The minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation and Environment Committee of the Town of James Island held Wednesday, March 3, 2004 at 5:30 p.m. at the Town Hall, 1246 Camp Road.

After the meeting was called to order, the invocation was led by Sussan Chavis. 

Present: Chairman Bill Wilder, Sussan Chavis and Melody Fripp; a Culinary Art Student from Garrett Academy of Technology.

Committee Reports: 

Environment:  Sandy Just, Chairman of the Environment Committee was absent at tonight’s meeting.  Mr. Wilder complimented Ms. Just for her efforts in fighting to save the trees along Ellis Creek.  Her efforts, along with that of Margaret Fabri were successful.

Old Business:

Little League Update: Al Greene will give a financial report at the April 7^th Recreation Committee meeting. He will provide information on how the funds are being expended by the League.  A separate file will be maintained for this purpose.

Parks Update:  The Town of James Island has two parks; one on Riverland Terrace and the other in the Bayfront subdivision. The Recreation Committee will begin to make plans for recreation during the spring; as well as working with schools on the island for recreational activities for the children. Ms. Chavis asked if the Town might have an interest in renting the park on Sol Legare.  Mr. Wilder stated that it might be a conflict of interest since he serves as Chairman of the Sol Legare Community Center.  Ms. Chavis stated that the Town is seeking grant funding to operate programs for parks and recreation; Sol Legare is in the Town of James Island and has a facility already in place for activities. Mr. Wilder said he would ask Mike Socha, the Town’s attorney, to investigate this matter. 

New Business:

Recreation Grant for After School Programs:  Sussan Chavis reported on a grant fund through the Kellogg Foundation.  The grant, if approved, will be for the purchase of supplies for the community’s summer program.  Also a grant for a drama program is being looked at.  This cost of the program is $75.00 per child.  This will involve learning the art of acting, writing plays and other activities that involve drama. Ms. Chavis said she thought the program was expensive and did not believe it was a program that is needed in the community at this time.  Another grant opportunity with the Draper-Richards Foundation will work in conjunction with the summer program.  This program builds and develops science and math skills in children and offers field trips.    These programs are designed for after school and summer camps. Most recreational programs require a learning process for children; recreation cannot be taught without the education of children. 

Mr. Wilder asked Ms. Chavis to research grant opportunities for an after school program for middle school age children, 12-14 years old.  There are programs for children in elementary schools; but none for children in grades 6-8. 

Member’s Comments:

Melody Fripp, a student from Garrett Academy of Technology attended the meeting as a part of her Government and Economics class. Her assignment is   to learn more about local government and how it work.  Mr. Wilder thanked Melody for her attendance and asked her to come again.

Adjournment:

There being no further business to come before the Recreation Committee, the meeting adjourned at ______

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 7^th at 5:30 p.m.