Tasks for Parks employees are filled with variety, including uncovering rock walls at Basin and Harmon Parks and, with assistance of volunteers from CC Riders, expanding the trail system at Black Bass Lake. Executive Director Justin Huss commented at the March 2 meeting his staff has uncovered new trail areas near Black Bass Lake, which will make that a stand-alone destination.
He also told commissioners that new signage makes the old signs look even older, so more signage is in order.
Cabins and campsites at Lake Leatherwood City Park are being prepared for the tourist season, and there are now almost 50 parking spots at LLCP. Huss reported that the new reservation system at LLCP is in place and employees are learning it.
He then made special mention of the “generous donation” by A&M Roofing of a new roof for the marina. Denny Alexander and crew put in bracing and facia boards and generally “tightened things up.” Huss then added that there would be trail closures at times because one hog trap is on the ground and another will arrive soon.
Regarding finances, Huss mentioned there were a few rentals at LLCP during the winter, but at this time one year ago the park was not even open. “Parks will continue to build on that, and I fully expect to see a record year,” he said.
He did mention that the past month had been “very trying” because gardener Tom Beckendorf had a heart attack while on the job at Crescent Spring. Working with Beckendorf was Shannon Lively, trained in CPR, who performed life-saving measures and called 911. Huss said this was an example of why all Parks staff take CPR classes annually.
Being down a staff member meant shifting duties among the rest of the staff. As a consequence, Huss stated regarding Parks’ responsibilities, “We’re gonna do it right, just not right now.”
State of the Springs
Jim Helwig gave the State of the Springs report, contending that for the city to begin removing contamination from springs, it must improve the sewer system. He lamented the fact that citizens voted down a tax for improving infrastructure last year, and said his committee intends to continue monitoring the springs and educating the public regarding importance of fixing the city’s antiquated water and sewer systems.
Helwig highlighted examples of low impact development, in particular, strategies for slowing down storm water runoff to reduce flooding and contamination of springs, such as rain barrels and rain gardens.
Other items
- Commissioners voted to maintain the same slate of officers for 2017: chair – Bill Featherstone; vice-chair – Ruth Hager; secretary – Fergie Stewart; treasurer – Jay Fitzsimmons.
- Huss was authorized to work with artists to ensure large mobiles planned for Basin Park during the May Festival of the Arts will be safe and appropriately located.
- Commissioners voted in concurrence with Huss’ suggestion that $2000 of a tax issue line item be diverted to the special events line item and $1500 from the same source go toward travel, conferences and education of staff. Huss said they would still have $7500 in reserve to file for an election to continue the 1/8-cent tax for projects in the LLCP Master Plan.
Next workshop will be Tuesday, March 14, at 6 p.m., at Harmon Park, and the next regular meeting is Tuesday, March 28, at 6 p.m.