Bridge Repair, Ice Rink, and Fencing on Agenda for Benton Parks Committee March 12th

Those in attendance were:

Judd Hart, Chair
Junior Rodemeyer, Staff Liaison Tom Farmer, Mayor
Frank Baptist
Bill Donner

Steve Brown
Jeff Morrow
Jeff Hamm
Ann Spencer-Cole Shane Knight

The Parks Committee met on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, in the Council Chambers and agreed to the following.

Chairman Hart moved to the approval of the December 12th, 2023, minutes. Alderman Knight made a motion to accept the minutes. Alderwoman Spencer-Cole seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Chairman Hart moved onto Tennis RFQ – Chairman Hart advised that the current tennis contract is scheduled to end March, 2024. Chairman Hart did state that the current partner, Brandon Kiker, has done a great job and recently was recognized as an outstanding tennis pro. Rodemeyer advised that the RFQ was published, and we received one proposed submittal from Rockin’ KO Tennis LLC who is our current partner. Rodemeyer stated that they have done an excellent job with offerings and programs, and we would like to continue this partnership. Alderman Hamm made a motion to move forward with the contract. Alderman Baptist seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Chairman Hart moved on to Active Network Contract – Chairman Hart reported that this is our current recreation software responsible for all our registration, reservation, and membership needs. This contract is an update from the one agreed to at the December meeting. Rodemeyer advised that questions were brought up about the fees the city would be passing on to the customer, so Mayor Farmer asked us to renegotiate with ActiveNet to help simplify purchasing for our customers. Rodemeyer stated that the city was given two options: Option A is 3.5% fee on all credit card transactions (in-person and online) with $35,000 subscription fee, and Option B is 3.0% fee on all credit card transactions (in-person and online) with a $40,000 subscription fee. Option B is recommended as it is the best rate for our customers moving forward. There is no fee for cash transactions. With approval, we would like to move forward with passing credit

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card fees onto the customer at a 3.0% fee. Alderman Baptist made a motion to move forward with Option B. Alderman Morrow seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Chairman Hart moved on to ACE Sign Contract – Rodemeyer advised that the large LED interstate sign currently has multiple panels not working. ACE Sign Company quoted repairs at $18,000 and was given approval to begin the repairs. Upon further inspection, their technician found the need for additional tiles, and receiver cards. With the additional supplies needed, the cost surpassed our $20,000 threshold. With approval, we would like to waive competitive bidding for repairs to the LED sign. Rodemeyer stated that ACE Sign Company was the original installer of the LED board and has been the vendor used for repairs in the past. We consider them a sole source vendor as we have found it difficult to find other vendors willing to work on the sign since it is not with their products. Alderman Donner made a motion to move forward with an ordinance to waive competitive bidding. Alderman Knight seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Chairman Hart moved on to Other – Rodemeyer gave construction updates on Ralph Bunche Park and Mt. Bike Park. The Father/Daughter Dance was a big success with approximately 550 participants. Rodemeyer advised that McClelland Engineers won an award through American Council of Engineering Companies of Arkansas for Special Projects, Small Project Category- Benton Archery Range. Also, Amplify dates have been released for August 9th and 10th. To alleviate congestion, River Center will be closing at 3pm on August 9th and at 1pm on August 10th. Full-time staff members have been advised that they are responsible for getting their 40-hour work week completed.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.