Pea Ridge Parks Commission

From Staff Reports

Dec. 9, 2014

Meeting opened: 7:06 p.m.

Location: white house next to Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church

Present: Joseph Carlson, Crystal Carlson, Larry Whisenhant, Mechel Wall, Spencer Deal, Karen Kitterman, Jim Crews

• Community Garden

• A tentative location has been found on the First Baptist Church grounds. Spencer and Mechel will do presentation to Al Fowler.

• Water is available there but meter is needed, and electricity will be used for drip stations.

• Vandalism at City Park bathrooms

• The city has asked us to look into surveillance options for the park, since the bathrooms were heavily damaged by vandals. The consensus of what needs to be looked at is wireless, HD or not, 300 foot range, 4 cameras.

• A suggestion of automatic locks was brought up that would lock between set hours such as 11 p.m. -- 7 a.m.

• A contact alarm on the doors after the locks are installed was also discussed. A siren might help deter vandals.

Jim Crews made a motion to purchase the locks. Larry Whisenhant amended the motion to purchase the locks immediately and let City Hall know that we are looking into other security options. Jim added that we allow up to $200 per lock for the Street Department to purchase.

The final amended motion was seconded by Mechel Wall. The motion carried unanimously.

• It was discussed that we should see more impact fees this year with the new construction going on.

• Givens Place Park

• Street Department will need to build a flower box and sign structure so Beta Alpha can plant bulbs. It was suggested that natural cut lumber be used or that we can build this ourselves for a project.

• Rogers Schools will be using the City Park next week.

• Be thinking about faux ice skating for this upcoming winter.

Meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.

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Pea Ridge Parks Commission Minutes

Jan. 13, 2015

Meeting opened: 7:19 p.m.

Location: white house next to Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church

Present: Joseph Carlson, Crystal Carlson, Larry Whisenhant, Mechel Wall, Spencer Deal, Karen Kitterman, Jim Crews

• Vandalism at City Park bathrooms

• Door Locks -- The Street Department said we could not use automatic door locks because they would have to drill in the concrete. The locks are $450 each, more than we approved at the last meeting.

• Spencer suggested using a saw to put in something like a French drain for the wires and cover with mortar.

• The Street Department has asked again for surveillance camera options.

• Karen Kitterman asked that the commission look into a Christmas Light Contest like Seligman does.

• Mechel suggested setting up committees to start working on winter projects now.

• Christmas Village across from City Hall

• Invite kids to decorate their bicycles and ride in the Christmas parade.

• Karen suggested setting up committee's on next month's agenda, come up with a list of proposed projects and agree on which ones we want.

• We need to pursue avenues to partner with the National Park Battlefield and/or find property to purchase to link the community to the park entrance.

• Lacrosse Team -- Mechel Wall's son to get all information

• There is a NWA league but we need a team.

• We have approval from school to use school property for practices.

• The team would need a 501(3)c to get grants for equipment.

• Name has been decided of Pea Ridge Titans.

• Mechel will get us a list of equipment, uniforms, and a proposed cost.

Jim Crews made a motion to sponsor the team and allow up to $500 for supplies and equipment or T-shirts. Spencer Deal seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

• There were several discussions about summer events.

• Cycling Club -- Jim would like to see more recreation items to offer during the summer.

• Pea Ridge Fair - helping sponsor events and attractions, like the Daisy mobile gun range, climbing wall, etc.

• Community Garden

• First Baptist Church of Pea Ridge has agreed to lease the land for $1 per year, provide soil and use of their tractor.

• Community groups would help provide for materials for the raised garden boxes and labor.

• The City to provide umbrella insurance coverage.

• The Parks Commission to pay for the water usage.

• The garden needs its own website linked to the city to advertise planting and harvest times.

• There is a great opportunity for education programs involving the garden.

• The Parks Commission asked Joe Carlson to get all approved by the mayor and/or city attorney before more discussion with the church.

Meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m.

General News on 02/18/2015