The Emporia Recreation Commission has approved a memorandum of understanding for the formation of a future recreation center steering committee, with one notable amendment.
While reviewing the document during their regular meeting Monday night, rec commissioners agreed to approve the updated MOU that will see the rec commission responsible for covering all pre-construction costs up to $200,000 with all additional costs requiring commission approval. The dollar cap was an amendment to the document that originally left the commission’s financial obligation open-ended, something that did not sit well with Commissioner Mike Helbert.
The financial matter was one of several concerns expressed during the commission’s December meeting. Another notable concern at that time was that of representation on the committee, namely a perceived lack of diversity and input from community members and rec center patrons.
As such, two at-large positions have been created that will be filled by community members, one to be selected by the ERC and the other to be appointed by the Emporia city commissioners. ERC Chair Jeremy Dorsey was pleased with this inclusion saying it is a move that will “create a healthy steering committee.”
In addition to the at-large members, the committee will also consist of two ERC members, Ryan Karjala and Chairman Jeremy Dorsey, two Emporia City Commissioners and a Lyon County Commissioner who will be named at a later date.
The Emporia City Commission is set to review the document and potentially approve it during its next regular meeting on February 7.
In other business Monday, commissioners received an update on the new GolfZon simulator which opened to the public on January 2. According to Rec Director Tom McEvoy, since the simulator opened they have had 69 rentals and generated $3,300 in revenue as of Monday.
Commissioners would also approve a recommendation for the 2024 Jones Aquatic Center management agreement with the city of Emporia. The only change to the agreement from the previous year was an increase in the operation fee to $94,000 to reflect impending salary increases.
Commissioners also approved quotes for new pickup trucks and received the monthly leadership team and executive director’s report.
The Emporia Recreation Commission will next convene on Monday, February 19 at 5:30 pm inside of the Lee Beran Recreation Center.
