The Livingston Parish Recreation District 2 met in a regular meeting on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, ni Watson, La. at 6 pm at the Administrative Office (Live Oak Sportsplex) located at 36965 Louisiana Highway 16, Watson, La.

Present- C.Prescott, J.Hood, V.Brown, T.McRae, A.Curtis, B.J.Guerin Absent: B.Beard

Guests: Director Mike Hansen, Public: various citizens representing Pickle Ball interests Meeting called to order by Chairman Chris Prescott Pledge of allegiance was given and prayer led by the Administrative Secretary.

Motion ot adopt the minutes as mailed for the June 14, 2023, meeting with no public comment, by J.Hood seconded by B.J.Guerin Vote passed Yeas-6 Nays-none Absent-Brett Beard Director, Mike Hansen, reported on general maintenance performed. He noted that emergency sewer repairs (blockages) were made during a high peak use at the park. He found that continued blockages required the line and lid to be dug up and the service line had to be cleaned thoroughly. He noted some aeration issues also.

*He noted that he will be using some fencing material in stock to enclose an area.

*He reported that baseball and softball registration is open until the end of July along with fall soccer registration.

*He noted that a coaches conduct packet has been assembled and that for the new year season that NAYS (coach conduct, parent conduct, etc.) system will be attempted to be implemented.

*He is currently scheduling for all-star play for 2024 and noted some girls issues which will affect spring 2024 play.

*He noted that 7 to 8 tourneys are scheduled for the fall and he covered scheduling issues on tourney reservations for 2024 due to the potential of the expansion construction. He made suggestions regarding the boy-girl allocation of weekends for tourney play. He requested board suggestions or comments by the next meeting.

*He noted that he is continuing to search for the maintenance supervisor, Concession Manager, and Assistant Director to fill open positions.

*He reported on the new website format plans that will provide multiple uses by the public. He gave a demonstration example of the partial tasks available at this time. He covered the sponsorship portal to be supported by potential grants and A sponsorship packet will be presented to the board soon.

 

 *Director discussed ideas of assisting coaches before the season begins as recently recommended and he presented a sports program that addresses these type issues before a season begins. A video was shown from a non-profit sports program (NAYS) which evaluates coaches for youth sports and the video shared different options regarding coach certification, accountability, and training. Director shared his view of such a program and the board discussed how it operates. He will continue ot research actual cost to implement such a training type program. *Director also explained the history of affiliations and organizations that the District has used over the years of recreational play.

Administrative Secretary presented the financial report to the board for the April period of operations as compared to budget and presented May bills. Cash balances were summarized for the board.

Motion to accept the financial report of April and pay the bills as presented for the May period with no public comment by V.Brown seconded by J.Hood Vote passed Yeas-4 Nays-none Absent-Chris Prescott, B.J.Guerin, April Curtis There was no public input, so moderator moved to the next agenda item. There was no Chairman report.

There were no further committee reports.

Under board comments, Tracy McRae noted that some comments from soccer groups were received wishing for concession improvement (availability).

Board members also requested Director’s status regarding hiring new personnel. Director shared that at the moment a reduced staff is in place. Board stated their him to add staff as well as commented on ideas for finding good staff members in order to assist him in the size of responsibilities.

Tracy McRae asked for a draft explanation on drafting procedures for the best results. Director covered the current procedure and the intention to protect from team stacking. Director noted that the current procedures work, but some coaches are not happy with not being able to choose each person they want on their team.

Board comments also encouraged an emphasis on speed limit signage.

 

 Administrative Secretary presented the financial report to the board for the June period of operations as compared to budget and presented June bills. He read the proposed resolution for adoption of millage to be held on August 9, 2023, meeting.

Motion to accept the financial report of June and pay the bills as presented for the July period with no public comment by B.J.Guerin seconded by C.Prescott Vote passed Yeas-6 Nays-none Absent-Brett Beard Under public input, various citizens addressed the board explaining the growing public interest in the sport of pickle ball competition. The representatives presented the local view from citizens and provided a rough cost estimate of building a complex. Board members discussed the proposal and made various comments on the existing planned expansion project about to begin. Director shared some thoughts on the court space and efficient use of space for this potential sport.

Motion to research the potential of pickle ball courts with the current Engineer to the current plans for the recreational expansion project and for him to develop a long range site development plan for this sport fi possible with no public comment by T.McRae seconded by B.J.Guerin Vote passed Yeas-6 Nays-none Absent- Brett Beard Chairman reported the realtor stated that a citizen is very interested in the Fore Road property. He discussed the potential and need to secure a new appraisal of said property in order to proceed with an offer.

Motion to authorize Chairman to secure a 2023 emergency appraisal via Ricky Juban Appraisal services regarding the Fore Road property ni order to proceed with a sale consideration with no public comment by T.McRae seconded by B.J.Guerin Vote passed Yeas-6 Nays-none Absent- Brett Beard There were no further committee reports.

Under board comments, Tracy McRae requested information if current employees had to comply with mandatory reporting standards. Director will research.

Motion to adjourn the meeting with no public comment by B.J.Guerin seconded by V.Brown Vote passed Yeas-6 Nays-none Absent-B.Beard Kandal Smith Randall Smith – Administrative Secretary Next public meeting on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 6 pm