Parks and Recreation Committee — Charleston, WV
Date: 2021-03-25
Time: 17:30

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 March 25, 2021. The meeting
will begin promptly at 5:30 PM.

*Join via internet:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85806037141?pwd=SmlUREFabGtEKzRiWFh0TnI0aTlHQT09
Passcode: 150570
*Join via Telephone: (312) 626‐6799 or (929) 436‐2866
Webinar ID: 858 0603 7141

 Agenda

DISCUSSION REGARDING SLACK PLAZA REDESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

PUBLIC SPEAKERS

INTERESTED PUBLIC SPEAKERS MUST REGISTER AT THE
CLERK’S TABLE IN PERSON NO EARLIER THAN 15 MINUTES
BEFORE THE MEETING STARTS.A TOTAL OF 15 MINUTES
WILL BE ALLOTED FOR SPEAKERS.

UPDATE ON CATO PARK

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

 1. 1‐28‐2021



RESOLUTION NO. 446‐21




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



UPDATE ON VANDALIA POOL PROJECT

DISCUSSION ON REC CENTERS AND CITY POOLS FOR SUMMER 2021

UPDATE ON BALLFIELDS

THE AGENDA WAS AMENDED 3‐22‐2021




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 March 25, 2021. The meeting
will begin promptly at 5:30 PM.

*Join via internet:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85806037141?pwd=SmlUREFabGtEKzRiWFh0TnI0aTlHQT09
Passcode: 150570
*Join via Telephone: (312) 626‐6799 or (929) 436‐2866
Webinar ID: 858 0603 7141

 Agenda

DISCUSSION REGARDING SLACK PLAZA REDESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

PUBLIC SPEAKERS

INTERESTED PUBLIC SPEAKERS MUST REGISTER AT THE
CLERK’S TABLE IN PERSON NO EARLIER THAN 15 MINUTES
BEFORE THE MEETING STARTS.A TOTAL OF 15 MINUTES
WILL BE ALLOTED FOR SPEAKERS.

UPDATE ON CATO PARK

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

 1. 1‐28‐2021



RESOLUTION NO. 446‐21




 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
 1. Honoring Robert Easley Sr.



UPDATE ON VANDALIA POOL PROJECT

DISCUSSION ON REC CENTERS AND CITY POOLS FOR SUMMER 2021

UPDATE ON BALLFIELDS

THE AGENDA WAS AMENDED 3‐22‐2021




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

 5:30 P. M., JANUARY 28, 2021

*IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMITTEE WAS CONDUCTED ELECTRONICALLY. THE MEETING WAS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE
PUBLIC AS A LIVE STREAM VIA ZOOM (PER THE AGENDA).

Caitlin Cook, Chairperson, called the meeting of the Charleston City Council Committee
on Parks and Recreation to order at 5:30p.m., JANUARY 28, 2021.

Committee Members Present:
Caitlin Cook, Chair
Chad Robinson, Vice Chair
Jeanine Faegre
Joseph Jenkins
Pat Jones
Deanna McKinney (arrived at 5:43)

ABSENT: Robert Sheets


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



 1. Approval of Previous Minutes 10-29-2020 –
Councilmember Robinson motioned to approve the minutes of the previous meeting on
10-29-2020. Councilmember Faegre seconded. There was no objection and the
minutes were approved.



 2. East End Dog Park –
Councilmember Cook informed the Committee that work on the East End Dog Park had
started. The beginning structure for one of the shaded areas has been installed as well
as a separate area for smaller dogs with its own entrance and an ADA compliant picnic
table. The Director of Parks and Recreation, Rashaun Sayles, is pleased with the
progress of the park despite the time delays that the pandemic has caused.
Councilmember Cook added that the original fencing had also been repaired.
Remaining work to the park includes: determining the best method to prevent dogs from
getting their heads stuck under the perimeter fence, the larger shade structure repairs, 2
additional benches, updating the water station (by repairing and adding a new water



 January 28, 2021

 Page | 3 of
fountain as well as a new dog washing station), an additional picnic table, 3 maple trees
for shade and more grass seed and fertilizer.



 3. Cato Park –
Councilmember Cook reminded the Committee that there had been a generous
anonymous donation to the City to be used for Cato Park. Some improvements may
include: an archery course along the existing trails (for individual use and for
competitions), a dog park (named in honor of fallen Patrolman Cassie Johnson) to be
completed within 60-90 days with a water source to be included later. Councilmember
Cook added that the walking/bike path that will go around the perimeter of the golf
course will be partially paved for ADA compliance, with the goal for it to be completely
paved in the future.

Councilmember Jenkins asked why the entrance was so far away from the parking.
Councilmember Cook replied that it is because of a steep incline in that area.
Additionally, there is parking on the other side of the playground, close to the entrance
of the dog park. Councilmember Faegre asked if there was an estimate to be able to
add the water feature to the dog park, and Councilmember Cook stated she will get that
information to her.



 4. Skate Park –
Councilmember Cook stated there will be a few changes to the final design for the skate
park. It will be maintained by Parks and Recreation, and construction is set to start in
the Spring. She added that there will be a variety of structures for various skill levels.
The people that will be using the park have had input into its design. Mayor Goodwin
added that they had been meeting with about 25 skaters in the area to gather their
input.



 5. Magic Island –
Councilmember Cook added that there is a lot of space that isn’t being used. She
requested that the Committee members think of possible additions to Magic Island that
would be an attraction but would also accommodate frequent flooding. She suggested
shelters for gatherings. Councilmember Faegre expressed concern over the homeless
population in that area.



