Parks and Recreation Committee — Charleston, WV
Date: 2021-04-29
Time: 16:00

CITY OF CHARLESTON
 West Virginia
 Council Member – AT LARGE

Caitlin Cook Parks & Recreation Committee, Chair
1534 Summit Drive Environment and Recycling Committee
Charleston, WV 25302
Telephone: 304.543.4879
caitlin.cook@cityofcharleston.org


  THIS MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AND CAN BE ATTENDED IN PERSON AND CAN BE VIEWED LIVE VIA ZOOM
 Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, West Hall 1
 Charleston, WV

A meeting of the Council Committee on Parks and Recreation will be held on April 29, 2021. The meeting
will begin promptly at 4:00 PM.

*Join via internet:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86118174657?pwd=Y1V0aXlGVWxIZWR2UkRma2pTb0s5dz09
Passcode: 518237
*Join via Telephone: (312) 626‐6799 or (929) 436‐2866
Webinar ID: 861 1817 4657

 Agenda

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

 1. 3‐25‐2021

BILLS

 1. Bill No. 7901 ‐ A BILL to amend the Municipal Code of the City of Charleston related to providing
 authorization for the waiver of certain fees for use of public parks and recreation facilities.

DISCUSSION

 1. Update on the AEP Project at Cato Park

 2. Update on City Pools

 3. Recreational Investment Opportunities (American Rescue Plan)

ADJOURN



 City Council | 501 Virginia Street, East | Post Office Box 2749 | Charleston, West Virginia 25330
 www.charelstonwv.gov | 304.348.8179 | 304.348.8038 fax
CC/ns




 City Council | 501 Virginia Street, East | Post Office Box 2749 | Charleston, West Virginia 25330
 www.charelstonwv.gov | 304.348.8179 | 304.348.8038 fax

CITY OF CHARLESTON
 West Virginia
 Council Member – AT LARGE

Caitlin Cook Parks & Recreation Committee, Chair
1534 Summit Drive Environment and Recycling Committee
Charleston, WV 25302
Telephone: 304.543.4879
caitlin.cook@cityofcharleston.org


  THIS MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AND CAN BE ATTENDED IN PERSON AND CAN BE VIEWED LIVE VIA ZOOM
 Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, West Hall 1
 Charleston, WV

A meeting of the Council Committee on Parks and Recreation will be held on April 29, 2021. The meeting
will begin promptly at 4:00 PM.

*Join via internet:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86118174657?pwd=Y1V0aXlGVWxIZWR2UkRma2pTb0s5dz09
Passcode: 518237
*Join via Telephone: (312) 626‐6799 or (929) 436‐2866
Webinar ID: 861 1817 4657

 Agenda

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

 1. 3‐25‐2021

BILLS

 1. Bill No. 7901 ‐ A BILL to amend the Municipal Code of the City of Charleston related to providing
 authorization for the waiver of certain fees for use of public parks and recreation facilities.

DISCUSSION

 1. Update on the AEP Project at Cato Park

 2. Update on City Pools

 3. Recreational Investment Opportunities (American Rescue Plan)

ADJOURN



 City Council | 501 Virginia Street, East | Post Office Box 2749 | Charleston, West Virginia 25330
 www.charelstonwv.gov | 304.348.8179 | 304.348.8038 fax

 Page | 1 of
CC/ns




 City Council | 501 Virginia Street, East | Post Office Box 2749 | Charleston, West Virginia 25330
 www.charelstonwv.gov | 304.348.8179 | 304.348.8038 fax

 Page | 2 of
 MINUTES
 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
 WEST HALL 1, CHARLESTON COLISEUM AND CONVENTION CENTER
 (THE VIDEO WAS ALSO MADE AVAILABLE AS A LIVE STREAM VIA ZOOM PER THE AGENDA)

 5:30 P. M., MARCH 25, 2021

Caitlin Cook, Chairperson, called the meeting of the Charleston City Council Committee
on Parks and Recreation to order at 5:30p.m., MARCH 25, 2021.

