Nicky Boyette – New Parks Department director Justin Huss last week gave Parks commissioners a list of items to address immediately, including replacing all rental boats at Lake Leatherwood City Park, renovation of Cabin #4, and an online reservation system for booking the cabins and camping spots. He suggested using LLCP reserves to pay for these items, and maintained they would all be revenue generators.
Huss also suggested Parks could use the funds allocated, but unused while the gardener position was vacant, for a new greenhouse at Harmon Park and a projector he could use for outreach presentations at civic clubs, and for outdoor movies. The greenhouse would provide plants to sell and replenishment at springs’ gardens and other Parks properties. Commissioners approved re-allocating the funds from the gardener position as Huss suggested, but were more circumspect when it came to spending reserves.
Commissioner Jay Fitzsimmons wanted Huss to provide a clearer accounting summary of projected revenues at LLCP and expected uses of the money. Huss replied the marina fleet – boats they rent out to visitors – was full of holes. Commissioner Steven Foster added, “It looks like the Taliban came through. The boats we use for planters are in better shape.”
Chair Bill Featherstone agreed the fleet was due for an upgrade. Regarding renovating Cabin #4, he said they should have all cabins available between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and waiting until the next workshop to decide about spending the money would push them past Memorial Day. Huss added he wanted all cabins in shape for renting next winter as a new revenue source.
Fitzsimmons insisted on a better look at the cabin before deciding. Featherstone suggested they hold a special meeting at Cabin #4 as soon as possible and make a decision then, but contended they could go ahead and decide about replacing the marina fleet.
Foster moved to spend $13,075 from reserves for replacing the equipment at the marina, and Huss agreed to come up with an action plan for LLCP revenue and expenses. Commissioners voted to approve Foster’s motion and agreed to gather for a special meeting at Cabin #4.
Huss told commissioners it was leaving dollars on the table by not addressing the reservation system, but that topic was left for the next workshop.
Director’s report
- Huss announced he hired Summer Sherrod, a horticulture student at the University of Arkansas, as the new gardener. She is finishing her degree online and will take over duties as gardener April 26.
- Commissioners grappled with how to handle unpaid vacation pay for interim director Donna Woods. Featherstone said Woods was a full-time city employee during her nine months as interim director, but she was so busy she never took any time off. Featherstone said Woods deserves to be remunerated.
However, city policy states city employees are not eligible for vacation pay until after one year. Discussion covered whether it would be contrary to city policy to pay her vacation pay or even award her a bonus. Commissioners decided to table the topic until Huss spoke with finance director Lonnie Clark.
- Foster reported he had encountered 20 herpetology students from the University of Arkansas on a field trip at LLCP. They told him they had seen seven collared lizards and one timber rattler. Foster said he would be conducting a botanical walk at LLCP Saturday, May 14, at 10 a.m., for the Arkansas Native Plant Society.
- Featherstone said the LLCP committee needs new members. Anyone interested should talk to him or Huss.
- Commissioners and Huss agreed to “an initial amount to be reviewed” of $300 per month for Huss as mileage reimbursement for his use of his own vehicle for work.
- The commission voted to add new commissioner Barry Reed to the list of authorized check signers.
Next workshop will be Tuesday, May 3, at 6 p.m., at LLCP, and the next meeting will be Tuesday, May 17, at 6 p.m.