Parks Commission

CITY OF MANISTEE PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday, February 16, 2017 Members Present: Jason Sullivan, Erin Pontiac, Mark Tomaszewski, Ed Tegler Excused: Lynne Vasquez Unexcused: Mike Quinn Also Present: Roger Zielinski, Mayor Pro-Tem Jeff Mikula, Public Works Director Mickey McCann, Parks Leadman Members of Shoreline Showcase A regular meeting of the Manistee Parks Commission was held on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at City Hall 2nd floor conference room. Meeting was called to order by Chair Ed Tegler at 5:30 p.m. Public Hearing None Citizen/Public Comment None Approval of Minutes - Motion by Pontiac, second by Sullivan to approve January 19, 2017 minutes and place on file. Motion approved. Correspondence None Committee Reports Tegler asked for update on the when and if the holding tanks will be placed at Morton Park, will not know the answer for possibly one – two years. OLD BUSINESS Fifth Avenue Beach Concession Discussion focused on whether we should attempt to get out of our contract with Mr. Ronning. Mikula has heard nothing back since our last meeting. Pontiac would like a certified letter sent by the City Attorney to Mr. Ronning asking of his intentions are for the upcoming season. We need to move forward and have an answer within the next two weeks. Adopt a Park Much discussion was spent on whether all volunteers should be having a back ground check or just the person in charge of their designated adopt a park. Per the Public Safety Director it is practical but not required. Background checks are only required if working directly with children. Mikula was asked to search other communities to see how they do the process. Possibly involve the City Attorney. Decision was tabled until more information is gathered. Pickle Ball McCann stated that he has talked to a pickle ball player and was told that the courts should line up the opposite way as the tennis courts, possibly have mobile posts instead. Consensus is to stripe one tennis court at Fifth Avenue this spring to see what happens. NEW BUSINESS Concert Stage – First Street Beach Mikula discussed 2008 conceptual beach plan which includes a concert stage at 1st Street Beach. The Salt City Rock & Blues Committee has approached the city to build a year round permanent structure. No definite site plans have been finalized and fund raisers have not been started. Shoreline Showcase was very supportive on this endeavor. Commission have many concerns including who runs it; security; reservations; maintenance, cost to the city. Consensus of commission is that we are open to listen to plans, possibly forming a fact-finding committee. Rock and Blues Committee needs to come back to us with more information. Motion by Sullivan, second by Pontiac to move forward with the exploratory concept. Motion approved. Fifth Avenue Picnic Area The City is looking to add walkways, tables, and top soil to the half-acre of land, top soil is scheduled to be put down this spring. Also we will have the Tree Commission inspect the trees in this area to remove old dead trees and plant new trees in conjunction with the city tree planting program. Consensus of commission is anything we can do to make this area better let’s go for it. Grant for Fitness Trail Pontiac questioned the $13,000 matching fund for the “Fitness Trail”. The grant monies did not cover playground or fitness equipment. Can the public raise funds towards the grant – Yes. Pontiac will forward Mikula contact information for local opportunities. Public Comments Motion by Sullivan, second by Tomaszewski to adjourn at 7:05 p.m. Next meeting date – Thursday, March 16, 2017 @ 5:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kathie Boyle Recording Secretary