Arts, Parks, and Recreation Committee

ARTS, PARKS, & RECREATION COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS May 9th, 2023 The Amery Arts, Parks, and Rec. Committee met on May 9th, 2023, at the Amery City Center. The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. Present: Members Colleen Adams, Tommy Dusek, and Catherine Olson. Absent: Denise Johnson and Joyce Schaefer. Others Present: Clerk-Treasurer, Ben Jansen; Mayor, Chad Leonard; and Members of the Public. 1. Approval of Minutes from April 11th Meeting. Motion by Adams, seconded by Olson, to approve the minutes as written. Ayes – 3 Nays – 0 Motion Carried. One of the items on the agenda was moved up at this time to allow the pickleball people to talk about their needs at the park. This discussion was considered to be part of the Strategic Planning Session for the night’s meeting. They stressed the need of the project over the total cost. It was generally agreed upon that the courts need replacement but the question is if it is a top priority. Old Business 1. Keller Avenue Beautification Discussion – The first item discussed was the bids for the flower pots on Keller Ave. Though there was no motion, it was agreed upon that Bergmann’s would be the best choice and that Member, Olson would reach out and secure their services. Other items discussed were garbage cans being placed at more strategic spots and potential upgrades for Soo Line Park. 2. North Park Rehabilitation Discussion – The discussion on North Park began with the playground equipment. It is in very poor condition and there are some potential safety risks with some of the slides and other equipment. The pavilions in the park are also in very bad condition. 3. Strategic Planning Session – Mayor, Leonard; started the conversation with his vision of a comprehensive needs list for each park in the City. It was decided that the best way to do this would be to meet at each park to determine the top needs at each. Ideas included moving the frisbee golf course to York Park, a potential new patio at Michael Park, fixing the electrical issues at Soo Line Park, repairing the pavilions at S. Twin Beach, selling the pickleball court property, cleaning up Schumacher Park, removing the No Swimming Signs and wood posts at N. Twin Beach, removing the orange barricades on Keller Ave., and overall maintenance for Jorgenson Field. Other items were the poor condition of the Murals downtown, the poor condition of the Birch St. boat landing, and a potential splashpad. 4. Public Art Donation Offer – Mayor Leonard was approached by some individuals who wish to donate $7,500 towards a public art piece if the City would match that donation. Clerk-Treasurer Jansen stated that the Design Amery money could be a potential source of these funds. This is still in the early planning stage but Jansen would reach out to the Community Club about the funds. 1 A future meeting was then set for May 15th in North Park at 4:00. Motion by Adams; seconded by Olson; to adjourn at 6:04 p.m. Ayes – 3 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Ben Jansen Clerk-Treasurer May 11th, 2023. 2