Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Madison Heights, Michigan April 18, 2024 A Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting was held on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 5:30 PM at the Department of Public Services, 801 Ajax Dr. CALL TO ORDER The Chair called the meeting to order at 5:32 PM ROLL CALL Present: Harris, Klepacki, Lenaway, Molencupp (arrived 5:38p), Zimmer, Rohrbach, Heisler, Danescu, Ballantine. Also Present: Council Alternate Mier Absent: Borngesser*, R. Chambliss, C. Chambliss * denotes those members who gave notice. 1. Excuse Absences (if applicable) Motion by Rohrbach, second by Klepacki to excuse the absences of those members who gave notice, unanimous approval. 2. Introductions The assembled Board went around the table and introduced themselves. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS No additions or deletions to the Agenda were proposed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3. Approval of Minutes from 7/20/23 Motion by Rohrbach, second by Molencupp to approve the Minutes from the meeting of 7/20/23, unanimous approval. MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC No public were present. 1 REPORTS 4. Activities and Events Sub-Committee The sub-committee currently only has Councilor Rohrbach as a member due to recent board resignations. Ballantine explained the purpose of a sub-committee, and details such as avoiding quorum, violations of the open meetings act, etc. Rohrbach asked if there were any volunteers for the sub-committee. Motion by Rohrbach, second by Klepacki to appoint Harris, Lenaway, and Zimmer as the membership of the Activities and Events sub-committee, unanimous approval. 5. Student Report No student representatives were present. 6. School Board Representative Report No school board representatives were present. 7. Council Report Councilor Rohrbach reported on the budget process, highlighting heavy investment in fire department staffing and seeking grant opportunities, and alternate means of funding projects, such as the partnership with the County for Ambassador Park. Rohrbach touched on the completed Civic Center Campus project and the beautiful public spaces we now enjoy. Habitat for Humanity is doing a massive "Rock the Block" campaign in the south end, including cleanups, minor home repairs, etc. The Environmental Citizens Committee reviewed the draft of the city's master sustainability plan. Rohrbach also mentioned Energy Futures grant, which was pursued in partnership with Ferndale, Oak Park, and the Lamphere Schools, the ultimate goal being the reduction of energy waste. 8. Administration Report DPS Director Ballantine reported further on the Energy Futures grant, pointing out that it was one of only 20 nationwide which was funded. The department is in spring mode, getting the parks ready, and gearing up for construction. The Civic Center basketball court project is underway. Several major improvements are coming to Rosie's Park, and the DPS will be placing interactive signage to not only display upcoming projects, but to encourage an ongoing dialogue with the public regarding what additional improvements or amenities that they would like to see in the park. The free chipping week and spring clean-up day are coming in early May. 2  9. Oakland County Parks and Recreation Report Outgoing park supervisor Pardy reported on staffing changes at the County; the Waterford Oaks park supervisor moved on, Matt is taking on that role, and Ryan is replacing him at Red Oaks. There is a lot going on, as they are also in spring mode and gearing up for programming. There was a large invasive plant removal project over the winter in the north end of the nature center. This will be an ongoing project. Pardy touched on many improvements and projects coming to the park. The golf course has started the season very busy. Tentative opening date for the waterpark is June 8. County has many summer staff opportunities for those interested. Incoming park supervisor Danescu further touched on the invasive species renewal. 10. Recreation Report Recreation Supervisor Heisler reported on the upcoming 5K and the Recreation Scholarship program. Girls softball has good registration numbers. The brochure went out with 10 new programs. Heisler further summarized upcoming programming, including a new fall girls softball league in partnership with Oak Park, Ferndale, and Hazel Park. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business to be addressed. NEW BUSINESS 11. Recreation Master Plan DPS Director Ballantine handed out copies of the current Recreation Master Plan. As there are many new members on the Board within the last four years, he encouraged members to familiarize themselves with it, as the planning process for the next one will be commencing toward the end of the year. Ballantine briefly summarized the planning process, and the involvement required of the Board. Rohrbach requested a summary of those improvements which have been completed in the current plan. Ballantine went line by line summarizing improvements which have been completed, were in progress, or have had an alternate solution. General discussion ensued regarding the master planning process and the need/want for community involvement in these decisions. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:39 PM. 3