Parks Commission

CITY OF MANISTEE PARKS AND BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday, September 15, 2011 5: 15 P.M. Members Present: Mark Tomaszewski, Priscilla Rulison, Ed Teglar, John Rozga Members Absent: Ben Kubiak, Wendy Staffeld, Darci Scott Also Present: Gary Niesen, Kathie Boyle, City of Manistee Guest: Jon Rose/ Denise Blakeslee, CDO/ Planning & Zoning Department Rick Richter, Friends of Beautification A regular meeting of the Manistee Parks and Beautification Commission was held on Thursday, 2nd September 15, 2011 at City Hall— Floor Conference Room. Meeting was called to order by Chair Ed Teglar at 5: 15 p. m. Motion by Tomaszewski, second by Rulison to accept the August 18, 2011 minutes and placed on file. Motion carried. Guests Denise Blakeslee representing the Planning & Zoning Department discussed the draft of the Parks Five Year Plan 2012 — 2017. Denise did not have the draft plan completed as she is still compiling information. She also had questions that needed to be clarified before she puts information into final draft form. A new classification for parks was recommended as some parks fall into the category of Mini/ Neighborhood Park". Plan is to get draft to Boyle so she can mail out to members for their review and comment before mid October. Rick Richter representing the Friends of Beautification spoke on their behalf explaining the purpose of their group. Friends of Beautification are individuals basically going around our town, seeing what needs to be done and doing it by enhancing the visual appearance of the City. The Parks/ Beautification Commission stated we are currently in the process of designing a form that will contain certain criteria questions that will be asked of anyone coming before the commission. We are asking that we be involved from the ground up on any new projects. Richter stated they' ll do a better job of keeping us updated on projects. Correspondence Wendy Staffeld submitted her resignation. Teglar will write " letter to the editor" asking citizens to get more involved and become a member of our commission. OLD BUSINESS Fifth Avenue Beach Area Fencing completed around tennis courts and looks great. Flag pole need to take down for painting— Teglar needs help with the bolts; Boyle will ask Polisky for his assistance. Tree roots still need attention — will be taken care of next spring. Niesen is compiling prices for this area which would include pavilions, hydro seeding, sidewalk, removing more of the berm, etc. Commission discussed whether to have grass in this area or not— will discuss again at a future meeting. Correspondence Secretary - Chairman Teglar moved to delay further nomination and actions until new members are appointed. Morton Park- Rozga stated he has called the City Manager regarding the return of a plan he previously submitted. Plan included a baseball field/ basketball court, swings, etc. Manager has not got back to him as of today' s meeting. Criteria Form - Discussed questions that should be included on the form we' re developing. Questions 4 shall be asked of individuals/ boards that come before the commission with any requests. Questions shall include maintenance, benefits, theme, cost, locations, etc. Teglar asked members to spend time thinking of any other questions they wish to include on the form. Will discuss at next meeting. NEW BUSINESS Public Hearing —A public hearing will be scheduled in November regarding our Parks Five Year Plan 2012- 2017. Teglar encouraged all members to attend as this will be our November meeting. Boyle will notify members when hearing is scheduled. If an additional meeting is needed we can meet before or after hearing date. First Street Beach Construction —Niesen gave an update on the work and what is scheduled in the future. Rose mentioned an area that will soon be available for possible development—area is located off Cherry Street where currently the sand mines are for the Cedar Street Sewer Project. Commission should consider what they would like see go in this spot. Meeting Time Change— It was decided change the time of our regularly scheduled meetings from 5: 15 to 20th 5: 00 p. m. beginning at our October meeting. Meeting Dates Changes — No meetings will be held in December, January or February unless requested by a member. Motion by Rozga, second by Rulison to adjourn at 6: 45 p.m. 20th, Next meeting date — Work Session on October 2011 at 5: 00 p.m. at City d Hall—Meeting will be held at City Hall—2" Floor Conference Room. Respectfully submitted, driA 4 44 j athie Boyle Recording Secretary kb