STATE PARKS, RECREATION, AND TRAVEL COMMISSION DeGray Lake Resort State Park, 2027 State Park Entrance Road, Bismarck, AR 71929 August 16 -17, 2018
Commissioners present
Jim Shamburger, chair – Aug 16, 17 Ron Gossage – Aug 16, 17 Kalene Griffith, vice chair – Aug 16 Shash Goyal – Aug 16 Austin Albers – Aug 16, 17 Eric Jackson – Aug 16, 17 Bill Barnes – Aug 16, 17 Bob Knight – Aug 16, 17 Jeff Baskin – Aug 16, 17 Montine McNulty – Aug 16, 17 Danny Ford – Aug 16, 17 Mike Wilson – Aug 16, 17 John Gill – Aug 16
Commissioners absent Weston Lewey Ness Sechrest Cindy Smith Randy Wolfinbarger
Department Staff present Kane Webb, Executive Director Mike Farringer, Region 4 Supervisor Cynthia Dunlap, Administration Director Marcel Hanzlik, Region 3 Supervisor Jim Dailey, Tourism Director Kayla Hardage, Welcome Center Administrator Grady Spann, State Parks Director Joe Jacobs, Marketing and Revenue Manager Angela Allen, Administrative Analyst Kirk Jordan, Tourism Photographer Becky Bariola, Region 5 Supervisor Shea Lewis, State Parks Deputy Director Joy Barlogie, Tourism Development Manager Harrison Maddox, Digital Content Specialist Susan Brewczynski, Tourism Director Assistant Kristine Puckett, Tourism Deputy Director LaJeana Carroll, State Parks Executive Assistant Kris Richardson, ADPT Executive Assistant Casey Crocker, Multimedia Specialist Randy Roberson, Planning & Development Manager Leah DiPietro, Communications Manager Pete Salmon, Exhibits Coordinator Kelly Farrell, Program Services Manager Tom Stolarz, Region 1 Supervisor Mike Wilson, Operations Manager
CJRW Lauren Euseppi Jennifer Morgan Darin Gray Dalaney Thomas Chris Ho SPRTC Minutes Aug 16-17, 2018 Pg 2 Miles Media Susie Kardas Bobby Taylor
Guests David Armstrong, DeGray Lake Resort Paul Butler, Superintendent Moro Bay Linda Hodges, DeGray Lake Resort Steve Huddleston, DeGray Lake Resort Blake McAfee, DeGray Lake Resort Walt Reding, Superintendent, DeGray Lake Resort Kevin Sexton, Hot Springs Village Michael Sindelar, DeGray Lake Resort Patricia Sindelar, Henderson State University, AR Small Business Tech Dev Ctr
Call to Order Jim Shamburger called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. Kris Richardson called roll.
Approval of Agenda Jim Shamburger requested approval of the agenda.
John Gill moved to approve the agenda. Austin Albers seconded, and the motion carried.
John Gill requested the minutes reflect that the State Parks Recreation and Travel Commission (SPRTC) meeting began on the eve of the memorial service of Ron Robinson with a moment of silence in recognition and appreciation of “Ron Robinson, a lion in the field of public relations, whose love of Arkansas is reflected in his legacy of cutting edge communication, which this commission and the Arkansas travel industry enjoy today.” A moment of silence ensued.
Presentation of the Minutes from the Previous Meetings Jim Shamburger requested approval of the minutes from the previous meeting.
Austin Albers motioned to approve the minutes from the July 19 meeting. Kalene Griffith seconded, and the motion carried.
