The Benton Parks Committee will meet Monday, October 14, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. in the Mayor’s Conference Room at the Benton Municipal Complex. The agenda is attached, along with the meeting minutes from the Sept. 10th meeting.
Benton Parks
September 10, 2019
6:00 pm
Mayor’s Conference Room
Parks Committee Meeting
Attendees:
Alderman Judd Hart, Chair
Alderwoman Jocelyn Cash
Alderman Jeff Hamm
Alderman James Herzfeld
Alderman Steve Brown
Alderman Jeff Morrow
Stephanie Jones, Benton Parks
Daniel Baxley, Benton Parks
Tina Coston, Mayor’s Executive Assistant
Brent Houston, City Attorney
Mandy Spicer, Finance Department
Steve Shields
Jake Yancey
Bart Reid
Chairman Hart called the meeting to order.
Chairman Hart moved on to the approval of the minutes. Alderman Herzfeld made a motion to
approve the minutes from the August 13 th meeting. Alderman Brown seconded the motion.
Motion passed.
Chairman Hart moved on to the Arkansas Hoops Academy. Chairman Hart advised that the
Committee members have the proposal to review. Jones stated that Shields and Yancey have
approached the Department about partnering with Arkansas Hoops Academy in order to generate
more revenue in the facility during times we are not utilizing it. Yancey went over some of their
backgrounds. Yancey reported that they currently have 200 kids that are in training multiple
times a week. They are currently training in a gym that is not air conditioned. Yancey stated that
they are asking for a half court for four (4) hours at different times in the week. Brent Houston
asked if they are looking for exclusive rights. Yancey said they are not. Jones reported that funds
would filter through our recreation software and we would take out the processing/transaction
fees then it would be a split from there. The schedule would be limited and will have to work
around our youth and adult programs as well as tournament schedules. Jones stated that they
[Arkansas Hoops] are trying to hit on a timeframe that the general public isn’t really using the
facility. Brent Houston stated that since it is not exclusive rights then the Department can enter
into a contract with this group with City Council approval. Yancey went into detail about the
fees listed in the proposal. Chairman Hart mentioned that if this is to go forward it would be a
one (1) year contract that is renewable and 30 days advanced notice to get out of contract. They
stated that there are no concerns with those terms. Alderman Brown made a motion to move
forward with the proposal. Alderman Hamm seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Chairman Hart asked to move to the last item on the agenda Amendment to Ordinance 42 of
2003. Jones stated that Tina Coston has been hosting some events for the City and one of them is
a tailgate event. Coston stated that on October 22 nd she wants to have a beer garden for
Razorback Game Day at C. W. Lewis. Coston reported that UALR says its fine with them.
Coston stated that she wants to make sure the Ordinance reads appropriately. Jones reported that
they have been doing this at the Farmer’s Market because they didn’t realize that it is a leased
property which falls under the Parks umbrella. Chairman Hart stated that this will only be for
authorized City events at specific locations in the Ordinance. Alderman Hamm made a motion to
adjust the Ordinance to include the language presented by Attorney Houston. Alderman Brown
seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Chairman Hart moved on to Tyndall Park Master Plan. Jones said that this is an overview similar
to what has been done at Holland Park recently. It shows extending current trails, splash pad
expansion, redoing parking lots, moving the basketball court, installing pickle ball courts next to
the tennis court, expanding the current inclusive playground, and adding an outdoor fitness area.
Jones reiterated that this is an overview and we do not plan to do all of these things at one time.
This is a vision for Tyndall Park with the goal to make sure the park system is updated and
current parks are not being neglected. Chairman Hart did point out the potential for an inclusive
softball field on the plan. The Committee reviewed the Master Plan. There was a short discussion
regarding the drainage ditch and irrigation at Tyndall Park. Alderman Herzfeld made a motion to
accept the Tyndall Park Master Plan. Alderwoman Cash seconded the motion. Chairman Hart
stated that this will be taken to the Planning & Zoning and added to the Master Plan. Motion
passed.
Chairman Hart moved on to CBJ Vending Contract. Chairman Hart stated that this is up for
renewal so will be sent out for proposals. This will be brought back for review once the
proposals have been submitted.
Chairman Hart moved on to Tyndall Park Fence Contract. Jones mentioned that they are redoing
the fencing on fields 1, 2 and 5. Jones reported that they did a budget amendment for
$211,671.00 in Ordinance 51 of 2019. This will replace fencing and backstop netting that will
match Riverside Park. Baxley gave detailed fencing information. Chairman Hart stated that it
looks like Fence World would be the one to go with because they will meet both of our needs.
Baxley stated that Fence World installed these items at Riverside Park. There was a short
discussion regarding the remaining funds. Alderwoman Cash made a motion to accept the bid
from Fence World. Alderman Hamm seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Chairman Hart moved on to Lawn Care Service Contract. Jones said that they have gone out for
bid previously by consolidating a few different departments but it did not work out. Jones
reported that they put the bid out again for Parks only during the growing season of April –
October. This is something they want to budget for next year. Jones said that this will save
money long-term and help staff significantly. Baxley gave details on the parks included in the
bid. Alderman Brown made a motion to accept the R & S Landscape bid. Alderwoman Cash
seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Jones gave an update on all projects.
Meeting adjourned.