Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
May 8, 2014
Board Members Present: Kimmi Kussy, Molly LaVelle, Linore Wallace, Natalia Duncan Macker
Board Members Absent: Trudy Funk, Rudy Sanford, Jim Clouse
Staff in Attendance: Steve Ashworth, Megan Curfman, Jill Russell, Tim Selke, Andrew Fleck, Steve
Bigger, Matt Kissel, Brian Sell, Mark Cannedy
Call to Order
1.
Kimmi called the meeting to order at 5:02 pm.
Kimmi added
6c. BLM
7d. Stilson Master Plan
2. Approval of the April Minutes
Natalia moved to approve, Molly seconded - April Minutes approved.
3. New Staff Introductions
a. Steve Ashworth introduced Andrew Fleck, our new Recreation Program Manager.
4.
Upcoming Volunteer & Participation Opportunities
Spring Run Off Race on May 10
Hershey Track Meet
Volunteer Luncheon on June 3rd
5.
Citizen Input to the Board for Items not on the Agenda
Akop Manoukian, Direct of Grand Teton Skating
Akop spoke to the Board about putting plastic ice at the Miller Park tennis courts this
summer. He feels that this could drastically increase usage at the park. The plastic ice
rink would be erected in the summer only, and would allow for hockey and skating
throughout the summer.
Natalia asked how is does in extreme weather (heat, etc). Akop replied that it is all
weather and can also handle freezing temperatures. Linore asked about the life
expectancy of these plastic sheets (5-7 years, needs a polish every now and then). Akop
is not asking the department to invest anything (time or money) but is instead just
asking for the space the put the sheets of plastic ice. Natalia inquired if they would
charge people to use the ice - Yes. Kimmi asked when the ice will be at Snow King;
roughly 5 years out. Akop stressed the advantage of being able to condition year round
and build muscles in the off season.
Kimmi asked Steve about the Town Council and Commissioners. Steve said that they
would have the ultimate say, but would look to our Board for a recommendation. Steve
asked the Board to consider two things:
1. Do you support this somewhere?
2. Is Miller Park the best location?
Kimmi voiced that she didn’t think Miller Park was the best. Akop said it is based on the
lights, fence, amenities and proximity to down town. He feels that more revenue would
come from tourists than locals. Steve mentioned that we try not to displace one user
group for another and that he thinks this may be an “in addition to” opportunity. It’s a
creative recreation opportunity. The benefit is that there is an outside group that is
willing the take the risk and fund the project. Steve suggested the grassy area near the
Center for the Arts as an alternate location. Akop also mentioned that the sheets of ice
could be moved when needed.
The Board decided to postpone making a decision since there isn’t a quorum and
requested more information.
6.
Information/Discussions/Action Items
6a. Staff Presentation - Mark Cannedy, Irrigation Tech III
Mark has been with the department for 7 years. In the winter, he operates a trail
groomer and plows, as well as occasionally works on the ice rinks. In the summer he is
responsible for maintaining all irrigation for the town and county. Mark introduced
Brian Sell, who is a Tech I and assists him with the irrigation duties.
Mark manages 60 sites overall. He is currently working on upgrading equipment to be
more efficient. Some of the challenges he faces is overuse of the fields due to the
extremely high demand. This leads to grass stress and overall wear and tear of the
grass. His primary goal is to provide the best growing conditions possible while using
the least amount of water. In his role, he is constantly trying to conserve.
This summer, Mark is working on new irrigation systems at Wayne May Park, along
Cache, Broadway Avenue, and Munger View.
6b.Staff Retreat
The all Staff Retreat is scheduled for May 9th. The board is invited to stay after breakfast
for the retreat. We have asked staff to participate in a “Engagement Survey” and will be
presenting the results of the survey as well as working through some exercise to
increase engagement. At this point, 80% of our staff have participated.
6c. BLM Management Plan Process
We are currently receiving data and information from our consultants (CRC) about what
was said via the online comment form, and all other public comment that was given.
CRC found some holes in our data, and has asked us to work at filling those gaps over
the next 3 months. We are working to create an online portal that commercial guides
and outfitters can utilize to log in and log trips they take.
Regarding a timeline, CRC will be coming back to the commissioners with a
recommendation reflecting revisions and comments. The goal is to ratify a
management plan in November.
Natalia asked about the gate at Parcel 23. BLM had come to use asking for help. There
has been increased use at Parcel 23 over the last few years, as well as rogue creation of
a ramp, which does not sit well with the Army Corps of Engineers. This has resulted in
damage to the levee itself, and damaged property. The BCC approved a temporary right
of way for that parcel (3 years) that will allow us to immediately rectify the levee
damage. They also accepted an easement with the Reiser family to allow a parking lot
to be built and eliminated the ongoing trespassing that has been occurring. Lastly, the
BCC authorized the funding the erect a gate at that site.
Molly asked what our responsibility is to that site and making sure that everything is
being followed. Steve replied that the county is now responsible for management and
monitoring behavior (also public information and education). There will be no
improvements; it is essentially an “unimproved open space.”
Planning Process - We are very close to completing the transfer per congressional
action. It is a transfer with no strings attached (meaning no deed restrictions or
conditions); the land will transfer from federal ownership to Teton County ownership.
This is crucial because it will allow us to do land exchanges, etc with private owners to
best maximize the public use. WE are working to getting congressional and senate
representative to endorse and support the transfer. At this point, we need to provide
details and documentation. We have started a Congressional Action Group with Bruce
Bugby (land exchange specialist), Liz Brimmer and other connected individuals.
7. Comments/Matters from the Director
7a. Budget
At this point in time, the budget has made it through the BCC and the town manager.
Nothing in our request has been changed, and this includes two new full time
employees, as well as one potential part time to full time employee.
The last meeting will be May 27th, and the budget should be adopted June 20th.
7b. Teton Village Master Plan
Planning process is going well; people seem to really want sports surfaces. In the June
Meeting, Matt will present ideas for the park.
7c. Cemetery Sexton
With Al’s retirement, he will be staying on as the cemetery sexton (legal manager of the
cemetery). Parks & Recreation will continue to maintain the facility. Steve Ashworth
remains the backup sexton.
7d. Stilson Master Plan
the BCC has voiced that they would like the Teton Village Park and the Stilson Park to be
done together. Steve and Matt are working to potentially hire a consultant to
orchestrate the Stilson Master Planning Process.
8.
WRPA Planning
8a. WRPA Updates
Jill is trying to wrap up speakers. Should have the program finished in a few weeks.
9.
Comments/Matter from the Board
8a. Health & Wellness Event
Nothing new.
8b. Communications to the Public
Tabled.
8c. Breakfast for Staff Retreat
Be at the 4H building at 6:30 am Friday, May 9th.
8d. Liaison Updates
i. School/Rec. District
ii. Health and Wellness Taskforce - Natalia & Linore
.
iii. Rec. Center Expansion – Molly & Jim
iv. Snake River Management - Kimmi & Linore
v. Parks and Recreation Foundation - Trudy
vi. WRPA - Trudy
vii. Park Maintenance Building - Rudy & Jim
viii. Pathways – Molly
ix. Parks & Current Projects – Rudy
x. Public Outreach - Kimmi & Natalia
At 6:28 pm, Molly moved to adjourn. Natalia seconded. May Board Meeting Adjourned.