Committee Members Present:
Caitlin Cook, Chair
Chad Robinson, Vice Chair
Jeanine Faegre (attended virtually over Zoom)
Joseph Jenkins
Deanna McKinney

ABSENT: Pat Jones and Robert Sheets


A roll call was taken, and it was determined that a quorum was present.


 1. Slack Plaza Redesign –

Mayor Goodwin stated that the Administration had received great feedback concerning
the redesign of Slack Plaza/City Center over the past year. The Mayor added that no
renovations had been put into Slack Plaza in over 15 years. The Administration has
made a commitment to robust planning and programming.

City Manager, Jonathan Storage, thanked the WV Department of Transportation
Division of Highways for their partnership on the project. Through the grant that the City
received, the Administration engaged in a comprehensive selection process for a design
engineer. Thrasher Engineering was selected to help with the design and bidding of the
project.

Sam Rich, from Thrasher Engineering, presented their revitalization development plan
to the Committee. Highlights of the presentation included:
  Currently, Slack Plaza has been neglected, has expansive areas of pavement, a
 non-working fountain, outdated light fixtures, etc.
  They considered: comfort, increase sociability, uses and activities and access
 and linkages.
  Goals for the area: to revitalize and encourage the reuse of the space in a way
 that is sustainable.
  There will be a walkway straight through the park with various interactive


 March 25, 2021

 Page | 3 of
 features, such as a shaded café area, public art/live wall, performance stage,
 food trucks, police station renovation with added public restrooms, seasonal
 features such as an ice rink, etc.

Councilmember Jenkins confirmed that the presentation showed the final plans.

Councilmember Cook confirmed that the green space will be real grass, and there will
be electrical hook ups built into the light poles for the food trucks.

Councilmember Jenkins asked what the time frame was for the project. Rich replied that
the project will be put out to bid in March/April, construction would likely start sometime
in early summer and completion by the end of the year.



 2. Resolution No. 446-21 - Honoring the life and legacy of Patrolman Robert
 Edward Easley, Sr. by dedicating and naming the western wing of the Martin
 Luther King, Jr. Community Center, which is dedicated to afterschool
 programming, the “Robert Edward Easley, Sr. Annex”.

Councilmember Cook stated that Robert Edward Easley, Sr. was a tremendous asset to
the City of Charleston serving on the Police force, and is known as the “father of the
after-school program.”

Councilmember Robinson motioned to approve the resolution. Councilmember
McKinney seconded. With members present recorded thereon as voting unanimously in
the affirmative, Resolution No. 446-21 was approved.

Robert Edward Easley, Jr. thanked the Committee for the resolution. He added that he
was honored and humbled to be his son.

Carl W. Lawson Jr. spoke highly of Robert Edward Easley, Sr., and his impact on the
City.



 3. Update on Cato Park – with American Electric Power

City Engineer, Chris Knox, stated that he had been involved in discussions with AEP
over the past several months concerning the Capitol Hill Chemical Transmission Line
Project. The project will go 6 miles from North Charleston to Capitol Hill. The portion
that affects City-owned property is Cato Park. He added that there had been some
misrepresented emails incorrectly stating that there will be a 50-foot section taken out of
Cato Park. It is actually more like 15 feet (the existing trail is 10 feet). AEP is required to
put a 2-foot ditch on approximately a 12-foot path. He added that they have worked
around all of the large, older trees. The majority of the tree removal will be near Tower



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 Page | 4 of
19. AEP has agreed to remove downed trees, replace the trail with the same gravel,
replace the drains, etc. He added that they have also agreed to chip the treetops,
remove downed limbs and create a natural curb for the trail.

