MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2008
KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER, 111 S. GEYER ROAD, ROOM 202
7:05 P.M.

In attendance:  Gerry Biedenstein, Bob Sears, Boyd Wietecter, Jerry Grunzinger,

Betsy Wendell, Linda Fenton, Katie Burckhalter, Murray Pounds, Curt Carron

Excused:  Nick Ohlman, Rich Etzkorn

I.                   CITIZEN COMMENTS 

No Comments

1I.        APPROVAL OF MARCH 18, 2008 BOARD MINUTES

Motion made by Bob Sears and seconded by Boyd Wietecter to approve the March 18, 2008 amended Park Board minutes.   All approved.  Motion passed.

III.             OLD BUSINESS

A    SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

1.        Implementation Committee

Murray Pounds reported on the current construction progress.  The concrete work, paving and most of the landscaping has been completed at the amphitheater.   The pathway lighting should be completed in May.  The safety surface at the playground is scheduled for the last week of May barring no delays due to weather. Monfort Park has been staked out but has been delayed due to weather and the need to reorient some features to avoid tree issues. The Implementation Committee will meet Thursday morning at 7:30 am.  The Gaylord Project will be discussed at this meeting and the contractors will be in attendance.

Murray reported he met with Terri Johnson, Executive Director of Municipal Partners for Inclusive Recreation regarding the fitness trail and equipment and was told all of the fitness system needs to be ADA compliant. A discussion followed on the fitness trail and equipment.  Murray said he will explore different options and report back to the park board at the May meeting.

2.        Trail Committee

Trail Committee met on April 14, 2008 at the community center with a representative from Great Rivers and two consultants.  It is proposed that the pedestrian traffic light at Argonne and South Geyer Road be a fully regulated traffic light. Linda Fenton inquired if we would be adding more bike racks.  Murray reported at least 6 new bike racks were proposed to be added throughout Kirkwood.

3.  Memorial Committee

The Memorial Committee had their first meeting on Monday, April 9. The committee is going to seek direction from the City Council to see what role they want the Park Board to play.  A discussion was held on conducting three public sessions for the purpose of getting public opinion and ideas regarding memorials. The brainstorming sessions could be held on three consecutive nights to give everyone a chance and possible sites could be Nipher, North and Kirkwood School.  

EMMENEGGER PARK BOUNDARY ISSUES

Murray Pounds reported he had continued discussions with representatives from MODOT regarding the Emmenegger Sign. A sample of  the sign was included in the Park Board packet.  Boyd Wietecter made a motion to work with MODOT to have a sign installed at the intersection of Cragwold and Stoneywood directing people to the main Emmeneger Park entrance, seconded by Katie Burckhalter.  All approved.  Motion passed.

The Park Board agreed to hold up on the signs discussed at the March Park Board meeting for Matush’s property. The mowing pattern process has not started yet.

IV.   NEW BUSINESS

A.  TENT PURCHASE APPROVAL

Motion made by Bob Sears to approve the purchase of two tents, a 30 x 30 tent and a 30 x 40 tent at a cost of $19,718.66 from Grand Rental and to appropriate an additional amount of $5000.00 from reserves to the project, seconded by Linda Fenton.  All approved.  Motion passed.

The board requested Murray Pounds look into the possibility of adding the Kirkwood Parks & Recreation logo to the new tents.

 The tents are white and they will be delivered in two to three weeks. The existing tent will serve as a backup.

B   KIRKWOOD ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION REQUEST

A letter from the Kirkwood Athletic Association regarding the repair of damage to backstops and wing fences at Diamonds 13 and 14 in Greentree Park was included in the Park Board packet.  These two fields were built on city property with KAA footing the bill for building the two fields.  KAA’s question is whether or not the City/Park Board will seek federal/state disaster relief funding to rebuild the damaged facilities. If the fields are unplayable, KAA is asking for a return of the field reservation fees which they have paid for the upcoming year, and the possibility of scavenging the damaged backstops for usable parts and materials.  Estimates for repairing the backstops and fences have been received ranging from $7,000 to over $21,000.  Murray had pictures of the damaged facilities. 

Murray reported the information he obtained was no federal or state aid is forthcoming to St. Louis County, as the damage reported within the county does not meet the threshold required to qualify for aid. The Board said it was premature to make the decision for refunds since we do not know if they will be able to use the fields. The intent is to be fair and equitable.  Murray is going to draft a letter to the Kirkwood Athletic Association stating there is no FEMA funding available, discussing the refund issue and that the Park Board is open to continued discussion and partnership.

C. MAINTENANCE UPDATE                 

The Parks Operations Maintenance Report for March 2008 was included in the Park Board Packet.

Curt said he is tracking and will document the cleanup and repairs for the damage caused by the floods.  The bid for necessary roof repairs will go out in early May. 

The Earth Day Tree Planting Event has been rescheduled for April 26.  The plants are provided through a grant from Operation ReLeaf program.  We have a total of about 63 plants.  This will be from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. Curt said he would need volunteers.  The volunteers from the OWLS and Missouri Master Naturalists cannot make the re-scheduled date for planting due to their busy schedules.

D.  OTHER MATTERS

This was the last night for Gerry Biedenstein as Park Board President.  Gerry said how much he appreciated working with the members of the Park Board and the staff.  Murray reviewed a list of accomplishments that occurred during Gerry’s tenure on the Park Board. Murray then gave Gerry a plaque in appreciation for his time serving on the Park Board.

V.  DIRECTORS REPORT

Murray reported on the procurement plan that he and the staff have been working on with the purchasing department for planning for capital purchases and acquisitions. A copy was included in the packet.  A Summary of Activities for Fiscal Year 2007-2008 was included in the packet..  This was to provide insight into the department’s activities during the fiscal year.  The summary listed total revenue and attendance information for the community center and parks.  The report also listed the capital projects that were completed or started during the fiscal year.  Murray reported our intern Jake Wand’s last day will be April the 25^th.  Murray said we will discuss the election process at the May meeting, and should have the new Park Board members appointed for the June meeting.  Murray said he would have a copy of the By-Laws for the Park Board at the May meeting.

VI.  ADJOURNMENT

Motion made by Katie Burckhalter and seconded by Boyd Wietecter to adjourn at 8:50 pm.

All approved.  Motion passed.