Arts, Parks, and Recreation Committee

ARTS, PARKS, & RECREATION COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS September 12th, 2023 The Amery Arts, Parks, and Rec. Committee met on September 12th, 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, Colleen Adams, and Denise Johnson. Others Present: Clerk-Treasurer, Ben Jansen; Deputy Clerk-Treasurer, Taylor Larson, April Ziemer, Jenny Bergmann, and Public Works Director, Jeff Mahoney. Member Schaefer requested and motioned to add discussion of handicapped playground equipment to the agenda for tonight’s meeting. Motion by Schaefer, seconded by Adams, to add discussion of handicapped playground equipment to the agenda. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion Carried. 1. Approval of Minutes from August 22nd, 2023. Motion by Schaefer; seconded by Adams; to approve the minutes as presented. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion Carried. Because Jenny Bergmann made a special trip for the meeting, the Committee moved up the discussion of the downtown flowers. 2. Downtown Flowers Discussion – The ground pot flowers downtown were provided by Bergmann’s for the previous year. They provided custom mixed soil and periodically checked in on them to ensure their overall health. The flowers themselves were watered 3 times a week by the City crew. It is likely that the flowers this year did not do well because of a lack of fertilizer and due to the poor conditions this summer. It is recommended that the Committee order the flowers for next year as soon as possible so that Bergmann’s can have everything they need in place. Motion by Schaefer; seconded by Adams; to move forward with Bergmann’s for next year’s ground pot flowers and Dragonfly Garden for the hanging pots. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion Carried. 3. Discussion of City Murals – The discussion started with the idea of painting a mural on the dam building at Michael Park. Local artist Paul Oman was contacted but stated he was unsure of what materials he would have to use. Further research was done into who had painted the mural on the side of Apple River TV. An artist named David Markson painted that mural, Chair Dusek stated that he would try to contact him and see if there was any interest in repairing it. 4. Splashpad Planning Discussion – The discussion started with a discussion about how some committee members were approached about a pool. The committee is still researching the cost of a splashpad and grants. It was also discussed that handicapped accessible playground equipment should be included 1  5. Wayfinding Signage Discussion – Clerk-Treasurer Jansen informed the committee about what would be needed if they wished to move forward with wayfinding signage on Keller Ave. A Wayfinding Signage Master Plan would have to be created and then approved by the DOT before any signage could be placed on Keller Avenue. Motion by Olsen; seconded by Schaefer; to adjourn at 5:20 p.m. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Ben Jansen City Clerk-Treasurer September 13th, 2023. 2