At their Tuesday, Jan. 17 meeting Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation commissioners reviewed a contract for July 4th fireworks which are scheduled to be fired on July 2.
Interim Director Steve Dickey explained that the total cost of the contract was for $21,000 and that the CAPC and city had pledged money for those fireworks with Parks, after reimbursement, paying $7,500. In meeting with department heads, Dickey said that there was excitement to make Fourth of July into a multi-day event with fireworks at Lake Leatherwood and other activities in town. He said nothing was decided and that this contract only funded fireworks.
Commissioner Sue Hubbard questioned what other costs would be associated with the event and Dickey said that it would be up to the team of CAPC members and a member of Parks to figure out. Hubbard asked where the money for the event would come from and Dickey said that the auctioning of shuttle vehicles, which he suggested should happen during Director’s Comments, may help offset costs. He also said that the sluice may not be able to be opened at LLCP this year, which may be another place in the budget where revenue could come from.
Hubbard said the event was out of Parks’ greater focus and Dickey argued it was saying that the event draws people to the park and “It’s a reflection of the city.” He said that those attending would get to enjoy the park. Hubbard argued with commissioners seeking to hire a full-time director soon that she wasn’t comfortable having the new director have all of this on their shoulders. Dickey countered saying that Parks shouldn’t back away from their goals and that the new director is supposed to “step up to the plate,” as it’s their job.
Dickey argued that the commission “cannot sit back and say ‘mmm… not going to take the risk’” and that the only way for Parks to know if something like the event can be successful is if they take the risk. He also said the event would drive people to the park and that meant more opportunities to engage the public in the other jobs Parks performs such as conservation efforts.
Hubbard took issue with the lack of a defined plan for the entirety of the event as well as possible hazards to wildlife in LLCP. New commissioner Mariellen Griffith noted she had the same concern but that she was willing to give the event a try. When questioned how funds for the fireworks vendor would be acquired, commissioner Mark Ingram said the commission should assume that the funds come from reserves until revenue streams began and Parks could see where extra funds would be available. Dickey pointed out that the “reserves” mentioned would be the Operating Fund.
The contract for the firework vendor was approved unanimously with Hubbard asking that it be made clear that the only item approved was the funds for fireworks. Chair Ruth Hager said that was the case and any other additions beyond fireworks would be reviewed and decided later as possible plans unfold.
Other Items
- Commissioners agreed to take no action after an executive session on employee matters.
- Commissioners postponed the hiring of a new executive director until more commissioners would be available. A Special Meeting will be held with that express purpose at some point in the next few weeks.
- Including suggesting that Parks gets out of the shuttling business, Dickey mentioned that work at Crescent and Harding Springs were on track. Regarding LLCP Dam, Public Works will be looking into a cheaper solution to repair the railing as well as the need to see if the Dam sluice valve has silt in front of it that may cause opening the valve to be a hazard. He said he would suggest to the next director to wait until a watershed assessment grant would give Parks an opportunity to look at water quality in that area.