West Central Reporter

Godfrey Parks and Recreation Committee met Friday, Oct. 14.

The Godfrey Parks and Recreation board serves in an advisory capacity to the Parks and Recreation Department. The board meets at 8:30 a.m. on the second Friday of each month at the village hall.

Here are the minutes as provided by Godfrey:

Village of Godfrey Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting October 14, 2016

MINUTES

Members Present: Mike Walters-Chairman; Sarah Johnes-Trustee, Ford Green, Jess Woodman, Rob Hasse, Craig Rathgeb, Jim Lewis- Director of Parks Maintenance, Kimberly Caughran-Director of Parks and Recreation, Jessica Wiedman-Recreation Supervisor, and Angela Bosoluke-Administrative Assistant

Members Absent: Trustee Eldon Williams, Norma Glazebrook, Max Heinz, and Mark Lorch

No Public Comments

Mike Walters called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Rob Hasse made motion to approve the August 12, 2016 meeting minutes as written. Jess Woodman seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Kimberly Caughran reported she has not received any further information from Mr. Whitworth regarding the proposed veteran’s memorial fountain and stated the winter months would be a better time to address and plan for this project, when the parks department is less busy with the Maze. Rob Hasse suggested a monetary plan and project proposal be firmed up and presented to the committee before presenting to the Village Board. He stated he likes the idea of a fountain, the committee agreed. Item tabled for next meeting.

Kimberly Caughran reported that two boy scouts had recently approached her about Eagle Scout projects they would like to do within the park. The first scout would like to do a flagpole project at the new baseball area with three flags; a US, an IL State flag, and a POW flag. His brother would like to do a project with distance measurements posted along the walking path at Glazebrook Park. Another scout is also interested in replacing the fencing at ball field #5.

Kimberly Caughran reported the maze is doing well, with three weekends remaining for the season. Kimberly distributed an income spreadsheet reflecting the weekend’s revenue for the season to-date and an annual comparison from 2000-2016. She stated we experienced a great opening weekend and there have been no major issues thus far. However, there was a problem with the jumping pillow in which it worked out of the ground in a couple of areas and the parks staff had to dig it up and re-install it so it was not open the first weekend of the maze. It was repaired and has been working fine since the re-install. Kimberly also stated the zipline was inspected by a third party inspector who required the cable be loosened and this still remains to be done, so the zipline will not be operational this year. She stated the work will be done in the off-season and we will look to have the zipline operational next year.

Kimberly Caughran presented the members with the request for IAPD Certification and recommended Kimberly Caughran as Delegate, Jessica Wiedman as 1st Alternate. Sarah Johnes made a motion to accept the delegates as stated for the IAPD Certification, Jess Woodman seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Jim Lewis reported the parks maintenance staff has installed the two expression swings which were donated by the Women’s Club; one at Homer Adams Park and one at Glazebrook Park. He stated Jay

Curry had done a wonderful job cleaning up the landscaping at Hoffman Garden’s and the staff has been busy installing fencing around the memorial trees. He stated the flagpoles bases at Glazebrook Park are going to need to be addressed as they are aging and not looking stable.

Jessica Wiedman reported the youth soccer league has approximately three weeks remaining in the season and the fall rookie soccer session ended last week. She continued that registrations are currently being accepted for the volleyball clinic, basketball league and the rookie basketball program.

Kimberly Caughran presented a budget outlining the 2016 Triathlon which was held at Glazebrook Park on Sunday, August 28, 2016. She continued the cost was reduced from last year because the event was held at the park, with the swimming done in the newer lake and the biking path shortened and kept off of Hwy 67. She stated Fleet Feet was utilized for the race timing and Wood River Parks and Recreation lifeguards were hired to lifeguard for the swimming portion of the race. She reported the participants were pleased with the venue and commented on how beautiful the park was for this event. She continued she had wanted to change the date for next year since it is so close to the opening of the maze, however the timing company does not have another date available. She stated she will work to get more donations and vendors for the event. Kimberly reported a profit of $88.77 was made from the event, after a grant reimbursement check is received from MEPRD in the amount of $1563.74.

Kimberly Caughran reported an Open House was held on September 28, 2016 for the bike/pedestrian plan with 16 persons in attendance and good discussion was held. She stated the Heartlands Conservancy is putting together an Advisory Committee and drafting an overall plan for the trail. She also stated a total of 200 surveys were returned.

Kimberly Caughran reported Godfrey Parks was not successful in receiving the ITEP Grant (IL Transportation Enhancement Plan) this year for the trail from Glazebrook Park to LaVista Park. She stated we will reapply next time and the amount of the grant is $600,000. She stated Columbia, IL was the only area nearby which received funding.

Kimberly Caughran reported the Village of Godfrey worked well to coordinate efforts for the funeral procession of Officer Blake Snyder who also had worked for the parks department in years past. She stated LaVista Park was cordoned off for overflow parking for first responder vehicles attending the gravesite services and it was overwhelming to see the community support for the fallen officer. The Mayor stated as a resident of Godfrey, people should be very proud of their community. Sarah Johnes commented that every business within the Alton/Godfrey area had placed a message for the family on their marquees.

Kimberly Caughran reported the next meeting date is scheduled for Friday, November 11, 2016 which falls on Veteran’s Day holiday and the Village offices are closed. She asked that the meeting date be changed to Thursday, November 10, 2016. The board approved changing the meeting date to Thursday, November 10, 2016.

Craig Rathgeb commented that he was at Glazebrook Park on the day of the Pokemon Festival and stated the park was very crowded. Kimberly stated there was a great turnout for the event, with prizes being given for some contests such as pokeballs hidden inside the maze and other give-aways. She stated the parks department teamed up with Pokemon STL for the event.

Kimberly also commented that a Scout Day was held at the maze with 250 rsvp’s received with the groups receiving a discounted rate and the scouts receiving a free scout patch. Kimberly continued the haunted maze began last weekend with a good turnout.

Sarah Johnes recommended a chain or gate be installed at the entrance at Clifton Terrace park to be closed off after dark due to some neighbors complaining about problems with commuters in this area after dark. The committee stated they would further discuss this recommendation at the next meeting.

No public comments.

There being no further discussion, Jess Woodman motioned to adjourn the meeting and Rob Hasse seconded the motion. Motion passed and at 9:02 am the meeting adjourned.