Parks Commission

CITY OF MAlvISTEE PARKS AND BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MINUTES Wednesday, Apri121, 2010 S:1 S P. M. Members Present: Lynne Reinhardt, Mark Tomaszewski, Priscilla Rulison, Wendy Staffeld, Ed Tegler, Ron Cowden, Ben Kubiak Members Eacused: 7ohn Rozga Also Present: Gary Niesen, Kathie Boyle Vicki Sheffted, MRA Director A meeting ofthe Manistee Parks and Beautification Commission was held on Wednesday,Apri121, 2010 in the 2'Floor Conference Room, City Hall. Meeting was called to order by Cha. irperson Lynne Reinhardt at 5:15 p.m. A M4TION by Wendy, Second by Ed to adopt the Mazch 17, 2010 minutes and place on file. Lynne Reinha.rdt introduced Vicki Sheffeld, the Director of the MRA. She was invited to discuss the need for additional T Ball fields. Mrs. Sheffield gave a brief description of her job duties and the responsibilities of the Recreation Association. Mrs. Sheffeld stated tha.t the NIRA is in need of additional fields. Last year the MRA had so many children participating in T Ball they needed to schedule three games per night. The MRA is in the process of looking for other locations to play T Ball and would prefer a locaxion in the City ofManistee. This year they will schedule only two games per night. What they are looking for is a flat field azea where they can pa.int the outline that would ha.ve portable surface bases. Mr.Cowden brought up the two fields at First Street Beach,now that Manistee High School has their own field and the Softball Association doesn't have as many teams in their league as in the past. Morton Field was also discussed as becoming a T BaJl field. Morton Salt is still interested in developing thax area and would welcome a field. Gary felt that Sands Park or First Street Bea.ch ball diamonds would be better than Morton Park, he suggested checking with the Softball Association on their schedule. Hamlin Field was discussed as an option, but is in desperate need of work. Gary informed the commission that legally this is not our park. OLD BUSINESS m. The Winter Garden - Jason Thompson's crew will assist in the planting tomorrow at 10:30 a. City will have the water wagan available - this will be an attractive beginning to our garden. Parks Commission Logo - At the November 18, 2009 meeting a new logo was brought up for the Parks and Beautification Commission - this logo would set us apart from other commissions. Wendy passed around a beautiful picture ofthe sunset/beach that she believed would make a very nice logo. This would need approval from the City Council. No action is planned at this time.  ppointed that the City Council did not respond Council Meeting March 16,2010 - Ed is still disa. to Ed's questions regarding our input in any upcoming projects for the pazks. Ed stated that he will nother council meeting and ask for answers. Lynne will set up a meeting with herself,Ed and attend a. Mitch once the budget is approved. NEW BUSINESS First Street Beach Fish Wall - Lynne appoirned Ron to spray paint the fish and check for any repairs, painting is typically done in the spring and fall.Noticed that there are some cracks in the wall that will need to be repaired - will check with Rotarians to see if they can be of a. ny assistance. Manistee Art Institute - Priscilla stated that the MAI artists would like to start up the sculpture art once again - did we have any ideas on any locations. Beautification Committee did this before at the City Marina. That project ended last year. Sculptures up and down River Street would look nice. However, the City Manager has the final say in any location. Priscilla is welcome to invite the chair of the MAI/sculpture committee to one of our meetings. City Budget - Lynne requested a consensus from the commission to council as to how we believe the city budget should be balanced. After a lengthy discussion - no consensus was reached. Lynne would like all members to write a half page letter on their thoughts and forwa.rd to Kathie. Fifth Avenue - The area where the Northside Improvement building was located is unacceptable. This area is in dire need of work. Consensus to adjoum. REMEMBER : Next meeting date: yT'ednesday, M( lV 19. 2010 at S:I S p,m. - weatherpermitting - iJ raining wilt he in our usual conference room) 1'his meeting ( iffls Avessrse Seach iss tlse a. witt be held at #' rea ol tlse ovesnessg buildiss4. T1iis tocation old 111ostbside lmps~ is located across from the Coast Guard Station. Respectfully submitted, athie Boyle Recording Secretary