Parks Commission

CITY OF MANISTEE PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday, March 16, 2017 Members Present: Jason Sullivan, Erin Pontiac, Mark Tomaszewski, Ed Tegler, Lynn Vasquez Also Present: Tyler Cook, Harbor Commission Alex Zaccanelli, Harbor Commission Jeff Mikula, Public Works Director Mickey McCann, Parks Leadman A regular meeting of the Manistee Parks Commission was held on Thursday, March 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 Tyler Cook and Alex Zaccanelli members of the Harbor Commission spoke on behalf of concerns at the City Marina. To the west of the marina building is a lawn patio area that is hard to be maintained. Asking for advice on drainage issue. Also, would like to see a transient boat slip installed on the northside of the river. Would be a great time for improvements if Oleson’s project goes through. Idea to adopt islands at the parking lot by the fish cleaning station. Harbor Commission invited the members of the Parks Commission to attend one of their meetings. Cook and Zaccanelli then left the meeting. Approval of Minutes - Motion by Sullivan, second by Pontiac to approve February 16, 2017 minutes and place on file. Motion approved. Correspondence None Committee Reports None OLD BUSINESS Fifth Avenue Beach Concession Mikula updated the commission on the 5th Avenue Concession stand, Mr. Ronning will not be returning this upcoming season. Notice for new vendor will be advertised, contract is being updated by city attorney. We will have the same application process as in the past with the Parks Commission being involved in the interviews. Jason Sullivan, Lynn Vasquez and Ed Tegler will represent commission in the interview process. Motion by Vasquez, second by Quinn to support extending the contract for the First Street concessionaire up to three years with council approval. Adopt a Park Per City Attorney Saylor background checks are only required when working directly with children. Does not recommend for this program. All volunteers would not be required to sign form, just the main person in charge. Boyle to make changes to program and bring back to commission for approval. NEW BUSINESS Fifth Avenue Picnic Area Tree Commission has inspected the trees in the area and concluded that the trees have reached their full potential and are starving for nutrients. The City will take down the trees and plant new ones in conjunction with the Tree Planting Program. Grant for Fitness Trail Notification that grant was not awarded. Swim Buoys Swim buoys have been ordered and will be installed by the City before Memorial Day (weather permitting). Number of City Parks The City has fifteen parks; are we maintaining all of our parks. Yes. General Discussion Pontiac has concerns with safety at the new Rocket Park, with no fencing children could run out onto the street. Could we put in fencing/bushes/trees/berm or some type of barrier for safety issues? No consensus on barrier installation. Reitz Park needs graffiti removal. Mikula researched installing an electric lock box for Goodies and Reitz Park restrooms to allow restrooms to automatically lock and unlock at specific times to help prevent vandalism. Discussed our parks commission budget where was the money spent; parks tour, brochures. Mikula discussed “Bark in the Park” grant program for future improvements at Morton Park or enhancements at First Street Beach. Tegler would like to see our bylaws loosened up to include allowing outside residents to be on the board. Will discuss at our July meeting. Motion by Vasquez, second by Sullivan to adjourn at 6:45 p.m. Next meeting date – Thursday, April 20, 2017 @ 5:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kathie Boyle Recording Secretary