The Stafford County Parks & Recreation Commission held its regular monthly meeting Thursday, August 16, 2007, at the Rowser Building. The meeting was called to order at 7:06 PM by Tom Paton.

SILENT ROLL CALL

Members Present Absent Staff: Guests:
Jack Cavalier A Chris Hoppe K. J. Mushung
Larry Checca A Judy Sokolowski Dundee McManis
Harry Crisp P Brian Kitta
John Druiett P Mia Joshi
John LeDoux A Gary Austin
Eric Lindner A Michael Austin
Ken Mitchell A
Tom Paton P
Robert Ray A
Randy Walther P

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
John Druiett motioned, and Harry Crisp seconded, to approve the minutes from the July meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

PRESENTATIONS BY PUBLIC
None.

NEW BUSINESS
· Mia Joshi, Stafford Spotlight Theatre Company
Mia Joshi and Brian Kitta presented their proposed community theatre group to the Commission and asked to be co-sponsored by the department so they would have access to county buildings and school facilities and so they would not have to pay rental fees for the facilities. They explained that the group is open to everyone in the community (and surrounding counties), and there is no cost to join. The group is in the midst of obtaining its non-profit status, and the only fees that would be collected would be admission fees for actual performances.

After discussion, Harry Crisp motioned, and Randy Walther seconded, to explore the implementation of a partnership with the Stafford Spotlight Theatre Company and use of our facilities. Motion carried unanimously.

· Carl Lewis Community Center Deed
No discussion.

OLD BUSINESS
· Facility Use Committee
After review and discussion of the Facility Use Policy, Harry Crisp motioned, and John Druiett seconded, to recommend approval of the Facility Use Policy and send it to the Board of Supervisors. Motion carried unanimously.

· American Youth Football League
The commission reviewed the BOS package that the BOS will vote on at their next meeting on August 21, 2007.

PRESENTATIONS BY COMMISSIONERS
John Druiett praised Parks and Recreation staff for their intelligence and quick thinking. He attended some of the facility use meetings and was impressed with staff’s responses and reasons behind the fees charged. He also said that he was willing to be Randy Walther’s substitute on the FSPA Board.

Harry Crisp said he attended the Cardboard Boat Regatta at Aquia Landing, and it was lots of fun. He said the event was very well coordinated and executed, and he was amazed at the creativity of the boats. He said that he was impressed with the park itself, as he hadn’t been there for years, and it was in super shape.

Harry also said that Mrs. Norman Schools had contacted him about signs posted at the Conway House on River Road and ideas she had to resolve issues with the Falmouth Waterfront Park. Harry suggested that she submit a written proposal to the FSPA.

Tom Paton asked about the algae at Aquia Landing. Chris Hoppe said that the algae had been removed for the cardboard boat race, and it had been clipped and removed again about two weeks ago.

Tom Paton said that SASA would begin coaches’ meetings on Saturday, 8/18, and fields would begin to fill up the following Monday.

STAFF REPORTS
No questions were asked.

DIRECTOR'S REPORT
· Patawomeck Park
S.W. Rodgers of Fredericksburg continues to work on Phase I construction; all clearing for Phase I has been completed. The irrigation/SWM pond is nearly complete, and some ball field grading has been done. The current schedule still allows for park construction to be complete in time for athletic field play in May 2008.

· Fredericksburg-Stafford Park Authority (FSPA)
We are compiling a priority list of projects and equipment that will be required to raise the level of services at these park sites. This list of projects will be discussed with the FSPA Board at their next meeting on August 15 and relayed to the Commission at their meeting on August 16.

· Curtis Park Asphalt Trail
We have been supervising work performed by Gator Paving for the removing and replacing the asphalt for the Curtis Park trail system. The contractor replaced a small area involving a culvert that was incorrectly installed. There are still some portions of the project that must be addressed prior to final completion.

· Cardboard Boat Race
The 4th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta was held on July 21 at Aquia Landing. Approximately 14 boats were judged and then raced in various heats. This event is annually co-sponsored by the Rock Hill Ruritans and the Department.

· Woodlands Pool Deflation Support Structure
Quotes have been received from contractors interested in providing and installing the anti-deflation support structure for Woodlands Pool. The design for this project features 12 steel poles, which are anchored in sleeves that are flush to the concrete deck, and aircraft-type cabling strung between the posts. Work on the concrete footings must be completed prior to the dome being erected the week of September 4. All work is expected to be completed by mid-September.

· Carl Lewis Community Center Deed
We have been working with representatives of the North Stafford Community Improvement League and Boy Scout Troop 840 regarding correcting the deed stipulations that were not incorporated when the site was conveyed. This proposal would also guarantee that the County would use this site as a park for the next 30 years. A report will be given to the Commission at either their August or September meeting.

· Salute to Stafford Day
Salute to Stafford Day will be held on Saturday, September 15 at the Courthouse Community Center from 10 AM- 4 PM. Admission is free and events include games, crafts, dancing, music, skills demonstrations, art contests, and many other activities. This event is co-sponsored by the Citizens to Serve Stafford and the Department.

· Field Renovation Projects
We are mobilizing resources necessary to completely renovate Soccer/Football Field #1 and the infield of Baseball Field #1 at Duff Green Park. Both of these fields have been taken out of service this fall for this work, with anticipated completion in late September. We hope that the new turf to be installed on these fields will be capable of some use in Spring 2008.

· Aquia Landing Park
Department and County staff have scheduled a final meeting on August 20 to determine what procedures will be necessary to keep the site open as a passive use park from March through October. Following this meeting, staff will discuss with the Commission and park neighbors any concerns they may have.

· Widewater State Park
Chris Hoppe said he represented the department at a recent meeting regarding the state park that would be built in Widewater. He said that public meetings are to be announced.

ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.

RGS:jls