Parks Commission

City of Manistee Parks and Beautification Commission Minutes Thursday, June 19, 2014 5:00 P.M Members Present: Mark Tomaszewski, Roger Zielinski, Lynn Vasquez, Erin Pontiac, Ed Tegler Excused: Darci Scott, Jeff Mikula Also Present: Colleen Kenny, Mayor of Manistee A regular meeting of the Manistee Parks and Beautification Commission was held on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at City Hall 2nd floor Conference room. Meeting was called to order by Chair Lynn Vasquez at 5:00 p.m. Approval of Minutes – Motion by Zielinski, second by Tegler to accept May 15, 2014 minutes and place on file. Motion approved. Approved with correction of "Cote" Correspondence: None Old Business: Morton Park – Discussion was had about putting a dog run at Morton Park. There were concerns expressed of length of the lease and if work, time, and expenses should be spent. Zielinksi will find out with the city the length of time left on the lease with Morton Salt. Tree planting: A Motion to suggest to council the tree garden and see if they would approve the idea to have the open space by Lighthouse Park used for “Forever forest by Tegler and seconded by Vasquez. Approved by all. Tegler discussed a concept of a “forever forest”. A place to plant trees to remember people who have passed on; a location was mentioned behind Lighthouse Park. Have benches and walkways of woodchips throughout “forest”. Commission would like to have project started by the fall of 2014. Commission would like to have this on the Council work session for July 8, 2014. Adopt a Park – Discussion of program and how it was being used and what role/process it had in the department and its employees. Mayor Kenny suggested having the “fundraised money held by the city in a separate fund.” Laura Heintzelman of Community foundation will speak at the next meeting in July. Commission would like Mikula to give an update on any applications that have been turned in for the Adopt a park. Promoting Parks: Discussion was had of the process of City Board/Commissions’ minutes and agendas getting put on the website. Mayor Kenny will follow up and make sure minutes and agendas will get posted for the commission. Ordinance Chapter 289, Sec. 09 update – City council approved the changes. Vasquez wants Commission to look over new and old Bylaws and come to next meeting with their input. New Business: Dog Park: Discussion was had to make a dog friendly beach that is handicap accessible. Pontiac motioned to have the area (cove/harbor) between the two piers at First street beach dog friendly and have signs posted with state and city ordinance. Vasquez seconded. Approved by all. Commission would also like to have dog clean up stations at the beach and park and hopefully to be funded by donations. Mayor Kenny would like to have this recommendation on the next Council meeting agenda. Request will be forwarded to Cindy Lokovich. Signage: Tegler motioned to have information booth type case signs placed at 5th Ave. and 1st Street beach houses. Eliminating signs in many areas into just one central location. Seconded by Vasquez. Approved by all. Motion by Tegler, second by Tomaszewski to adjourn at 6:30 p.m. Approved by all. Next meeting date – Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall – 2nd Floor Conference Room. Respectfully submitted, Erin Pontiac