Welcome Jim Shamburger recognized guests. SPRTC Minutes Aug 16-17, 2018 Pg 3
FINANCIAL REPORT – July 31, 2018 Cynthia Dunlap presented the year-to-date financial report for the period ended July 31, 2018. The expenditures were - Parks Division, $7,581,364 - including Construction and Grants; Tourism Division, $411,605; Keep Arkansas Beautiful, $16,630; Administration Division, $333,904; War Memorial, $154,476. YTD expenditures for the Department totaled $8,497,979 an increase of 11.8% over the same period FY18. The year-to-date revenues included - Operating Revenue for Parks Division of $3,357,863 a decrease of (5.97)% over the same period FY18; War Memorial Operating Revenue of $164,248 an increase of 218.43% over the same period FY18; 1/8% Tax Revenues of $2,832,775 an increase of 4.01% over the same period FY18; 2% Gross Tax collections of $1,566,387 a decrease of (4.5)% over the same period FY18; and Grocery store wine income revenue of $6,299. **
**Note: Grocery store wine income is a new revenue source that represents Parks and Tourism’s portion of revenue generated from retail off-premises permits for the sale of wine at grocery stores - established by Act 508 of 2017.
Shash Goyal moved to approve the Financial Report as presented. Austin Albers seconded, and the motion carried.
ADPT Staff Appreciation Dinner Jim Shamburger requested a motion for SPRTC to host the ADPT Staff Appreciation Dinner on August 17 at DeGray Lake Resort State Park.
Bill Barnes moved to approve the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission host the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Staff Appreciation dinner on August 17. Mike Wilson seconded, and the motion carried.
TOURISM DIVISION Director’s Report Jim Dailey noted the success of the new Arkansas.com website and things are progressing nicely.
Dailey thanked Montine McNulty for representing the commission on the Arkansas Wine Council.
SPRTC Minutes Aug 16-17, 2018 Pg 4 Jim Dailey announced the Tourism division won a Mercury Award at the Educational Seminar for Tourism Organization (ESTO) Conference held August 10 -15, 2018, in Phoenix, AZ, for its 2017 media campaign.
Regional Tourism Meeting Update Joy Barlogie updated the commission on the 2018 annual Regional Tourist Associations meeting. She stated that every region was represented.
ADPT Photographers Showcase Casey Crocker and Kirk Jordan presented a sample of their ADPT photography.
FY19 Retirement and Relocation Plan Dalaney Thomas and Chris Ho shared the final results of the previous retirement and relocation campaign.
Jennifer Morgan shared the 6-second digital video news she learned from a session at ESTO.
PARKS DIVISION Parks Director’s Report Grady Spann distributed a parks information packet to the commissioners; the folders included the revised Arkansas State Parks (ASP) organizational chart, introduction to state parks staff, and biographies for the directors and section managers. Spann explained the purpose of the packet was to familiarize the SPRTC with the Parks Division management team.
Spann informed the commission the dedication for the Arkansas City trailhead for the Delta Heritage Trail State Park would be on October 18, 2018. Spann reminded the SPRTC that Robert Moore had donated the land for the trailhead and two acres for a residence for park staff and maintenance facility in Arkansas City for Delta Heritage Trail State Park.
John Gill moved to name the Arkansas City trailhead at Delta Heritage Trail State Park the “Robert S. Moore Jr. Trailhead.” Eric Jackson seconded and the motion carried.
Spann invited the commissioners to the annual Park Superintendent’s Conference to be held at Mount Magazine State Park September 25th through 27th. Spann requested commissioners let his office know if they would be attending.
Grady Spann presented the National Association of State Parks Directors (NASPD) Annual Information Exchange Report. This report summarizes how ASP ranks nationally when SPRTC Minutes Aug 16-17, 2018 Pg 5 compared to other state parks systems in various categories for Fiscal Year 2017. ASP lodging does well mostly because ASP operates its own lodging facilities, unlike most park systems. The report does not always measure equally as park systems are operated differently. Discussion ensued.
Danny Ford mentioned a recent article in the Jonesboro Sun on the Monk Wade Father Son Golf Tournament sponsored by the Arkansas State Golf Association held at The Ridges at Village Creek Golf Course. Regional Supervisor Marcel Hanzlik noted the tournament brought in over $8,000. The Ridges at Village Creek State Park will host the Arkansas State Golf Association/ Arkansas Women's Golf Association, Women's Four Ball Championship in September.
Spann announced Moro Bay Ferry at Moro Bay State Park has been nominated for the National Register of Historic Places by the State Review Board of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, a department of Arkansas Heritage.
