2016-01-04 RAC Minutes
Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Committee held on January 4, 2016.
Members present: Daniel Brady Manuel Hadad
John Ise Jonathan Meltz
Jacqueline O’Donnell Ken Whittaker
Members absent: Christia Alou Kendra Borja
Also present: Jerry Estep, Recreation Director
Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m.
Mr. Brady made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 9, 2015, meeting.
Motion seconded by Mr. Meltz and unanimously approved.
Mr. Estep related that Winterfest was moved indoors due to rain. Approximately 300 people
attended the event. The caroling hayride event had 160 carolers in attendance and four trucks
and the tram were used for the event. Mr. Estep noted that the swim team now has 75
participants at this time. It was noted that there are 188 registered for the basketball program
and 70 in aftercare. Winterbreak camp averaged 55 children per day.
Mr. Estep said that the turf in the batting cage needs to be reglued due to the extensive rain.
The life expectancy is approximately 10 years.
Mr. Estep informed the Committee that the new deed restrictions from the Bessemer
Corporation relating to the recreation center have been received and recorded. A public
meeting with Ken Ballard has been scheduled for January 13th at 7 pm. Parking will be an
important issue; all options are being considered from underground to above ground parking to
utilizing the Presbyterian Church parking lot. It was noted that the Village will present all options
but cannot tell people to vote a certain way. People are voting on a bond for the money not on
the visual drawings/conceptual design of the facility. In terms of tennis courts Mr. Estep said
that the MS Country Club will permit people to use their hard courts but the daily fee will
probably increase.
Mr. Estep related that there will be a three-Village bike ride in January; 85 people have already
preregistered and there will be a kick ball game after the ride.
Mr. Hadad expressed concern for the number of nonresidents using the athletic fields on the
weekends and would like to see ID cards instituted for field usage. Mr. Hadad witnessed people
playing on the fields during the rain and tearing up the fields.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.