Frank Jenkins, representing AEP (over Zoom), stated that the project will address a
thermal violation to increase capacity of the transmission line. Highlights of his
presentation include:
  They will use existing easement rights for ingress and egress, install additional
 wire on approximately 6 miles of power line and make upgrades at the Capitol
 Hill and Chemical substations.
  Crews need to use access roads in areas where the power lines are too difficult
 to access along existing rights-of-way (in this case, the area is too step).
  Their crews will also need to access 2 towers with all-terrain vehicles for Tower
 18 and a bucket truck on Tower 19.
  Work will begin April 5 (for access work that will last around 2 weeks), May 3 –
 June 4 (for wire-pulling activities) and June 4 (for reclamation activities). Jenkins
 added that the trails will have to be closed to the public during active work for
 safety reasons.
  Their goal is to minimize impact to the community and the environment.
  Their most recent examination of the path has led them to determine that they
 can create the access road to be 10-12 feet (as opposed to the 9-10-foot existing
 path).

Councilmember McKinney asked where the misinformation came from. Knox replied
that AEP had their surveyors initially flag the limits of the project based on the DEP
approved permit of 50 feet wide. He assumed that the mistaken assumptions came from
that.

Councilmember Jenkins asked why the project was not listed on AEP’s website. Jenkins
replied that it is a rehab project that does not acquire any new easements or existing
lines, etc.

Councilmember Faegre stated that she represents Ward 5 which contains Cato Park.
She confirmed with Jenkins that the intention is to keep the access road to a maximum
of 12 feet in most areas. He does not know who owns the additional access point in the
area. They did determine that the environmental impact would be greater if they chose
to incorporate that for their use. Councilmember Faegre asked if they tracked how many
trees will be removed. Jenkins replied that they do not usually do so, but the inspectors
involved will identify which trees will be cut beforehand. They do plan to avoid cutting
the more mature trees. Councilmember Faegre asked about potential runoff to Garrison
Avenue. Jenkins replied that their project will not increase any runoff whatsoever. It will
improve the drainage around the trail system. Councilmember Faegre stated that there
have been complaints about the trees that have already been torn down, and there is
also concerns that the felled trees will roll down onto the road. Jenkins replied that he
will make note to have the inspectors in the field address any possible issues.
Councilmember Faegre expressed a concern shared by her constituents that an old oak


 March 25, 2021

 Page | 5 of
tree will be cut down. She added that she appreciates and understands what they are
doing, she hoped they will keep their impact to a minimum.

From the audience, Councilmember Knauff asked how AEP made the assessment that
runoff was not going to affect the area. Jenkins added that their plans are designed to
handle the storm water and calculate the amount of runoff. They will not be making
changes as to how the area drains in that way. Councilmember Knauff asked how
frequently maintenance like this is done. Jenkins clarified that this specifically is a
capital project brought about by a study. Maintenance (usually comprised of
inspections) is probably done on the lines around once a year.

Councilmember Robinson confirmed that with Jenkins that their approved permit from
the DEP is 50-feet for the limit of disturbance. He also clarified the AEP plan is for a 12-
to 15-foot-wide path with as minimum impact as possible. Councilmember Robinson
also asked if there will be a substantial amount of timber. Jenkins replied that for this
project, there should not be much. Councilmember Robinson confirmed that cut trees
could be re-used on the trail (as crossings, etc.).

In response to the public speakers, Councilmember McKinney requested that the
Committee walk the trail to see it for themselves.

Councilmember Robinson asked what authority the City has to change/stop this project.
Knox replied that he did not think the City had any authority. City Attorney, Kevin Baker,
added that AEP’s easement predates Cato Park and is perpetual in nature. He added
that there is no way that the City could stop the project, but they have been working with
AEP to try to mitigate the damage.

Councilmember Faegre agreed with Councilmember McKinney’s request to walk the
trail, adding that this should have happened months ago.



 4. Public Speakers – all spoke about the AEP project in some manner

  Robin Sizemore
  Harvey Allen
  David Schles
  Mary Ellen O’Ferrel
  Dennis Strawn
  Robin Godfrey
  Gail Bellamy
  Jack Hoblitzell




 March 25, 2021

 Page | 6 of
 5. Update on Vandalia Pool Project -

Councilmember Cook added that the Vandalia group did not have any new updates,
however, the Parks and Recreation Department has determined that the project would
be low-cost to the City. Councilmember Jenkins added that the project is for a
community garden in the old Vandalia pool.



