MEMBERS ABSENT: None

STAFF PRESENT: Rob Stanford, Tom Zechman, and Dean Burch

GUEST PRESENT: Jim Vetter and Duane Bauchman (Piqua Arts Council) and Michelle Herndon

ITEM NO. 1:

Park Board Chair-person Kathy Ventura called the meeting to order.

ITEM NO. 2: APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

It was moved by Ron Cooper and seconded by Denise Uhlenbrock to suspend the reading of the minutes from the meeting on March 5, 2008. The motion carried unanimously.
It was then moved by Andrew Higgins and seconded by Cathy Oda to accept the minutes from the meeting on March 5, 2008. The motion carried unanimously.

ITEM NO. 3: JIM VETTER AND DUANE BAUCHMAN - Piqua Arts Council

Jim Vetter and Duane Bauchman were present to address the Park Board regarding the restrooms at Hardman Field. They said that members of the Piqua Arts Council have received complaints from participants and performers about the number and quality of restroom facilities. They wanted to make sure that we were aware of the issue and lobby to have improvements done as soon as funds allow. Rob Stanford informed everyone that improvements are currently scheduled for 2011.

Deb Osborne stated that this has been a reoccurring issue and that has been discussed by the Park Board many times. It was recommended that our 5 year maintenance plan be restructured to allow for these improvements to be done sooner.

This is to be discussed further by city staff and an update given at a future meeting.

ITEM NO. 4: Michelle Herndon - Riverside of Miami County

Michelle Herndon addressed the board on behalf of Riverside of Miami County and the Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities about using the Piqua Municipal Swimming Pool for rehabilitation of clients. Her request was for staff to be permitted into the pool at no cost, if the clients pay full fair. They typically send 6 clients and 4 instructors once a week, weather permitting, during the swimming season. She stated that other pools generally allow the staff in at no cost to work with the clients. The Riverside staff likes Piqua's pool better than any other one in the county for this therapy as it accommodates their needs best. However, having to pay for staff is causing a budget issue. They may be forced to use another facility if we can not accommodate them.

It was moved by Cathy Oda and seconded by Andrew Higgins to amend the pool fees to include: For institutions and agencies licensed by the State of Ohio who are using the pool to assist in therapy for disabled persons, staff members will be permitted into the pool at no cost for the purpose of assisting the disabled patrons. The total number of non-paying staff members may not exceed the number of paying clients from the agency.

The motion carried unanimously

ITEM NO. 5: LEATHER ASSOCIATES PARK

A video was shown of a Leathers' Park built in Cincinnati and pamphlets were passed out for review. Denise said that a $250 deposit is necessary to start the process. Leathers Associates would provide realistic estimates of how much we could expect in donations and start the design phase. It was recommended that time be given to review the pamphlets and that this be further discussed at the next meeting.

ITEM NO. 6: FACILITY DAMAGE

Rob Stanford informed the board that the roof of the Fountain Park Dining Hall was damaged and that it will need repaired this year. This will likely result in another project, that was planned for this year, to be delayed.

ITEM NO. 7: PROPOSED FACILITY RENTAL FEE SCHEDULE

Rob Stanford presented an updated proposed schedule for increasing fees for all facilities rented by the Piqua Parks system. Attached is a copy of the proposal. The previous proposal was rejected because it was too great of an increase. The new proposed fees were lower than previously proposed. Justifications associated with each facility were provided. Rob Stanford also pointed out that even with these increases the fees are still below what comparable facilities are charging.

A motion was made by Ron Cooper to approve the fee schedule with the stipulation that they would not be increased again for 2 years. The motion failed to receive a second.

It was moved by Deb Osborne and seconded by Denise Uhlenbrock to approve the fee schedule as is with no stipulations. The motion carried with 5 votes for and 4 votes against.

ITEM NO. 8: RECREATION COORDINATOR'S POOL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Rob Stanford presented a draft of the policy and procedures for the Pool Advisory Committee to be considered. Attached is a copy. It was requested that the Pool Manager be present at these meetings.

It was moved and seconded by to approve the policy and procedure as written with the addition of a statement that the Pool Manager will attend the meetings. The motion carried unanimously.

ITEM NO. 9: LEASING VENDING SPACE ON PARK PROPERTY

Rob Stanford stated that he had been approached by vendors that are interested in having vending machines and concession stands on park property. It was asked if anyone would be opposed to leasing space to vendors. A concern was expressed about insurance. Insurance would be provided by the vendor eliminating that concern. Another concern was the cost to provide utilities to the machine and if they would need special platforms. It was stated that the lease fee would take those expenses into consideration. The final concern was the aesthetic distraction that these machines may provide. It was agreed that the vendor would need to accommodate requests to make the machines blend in to the surroundings. There were no objections to leasing space. More information will be needed and a decision will be made on a case by case basis.

ITEM NO. 11: OTHER BUSINESS

Cathy Oda inquired about the activity at Veteran's Memorial Park. Tom Zechman informed her that there were repairs being made to the pavers to eliminate gaps and trip hazards.

Kathy Ventura commented that a stone step had been removed at Fountain Park near Hance Pavilion and expressed concern that it might get thrown into the canal. Rob will follow up to get it replaced.

Cathy Oda asked if some of the wood fencing had been stolen along the bike path near Fountain Park. There are at least 3 section that are missing boards. Rob will look into this

ITEM NO. 11: ADJOURN

Ron Cooper motioned and Jim Cruse seconded to adjourn, the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:55 P.M.

Minutes as prepared by Rob Stanford.