2022-02-09
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
City Hall Council Chambers, 33 East Broadway Avenue, Meridian, Idaho
Wednesday, February 09, 2022 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
To join the meeting online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86053500999
Webinar ID: 860 5350 0999
ROLL-CALL ATTENDANCE
____ Jo Greer, President ____ Keith Bevan, Vice President
____ Dom Gelsomino ____ John Nesmith
____ Jennifer Bobo ____ Mandi Roberts
____ Camden Hyde
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
1. January 12, 2022 Regular Meeting
Jo Greer, MPRC President ~ 2 minutes
ANNOUNCEMENTS
2. New Commissioner Introductions
Jo Greer, MPRC President ~ 5 minutes
3. Upcoming Events
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Shelly Houston, MPR Marketing Coordinator ~ 5 minutes
NEW BUSINESS
4. MPR Master Plan & Cost Recovery Updates
Art Thatcher, BerryDunn Manager (Formerly GreenPlay, LLC) ~ 20 minutes
5. MPR Department Classes & Camps Update
Jenna Fletcher, MPR Recreation Coordinator ~ 20 minutes
6. Meridian Community Pool Update
Garrett White, MPR Recreation Manager ~ 20 minutes
OLD BUSINESS ~ None
WORKSHOP ~ None
STAFF REPORTS
7. MPR Staff ~ 20 minutes
NEXT MEETING ~ March 9, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
2022 All-Commission Goals:
1. Support the construction of Discovery Park Phase 2.
2. Support development of a connected pathway system across the City of Meridian,
with a focus on developing projects for future construction.
3. Participate in the design and programming of a new Community Center.
4. Support the development of the Comprehensive Park System Master Plan Update.
5. Participate in the partnership with the Meridian Arts Commission to add theming
and identity reinforcing art in Meridian parks and along pathways.
6. Support future improvements at Lakeview Golf Course.
7. Pursue improved tools and opportunities to engage citizens and stakeholders.
8. Host and participate in a strategic workshop with the Urban Land Institute
regarding pathway improvements.
9. Provide feedback on the design for new playgrounds at Chateau Park and Bear
Creek Park.
10. Discuss and provide input on efforts to assess and take over operations of the
Meridian Pool.
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11. Engage other task forces, commissions, entities, and agencies through workshops
and other outreach for partnership opportunities.
12. Continue to foster greater Commission involvement/presence in community events
whenever appropriate.
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Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports ~ February 9, 2022 Page 1 of 7
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 9, 2022
Administration Division
Director’s Report:
STEVE SIDDOWAY
(Please note, a verbal report will be provided at the February 9, 2022 MPR Commission
Meeting.)
Parks Division
Parks Superintendent Report:
MIKE BARTON
(Please note, a verbal report will be provided at the February 9, 2022 MPR Commission
Meeting.)
Pathways Project Manager’s Report:
KIM WARREN
(Please note, a verbal report will be provided at the February 9, 2022 MPR Commission
Meeting.)
City Arborist’s Report:
MATTHEW PERKINS
1. Tree Pruning – I continue to work on contract pruning work orders for this fiscal
year and update tree inventory as I go along.
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Item 7.
Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports ~ February 9, 2022 Page 2 of 7
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.
2. IPM (Integrated Pest Management) – I continue to put together treatment plans
and maps for pest and disease management in all of the Meridian trees, including
the Lakeview Golf Course, for 2022.
3. Tree Planting – I continue to construct maps of all planting locations and put
together an order for trees from the nurseries based on species availability.
4. Community Education – I have been working on and continue to create
PowerPoint presentations about tree biology, selection, planting, pruning, tree care,
and pest/disease management with the end goal of offering a series of classes to the
public and eventually creating a Tree Steward Volunteer program. I will also work
with College of Western Idaho (CWI) students from the Horticulture program to
instruct them in hands-on tree pruning on some of our park trees.
5. Downtown Tree Well Work – Plans for the contract work on pavers and tree wells
in downtown are in place and moving forward.
Recreation Division
Recreation Manager’s Report:
GARRETT WHITE
(Please note, a verbal report will be provided at the February 9, 2022 MPR Commission
Meeting.)
