Arts, Parks, and Recreation Committee

ARTS, PARKS, & RECREATION COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS April 11th, 2023 The Amery Arts, Parks, and Rec. Committee met on April 11th, 2023, at the Amery City Center. The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. Present: Members Colleen Adams, Denise Johnson, and Catherine Olson. Absent: Tommy Dusek. Others Present: Clerk-Treasurer, Ben Jansen; Deputy Clerk-Treasurer, Taylor Larson; and Public Works Director, Jeff Mahoney. New Business 1. Keller Avenue Beautification Discussion – The discussion started with quotes on the large banner flags that line N. Twin during the summer. Catherine Olson had solicited bids from different vendors and the best one that was found was Sign Xpress in St. Croix Falls who could produce each flag for about $150 each. They would also require a one time $25 fee for any artwork that would be printed on the flag. It was discussed that the flags could possibly match the new banner artwork that was installed in the summer. City staff agreed to try to find the digital artwork and get it to the Committee so that the flags could match. Motion by Olson, seconded by Johnson, to forward the request to purchase the flags to the Committee of the Whole. Ayes – 3 Nays – 0 Motion Carried. The discussion resumed after the motion and moved to flowers for the downtown area. Quotes were solicited from Dragonfly Gardens but not Bergmann’s or Stems from the Heart because the sizes of the pots were unknown before this meeting. Currently Dragonfly has quoted $2080 for the large pots that are around town and $1,344 for the baskets that are pole-mounted. The other costs are unknown at this time. Additional quotes will be brought to the Committee via email before a decision is made. 2. North Park Rehabilitation Discussion – This item was requested by Member, Dusek prior to the meeting but with his absence Member, Adams; led the discussion. The playground in North Park is in very bad shape after being installed by the Lions Club over 20 years ago. It has also been subject to various vandalism over the last several years. It was discussed as to whether the Lions Club could play a role again in repairing the playground. Public Works Director, Mahoney said that he would look at the condition of the equipment and determine what needs to be replaced first. While on the topic of the Lions Club another issue that was brought up was the condition of the pavilions that the Lions Club had erected in the past. They are in bad shape in both N. Park and at the S. Twin Beach. The next topic discussed was the white poles that are placed along the road in N. Park near the campground area. They are very old and are in rotting condition and should be replaced. Deputy Clerk-Treasurer, Larson suggested that they be replaced with the large rocks that were dug up during the industrial park project on the south end of town. The committee agreed that the rocks were the best option and Director, Mahoney said that he would try to see if they could get some moved over there this summer. 1  3. Strategic Planning for the Committee – The Committee discussed their future goals including repairing the pavilions in the various parks, increasing security to deter vandalism, repairing/redoing the murals downtown, and getting better décor for downtown including garbage cans, benches, and other items. Director, Mahoney mentioned that the old water tower will need to be taken down soon as it is in horrible shape. The top could be placed in a park similar to the bobber at Bobber Park. The final goal discussed was the rehabilitation of the beach at S. Twin. It has been in poor shape for a very long time and options for repair should be explored. A future meeting was set for May 9th at 4:30. Motion by Adams; seconded by Johnson; to adjourn at 5:24 p.m. Ayes – 3 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Ben Jansen Clerk-Treasurer April 12th, 2023. 2