Whats happening at the Parks Department August 8, 2019

Copperas Cove Quality of Life Advisory Board August 8, 2019




The Board:
Adam Redmond- Excused Absence
Cheryl Keilman- Present
Marcie Lowery- Present
Rachel Baker- Present
Dustin Phipps- Present
Robert Sizemore- Present
Craig Foster- Present

Council Liaison:
Fred Chavez- Present

The Agenda:
Quality of Life Agenda

The Quality of Life board, which deals with the Golf Course and Parks and Recreation, met at the Hills of Cove Pro Shop, on Thursday August 8th. Everyone was present except for the Board Chair, who was at a job related event.

Kevin Keller (Copperas Cove PIO) was appointed the Interim Parks Director due the Solid Waste Director and Interim Parks Director Jamie Duncan resigning from the city to take another position, elsewhere. Deputy Chief Jeff Stoddard was also appointed the Interim Recreation Superintendent.

Keller also said that the Rec Sup spot will not be filled until a new Parks Director is hired, which may be another two months. Also, Ashley announced that she has given her two weeks notice to the city. She is the administrative assistant to the Parks Director.

Citizen's Forum:
Sandy Veigh wanted to congratulate Kevin Keller on his interim position. He went on to expand on the golf cart path. He wanted to let them know that 5 feet is to narrow for the cart path, especially by #1, #8, #10, and #14. The 90 degree turn at #2 should have had more of a curve to it.

Ashley informed all the board members during Citizens Forum of her intent to quit her position for a position in Killeen. She expressed concern that if the CVB is moved to the Chamber of Commerce the Brianna McGuine would be out of employment. The tourism department has made great strides since being brought back to the city. Please don't move it.

Discussion and Action Items: 

The board asked for a restoration fee update during the last Quality of Life meeting. Kevin Keller reported that $1700 on a new pool pump at South Park, which has two pumps and only needs one to operate the pool. As soon as the new pump was installed then the second one failed. Parks is now looking for an additional one. The Chlorine Hopper has failed and will need to be replaced. $7300 was spent on a replacement fence around the Maintenance Shop. The baseball and softball dugouts were fully renovated using only restoration fees. These are a few things that are able to be done at the parks with restoration fees.

Brianna gave an update on the upcoming Food Truck Festival. Bad news was first, the 5K was cancelled because only 7 runners had registered for the event and the city would have to pay over $1000 for the timing equipment. Now for the good news, there will be 18 food trucks with more expected to sign up before the event day. The are looking for 46 more volunteers to help out. SHe has been planning this for a year and will be bigger than last year. Also, if the CVB is moved this event will not take place next year. Here is the Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/coveparksandrec/photos/a.424884514376706/1086692971529187/?type=3&theater. Robert Sizemore asked Councilman Chavez what was the priority of the council and that the city should fund as many of the projects as possible. Chavez said he was not going to be backed into a corner and didn't answer the question.

The Board ask for the By-Laws to be reviewed to correct the date, time, and place for the meeting. Also, clarification needs to be made to absentee policies in the By-Laws. Keller said he would put a proposal together.

Next meeting will be on September 12, 2019 at 1200. Robert Sizemore wants to discuss having abbreviated or suspended meetings until a new director is hired. Rachel Baker wants to discuss the sports aspect of Parks and Recreation and the sports program (IT WAS TOTALLY SUPPORTED).