HomeMy WebLinkAbout180913 - Minutes, Recreation & Parks AdvWASHINGTON COUNTY
RECREATION & PARKS BOARD
September 13, 2018
MINUTES
Present
Brian Albert
Brian Getz
Greg Shank
Nica Sutch
Bradley Tritsch
Absent With Reason
Terry Baker
Eric Michael
Danny Kearns
Chairman Greg Shank called the meeting of the Washington County Recreation & Parks
Advisory Board to order at 3:15 p.m. Guests were Jaime Dick, Director of Recreation &
Fitness; Danny Hixon, Facilities Field Supervisor; Travis Allen, Comprehensive Planner;
and Deb Peyton, Director of Health & Human Services.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Shank asked for any additions or corrections to the minutes of the May 17, 2018,
Recreation & Parks Board meeting.
With no corrections or additions the minutes were passed as presented.
Citizen's Comments
No one appeared for comment.
Department Reports
Parks Report
Danny Hixon gave the Parks Report.
Mr. Hixon stated that crews have been busy. Nonstop with equipment breaking down, trees
down.
The multi -purpose field at Marty Snook Park has been renovated, hydroseeded and turning
green but will not be playing on the field this Fall or Spring of 2019. Will be ready for use
next Fall 2019.
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Facilities Coordinator Report
Mr. Hixon gave Mr. Brooks report.
Agricultural Education Center
Girls Inc. Muddy Mamas Run will be held Saturday, September 15, 2018.
Ag Ed Center Steak Feed Bonanza for September 22, 2018 has been canceled. Fairplay
Fire Company is having their Fall Gun Bonanza the same night.
Pen Mar Park concert series will continue through end of September. Mr. Nixon said that
Mr. Brooks will provide an updated donation list.
Comprehensive Planner Report
Travis Allen reported that the Land Preservation, Parks & Recreation Plan had been
approved by the Board of County Commissioners in May 2018. Shortly after the Board
approved the plan, DNR approved and adopted the plan as well. However, as part of the
approved comments DNR stated that because, in their opinion, the plan showed that we
have not met our acquisition goals, they were going to require that we devote more money
to parkland acquisition projects. This would have required a change in the proposed
funding allocations approved by the Board which are split between acquisition and
development.
In response to DNR's comments, Jill Baker sent a response letter supporting the existing
plan. Ms. Baker clarified that our analyses depicted areas that we would like to target for
future park development and did not indicate that we haven't met our overall planned goals
for parkland acquisition.
DNR responded that they would be willing to support our conclusion, but we would need to
amend the plan to clarify these issues.
Mr. Allen said his department is now finalizing the changes and that they are targeting to
schedule another public hearing before the Board of County Commissioners before the end
of the year to readopt the plan.
Recreation Report
Summer Basketball League
Jaime Dick reported that 43 teams participated in summer league. He said this is up 4
teams from last year.
Also, Mr. Dick said the contract with basketball officials is up, working with Donnie Souders,
Jr. Hoping for a 3 year contract and will negotiate with soccer as well.
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Summer Soccer League
Mr. Dick reported 16 teams signed up for the Boys & Girls Soccer Leagues this summer.
This is up 2 teams from last year.
Summer Volleyball League
Mr. Dick reported 10 teams participated in Girls Volleyball League this summer. This is
down 5 teams from the year before. Mr. Dick explained numbers were down because of
Club Volleyball and the fact the activities are held on Sunday. Will discuss moving to
weeknights instead.
Summer Camp Report
Mr. Dick reported still working on final numbers, however, he can report to the Board that
they averaged 297 children a day. In 2017 the average was 267 participants a day. The
cost for attending camp was raised from 2017 and looking at the numbers appears like a
profit was made. In 2017 there was a net loss of $8,707.03. This year showing a profit of
approximately $25,000. Mr. Dick said Marsha Moats was very frugal with spending and
was great at reusing supplies, etc.
Marty Snook Adventure Camp
Mr. Dick said the Adventure Camp was a hit. Also moving Williamsport camp times from
7am — 5pm was successful as well.
Hancock Community Rec Center Gym
Mr. Dick said staff continues to work with Hancock Parks and Recreation Committee on
making the Community Center gym available for the public to use from the Western part of
the County. Tim Boyer and Mr. Dick working on family movie nights.
Everybody's Day at Pen Mar Park
Mr. Dick reported the Recreation Department held the annual end of summer special event
"Everybody's Day" at Pen Mar Park on Sunday, August 26, 2018. There has been a
decline in attendance the past few years. Will try to redefine for more attendance.
Sign Grant for Walking Trails
Mr. Dick said the staff worked with Parks Department and the Health Department to secure
a grant for signage for the walking trail at Marty Snook Park. The signs will identify walking
trails and mile markers.
Wellness Fair
Mr. Dick said staff worked with the Division of Health & Human Services on hosting an
employee Wellness Fair in August at the Ag Center and that went well.
Upcoming Events
Princess Party — September 28, 2018. The event will be held at the ARCC at HCC.
Park at Dark — October 19, 2018. The event will be held at the County Agricultural
Education Center.
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Mr. Dick also reported that we were late getting the Fall brochures printed and mailed out.
Going forward the County's PR Dept will be working with us in putting the brochure
together.
Mr. Dick reported Marsha Secrest is no longer with the Department and is in the process of
interviewing and hiring for a Deputy Director. Mr. Dick also welcomed Deb Peyton, Director
of the Division of Health & Human Services and Jeannine McVicker, Office Associate for
the Recreation Department.
Next Scheduled Meeting
Mr. Shank said the next scheduled Board meeting will be on Thursday, October 4, 2018.
Committee Reports
No committee Reports were discussed.
Unfinished Business
Vacant Board Seat
The Board agreed to appoint, Bradley Tritsch, as Vice -Chair of the Board.
Mr. Sterling said we have until the end of the year to replace Danny Kerns. At the October
board meeting Mr. Sterling will provide a list of potential Board Members.
New Business
Mr. Albert spoke with Toby Peer, Athletic Director, at South Hagerstown High School and
he recommended to Mr. Albert's that the County should look into partnering with the
schools to build community gyms that could be used by high school athletes as well as the
community. Mr. Dick said he would like the School Board, City, County, Hagerstown Ice &
Sports Complex to all pull together and improve on what we already have.
Adjournment
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 4:10 pm
Board members that were present watched a civility training video that is required by the
Division of Health & Human Services.
Gre• 4'n Chairmar eannine Miller M Vicker,
Washingt County Recording Secretary
Washington County
Recreation & Parks Board
Recreation & Parks Board
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