City Council

The City of Columbia City In Columbia County on the Columbia River PARKS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES November 29, 2022 - 6:00 P.M. City Hall Council Chambers – 1840 Second Street Present: Katrina Claridge, Committee Chair Jack Hruska, Committee Member Mark Gordon, Committee Member Mike McGlothlin, City Administrator Sally Ann Marson, Citizen Committee Chair, Katrina Claridge, called the meeting to order at 6:01 pm. 1. Welcome of new Parks Committee members Karen Shervey and Mark Gordon: City Administrator Mike McGlothlin welcomed new members Karen Shervey and Mark Gordon to the committee. Ms. Shervey was unable to attend this meeting, but Mark Gordon provided comments upon joining; saying that his primary motivation in becoming involved was to asssist in promoting improvements to community livability that are associated with work within the parks system. Mr. Gordon also inquired about the current status of the Rivers Walk Trail System Project and also led a discussion regarding the addition of picnic table(s) to the rear area of Veterans Park that leads to the start of the Rivers Walks Trail that runs along the McBride Creek. 2. Status Review of City Parks: This review was suspended until the next Parks Committee meeting due to the Public Works Superintendent being unable to attend this meeting. 3. Parks Inventory v. Maintenance Discussion: The City Administrator led the continuing 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 the topic of redesignating a “public land” parcel, from parks use to library use, has started to gain traction and that he wanted to seek the input of the Parks Committee in order to gauge support for this concept moving forward. Given the size of lot needed, and it’s location within the community, it was discussed that Bundy Park would be a good area to host this type of community activity. At the conclusion of the discussion, the committee voiced their support of this idea and will continue discussions as is needed. 1 4. Other Business: The following additional topics were also discussed by the committee: • Phase II Planning Discussion for the Rivers Walk Trail System: As construction activities are completed for the first phase of the Rivers Walk Trail System, committee members expressed interest in beginning discussions and planning for Phase II. This will involve route layout, engineering and cosntruction needs, and the research of grant availability for Phase II financing. • Committee discussion also took place in regards to the Dalton Lake area and the many changes that have been developed at this area. 5. Discussion regarding date for next meeting: The next meeting of the Parks Committee was set for Tuesday February 21, 2023, at 6:00 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers. 6. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:58 pm. 2