Parks Commission

CITY OF MANISTEE PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday, October 20, 2016 Members Present: Lynn Vasquez, Jason Sullivan, Mike Quinn, Jen Teller, Erin Pontiac Excused: Mark Tomaszewski, Ed Tegler Also Present: Jim Smith, Roger Zielinski, City Council Thad Taylor, City Manager Mickey McCann, Parks Leadman A regular meeting of the Manistee Parks Commission was held on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at City Hall 2nd floor conference room. Meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Mike Quinn at 5:30 p.m. Motion by Quinn second by Sullivan to approve August 18, 2016 minutes and place on file. Motion approved. Motion by Vasquez second by Quinn to approve September 19, 2016 minutes and place on file. Motion approved. Public Hearing None Citizen/Public Comment City Manager discussed CRAM – Catamaran Racing Association of Michigan. The city has been approached to use First Street Beach area for a catamaran race August 11th – August 13th, 2107. The race would host approximately 20 catamarans with 40 – 60 racers. The race would correspond with Grapes On the River and DDA sidewalk sale which will provide an entertaining weekend. They have requested permission to camp in the kite flying area of the beach. City would charge $30 to camp, and allow showering at the City Marina. City Council will need final approval. Motion by Pontiac second by Quinn to forward to city council the Parks Commission approval to host the CRAM in August 2017. MOTION approved. Correspondence None Committee Reports Morton Park Playground/Grant Money – A grant in the amount of $500 must to be spent before December 2016. Pontiac stated it can be used for many items including but not limited to picnic tables, trees, dog leash, bench, etc. Motion by Pontiac second by Quinn to appoint Mickey McCann to take the lead in purchasing equipment not to exceed $500 for Morton Park. Motion approved. OLD BUSINESS Fifth Avenue Beach Area Improvements – Mikula sent pictures of the completed gazebo and sidewalk project, looks world class. Update on paddle board rental, food truck, fire pits – no one has tracked progress. Discussed the need for more fire pits next season. Only negative on the fire pits; glass left around the pits. NEW BUSINESS Reitz Park The City Manager is working through the use of the ball field. Field has been surveyed for taxable value. Final decision will be with city council. Do parks suffer from neglect because parks employees have so much other special events – McCann stated no. Comments City Manager stated that in a recent article our beaches are rated 7th out of 19 beaches. This indicates a good community output. Teller would like the commission to have members inspect the parks. She has adopted First Street Beach area. Teller would like all parks to be smoke free. Commission decided to table her request since the city recently put up signs no smoking signs at Rotary Park, First Street Beach Play Area, Rocket Park, Lighthouse Park, Fifth Avenue Beach Play Area, Reitz Park, Mack Park, Sands Park, Duffy Park and Morton Park. Teller reported a dead branch near First Street Gazebo – McCann will check. “Adopt a Park” Program needs to be advertised again to promote our parks. Quinn will get with News Advocate editor Michelle Graves to get an article published in the paper. After article is printed we will again post on facebook and city website. Mikula sent memo updating the commission on various projects.  Winterizing Parks  Blowing Sand  Upcoming budget – please let Jeff know if there are any specific items the Commission would like to be considered. Motion by Quinn, second by Pontiac to adjourn at 7:00 p.m. Next meeting date – Thursday, November 17, 2016 @ 5:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kathie Boyle Recording Secretary