Parks Commission

CITY OF MANISTEE PARKS AND BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday,August 26,2010 S:1 S P. M. Members Present: Lynne Reinhardt, Mark Tomaszewski, Wendy Staffeld, Ed Tegler, John Rozga, Ben Kubiak Members Excused: Priscilla Rulison Also Present: Gary Niesen, Kathie Boyle, City of Manistee Tom Culbert, Guest A meeting of the Manistee Parks and Beautification Commission was held on Thursday, August 26,2010 at Fifth Avenue Beach House. Meeting was called to order by Chair Lynne Reinhardt at 5: 15 p. m. A Motion by Kubiak, second by Staffeld to accept May 19'h' and August 18t",2010 minutes and be placed on file. Bylaws - Teglar requested clarification on Section 8. Voting - questioned the procedure for a roll call vote. After discussion Motion by Kubiak, second by Tomaszewski to maintain current bylaws. OLD BUSINESS M 55 Property - Rozga reported that he had met with Jon Rose regarding the property. Plans must be submitted to the Planning Commission and with their approval forwarded on to the City Council. Park will include hiking, biking, and cross country trails that will comply with the American Disabilities Act. Staffeld commented that the Boy Scouts are anticipating helping with the trails, as this will assist the scouts in their quest to become an Eagle Scout. With the added interests in this area - this property will be included in our annual bus tour. Fifth Avenue Site - Reinhardt suggested the commission adopt a doable project within the parks system. The area across from the Coast Guard Station is an area that desperately is in need of attention. The Commission discussed Kendra Thompson's plans but felt it is a bit more grandiose than we anticipated at this time. Reinhardt will send Kendra a thank you for all her efforts. Considerable discussion followed on what would be the best plan for this area. Chair Reinhardt proposed a step up deck made out of wood that would include Victorian railings that followed the stone wall. Deck would include a telescope that would face towards the lighthouse.  Extensive discussion followed on what the members want to see occur with this area - several members felt that leveling the ground, fixing the wall and placing picnic tables/grills,benches and gazebos at this site should happen first. There currently is not a single grill on the north side of town. These members felt we need to restore this area to the way it was in the past. Teglar talked to several residents in the Fifth Avenue area who also would like to see an old fashioned picnic area. The U.S. Forestry has viewed the trees and believes they could be saved with pruning/trimming. The Tree Commission also has agreed that the trees should stay. Consensus to table discussion. Tennis Courts at Fifth Avenue - Commission agrees that the tennis courts should be improved and brought up to code. NEW BUSINESS Spring Bus Tour - Reinhardt appointed Rozga and Tomaszewski to set up tour date and go over the parks descriptions. Tour date chosen will be discussed at next meeting. Commission Logo - Teglar would still like to us to have our own logo. Eddie D's Beach & Eat - Teglar discussed how the members felt about writing a letter of endorsement to the City Council regarding Eddie D's Beach and Eat on the fantastic job they do. Members felt they would sign a letter as citizens but not as a commission. Teglar will bring letter to our next meeting for interested members to sign and forward to council. CITIZEN COMMENT Tom Culbert a resident of Fifth Avenue area commented on the area and agreed with Niesen on what should happen at the site of the old NIA building. Mr. Culbert said the area should be restored as a picnic area and then begin to be enhanced. Reinhardt commented that he should perhaps address the council at the meeting in November after the Parks and Beautification annual report. Consensus to adjourn. Next meeting date: Th ursdav.September 9th, 2010 at 5:1 S p.m.at City Hall - Znd Floor Conference Room. Guest speaker: Jon Rose. Respectfully submitted, Kathie Boyle Recording Secretary