 6. Discussion on Rec Centers and City Pools for Summer 2021 –

Director of Parks and Recreation, Rashaun Sayles, added that the Rec Centers have
remained closed expect for e-learners. They are currently discussing the possibility of
opening them for the summer with new programming. The have plans to get the pools
operational for maintenance only until they are approved to open them. They have also
done several events, such as the Halloween and Christmas drive-through events. She
commended her team, Dax Miller (Facilities Manager), Jeremy Mullins (Maintenance
Manager) and Jennifer Neil (Deputy Director). Sayles added that they have also added
an after-school program to the North Charleston Center.



 7. Update on Ballfields –

Councilmember Cook stated that, currently, the Little League Ballfields at Bigley and
Kanawha City will be maintained by Capital Midwestern, while the Oakmont and North
Charleston Fields will be maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department until
Charleston Central starts their season. The City typically starts to prepare their fields
around the beginning of April. Councilmember Cook added that there are no updates to
the playground on Bigley Avenue as they are still doing research for that.

Councilmember Knauff stated that the baseball league president, Director Sayles and
her team met earlier that day. He added that the league had done an amazing amount
of work to get that field ready, including the ability to have travel tournaments.



 8. Approval of Previous Minutes 1-28-2021 –
Councilmember Robinson motioned to approve the minutes of the previous meeting on
1-28-2021. Councilmember McKinney seconded. There was no objection and the
minutes were approved.




 March 25, 2021

 Page | 7 of
Councilmember Robinson motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember McKinney
seconded.

Meeting adjourned.




 March 25, 2021

 Page | 8 of
 Bill No. 7901

 Introduced in Council: Adopted by Council:

 April 5, 2021
 Introduced by: Referred to:

 Caitlin Cook and Chad Robinson Parks & Recreation and Finance


 1 Bill No. 7901 - A BILL to amend and reenact Section 82-124 of the Municipal Code of
 2 the City of Charleston, relating to providing authorization for the waiver of certain fees
 3 for use of public parks and recreation facilities.
 4
 5 Now, therefore, be it ordained by the Council of the City of Charleston:
 6
 7 That Section 82-124 of the Municipal Code of the City of Charleston is hereby amended
 8 and reenacted to read as follows:
 9
10 CHAPTER 82 – PARKS AND RECREATION.
11 ARTICLE IV – PUBLIC USE OF PARKS AND RECRATIONAL FACILITIES.
12 Sec. 82-124. - Waiver of swimming pool fees at certain facilities.
13
14 Notwithstanding the rental and fee schedule provided by section 82-125, the
15 mayor, city manager, and the director of the department of parks and recreation may
16 jointly, from time to time, and (1) when weather conditions warrant, and under
17 circumstances which would not substantially affect the revenues of a city swimming
18 pool facility, declare a day or some portion of a day to be a free swim day and waive the
19 collection of the fees prescribed by section 82-125; and (2) where the interests of the
20 community are furthered and under circumstances which would not substantially affect
21 the revenues of the parks and recreation department, waive the collection of a fee or
22 fees prescribed by section 82-125 on one or more days at one or more facility.
23




 Page | 9 of

MINUTES
 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
 WEST HALL 1, CHARLESTON COLISEUM AND CONVENTION CENTER
  (THE MEETING WAS ALSO MADE AVAILABLE AS A LIVE STREAM VIA ZOOM PER THE AGENDA)

 5:30 P. M., APRIL 29, 2021

Caitlin Cook, Chairperson, called the meeting of the Charleston City Council Committee
on Parks and Recreation to order at 5:30p.m., APRIL 29, 2021.

