The Stafford County Parks & Recreation Commission held its regular monthly meeting Thursday, October 18, at the Rowser Building. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM by Larry Checca.

SILENT ROLL CALL

Members                     Present        Absent                               Staff:                             Guests:
Jack Cavalier                                     A                       Chris Hoppe                           Joe Brito
Larry Checca                     P                                       Judy Sokolowski                     Stuart Faux
Harry Crisp                       P                                       Camilla Shover                       Jan Kelly
John Druiett                                        A                      Kari Matheney                          Kevin McTarsney
John LeDoux                                      A                                                                   Becky Faust
Eric Lindner                       P                                                                                     Kim Tice
Ken Mitchell                       P                                                                                     Barry Hill
Tom Paton                         P
Robert Ray                        P
Randy Walther                    P

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Harry Crisp motioned, and Randy Walther seconded, to approve the minutes from the September meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

PRESENTATIONS BY PUBLIC
Joe Brito asked for support in saving the houses at Rocky Pen Run so they could possibly be used in the future as lifeguard stations, first aid stations, etc. He said there would be 20 acres near the lake that could be used for passive recreation.

NEW BUSINESS
· Swim Lanes at Woodlands Pool
After the Commission reviewed the proposed Agreement with swim teams, Larry Checca recommended that a subcommittee be formed from the Commission and swim teams to resolve current issues. The following people were selected for the committee: Larry Checca (to chair the committee) and Eric Lindner from the Commission, Becky Faust from Stat Swim Team, and Steve Faux from Quantico Sharks.

OLD BUSINESS
· Athletic Field Taskforce
Eric Lindner said the subcommittee had a brainstorming session for ideas for planning. Chris Hoppe said he contacted Jack Cavalier, who said the representatives from other user groups could serve on the taskforce. Chris said he also invited school representatives to join the conversations.

Larry Checca asked what the different field classifications meant. Chris said:
Class 1 fields have lights and irrigation
Class 2 fields have lights or irrigation
Class 3 fields have no lights or irrigation

PRESENTATIONS BY COMMISSIONERS
· Tom Paton said that Chris Hoppe needed to consider closing the fields due to drought conditions. After discussion, Tom Paton motioned, and Randy Walther seconded, to support Chris Hoppe’s decision to close athletic fields or modify their use as he feels appropriate. Motion carried unanimously.

STAFF REPORTS
· No questions were asked.

DIRECTOR'S REPORT
· Patawomeck Park
S.W. Rodgers of Fredericksburg continues to work on phase I construction. The current schedule still allows for park construction to be complete in time for athletic field play in May 2008. The drought and water restrictions may inhibit placing the sod on the fields because it cannot be watered. The sod placement may have to be delayed until spring, which could delay when play can begin.

· Fredericksburg-Stafford Park Authority (FSPA)
We compiled a priority list of projects and equipment that will be required to raise the level of services at these park sites. This list includes athletic field improvements, playground equipment, and general infrastructure repair and will be shared with the FSPA Board at their September 19 meeting.

Falmouth Waterfront Park was renamed “History Port of Falmouth Park” by the FSPA. The proposed trail system has been estimated at $750,000; two different grants are available, either $550K or $450K, which will pay 80 percent of construction costs. The structural study of the Grizzle Center will cost $13,000.

· Curtis Park Asphalt Trail
The contractor contends he has completed work on punch list items; however, staff believes a number of issues have yet to be addressed. We are trying to resolve how we will get the items completed.

· Woodlands Pool Anti-Deflation Support Structure & Dome
The new anti-deflation support structure has been installed, and the pool reopened on September 19.

· Carl Lewis Community Center Deed
The Board of Supervisors approved extending the agreement with the North Stafford Community Improvement League, which permits NSCIL and Boy Scout Troop 840 use of the facility and use of the site as a park for the next 30 years. The agreement is in process of being signed.

· Salute to Stafford Day
Salute to Stafford Day celebration that was held on Saturday, September 15 at the Courthouse Community Center, was a tremendous success. This event was co-sponsored by the Citizens to Serve Stafford and the Department.

· Field Renovation Projects
We are completely renovating 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 for this work. Sod was placed on the soccer field and baseball infield the week of October 8. Disturbed areas around the soccer field that are not sodded will be seeded. Rain will be counted on to germinate the seed. We anticipate that the fields will be capable of some use in spring 2008.

· Aquia Landing Park
Department and County staff have created a draft operations plan necessary for the operations of Aquia Landing beyond the normal seasonal timeframe. We will schedule a meeting with the general public, park neighbors, County Departments, Commissioners, and staff to discuss any concerns or issues that they may have.

· Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation
Camilla Shover, the Aquatics Division Manager, has been appointed to the Acting Assistant Director position until the Director position is named.

· Athletic Fields Task Force
The first meeting of the task force was held October 10. Most members were able to attend. Chair, John LeDoux, led the group through idea generation processes. Additional meetings will be held, probably on a weekly basis.

· Widewater State Park
The Director is participating in the master planning process for the new state park in Widewater, which is anticipated to be completed in 2008. The second meeting was held on October 11. Two to three public input sessions will be held to gather citizen input; the Commission will be informed of the meetings and are invited to attend.

ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM.

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