Parks Commission

CITY OF MANISTEE PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday, February 15, 2018 Members Present: Erin Pontiac, Stephen Spencer, Mark Tomaszewski, Tom Swedenborg Members Excused: Frank Cardella Unexcused: Dave LaPoint Also Present: Jeff Mikula, Mickey McCann, Roger Zielinski, Mayor Pro-Tem and Kathie Boyle A regular meeting of the Manistee Parks Commission was held on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at City Hall 2nd floor conference room. Meeting was called to order by DPW Director Jeff Mikula at 5:31 p.m. Election of Officers At this time the meeting was opened for nominations from the floor for officers on the Parks Commission for the 2018-2019 year. Offices include Chair, Vice-Chair, Corresponding Secretary and Recording Secretary.  Motion by Spencer, second by Swedenborg to nominate Pontiac for Chair. Motion Carried.  Motion by Pontiac, second by Swedenborg to nominate Spencer for Vice-Chair. Motion Carried.  Motion by Pontiac, second by Spencer to nominate Swedenborg for Corresponding Secretary. Motion Carried.  Kathie Boyle: Recording Secretary Motion to approve June 15, 2017 and January 18, 2018 minutes and place on file. All in Favor. Committee Reports Morton Park Park improvements have been temporarily put on hold until equalization basin engineering is completed. Mobile Food Vending The proposed Mobile Food Vending General Policy was reviewed and discussed. Motion by Swedenborg, second by Spencer to approve policy as written and forward to Planning and Zoning Director Denise Blakeslee. Motion Approved. Park Rules Members reviewed and discussed Parks Rules and Regulations. Several changes were discussed including the following: Fires Glass/Beverages Dogs and Pets Swimming in Manistee River Channel – who has jurisdiction? Jurisdiction falls under the city’s “Codified Ordinance” Section 670.03. Picnicking Motor Vehicles Members are to review rules/regulations and come back with any changes/corrections for our next meeting. Sands Park Advisory Board Mikula and Pontiac currently represent the city along with two members which the school appointments. Ice Rink McCann reported on the ice rink – we had a tough start this year. Weather has been a huge factor. Pontiac questioned if a portion of the rink area could be designated for hockey players. 5th Avenue Tree Planting Trees are needed to be cut down or trimmed as they are at the end of their life. Removal/trimming is scheduled to take place this spring. We will then plant approximately twelve trees in this area. Duffy Park Tree Planting A grant from Consumers Energy assisted the city to plant trees; these trees will create shade and act as a wind break. Outdoor Stage Project The committee representing this project has several times met with architects and engineers. The proposed stage would be placed in a very nice setting at First Street Beach. Next phase will be the completion of the plans and begin putting together sources of revenue. Beach Safety Our goal is to be one of the best beaches. We have installed walkways, signage and emergency stations. Members to consider any ways we can improve our beaches. Possible funding may be available. Beach Concessions Karl Reed has the contracts for both concession stands. Lots of positive public comments on First Street Beach stand. Capital Improvements 2018 – 2019 The city is beginning our budget process for next fiscal year funding. Does the Commission have any ideas or suggestions? Pontiac- New Rotary Park still needs a berm or fencing to prevent children from running onto the street. North Riverwalk is in dire need of improvements. Rotting wood, trip hazards are among the few issues. The City could apply for grant money however we would need matching funds. Riverwalk Last season the City took over the riverwalk maintenance from the DDA. The Parks Department absorbed the additional workload. Motion by Tomaszewski, second by Swedenborg to adjourn at 6:55 p.m. All in favor. Next meeting date – Thursday, March 15 15 @ 5:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kathie Boyle Recording Secretary