Spann mentioned a one carat diamond was found and reported in the July 2018 Diamond Statistics Report. Larger diamond finds typically increase visitation to the Crater of Diamonds State Park. Discussion ensued.
Spann mentioned the article “Prison’s Maintenance Program Receives State Parks Commendation” (Baxter Bulletin, July 8, 2018). ASP recognized the Regional Maintenance Program at the Department of Corrections, North Central Unit at Calico Rock, with a Parks Director’s commendation for their partnership this past year with over 4,000 man hours spent at Ozark Folk Center State Park and Bull Shoals-White River State Park toward maintenance and beautification.
Spann cited the article “With 1-0 win at War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock Rangers Advance in Playoffs” (Kubena, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, July 12, 2018). The Rangers beat Tulsa Athletics 1-0 in the Heartland Conference semifinals at War Memorial Stadium. This was the Rangers' first playoff victory in the franchise's three-year history in the National Premier Soccer League. The team advanced to the National Premier Soccer League South Region Finals.
Spann highlighted the recent article, “Arkansas, Oklahoma are Tall Orders Ripe with Outdoor Adventure of Many Kinds” (Williams, The Item, Huntsville, Texas, July 12, 2018). Blogger Matt Williams emphasized Arkansas scenery and outdoor opportunities.
Parks Committee Update SPRTC Minutes Aug 16-17, 2018 Pg 6 Eric Jackson advised that ASP 2018’s revenue was down for the month of July 2018, which had only 4 weekends compared to July 2017 with five weekends. In addition, several facilities are closed for renovations. The Parks Dashboard continues to develop and parks staff has added a report for top revenue types by park. Park staff shared the current list of uniform staff vacancies and new hires. The committee discussed the new website and received a report that the ease of making reservations has increased future reservations for the parks. Emergency services reported nearly 200 incidents. Next month the parks committee will meet at the exhibit shop for a tour of the facility and the new digital press. Mike Wilson recommended all commissioners take the opportunity to attend a parks committee meeting.
Memorial Plaques Randy Roberson requested approval, per PD 2510, to allow Arkansas State Parks to accept donations and install memorial plaques as follows:
Mount Magazine State Park - Memorial bench for Josh Gossage The family of Josh Gossage contacted ASP about placing a memorial bench at Mt. Magazine State Park. Josh, the son of Commissioner Ron Gossage, grew up in state parks and later worked in the park system. They are seeking approval for the installation of a bench at Mt. Magazine Lodge of a teak bench with a carved inscription. It is proposed to be placed on the back porch of the lodge where Josh had worked prior to his death. The five-foot bench, which matches the style of the existing teak rocking chairs, would fit in nicely.
Lake Catherine State Park - Memorial bench for Ralph Vance The ASP Rangers Fraternal Order of Police Lodge # 77 (FOP) would like to purchase a bench in honor of former Chief Ranger Ralph Vance and place it at Lake Catherine State Park. Ralph Vance worked with ASP for 23 years and served as the chief ranger before his retirement. The FOP members have requested a rock bench to blend in with the natural setting at the park to be placed near the Nature Cabin in the Day Use Area under a holly tree.
Ron Gossage moved to approve the memorial benches as follows:
. Mount Magazine State Park – memorial teak bench to be placed on the back porch of the lodge in memory of Josh Gossage. . Lake Catherine State Park - memorial rock bench to be placed near the Nature Cabin in the Day Use Area in memory of Ralph Vance.
Shash Goyal seconded and the motion carried.
SPRTC Minutes Aug 16-17, 2018 Pg 7 Pinnacle Mountain State Park Structure Removal Randy Roberson reported Pinnacle Mountain State Park storage building (Building No. 42.43 No. 120007030) is a 400 square foot frame structure with a composition roof. The storage building needs new flooring, wood re-painted, new siding and has foundation issues. The building is not being used and would be more cost effective to tear down than to repair.
Alternative Delivery Method Contract Randy Roberson reported Kinco Constructors has been selected for the Petit Jean Visitor Center project. The code defining alternative bidding procedures (A.C.A. 19-4-1415) does not require authorization by the governing board, but Division of Building Authority recommended notification prior to processing the contract through the Legislative Council.