 6. Look Ahead to Spring/Summer –
Mayor Goodwin added that Councilmember Robinson had brought up issues with
turfing some of the fields, and had gotten some pricing for that. They are looking into



 January 28, 2021

 Page | 4 of
securing funding to turf the MLK field as well as the Kanawha City field. Councilmember
Robinson added that the goal is the make the MLK field multi-use with softball, baseball,
football and soccer.

Councilmember Cook added that Rec Centers remain open to e-learners and
afterschool programs. They have seen consistent students in the North Charleston and
Kanawha City Centers. There has not yet been a determination as to when the Centers
will be fully open.

Councilmember Cook added that renovations to the various Centers completed by the
Parks and Recreation Department include: ADA restrooms, remodeled kitchen at MLK,
flooring projects/upgrades to MLK, free public golf at Cato Park, updated lighting for the
fields at North Charleston, free meals to all e-learners through partnership, back-to-
school supplies for students through partnership, free shoes to school age kids through
partnership, an afterschool program at Kanawha City through partnership, their first
Pickle Ball Tournament, hosted an MLK Celebration, new public access computers at
the North Charleston and MLK Centers, created hand-crafted Christmas decorations for
outdoor display. Councilmember Cook commended the Department for adapting their
Halloween and Christmas events during the pandemic.

Councilmember Knauff asked for an update on the playground on Bigley Avenue.
Sayles replied that they do intend to install a playground there this Spring. She was not
sure if it will be the same type of playground, possibly with smaller, educational
structures. Councilmember Robison added that ideally, they would be able to put a gate
at the end of the alley for access to unloading/loading that would allow for the parking
area to be closed off safely. Councilmember Knauff added that he will discuss it with the
Board and Councilmember Bailey.




Councilmember Faegre motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Robinson
seconded.

Meeting adjourned.



 January 28, 2021

 Page | 5 of
 Resolution No. 446-21

 Introduced in Council: Adopted by Council:

 April 5, 2021

 Introduced by: Referred to:

 Caitlin Cook and Tiffany Parks & Recreation
 Wesley-Plear

 1 Resolution No. 446-21 - Honoring the life and legacy of Patrolman Robert Edward
 2 Easley, Sr. by dedicating and naming the western wing of the Martin Luther King, Jr.
 3 Community Center, which is dedicated to afterschool programming, the “Robert Edward
 4 Easley, Sr. Annex”.
 5
 6 Whereas, Robert E. Easley, Sr. was a native of Charleston, West Virginia, and
 7 served honorably in the Charleston Police Department; and
 8
 9 Whereas, Robert E. Easley, Sr. was one of only a few Black Charleston Police
10 Department members during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s; and
11
12 Whereas, Robert E. Easley, Sr. was known as the “peacemaker” for his ability to
13 find solutions to problems while transcending race, color, religion, gender, and creed;
14 and
15
16 Whereas, Robert E. Easley, Sr. was given the 1963 Officer of the Year Award,
17 earned the medal of valor, and received multiple Officer of the Month recognitions; and
18
19 Whereas, Robert E. Easley, Sr. helped organize The Canteen—a youth center in
20 the Triangle District of Charleston, also known as the Block, that provided supervised
21 activities for young people; and
22
23 Whereas, Robert E. Easley, Sr. spent countless hours volunteering his time at
24 The Canteen in an effort to keep the youth of the community off the street and out of
25 trouble by engaging them with drum corps, drill corps, dances, basketball games, ping-
26 pong matches, tutoring, and much more with the assistance of other local community
27 leaders, teachers, and volunteers; and
28
29 Whereas, Robert E. Easley, Sr.’s tireless efforts for the youth of Charleston and
30 his commitment to The Canteen earned him the moniker of “Father of Afterschool
31 Programs”; and
32
33 Whereas, Robert E. Easley, Sr. was beloved by the community and is fondly
34 remembered by everyone who spent time at The Canteen and heard Officer Easley’s
35 motivational and inspirational slogan, “Striving to Excel”; and




 Page | 6 of
 1
 2 Whereas, Robert E. Easley, Sr. passed away in 1997 and was posthumously
 3 honored by the State of West Virginia’s Human Rights Commission as a West Virginia
 4 Civil Rights Day honoree in 2010; and
 5
 6 Whereas, the City of Charleston owes a debt of gratitude to Robert E. Easley,
 7 Sr. for both his distinguished service to the City as a member of the Charleston Police
 8 Department and his dedication to the people of Charleston through his volunteer
 9 service at The Canteen and throughout the community.
10
11 Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Council of the City of Charleston, West
12 Virginia:
13
14 That the City of Charleston hereby honors the life and legacy of Patrolman Robert
15 Edward Easley, Sr. and expresses its thanks for Officer Easley’s dedicated service as
16 both an employee of the City and a committed community volunteer with The Canteen
17 and other community engagement.
18
19 And that the City of Charleston dedicates the western wing of the Martin Luther King,
20 Jr., Community Center in honor of Patrolman Robert Edward Easley, Sr.—the Father of
21 Afterschool Programs—and hereby names the western wing, which is dedicated to
22 afterschool programming, the “Robert Edward Easley, Sr. Annex” in his memory.




 Page | 7 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., JANUARY 28, 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
 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



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

Meeting adjourned.




 March 25, 2021