MEETING MINUTES
Huntersville Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Members Present: Hank Stiene, Florence Wilkins, Zack Fine, Dave Kobuszewski,
Cyndi Hovis, Brett Hutchins, Chuck Payne
Members Absent: Shawn Rogers (EX), Jared Mull (EX)
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:40pm by Vice Chair Florence with a quorum
present.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
A motion to approve the March minutes was made by Chuck and Hank seconded that.
After a brief discussion of possible rate increases, all approved.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Proposals for the Grower’s Market design project are due Tuesday, April 23rd by 5pm.
So far, two companies have met at the site to get a feel for the space.
Last Monday nights Town Board pre-meeting was to discuss how much of the Bonds to
sell. So far $4.2m for our recreation center and $400,000 for the Grower’s Market have
been included for our department.
I had the opportunity to meet with Mecklenburg County to discuss the lease of additional
property on Statesville Road and Verhoeff Drive; The PRC could visit other sites to see
how amenities are developed at other facilities.
Has there been any discussion of public/private partnership at the recreation center?
Yes, the Lake Norman Volleyball Association would like to partner and get more time for
them.
There is a facility in Cornelius that houses Champion Sports that has a raised running
track above the concessions area and we could have stairs to connect to floor.
We don’t want to give complete control to anyone. We have also meet with an AAU
basketball club as well.
The interest monies are what is funding the Holbrook playground, Barry Park restroom
expansion, nmp trial and the Bradford Concession Stand.
We would look adding additional parking spaces at the Grower’s Market, since could
lose 19 on-street spaces if the two-way pair on Main Street develops.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Zack asked how to request that HFFA use some of their funds to upgrade their fitness
equipment. (Michael to email Dee though not under the direction of HPRD)
Cyndi shared an email that she printed. It’s a sign reminding parents how to behave at
their child’s sporting event.
PROGRAMMING REPORT
The second annual Hello Huntersville! event will take place in downtown Huntersville on
Saturday, May 11th from 10a-2pm. Local artists, school children, musicians will all be on
hand to display their work.
That is also the season grand opening of the Grower’s Market.
PRESENTATION
James Pollard—Lake Norman Ducks
Ken Atwell—Head Coach
Kim Ruiz—Assistant Coach
Chris Burch—Director of IT & Assistant Coach
James shared how grateful they were for having lights at their fall practices and that they
appreciated the game time at Bradley Middle Field. They want the opportunity to offer
choice for families.
They discussed their sustainability and showed that youth in sports drop out less than
others at a rate of .7% versus 8.98%.
Parent committees will be used to expand the base of volunteers, so marketing and
promote football.
Their first year they had 55 kids on three teams.
Second year they had 74 (40 residents) on four teams.
Third year, the goal is 90 kids on five teams.
Scholarships are offered to whoever asks for it. Last year $1,000 was used for
scholarships. A nominal contribution from the family is desired.
AYF awarded them $1,000 for practice equipment last year. They will apply for a field
grant to get one field up-fitted with Astroturf.
“Heads Up Football” teaches proper use of helmets and trains coaches and players how
to tackle.
Their income statement shows $900.00 for field rentals—either lower rentals or get
access to more fields. They only use twice a week and have one game a week.
The last presentation they spoke of a more aggressive form of play; not hearing that this
time. It seems maybe opponents are playing harder and they are trying to train players
how to anticipate plays so they don’t get hurt.
They want parents to make the decision on which organization they want child to play in.
They didn’t have EMT on-site, but had qualified people who could handle injuries. Goal
is to have paid EMT on-site next year in addition to LPN, orthopedic doctor, nurses, and
volunteers at home games.
Though they seem cash-poor, how would they pay for it? The fundraising campaign that
will start before registration begins will be catalyst.
They will suggest going to business partners for support. They don’t remember what it
would have cost to be able to have security on-site during games—they only played two
home games against LSU Tigers—only 30 kids total.
Discussion:
There seems to be a problem with their finances—after three years, now looking to fundraise Qtr 2; usually doesn’t start until registration begins and families are asked to sell
spirit cups and ask your company to help out. They would need lots of corporate
sponsors and only charge $195 versus $300 that LN Giants charge.
Other so-sponsors usually get cash-in and pay bills—cash-out. No big savings account,
but as non-profit you don’t want big cash.
Why aren’t the Ducks joined with the Tigers—why does AYF allow two teams in same
territory? They would get four hours a week. This year they got what LKN Giants didn’t
qualify for ………..
It seems they are taking better precautions.
Also, are very positive and are excited about being part of the Town of Huntersville.
Dave motioned to recommend LN Ducks for co-sponsorship, Cyndi seconded the
motion. After discussion, all approved. Zack wants to learn more about their safety
training and potential grant.
OLD BUSINESS
North Meck Soccer Club gave a presentation at the April meeting to discuss their capital
campaign for Barry Park. They are proposing to sell signs that will be displayed on
fencing that would need to be installed. They would sell signage to cover costs of the
signs and in return would pay the Town a fee for continued usage of Barry Park.
Amounts to be paid ranged from $16,000-$20,000/year.
Discussion netted various questions:
How many years to this agreement
How much per year
Where does the money go
Who puts together the agreement
Can we see their financials
How do we confirm info on astro turf
What are their numbers
It was recommended that we table this discussion until next month when the PRC can
brainstorm for ideas on this proposal.
What other metro area have given control of a park to a youth organization?
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00pm. The next meeting is May 15th.