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HR Meeting Minutes - 11.12.2024 - FINALHEALTH AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2024 HYBRID FORMAT IN PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIA ZOOM 1. ROLL CALL Present- Committee Members: Committee Chairman Kevin Hyatt, Committee Vice Chairman Nancy Tashman and Committee Members Pat Nolan, Lisa Post, Kathy Ryan, Sonia Martinez, Courtney Walters Rawson Staff: Recreation Director Michael Labagh, Aquatics Superintendent Kacy Carmichael, Recreation Services Superintendent Jerrica Miller, General Government Fellow Arnell Wade, Recreation Services Supervisor Mike Atencio and Recreation Programs Supervisor Luke Herron. Town Council: N/A Absent- Committee Members: Lisa Post Town Council: Amy Philips Committee Chairman Kevin Hyatt opened the meeting at 12:10 p.m. 2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Committee Member Pat Nolan made a motion to approve the agenda and Committee Member Nancy Tashman seconded to approve the agenda. Committee Chairman Kevin Hyatt declared the agenda approved. 3. APPROVAL OF THE SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 MEETING MINUTES Committee Member Pat Nolan made a motion to approve the minutes from the September 10 meeting. Committee Member Nancy Tashman seconded the motion and Committee Chairman Kevin Hyatt declared the minutes approved. 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS No public comments were made in person or online via Zoom. 5. BUSINESS ITEMS 5.1 Recreation Department Update Recreation Director Michael Labagh updated the committee on operations transitioning into the Fall and Winter. Recreation Programs Supervisor Luke Herron reported that the Pumpkin Fun Run was a success and that they saw 45 families this year. Within this event was a costume contest, face painting, apple bobbing, a 2 kilometer race and haunted house adventure. Committee members applauded Luke’s efforts and expressed approval and excitement about the community event. Recreation Director Michael Labagh spoke about the Recreation Department employee appreciation event at Brown’s Canyon Adventure Park and thanked his wonderful staff for all they do for the community. Michael also announced that Avon’s Nottingham Park won a “Best of Vail” award for Best Family Entertainment. Director Labagh provided an overview of fall training and certification classes for lifeguards and swim instructors. Aquatics Superintendent, Kacy Carmichael provided more information to the group and explained that Avon Elementary School swim lessons are rotated to different grades each spring and fall. Training was ramped up through October and the department was able to certify new Lifeguarding Instructors, who can now assist with teaching certification courses. HEALTH AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2024 HYBRID FORMAT IN PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIA ZOOM Michael Labagh continued his presentation and shared that 7 full-time staff members were able to attend the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) Conference this year. The conference was held in Keystone, CO and always provides an opportunity for professional development and networking among peer agencies. Recreation Department staff shared their highlights from attend ing the conference with the committee. Recreation Services Superintendent, Jerrica Miller shared that she enjoyed her seminars about time management and self-care for operational and administrative staff. Aquatics Superintendent, Kacy Carmichael shared that she attended the Aquatics Section luncheon where members discussed different operations surrounding lifeguards, trainings, ADA requirements, and mental health resources. Recreation Services Supervisor, Mike Atencio shared that he enjoyed networking and learning that most mountain communities are managing similar problems in the industry. Committee Member Pat Nolan asked about the key issues Avon Parks and Recreation is facing. Recreation Director Michael Labagh provided several topics such as, users abiding by posted rules, misuse of equipment, facility crowding, aging equipment and infrastructure and staff shortages. Committee member Courtney Walters Rawson asked about demographic of customers causing issues in the recreation center. Recreations Services Supervisor Mike Atencio answered that staff can see a clash of generations in the facility, not respecting each other’s time or space. Recreation Services Superintendent Jerrica Miller added that differing customer wants and needs play a role in it as well. Recreation Director Michael Labagh went to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Conference in Atlanta, GA and had an enjoyable time as well. He got to attend the vendor expo, educational sessions, meetings, luncheons and meet with different vendors for product and program implementation here in Avon. Michael shared that he most enjoyed listening to keynote speaker, Dan Buettner who spoke about the impact that parks and recreation centers have on people’s health and well-being. Michael explained that Dan Buettner is an explorer, researcher and author of The Blue Zones, which refers to areas of the world with the highest life expectancy. Committee Member Kathy Ryan commented that after reading the provided article about Dan Buettner and his research, she feels that Avon could already be a “Blue Zone” as described. Recreation Programs Supervisor Luke Herron felt inspired for the next program cycle to spend time creating programs for the older populations. The committee offered feedback stating that the $5.00 fee associated with the Rummikub Social Club was a big reason why people didn’t attend since they can play for free elsewhere. Committee Member Pat Nolan shared that all her older adult participants love Jodie’s approachable “Move It” class every Mondays at 10:00 a.m. Recreation Director Michael Labagh shared that the department appreciates all their feedback and asked the committee members to contact him with any more comments or questions about future programming ideas. Committee Member Pat Nolan inquired about partnering on programs with recreation staff and Recreation Services Superintendent, Jerrica Miller detailed the process to make that happen. HEALTH AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2024 HYBRID FORMAT IN PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIA ZOOM Recreation Director Michael Labagh provided a recap of the facility maintenance closure. Projects included upgrading pool area lights, surveillance cameras and network and audio/visual infrastructure. Visitation and sales numbers are on par compared to Fall 2023. The Committee all cheered that the Town is now the official operator of Avon Turkey Trot while embracing a partnership with the Vail Valley Foundation. A percentage of the race registration fees will continue to benefit YouthPower365. Recreation Programs Supervisor Luke Herron expressed appreciation for all the sponsors for helping with this year’s Turkey trot in terms of food and beverages for participants. Recreations Services Supervisor, Mike Atencio spoke about the Black Friday seasonal membership and punch pass sale. He explained that staff decided to provide a discount for Afterschool program punch passes to hopefully increase enrollment. Recreation Department staff provided an overview of upcoming winter programs including lifeguard training, futsal, pickleball, basketball, volleyball and new programs like adult dodgeball and adult pickleball league. Committee Member Kathy Ryan inquired about lake safety during the winter since aeration will be present again. Recreation Director Michael Labagh responded that he would work with the Public Works team about protocol and procedures regarding this concern. Recreation Director Michael Labagh finished his update by providing a general overview of the recreation software platform, SmartRec, which allows you to access all programs the department offers. He continued his overview by showing how to navigate to the department’s program offerings through Avon.org and the monthly newsletter. Lastly, Michael shared the adjusted hours of operation for the recreation center during the holidays for the committee’s awareness. 5.2 Health and Recreation Committee Update Recreation Director Michael Labagh updated the committee on what to expect heading into the new year for the committee. Director Michael Labagh congratulated Chairman Kevin Hyatt for being elected to the Avon Town Council and everyone cheered for him. Director Michael Labagh discussed coordination for electing a new Committee Chairman and the process for recruiting new committee members. Recreation Director Labagh reviewed the proposed committee meeting schedule for 2025 and asked for member feedback. All members approved of the proposed schedule where the meetings will be held on the third Tuesday, every other month from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. beginning in January 2025. 6. ADJOURNMENT Committee Chairman Kevin Hyatt requested a motion to adjourn the meeting. Vice Committee Chairman Nancy Tashman moved to adjourn the meeting. Committee Member Kathy Ryan seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 1:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted by: Arnell Wade General Government Fellow