Homecourt Facility Manager’s Report:
JAKE GARRO
1. Facility Operations – Hours are Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; weekend
hours, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
MPR Adult Basketball is still taking place at Homecourt Monday through
Thursday evenings. This league will conclude mid-March.
MPR Winter Coed Volleyball is taking place at Homecourt on Monday &
Thursday evenings. This league will conclude mid- March.
2. Facility Rentals –
Future Special Events:
Flash Basketball/End of Trial Tournament – February 11, 12, & 13
Legacy Martial Arts Tournament – March 11 & 12
L2KSports Basketball Tournament – March 19 & 20 NOT CONFIRMED
USA Wrestling Tournament – March 25 & 26
College Coaches Skills Camp – April 9
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Item 7.
Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports ~ February 9, 2022 Page 3 of 7
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. Community Education/Court 5 – Court 5 is consistently scheduled throughout the
week each day for community education classes. Classes include gymnastics,
tumbling, cheerleading, pickleball, and martials arts. Classes do take place during
the weekend hours in Court 5 as well, typically during the afternoon hours on
Sunday.
4. Community Athletic Groups – Practice times have been scheduled for local AAU
groups for the months of January, February, and March. Practices typically take
place each evening Monday – Friday, from 4:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. It is our goal to
keep all practices on 3 courts.
5. Weekend Facility Schedule – We are looking to improve our weekend operations,
how the facility is scheduled, and/or what activities are offered during the weekend.
Currently, during weekend hours, the facility is set up as follows:
Court 1 two volleyball nets
Court 2 & 3 basketball
Court 4 three pickleball nets, Court 5 is used for pickleball
when it becomes available
As mentioned above, we as a staff are looking for ways to improve weekend operations.
For the remainder of our busy season (March), weekend staff will monitor high-volume
times during the weekend. They will also monitor high-volume times for pickleball,
basketball, and volleyball. One model we are seeking to implement possibly next fall
will be to set up the facility during the weekend as follows:
Courts 1 – 4 Pickleball 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Court 1 Two Volleyball Nets 11:00 a.m. – Close
Courts 2 & 3 Basketball 11:00 a.m. – Close
Court 4 Pickleball 11:00 a.m. – Close
Recreation Coordinators’ Report:
RENEE WHITE
1. Unplug and Be Outside – We are moving full steam ahead with planning fun weeks
of arts, sports, and recreation featuring a kick-off on May 7 and Field Day on May 11.
We were awarded a grant and have started recruiting partners. Has it ever felt
more important for mental, physical, and emotional health to get outside and play?
I challenge you – as the Meridian Parks & Recreation Commissioners – to embody
these ideals and join the fun. Reach out to me for the details of how you can both
participate and help promote the activities.
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Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports ~ February 9, 2022 Page 4 of 7
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.
2. Movies – With a small selection of new releases for this summer’s Sparklight Movie
Night, we will once again dig into the ‘vaults’ to show classics! Mark your calendars
for June 11 – August 19. We will be in Settlers Park every Friday night. Do you have
a family-friendly favorite you would like to see? Forward me the title!
I am working on all logistics that have to be done months in advance, including securing
sponsorships, reserving entertainment, securing venues, applying for permits, etc.
Never a dull moment!
JENNA FLETCHER
(Please note, a verbal report will be provided at the February 9, 2022 MPR Commission
Meeting.)
MAGGIE COMBS
1. 2022 Winter Volleyball League – We are almost halfway through the Winter
Volleyball season. We are currently playing games at Homecourt, Boys and Girls
Club, and local schools.
2. 2022 Spring/Summer Softball League – League registration is currently open for
the 2022 season for Coed and Men’s teams. Players must be at least 18 years of age
to play on a team. The registration deadline is March 2nd, as spots are on a first-
come, first-serve basis and not guaranteed until payment is received in full.
3. 2022 Spring Volleyball League – League registration is currently open for the
2022 season for Women’s and Coed teams. The registration deadline is March 2nd, as
spots are on a first-come, first-serve basis and not guaranteed until payment is
received in full.
4. 2022 Adult Sport Program Scorekeeper – We are currently looking for more staff
to help keep score during the 2022 sports season. The job is open on the City
website.
