2023

December 20

INDEPENDENCE RECREATION COMMISSION

Monthly Meeting November 22, 2023

Ash Youth Center

1501 N. 10th Street

Independence, KS 67301

Members Present: Others Present:

Christy Mavers Brent Julian

Joe Housel Lori Bromley

Moises Rivera Nick McBride

Jim Butts

Galen Palmer

Chad Mavers

Christy Mavers opened the commission meeting at 11:35 a.m.

ROUTINE

Agenda

Joe Housel moved to approve the agenda as printed. Moises Rivera seconded. Motion carried 3-0.

Minutes

Joe Housel moved to approve the minutes from the October 18, 2023 board meeting. Moises Rivera seconded. Motion carried 3-0.

Bills

Joe Housel moved to approve the November 2023 invoices and checks for payment as presented in the amount of $3,615 as well as bills and employee benefits paid since the last board meeting in the amount of $18,799. Moises Rivera seconded. Motion carried 3-0.

Treasurer’s Report

Galen Palmer reported the following bank balances as of October 31, 2023: First Oak Bank -Checking: $101,621.20; First Oak - Petty Cash: $500.00; Equity Bank - Savings $593.81. A discussion was held on Ad valorem taxes and the possibility of a small loan at the end of December if necessary. Joe Housel moved to approve the treasurer’s report as presented. Moises Rivera seconded. Motion carried 3-0.

Christy Mavers introduced Chad Mavers, with Independence Leadership, to the board members. Christy informed the commission that Chad is here today to observe the meeting for Leadership. The board welcomed Chad to the meeting.

PROGRAMS/OPERATIONS

Maintenance Report

Jim Butts answered any questions the board had on the maintenance report. Christy Mavers asked Jim about helping out on the Park St renovations and Jim stated that he has helped with water lines, which will most likely need to be replaced, as well as cleaning out storage areas etc… Jim stated that he has also been winterizing the aquatic center and working on the indoor pool’s boiler. Christy asked about the indoor pool and Jim stated that power was lost, and a fuse needed to be replaced.

Programs Report

Nick McBride answered any questions the board had on the programs report. Christy Mavers stated that she heard good things about the All-star tournaments this fall for soccer, volleyball and flag football. Nick informed the board that using Emerson baseball field on South Tenth St. worked out very well for soccer and football this season; however, the flag football tournament was played at the stadium. A discussion was held on the first session basketball and Nick informed the board that is just started on Monday and so far, so good. Christy asked about the officials and if any were adults and Nick stated that there are a few adults, and most are returning from previous years. Nick stated that he and Brent held a clinic for the officials to go over the rules etc… Christy asked about the Ash Center’s gym and if there was plenty of room for spectators and Brent stated that it usually holds enough, and they make it work.

Director/Aquatics/Special Events Report

Brent Julian answered any questions the board had on the director/aquatics/special events report. Brent discussed the referee clinic stating they had a good turnout and went over the basics and the KSHSAA rule change for free throws for the older kids.

BUSINESS/FINANCE

New Sports Complex Update

Brent reported any updates to the board regarding the new sports complex. Brent stated that the demo has begun, the leveling is about done and he was surprised how much more room there is down there than originally thought. Brent encouraged the board members to drive by if they have not done so recently. Brent stated that things are running smoothly, and they are ahead of schedule. Christy Mavers asked about Tanner Kahler’s memorial statue that was

located at Clark James Field and Brent stated that it has been put in storage and will most likely be located at the new entrance when the complex is completed.

Losey Gym Volleyball Nets

Brent informed the board that he had spoken to superintendent, Mr. McAfee, regarding the new retractable volleyball nets for the Middle School and everything appears to be in place to precede. Brent stated that attorney, Tim Emert, wrote up a contract between IRC and the school district basically stating that if IRC pays for half the cost of the nets in the amount of $18,200, then Losey gym is IRCs to use for volleyball on Sundays for the next 10 years. Brent explained that the contract does state that in the event the school district decides to no longer let IRC use the facility, then they would need to give written notice prior to the annual renewal and reimburse IRC a percentage of the total cost depending on the time frame of usage. The board agreed that Brent should go ahead and sign the contract.

Employee Holiday Bonus

Christy Mavers suggested that the board move into Executive Session for approximately ten minutes to discuss staff holiday bonuses.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Joe Housel moved to approve moving into Executive Session for approximately ten minutes. Moises Rivera seconded. Motion carried 3-0. The regular meeting re-convened at 12:13 p.m.

ITEMS FROM THE COMMISSION

Christy Mavers *Congratulated Nick McBride on being chosen to officiate the Women's NJCAA Division 1 soccer championship.

Joe Housel * Would like to further discuss Nick’s vacation hours used during soccer season. Brent stated he would get them that information.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Respectfully Submitted,

Joe Housel

Secretary