INDEPENDENCE RECREATION COMMISSION

Monthly Meeting February 26, 2025

Ash Youth Center

1501 N. 10th Street

Independence, KS 67301

Members Present: Others Present:

Christy Mavers Brent Julian

Joseph Housel Lori Bromley

Dustin Woodward Nick McBride

Moises Rivera Jim Butts

Galen Palmer

Christy Mavers opened the commission meeting at 11:30 a.m.

ROUTINE

Agenda

Dustin Woodward moved to approve the agenda as printed. Joe Housel seconded. Motion carried 4-0.

Minutes

Dustin Woodward moved to approve the minutes from the January 15, 2025 board meeting. Moises Rivera seconded. Motion carried 4-0.

Bills

Dustin Woodward moved to approve the February 2025 invoices and checks for payment as presented in the amount of $7,425.70 as well as bills and employee benefits paid since the last board meeting in the amount of $8,089.01. Joe Housel seconded. Motion carried 4-0.

Treasurer’s Report

Galen Palmer reported the following bank balances as of January 31, 2025: First Oak Bank -Checking: $26,373.24; First Oak - Petty Cash: $500.00; Equity Bank - Savings $807.97. Brent reminded the board that First Oak Bank will be pulling the money from IRC’s account to pay back the $50,000 loan borrowed last month. Brent stated the total amount of the loan with interest will be approximately $50,785. Joe Housel moved to approve the treasurer’s report as presented. Moises Rivera seconded. Motion carried 4-0.

PROGRAMS/OPERATIONS

Maintenance Report

Brent informed the board that tomorrow is Jim’s last day of employment with IRC as he will retire after 24 years of service. Brent invited the board members to stay after the meeting for refreshments and to give Jim a warm farewell.

Programs Report

Nick McBride answered any questions the board had on the programs report. Christy Mavers stated that she was excited to hear about the potential grant for IRC through First Leadership of Independence. Nick stated that he met with Crystal, with First Leadership, and they discussed several potential ideas for the grant funds such as pitching machines, soccer goals, and catching equipment among other items. Brent discussed sports sponsorship with the commission stating that a few businesses have contacted him about sponsorship and putting their signage up at the new Sports Complex. Brent has informed them he cannot do that at this time due to the businesses that have already sponsored the fields or structures at the new facility. Brent stated he just wanted the board members to be aware in case someone contacted them as to why IRC will not put up signage.

Director/Aquatics/Special Events Report

Brent Julian answered any questions the board had on the director/aquatics/special events report. A discussion was held on the Pickleball leagues offered at the Ash Center and are continuing to do well. Brent stated that lifeguard classes for summer will be held at the Ash Center in April and May.

BUSINESS/FINANCE

Central Park Sports Complex Update

Brent informed the commission that they have started Phase II of the Central Park Sports Complex project. Brent stated that Crossland Construction did get the bid, and they have started leveling off the big baseball field and parking lot on the east side of the complex. Brent informed the board that there has been more vandalism, this time someone did donuts on the multi-use field on the south side of the complex tearing up the newly planted grass. Brent stated we have talked about putting up several security cameras at the complex but did not want to take on that expense at this time. Brent stated he attended a CPSC meeting and what he thought would most likely be August 2025 for IRC to take over the complex maintenance is now April 1, 2025. Brent stated IRC will be responsible for mowing, weed eating, cleaning, and fertilizing as well as taking over the grass on the soccer fields. Brent stated that the plan is to have the soccer fields ready by fall of 2025. Christy Mavers suggested putting up some beams

around the multi-use field to keep people from driving on it. The board asked what the multi-use field will be used for, and Brent stated the main purpose is flag football as well as an extra practice field, which is always needed and other uses that may come up.

Audit/Auditors Presenting

Brent informed the commission that Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips, P.A. out of Chanute has completed IRC’s annual audit for fiscal year 2024. Brent stated that he has invited them to the March 19th board meeting to present the audit and answer any questions the board may have. Brent stated he does not foresee any major changes or deficiencies.

Open Positions

Brent handed out a job description for the IRC Maintenance Supervisor position as well as an hourly wage guideline that he feels is adequate. Brent stated that with Jim’s retirement and the fact that IRC is having to help with the Central Park Sports Complex sooner than anticipated, he feels he needs to move quickly in filling the spot. Brent stated depending on experience, the salary range he is looking at is between $15-$25 per hour, ideally about $22.50 per hour or $45,000 per year. Brent stated that he has spoken to Ethan Speicher about accepting the position since he has experience in many of the areas Brent is looking for and has worked for IRC maintenance the past few summers. Brent stated that if Ethan were to accept the position, he would not be able to start until late May after school is out, leaving about a two and half month gap in March, April and part of May. Christy suggested hiring TLC to help take care of the interim at the sports complex. The board agreed that the salary should represent the experience of the individual and how much outsourcing will be required. Dustin Woodward suggested seeing what the school’s maintenance supervisor makes as a guide as well as the park supervisor, just to get an idea. Christy informed the board members that she thinks it is a good idea to compensate Brent and Nick, or anyone else filling in as interims for the maintenance position until it can be filled. Christy stated she would like the board to discuss compensation at the next board meeting.

Jim’s Retirement

Brent thanked Jim for all his hard work through the years and stated that he is very appreciated and will be deeply missed. Christy Mavers thanked Jim for his 24 years of service to IRC and asked the board to stay for cake and cookies.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

There was no need for an Executive Session

ITEMS FROM THE COMMISSION

There were no items from the commission.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Joseph Housel

Secretary

Upcoming Board Meeting Dates

March 19, 2025

April 16, 2025

May 21, 2025

June - TBD

July 16, 2025

August 20, 2025

September 17, 2025

October 15, 2025

November 19, 2025