Recreation Coordinator 1 (Sports & External Events) Report:
SKYLER COOK
1. Field Reservations -
Field reservations are now open for online booking.
I am working through adjustments and collecting liability insurance and
payment from organizations.
I am working with MYB on finalizing the Fuller Park Agreement.
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Item 7.
Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports ~ February 9, 2022 Page 5 of 7
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.
2. External Events -
I am reviewing 2021 special events and TUP-related documents for 2022.
I am learning the approval process in Accela.
I am working with groups and organizations on planning their 2022 events.
o Only 1 on the books so far for March. Saturday 3/26 March for Meals
at Kleiner Park approximately 300 people. No staff needed.
3. Sports Leagues & Tournaments -
5v5 Winter Basketball League finishes regular season play on 2/10.
Double-elimination playoff tournament begins 2/15 and will finish mid-
March.
I am working on finalizing Cornhole logistics.
Volunteer Program Coordinator’s Report:
CHELSEA CANTRELL
1. January 2022 Volunteer Hours – In January, we had 312 volunteer hours. This
consisted of the City Hall front desk and the Park Ambassador program.
2. Recruitment – Recruitment for spring has begun.
3. Volunteer Projects –Requests for group volunteer projects have been rolling in as
well. Those typically happen in spring, so scheduling for those is underway.
Arts & Culture Coordinator’s Report:
CASSANDRA SCHIFFLER
1. Introduction – I started my job as the new Arts and Culture Coordinator last month.
I am a third generation Idahoan and have a long history of involvement in the
Treasure Valley art community. I have extensive arts experience in fine art
appraisals, art galleries management, nonprofit arts organizations, art museums,
community printmaking studios, and art education. I have acquired a unique
understanding of the complexities of the arts community as both a participating
artist and an arts administrator. I earned my bachelor’s degree in English and Art
from the College of Idaho, completed 36 credits towards a Masters in Fine Art from
Boise State University, and completed credentialing for art appraisals from the
International Society of Appraisers. My education and experience have fostered a
strong desire to ensure that Meridian’s cultural expansion is reflected in the arts and
culture programming for the City.
2. Meridian Arts Commission -
The Commission has identified three bands for the upcoming Concerts on
Broadway series: Smooth Avenue on August 27th; High Street on September 10th,
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Item 7.
Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports ~ February 9, 2022 Page 6 of 7
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.
and Soul Patch on September 24th. I will begin to draft schedules and
agreements.
We are beginning to plan Art Week 2022, September 7th – 10th.
We have sent an MOA to the Meridian Library District’s board to review and
approve later this month. If approved, we will move forward with the design
stage for a mural by Key Design at the Unbound Library.
I am contacting various locations identified by the Commission to propose the
mural designed by Sector Seventeen.
The Initial Point Gallery exhibit in February features artwork by Fred Choate,
Karen Eastman, Matt Ciranni, and Hallie Maxwell.
I am working to finalize the 2022 Initial Point Gallery schedule and agreements
with 2022 artists.
The Public Art Subcommittee has recommended that we reissue an RFP for the
Ten Mile Trailhead public artwork, with an expanded scope of work, increased
budget, and to be released to all artists.
The Commission voted to approve a funding request to Treasure Valley
Children’s Theater.
The Commission reelected Bonnie Zahn Griffith for Chair, elected Jessica Peters
for Vice Chair, and Bobby Gaytan for Public Art Subcommittee Chair.
There is a vacant seat open on the Commission; it has been advertised and will
close on February 11.
3. Historic Preservation Commission -
The Commission is beginning to plan activities for Preservation Month in May.
The Commission is planning to help the Meridian Library District with rehoming
objects from the Historical Society collection as the Library transitions to
maintaining the collection.
TAG has sent the Meridian Speedway nomination for the National Historic Places
Registry to SHPO for review, and comments from SHPO are anticipated back
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Item 7.
Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports ~ February 9, 2022 Page 7 of 7
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.
later this month. TAG will then finalize the draft nomination to be submitted to
the Idaho Historic Sites Review Board for their review in June.
The Commission reelected Blaine Johnston for President and elected Destinie
Hart for Vice President.
The Mayor appointed two new commissioners to open seats, Pam Jagosh and
John Dinger.
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Item 7.