Arts, Parks, and Recreation Committee

ARTS, PARKS, & RECREATION COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS July 26th, 2023 The Amery Arts, Parks, and Rec. Committee met on July 26th, 2023, at the Amery City Center. The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. Present: Members Tommy Dusek, Joyce Schaefer, Catherine Olsen, and Denise Johnson. Absent: Colleen Adams Others Present: Clerk-Treasurer, Ben Jansen; Deputy Clerk-Treasurer, Taylor Larson, and April Ziemer. 1. Approval of Minutes from May 9th, May 15th, May 22nd, May 31st, June 14th, and June 19th – It was noted that there was one mistake on the agenda as there are no minutes from the May 15th meeting as it was canceled. Motion by Schaefer; seconded by Olsen; to approve the minutes as presented. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion Carried. 2. Public Art Funding Discussion – The discussion started with a review of what had taken place so far and the status of the potential sculpture donation offer. Previously the committee and former Mayor had asked the Community Club for the leftover Design Amery money. That option does not appear to be viable at this point so the idea of potential private donors was floated. April Ziemer was also present to discuss the status of the Design Amery monies and who has the authorization to use the funds. It is the understanding of the Community Club that they have the authorization to use the funds now so long as they are approved by the Community Club board. The Community Club does feel as though these funds should be used for something that improves the community but did note that the AEDC requested their funds back if they were to be used towards the proposed art offer. No action was taken at this time regarding the offer. 3. Discussion of Downtown Murals – Both of the downtown murals are in very poor condition currently. It was discussed that the original artist needs to either give permission or perform the repair work. April Z. agreed to look through the archives of the Free Press to see who painted the mural on the side of Apple River TV. The mural on the side of Ruby Mae’s is not owned by the City but is also in poor condition. It is unclear how that mural would get repaired. The dam storage building was discussed as a potential new location for another mural. The committee will reach out to local artists to see if there is any interest in painting a new mural. 4. Water Access in the City – This discussion began with an update on S. Twin beach and the items that the Committee recommended for improvements there. The raft and old lifeguard tower have been removed from the beach and the pickleball courts had its’ cracks filled. The predominant idea for water access in the City is the placement of a splashpad at the S. Twin Beach. It was acknowledged that there would be a large cost and that fundraising would have to take place to get the ball rolling on this. City staff will research the cost of a splashpad for the next meeting. Another meeting was set for August 22nd at 4 P.M. 1 Motion by Olsen; seconded by Schaefer; to adjourn at 5:35 p.m. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Ben Jansen City Clerk-Treasurer July 27th, 2023 2