onsite pre-application meeting on January 4th. The
deadline for this RFP is the first week in February. There has been little interest in
this location. We have received one RFP for this location so far with a week left
before the deadline.
8. Main Street Market Contract – The contract has been signed and approved
through Council. They will begin the Market in April.
9. Jabil Fields Agreement – We explored a possible partnership with ISU in regards to
their parking lot near the Jabil Fields. After gathering information, it was decided to
continue our relationship with the West Ada School District and use their parking
lot near the fields.
10. Fee Data Collection/Priority Based Budgeting– Like I mentioned last month, I
have reached out to the surrounding cities asking them to provide us with all the
fees they collect about parks and recreation. I have received feedback from
Caldwell, Boise, Nampa, Eagle, and Sandpoint (only because they asked for
Meridian’s fees). With the help from Finance, we are in the process of determining
whether our fees are accurate and justified.
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Item 8.
Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports ~ February 10, 2021 Page 6 of 8
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.
Homecourt Facility Manager’s Report:
JAKE GARRO
1. Facility Operations – Meridian Homecourt still remains closed to the public. The
facility is closed, due to the State of Idaho being in stage 2 for COVID-19.
2. Community Education Classes – Community Education Classes are still taking
place in Court 5. Classes that can meet the gathering order of 10 are allowed and
are currently taking place at Homecourt.
3. Homecourt Staff – Homecourt staff has remained employed during this shutdown.
Several tasks have been completed at Homecourt. These tasks were documented in
January’s Commission Report. Additional tasks completed by Homecourt staff are
as follows:
a. Sand and paint replacement picnic table boards.
b. Clean and adjust security cameras at Homecourt.
c. Paint front office at Homecourt.
d. Paint restrooms at Tully Park, Reta Huskey Park, Keith Bird Park, and Discovery
Park.
e. Dust restrooms and Court 5 area.
4. Facility Re-Opening Plan – I am working with community athletic groups seeking
space needs for youth practices to ensure a safe re-opening takes place. I am also
working to finalize a comprehensive re-opening plan that ensures safety to all
patrons using the facility. This plan entails patrons reserving court space to ensure
facility operations abide by gathering order measures and ensures cleaning
protocols are in place.
Recreation Coordinators’ Report:
RENEE WHITE
1. Special Events – 2021 – We are in the planning stages for 2021 special events.
That includes strategizing for COVID safe plans for Unplug & Be Outside, Sparklight
Movie Nights, Gene Kleiner Day, and the Independence Day Festival. Final
determination won’t be made until the week prior to the event and will be based on
the final Central District Health Department guidelines, but the high hopes are we
can move forward with all these events in some capacity.
2. Unplug & Be Outside – Unplug & Be Outside will forgo the usual large events this
year, including the kick-off, field day, and Food Truck Fundraiser. We will proceed
with the classes in arts, sports, and recreation with class sizes of 10 or fewer.
Event dates are Thursday, May 5 – Saturday, May 8.
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Item 8.
Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports ~ February 10, 2021 Page 7 of 8
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.
3. Special Projects – We are running a “Meridian Has Heart” campaign. Putting a
twist on Valentine’s day, we are encouraging the community to show appreciation
for their teachers, mail carrier, co-workers etc. Leave a heart, take a photo, and tag
it #meridianhasheart. Other projects include assisting the development of slides,
scripts, and take- home bags for the All-City Staff Virtual Meeting.
JENNA FLETCHER
1. 2021 Summer Activity Guide – Call for proposals went out on February 2nd. The
Guide will be released on April 7th, with registration opening on April 9th. Summer
classes will run June 14th – August 28th.
2. Winter/Spring Classes – A small number of classes have been running. We are
hopeful that within the next couple weeks we will be able to open a couple more
classes. Classes that can follow the succeeding protocols are currently allowed to
run: less than 10 people, no shared equipment, not interactive, and maintain 6 feet
of distance. Once we move forward in stages, we will be able to open more classes
and increase class size numbers.
3. Contracted Instructors – I am continually working with instructors to help them
figure out how to continue to run their classes. Some have been able to split up their
class times, while others are just waiting until we move forward in stages to start
their classes.
4. Summer 2021- Taylor Spikes has accepted the Summer Camp Coordinator position.
She will start on February 22nd and will work through the summer with me. She has
held multiple summer camp positions with our department throughout the years
and will bring her experience facilitating activities to our camp this year.
MAGGIE COMBS
(Please note, a verbal report will be provided at the February 10, 2021 MPR
Commission Meeting.)
Volunteer Program Coordinator’s Report:
CHELSEA CANTRELL
1. Volunteer Update – The volunteer program is still suspended until further notice
as we wait for the number of Covid cases to decrease. With the vaccine around the
corner, we are really looking forward to welcoming our volunteers back. They are
just as eager to come back as we are to have them.
Recreation Coordinator 1 (Sports) Report:
SKYLER COOK
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Item 8.
Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports ~ February 10, 2021 Page 8 of 8
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.
1. Winter Cornhole League – The Winter Cornhole League is playing their season
with 40 registered teams. Games are played Tuesday evenings at Meridian Middle
and Paramount Elementary School. Playoffs begin February 23rd.
2. Field Reservations – Field reservations for 2021 have been tentatively approved
and inputted into Rec1. Organizations will provide Covid-19 protocols before their
reservation begins. Online reservations are now open to the public on a first-come,
first-served basis.
3. Annual Sports Update – A presentation will be made to the Parks & Recreation
Commission during the February 10th meeting.
4. Field Usage Project – I am compiling data showing ball field and multipurpose field
space usage in the parks during the spring, summer, and fall seasons.
Arts & Culture Coordinator’s Report:
AUDREY BELNAP
1. Meridian Arts Commission –
They are currently working on contracting the selected mural artists and the
property owners. Once the contracts are signed, the design process will begin.
The Public Art Subcommittee is currently drafting an RFP to release to the Parks
Identity Roster artists for a public art installation at the Ten Mile Trailhead.
The Events & Outreach Subcommittee created a rough outline of possible
activities and events to include during Art Week 2021.
The February Initial Point Gallery installation was canceled; however, the show
will be transitioned to a virtual show through social media. Throughout the
month, each artist will be highlighted with the work they anticipated showing in
the gallery.
An Arts Diversity Subcommittee was formed in order to evaluate how the Arts
Commission is incorporating equality in its processes.
2. Meridian Historic Preservation Commission –
TAG Historical Research presented their research on the Meridian Speedway
and recommended moving forward with the nomination to list the Speedway on
the National Register of Historic Places.
The Commission applied for a new grant from the State Historic Preservation
Office to move forward with the Meridian Speedway project.
The Commission began discussions surrounding Preservation Month in May and
starting a student initiative project with prizes for students.
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Item 8.