Meeting Minutes 05-10-11 Apporved
LEISURE SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
th
May 10, 2011
7:00 PM
MUNICIPAL BUILDING
FOURTH FLOOR TRAINING ROOM #416
Members Present: Betty Schwarz, Steve Ellis, Sandra Hendricks, Ben Dobson
Lorie Markus, Steve Knox, Dean Paynter, Lynn Jones and
Council member Deb Dongarra-Adams
Absent Members: Bill Jass and Frank Dmuchowksi
Staff Present: Shelley Slapak
The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairperson Betty Schwarz at 7:00 PM in the Fourth
Floor Training Room #416 of the Municipal Building.
TH
APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 8, 2011 MEETING MINUTES
A motion was made by Steve Knox and seconded by Sandy Hendricks to approve the meeting
minutes. Motion was approved unanimously.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS
All members of the Committee went around the room introducing themselves and explaining
their particular interest for being on the Committee.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Vice-Chairperson Betty Schwarz made a motion to nominate Steve Ellis as Chairperson. This
motion passed unanimously. Steve Knox made a motion to nominate himself as Vice-
Chairperson and was seconded by Lorie Markus. This motion passed unanimously.
RECREATION DIVISION UPDATE
Spring/Summer Programming -
Shelley Slapak distributed the 2011 Janesville Park and
Recreation Spring/Summer Activity Guide to all the members. The history of the Guide was
discussed in terms of utilization of the Park Place Newsletter, inserting the Guide into the
Messenger and the Janesville Gazette, as well as direct mailing to residential households and
businesses in the City. The Guide was explained in its entirety beginning with associated costs,
sale of advertisements, and ease of use. The 2011 theme, “Play Well, Live Well” was
discussed. The Committee also received information on the registration and cancellation
processes as well as explanations on scholarship and partnership programs. All family special
events were highlighted including the importance of volunteers and their past history. Every
partnership was explained in detail. The Main Street Entertainment series was discussed
regarding cost versus donations received and the need to increase sponsorships and donations
to keep the program. Nature Camp and the concept of families getting outside along with the
importance of involvement of Friends groups were discussed. The history of participation at the
Summer Day Camps and their schedules were shared with the members. Steve Knox inquired if
the camps had full cost recovery, which they currently do not. Shelley shared the different cuts
that were being implemented into the 2011 Camp programs. A new Tween Camp and
Counselor in Training program for teens is beginning this summer in an effort to get teens out of
the house and involved. Youth sports, tennis lessons and tennis carnival information were
discussed. Partnership programs and how partnerships work, which currently include, Youth
Rembrandts art programs, Horse Camp, KidStage, Discovery World, Challenger Soccer, etc.
were also discussed. Volunteer groups have assisted with offering pickle ball at Marshall
Middle School tennis courts on Monday evenings and shuffleboard at Riverside Park on
Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s. There was discussion regarding participation numbers and
comparisons over the past years of the summer adult sports programs which include softball,
volleyball and kickball. A review of the vast aquatic programs was presented. Further
discussion took place regarding the new partnership fitness programs and the various park
opportunities available to citizens.
Marketing Plan –
Marketing was discussed during the overview of programming and how the
importance of publicity is to run successful programs. Committee members agreed that the
public needs to get the information. A question was asked whether the Recreation Department
had a Facebook page. The Committee was informed about the recently new Facebook page
which had 32 members. However the day after the meeting the number of Facebook friends
had increased to 50 members and is currently at approximately 90 members. Another question
was asked regarding the use of the School District to send out flyers to children. Shelley spoke
about the cost and the process of sending flyers through the School District. Additional
discussion took place about other forms of advertising such as bus signage, billboards, etc.
Dean Paynter suggested using Survey Monkey and Active Network for free online registration.
Budget Reductions/Revenue Increases –
This subject was given to the Committee members
to think about and to share any ideas they have with the Recreation Department. Steve Knox
requested that Committee members receive a copy of the budget through e-mail.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Steve Knox and seconded by Dean Paynter to adjourn. Motion was
approved unanimously. The meeting ended at 8:20 PM.
Submitted by:
Shelley Slapak, Acting Recreation Director