#2 Minutes 5-8-12
LEISURE SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
MAY 8, 2012
7:00 PM
MUNICIPAL BUILDING
FOURTH FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM #416
Members Present: Betty Schwarz, Benjamin Dobson, Sandra Hendricks, Steve Knox, Dean
Paynter, Lorie Markus, Dave Schollmeier, Christine Courtney, Melody
Shanahan, and Bob Barry
Absent Members: Councilmember Jim Ferrell
Guests: None
Staff Present: Tom Presny
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM. Roll call was completed by sign-in sheet.
APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 13, 2012 MEETING MINUTES
A motion was made by Steve Knox and seconded by Betty Schwartz to approve the minutes of
the March 13, 2012 meeting. This motion was approved unanimously.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS
Each of the 10 members in attendance introduced themselves. The committee welcomed new
committee members Dave Schollmeier, Christine Courtney, Melody Shanahan, and Bob Barry.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Nominations were opened for the position of Committee Chairperson. A motion was made and
seconded to nominate Sandy Hendricks for Chairperson. Sandy appreciated the opportunity
but declined. A motion was made and seconded to nominate Steve Knox for Chairperson who
accepted the nomination. This motion passed unanimously. Nominations were then opened for
the position of Committee Vice Chairperson. A motion was made and seconded to nominate
Sandy Hendricks for Vice Chairperson. Sandy accepted this nomination. This motion passed
unanimously.
SKATE PARK UPDATE
At the prior request of the Committee Tom Presny provided an update on past and present
efforts associated with fundraising and determining the location for a skate park in Janesville. A
information sheet entitled History of Janesville Skate Park 2003 – 2011 was distributed and
reviewed. In the eight years of existence, the Skate Park Committee has generated some
$35,000 in funds for a skate park. In the past the City had designated Palmer Park and
Monterey Park as sites for a state park. The former Swingers Batting Cage at 803 S. Jackson
Street is currently the approved site for a new skate park. No City funding has been authorized
for this purpose.
PARKS DIVISION UPDATE OF 2012 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Tom Presny provided an overview of upcoming improvement projects in the park system. These
projects include a new maintenance building at Riverside Park, replacement of tennis courts 7-9
at Palmer Park, renovation of the handicap accessible fishing pier at Kiwanis Pond, 200 trees
being planted at the baseball/softball fields at the Youth Sports Complex, and new playgrounds
at Pershing and Rushmore neighborhood parks.
DISCUSSION ON FUTURE SPORTS FACILITY NEEDS
Tom Presny asked the Committee to share some brain storming ideas regarding needs in
Janesville over the next 20 years for sports facilities. He shared that because of discussions and
evaluations in the early 1990’s, Janesville now has the Youth Sports Complex. In the past there
was a lack in youth sports fields, where now the 90 acre Youth Sports Complex provides 12
soccer fields, 4 football fields, and 10 baseball and softball diamonds largely operated and
maintenance by volunteers.
Committee members commented that our first responsibility is to maintain the facilities that we
have and either renovate them or convert them to alternative sports use. Future sports fields or
facility needs that were discussed included adult sports fields for semi-pro football, Latino
Soccer, Lacrosse, and Rugby. Bob Barry offered that an intern from UW-Whitewater could be
obtained to help inventory and evaluate such community needs.
MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
nd
Lori Markus shared that on June 2 there will be a a volunteer clean up and work day at Paw
Print Park which will include filling in holes and general clean up. Dean Paytner shared that
through the summer there will be 4 hour hikes scheduled by Leisure Services known as
Summer Saunters. The goal is to get kids outside and interested in nature and walks. Also Dean
shared that an international sport called Fistball will be taught at Riverside Park and a league
playing the game at the park this summer.
Steve Knox shared comments of interest in the re-purposing of the Lions Beach Bathhouse. He
considers that beautiful building to offer much potential for other community needs. He will
research this topic. It was mentioned that tennis court lights are staying on late at Palmer Park.
Staff will follow up to see it the electrical timer buttons are sticking or if there are other problems.
The Committee discussed the desire for the City Council to be kept informed on Leisure
Services matters by the City Council member who represents the Leisure Services Advisory
Committee by sharing topics of interest and of needs.
Committee members requested that topics desired for future meetings include swimming pool
fees, what is Pickleball and where can it be played, and providing a list of running, walking, and
biking special events in Janesville. A comment was made that there is not a good one stop shop
to look up these special events.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:47PM with a motion by Dean Paynter and seconded by Dave
Schollmeier. This motion passed unanimously.
The next Leisure Services Advisory Committee meeting has been changed to Tuesday,
th
June 26, 2012 at 7:00 PM.
Submitted by:
Tom Presny
Parks Director