Parks Commission

CITY OF MANISTEE PARKS AND BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday, August 18, 2016 5:00 P.M. Members Present: Lynn Vasquez, Ed Tegler, Jason Sullivan, Mike Quinn, Jen Teller Excused: Erin Pontiac, Mark Tomaszewski Also Present: Jim Smith, City Council A regular meeting of the Manistee Parks and Beautification Commission was held on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at City Hall 2nd floor conference room. Meeting was called to order by Chair Ed Tegler at 5:30 p.m. Motion by Vasquez second Quinn by to approve June 16, 2016 minutes and place on file. Motion approved. Motion by Vasquez second by Sullivan to approve July 21, 2016 minutes and place on file. Motion approved. Public Hearing Councilwoman Lynda Beaton asked about dogs on beach. Should we install a “No Dogs on Beach” sign at the 5th Avenue Beach House? This issue has been visited several times in the past. Need to get with Mikula for his input. Citizen/Public Comment Tegler reported that he has heard many positive comments on our beaches. They look great! Correspondence None Committee Reports Morton Park Playground/Grant Money - Teller discussed the application she has been working on with Lowes. Commission stated Teller needs to meet with Mikula before the September 19th Bus Tour. This item needs to be approved by City Council before submitting. Mikula will work with Teller. OLD BUSINESS Fifth Avenue Update - Southwest corner of fence needs repair. Safety issue as rod is sticking out and too much sand around the fence continues to cause damage. Boyle will notify the parks department. Commission would like to see when businesses such as the paddleboard/food truck/fire pits are approved that they should provide a tracking of their business to the city. NEW BUSINESS Reitz Park Concerns regarding the use of Rietz Park for the residents of the city. The City of Manistee Parks Department maintains park but field can only be used by the Manistee Saints. Why the park is not available to all taxpayers as the city also budgets $6,000 to the Saints. Suggestions  Manistee Saints Club do a report to Council like other commissions. Parks Commission recommends that the City Council revisit the relationship between the City of Manistee and Rietz Park Manistee Saints. Tegler will notify the City Manager of the concerns/questions the Parks Commission has regarding the relationship with the Manistee Saints. Comments  Do the parks suffer because employees have so much to do as in special events. The City Manager has requested from each department to track expenses when we work on these events. Skate Park was overlooked as it was full of litter.  Fifth Avenue weeds in picnic area have not been cut all summer.  What is pickle ball – easiest explanation ping pong on the ground. Tennis Courts could easily be converted to pickle ball courts. Bus Tour The annual bus tour has been scheduled for Monday, September 19th at 5:30 p.m. Motion by Sullivan, second by Vasquez to adjourn at 6:30 p.m. September 15th regular meeting has been cancelled. Next meeting date – BUS TOUR – Monday, September 19, 2016 @ 5:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kathie Boyle Recording Secretary