City Council

The City of Columbia City In Columbia County on the Columbia River PARKS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES October 18, 2022 - 6:00 P.M. City Hall Council Chambers – 1840 Second Street Present: Katrina Claridge, Committee Chair Nell Harrison, Committee Member Mike McGlothlin, City Administrator Sally Ann Marson, Citizen Committee Chair, Katrina Claridge, called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. 1. Volunteer Recruitment update: City Administrator Mike McGlothlin provided an update to the committee on recent efforts to improve volunteer involvement, noting several newly interested citizens, and also reviewed the applications for two new prospective members to the committee. After discussion took place, both propsective members of the committee (Karen Shervey of 2010 7th Court, and Mark Gordon of 1630 8th Street) were approved by consensus of the committee to be forwarded to the City Council for appointment at their November 17th meeting. 2. Status Review of City Parks: Harvard Park: Discussion took place regarding the tree at Harvard Park that an unknown party had taken upon themselves to cut. Public Works personnel completed the work at the site and also conducted clean up of the debris material. Marson Garden: Sally Ann Marson noted that she has received recent comments about a few areas that are in need of attention. These include the hillside/rose bush area that has been growing as well as the lighted Columbia City sign that needs to be reviewed for maintenance activities. 3. Parks Inventory v. Maintenance Discussion: The City Administrator led the discussion amongst the committee about the inventory within the parks system in relation to the requirements needed to ensure the parks are appropriately maintained. He shared that additional funding for parks maintenance activities has been recommended by the Audit 1 Committee at their last meeting, that outside assistance may be needed moving forward to maintain the parks adequately, and that the Public Works Department may need to evaluate the addition of a seasonal employee during future growing seasons. Future discussions will take place both within the committee and City Council for arriving at the best possible solution. 4. Other Business: The following additional topic was also discussed by the committee: • Nell Harrison said that she had noticed the spreading of “sour weed” throughout the grass at Veterans Park in the triangle shaped seeded area at the park. She requested that Public Works personnel research either a barrier system or treatment for removing and controlling the invasive vegetation. 5. Discussion regarding date for next meeting: The next meeting of the Parks Committee was set for Tuesday October 29, 2022, at 6:00 pm the City Hall Council Chambers. 6. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:25 pm. 2