Committee Members Present:
Caitlin Cook, Chair
Chad Robinson, Vice Chair (attended virtually over Zoom)
Jeanine Faegre (attended virtually over Zoom)
Joseph Jenkins (attended virtually over Zoom)
Pat Jones
Deanna McKinney
Robert Sheets


A roll call was taken, and it was determined that a quorum was present.




 1. Approval of Previous Minutes 3-25-2021–
Councilmember Faegre motioned to approve the minutes of the previous meeting on 4-
29-2021. Councilmember McKinney seconded. There were no objections and the
minutes were approved.




 March 25, 2021
 2. Bill No. 7901 – A BILL to amend the Municipal Code of the City of Charleston
 related to providing authorization for the waiver of certain fees for use of public
 parks and recreation facilities.

Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, Jennifer Neal, added that the bill would
enable the Department to work cooperatively with other groups, and would allow them
to use the facilities in a more diverse way.

Councilmember Cook added that organizations are in various financial situations due to
the impact of the pandemic. As the Rec Centers open back up, they want to make sure
that a diverse group is using the facilities.

Councilmember McKinney asked if the fees were for all organizations or individuals.
Councilmember Cook replied that currently a member of the community would not pay a
fee to use the Centers. Some organizations (pickle ball, table tennis clubs, etc.) will pay
a fee to use the facility because that space cannot then be used by the public.

Councilmember Jones motioned to approve the bill. Councilmember McKinney
seconded. With members present recorded thereon as voting unanimously in the
affirmative, Bill No. 7901 was approved.



 3. Update on the AEP Project at Cato Park –
Councilmember Cook stated that, on the recommendation of Councilmember McKinney,
there had been a walkthrough of the proposed area of the AEP Project at the Cato Park
trail. Councilmember Cook shared with the Committee some pictures she took of the
trail as it currently stands. The pictures showed that the trail wasn’t much wider than it
originally was except in a few spots, and the older trees that had been identified to be
saved were clearly marked. It was evident that AEP worked with concerned citizens to
keep the integrity of the trail as much as possible.



 4. Update on City Pools –
Councilmember Cook stated that currently the City plans on opening at least the Cato
and North Charleston pools. Neal added that the new filtration/sanitation system was
just installed at the North Charleston pool, but has never been used. Their plan is to
make sure that system functions properly, and then possibly use that system for the
MLK pool. She added that the new pump is more efficient and, hopefully, more cost
effective. The chlorination system is also now automatic and safer.




 March 25, 2021
 5. Recreational Investment Opportunities (American Rescue Plan) –
Councilmember Cook reminded the Committee that she had asked them to think of
some recreational projects that would be good investments to potentially use the ARP
funds.

Councilmember Cook suggested:
  A natatorium, adding that West Virginia is lacking aquatic centers.
  Connect to the Elk River for paddlers.

Councilmember Faegre suggested:
   Lip-sync contests for children 5-14 at Haddad River Front Park.

Councilmember Jenkins suggested:
   A Regional Parks Commission to combine funding with Kanawha County to
 utilize the rivers and trail plans.

Councilmember Cook relayed suggestions of the Director of Parks and Recreation,
Rashaun Sayles:
   Update Cato Pool.
   Replace gym floor at the Roosevelt Center.
   New roof for the Cato Administrative Building.
   Turf all Little League Fields and the MLK Softball Field.

Councilmember Robinson suggested:
   Turf all Little League Fields and the MLK Softball Field.
   Wi-Fi hotspots, especially for children to do schoolwork.

Councilmember McKinney suggested:
   Pocket Parks.
   Wi-Fi hotspots.



 6. Miscellaneous –
Councilmember McKinney asked about the status of Laidley Field. Councilmember
Robinson replied that the situation had not been resolved (in reference to the various
groups that use the field). He added that ideally, the Scholl Board would buy out the
contract with UC.

Councilmember Cook encouraged everyone to visit the newly renovated East End Dog
Park.




 March 25, 2021
Councilmember McKinney motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Jones
seconded.

Meeting adjourned.




 March 25, 2021