Arts, Parks, and Recreation Committee

ARTS, PARKS, & RECREATION COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS November 7th, 2023 The Amery Arts, Parks, and Rec. Committee met on November 7th, 2023, at the Amery City Center. The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. Present: Members Tommy Dusek, Joyce Schaefer, Colleen Adams, Catherine Olsen, and Denise Johnson. Others Present: Clerk-Treasurer, Ben Jansen; Deputy Clerk-Treasurer, Taylor Larson; Alderperson, Mike Manor; and Members of the Public. 1. Approval of Minutes from October 24th, 2023. Motion by Adams; seconded by Schaefer; to approve the minutes as written. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion Carried. 2. Introduction of City Council Rep. to the Committee – Alderperson, Manor was appointed by the Mayor as an ad-hoc member of the Arts, Parks, and Rec. He took a few minutes to tell the committee about himself. He will not be a voting member of the committee until the ordinance that established it is amended to include him. 3. Review of Nov. 1st Presentation to the City Council – Overall the Committee was extremely disappointed with the reception they received at the Nov. 1st meeting. They feel very strongly that there are other, more pressing needs in the City parks besides pickleball and feel that the Council should reconsider. They are not denying that pickleball is a future need but they feel that the playground equipment and other safety issues should take precedence. 4. Discussion of Roles and Responsibilities of the Committee – This item stems from the Nov. 1st meeting with the City Council. The Committee is seeking some clarification on what they are responsible for and what duties they should have been taking on. The ordinance that established the committee specifies that they are responsible for recommending needs and future planning for the City’s recreational facilities. Another question that came up was whether it was appropriate for Committee members to solicit bids for various projects. It was determined that the best way would be to ask Public Works to gather bids when appropriate. 5. Reporting Requirements of the Committee – The Committee did fulfill its requirements as far as reporting to the Council with their needs assessment. Moving forward the Committee minutes will be forwarded to the Council for approval as well. 6. Splashpad Planning Discussion – The Committee would still like to revamp the S. Twin Beach park area with a splashpad, new playground equipment, and updated bathhouse. The Committee may wish to recommend a feasibility study for that area as there are concerns that the DNR will not allow a splashpad that close to the lake. 7. City Mural Discussion – Chair, Dusek; contacted the artist who painted the mural on the side of Apple River TV to inquire whether he would be interested in repairing the mural or not. He was in Amery recently and looked at the mural. He quoted a preliminary price of $3,500 to repair the mural but did 1  warn that it may be more expensive. Chair, Dusek; will try to get a formal quote from the artist for the November Committee of the Whole meeting. Motion by Johnson; seconded by Schaefer; to recommend repair of the mural at a cost not to exceed $5,000. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion Carried. 8. Stower Trail Signage Discussion – The Committee has been approached to see if there is any interest in placing a plaque at the trailhead of the Stower Trail in honor of the Stower Family. The Friends of the Stower have reached out as well and are interested in contributing. This is still in the early planning stages and no action was taken. Prior to adjourning the Committee made some plans to present at the upcoming 2024 Budget Hearing and the Committee of the Whole meeting to ask the Council to reconsider funding the repairs at North Park. They would like to add approx. $15,000 to the parks budget for these repairs to the 2024 budget, or if possible pay for these repairs out of the 2023 budget. A future meeting was set for December 5th at 4 P.M. Motion by Schaefer; seconded by Olsen; to adjourn at 5:36 p.m. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Ben Jansen Clerk-Treasurer November 9th, 2023 2