War Memorial Stadium Architectural Service Contract Randy Roberson reported Wittenberg, Delony & Davidson Architects has been selected for the Architectural Service Contract for the renovations to War Memorial Stadium.
Powhatan Historic State Park-– Property Donation Randy Roberson reported ASP was recently notified of the opportunity to acquire property adjacent to Powhatan Historic State Park in Powhatan, Arkansas. The three parcels adjacent to Powhatan Historic State Park, Lawrence County (parcel #800-00026-000, #800-0009 I -000 and #800-00037-000) did not sell at the public tax sale, held on August 8, 2018, at the Lawrence County Courthouse, and are available to state parks through a donation from Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands. The donation adjoins the park in three different locations but all are contiguous to park boundaries. In accordance with A.C.A. 22-4-106, ASP must seek the favorable advice of the Governor, the Legislative Council, and the Department of Finance and Administration, before acquiring any additional state park lands. ASP is seeking preliminary approval from the SPRTC to move forward with this process. Discussion ensued.
John Gill moved for preliminary approval to pursue the A.C.A. 22-4-106 process for the property as follows:
Three parcels of land adjacent to Powhatan Historic State Park, Lawrence County. Parcel 800-0026-000 is located in Block 10 and contains the northern half of lots 2 and 5 and all of lots 3 and 4. Parcel #800-00091-000 is located in the Lindsey's Addition in Block 18 and contains lots I -3. Parcel #800-00037-000 is located in Block 14 and contains lots 3-5 which is located in front of the Methodist Church.
Danny Ford seconded and the motion carried. SPRTC Minutes Aug 16-17, 2018 Pg 8 Jacksonport State Park – Property Acquisition Randy Roberson reported ASP was recently notified of the opportunity to acquire property adjacent to Jacksonport State Park. The property contains a small (1,008 square foot) frame residential structure and one outbuilding. In accordance with A.C.A. 22-4-106, ASP must seek the favorable advice of the Governor, the Legislative Council, and the Department of Finance and Administration, before acquiring any additional state park lands. ASP is seeking initial approval from the SPRTC to move forward with this process. Discussion ensued.
John Gill moved for preliminary approval to pursue the A.C.A. 22-4-106 process for the property as follows:
Parcel #008·00081-000 located in Block 6, Lot 9 of the Original Town of Jacksonport and is adjacent to Jacksonport State Park, Jackson County.
Eric Jackson seconded and the motion carried.
CY 19 Fees and Rates Preliminary Recommendations Grady Spann announced the public meeting for CY 19 ASP Fees and Rates will be held at 10:00 am on August 31, 2018, in the Parks Conference Room, One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201.
Feral Hog Eradication Task Force Mike Wilson introduced Paul Butler, Superintendent of Moro Bay State Park. Butler was selected to represent ASP on the Arkansas Feral Hog Eradication Task Force. Paul Butler presented an overview of the feral hog problems in Arkansas. The Arkansas Feral Hog Eradication Task Force was established by the Arkansas General Assembly in 2017 and was directed to create a plan for the eradication of feral hogs in Arkansas. The task force members and partners are in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure that eradication efforts continue. ASP will utilize “smart” traps to capture and remove feral hogs from Cane Creek State Park, Hobbs State Park - Conservation Area, Millwood State Park, Moro Bay State Park, Ozark Folk Center State Park, and Village Creek State Park.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT Kane Webb stated that he met with Governor Hutchinson about the early school start legislation. Governor Hutchinson issued a deadline for all state agencies to submit requests for the upcoming legislative session. Discussion ensued. Webb requested a motion from the State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission to support the initiative of changing the school start date in Arkansas to a later date. SPRTC Minutes Aug 16-17, 2018 Pg 9
Bill Barnes moved for the State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission to fully support the initiative to change the school start date in Arkansas to a later date. Montine McNulty seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Adjournment The State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission adjourned at 9:05 am on August 17, 2018, at DeGray Lake Resort State Park, Bismarck, AR.