Metro East Sun

City of Belleville Parks & Recreation Board Department Board of Trustees met May 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees for the Belleville Parks and Recreation Department was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mrs. Teresa Hessel.

Roll Call Board Members (Alphabetical Order) Ms. Marge Belt, Mr. Brennan Hartin, Mr. Mike Heisler, Mrs. Teresa Hessel, Mr. Scott Lanxon.

Roll Call Staff Members (Alphabetical Order), Mr. Craig Maue, Mr. Jason Poole. Ms. Martin was excused from the meeting.

Previous Minutes

Ms. Belt asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes for the March 8, 2023 meeting. Mr. Lanxon made a motion that the minutes be placed on file, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Hessel. All members voting aye. Motion carried.

Ms. Belt asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes for the April 12, 2023 meeting. Mr. Lanxon made a motion that the minutes be placed on file, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Hessel. All members voting aye. Motion carried.

Introduction of Guests and Public Participation None.

Correspondence

Mr. Hartin thanked the Parks Department on behalf of the Highland Neighborhood Association for providing picnic tables and trash cans for the Easter Egg Hunt.

Claims

Mrs. Hessel made a motion that the claims for the month of March 2023 be paid, the motion was seconded by Mr. Heisler. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting aye. Motion carried.

Mrs. Hessel made a motion that the claims for the month of April 2023 be paid, the motion was seconded by Mr. Heisler. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting aye. Motion carried.

Summary of Fund Balances

Mrs. Hessel made a motion to have the finance reports for the month of March 2023 and April 2023 placed on file, the motion was seconded by Mr. Heisler. All members voting aye. Motion carried.

Bids

Mr. Poole informed the board that included in their packets is information for a shelter which is part of the Bellevue Park Improvement Project. Mr. Poole stated this would be for the purchase of materials only for the shelter utilizing the Omni Purchasing Alliance. Mr. Poole explained to the board that he prefers to stay consistent by using the same manufacturer for the shelters. Mr. Poole stated the structure is all steel with a steel roof and powder coated posts. Discussion was held on the proposed shelter and location. Mrs. Hessel made a motion to accept the bid for the shelter as presented from Cunningham Recreation in the amount of $45,084.56, the motion was seconded by Mr. Lanxon. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting aye. Motion carried.

Assistant Director Public Works

Mr. Maue stated the parks maintenance staff has been busy and the weather has been good. Mr. Maue stated the Gazebo at Ever and Anon has been power washed, painted and new mulch put down. Mr. Maue stated the facility looks very nice. Mr. Maue stated the fountain was painted and a lot of preparations are being completed for the Art on the Square event. Mr. Maue stated trees were planted for Arbor Day. Mr. Lanxon asked Mr. Maue if he is fully staffed for summer. Mr. Maue stated he has staff but is still searching for additional part-time employees.

Director of Public Works

Mr. Poole informed the board members that a bid opening will be scheduled for the Bellevue Park project on June 13, 2023. Discussion was held on the Bellevue Park project.

Mr. Poole informed the board members the Tour de Belleville will be held on June 10, 2023. Mr. Poole provided the board members with the artwork and informed them the theme is Strawberry Fields Forever. Mr. Poole stated there are currently eighty-nine riders registered. Mr. Maue stated he had some signs made to be installed on the bike trail to advertise the Tour de Belleville. Mr. Poole informed the board members he was on Fox 2 to promote the event. Mr. Poole stated the color of shirts this year will be Carolina Blue. Discussion was held on the Tour de Belleville event.

Mr. Poole informed the board members that the Fishing Derby was held on May 6, 2023. Mr. Poole stated there were approximately thirty children in attendance and a total of forty fish were caught. Mr. Poole stated there were prizes and awards given in each age group.

Mr. Poole informed the board members that Camp Rec will begin on June 5, 2023. Mr. Poole stated there are currently approximately forty children enrolled in the program. Mr. Poole stated Mrs. Michele Studt will be the Camp Director again this year and many of the counselor staff are returning from last year. Discussion was held on the Camp Rec program.

Mr. Poole informed the board members that Mrs. Stephanie Perry, Recreation Supervisor, is no longer with the Parks Department, she accepted a position with another organization. Mr. Poole stated there was much discussion as to the direction the department should go with positions. Mr. Poole stated that a position was advertised today for a Recreation Supervisor and there will be a Director of Recreation position posted once finalized. Mr. Poole stated there will also be a part-time position advertised for a Facility Coordinator of the Campus to handle the Parks Departments portion of the facility. Discussion was held on the positions.

Additional New Business

None.

Old Business

Mr. Poole informed the board members that the plan for the dog park at Ever and Anon is still moving forward. Mr. Poole stated the city is still attempting to purchase the parcel of land. Discussion was held on the proposed dog park. Mr. Poole stated that Mayor Gregory has been in contact with a representative from Ralston Purina and there may be some interest in assisting with the project.

Mr. Poole stated that Oates and Associates discovered that there was a storm line issue with the Bellevue Park Improvement project that created a design issue. Mr. Poole stated that approximately fifty feet of storm line needs to be cut off and then a swale will be put in to avoid replacing the line. Mr. Poole stated that the design change will require an amendment to the contract with an increase of $5000.00.

Ms. Belt asked Mr. Poole who would be responsible for issues with users of the bicycle trail. Ms. Belt stated she has witnessed motorized vehicles on the trail on Old Collinsville Road going into the Richland Creek area. Mr. Poole stated that would be a police issue, but he would also send a message to St. Clair County Transit District to make them aware as well. Discussion was held on motorized vehicles on the trail.

Executive Session

None.

Questions From the Floor

None.

Adjournment

Hearing no further New Business, Old Business or Questions from the Floor. Mr. Lanxon moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mrs. Hessel. All members voted aye. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m..

https://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05102023-3003