Parks Commission

CITY OF MANISTEE PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday, March 15, 2018 Members Present: Erin Pontiac, Stephen Spencer, Mark Tomaszewski, Tom Swedenborg, Lani Rozga, Frank Cardella Unexcused: Dave LaPoint Also Present: Jeff Mikula, Kathie Boyle A regular meeting of the Manistee Parks Commission was held on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at City Hall 2nd floor conference room. Meeting was called to order by Chair Erin Pontiac at 5:30 p.m. Citizen/Public Comments Members from the pickle ball group were in attendance to discuss pickle ball courts in the city. Pickle ball has become the fastest growing sport in the USA and would bring in many people and revenue for the city and its businesses. First Street tennis courts could be remarked to include pickle ball courts or installing new courts in a park. Grant monies are available but matching funds are needed. Commission thanked the supporters for attending our meeting and will discuss further. Motion by Cardella, second by Tomaszewski to approve February 15, 2018 minutes and place on file. All in Favor. Correspondence Pontiac read an email from Ed Tegler regarding two issues he has concerns with (1) the proposed band shell at First Street Beach; he stated that not everyone is in agreement with this project and (2) Parks Commission minutes not being posted on the city website. All minutes are posted on the city website under the parks commission site once approved. No meetings were held from July 2017 thru December 2017 due to a lack of a quorum. Tegler is planning on attending our April meeting. Old Business Morton Park Morton Park has very few playground equipment and what we do have is unsafe. Previously Morton’s Plant Manager pledged $10,000 a year for three years to update the playground. Since that time the city has looked at this site for an update to our sewer system. City should have a definite answer in June if the city will be using this area. Park Rules Members are to review rules/regulations and come back with any changes/corrections to our next meeting. Outdoor Stage Project Two committees have been formed. One committee established for funding sources, grants, etc. The second committee is for ideas on how to package and present this project to the community. Beach Safety/Accessibility Beaches currently have 911 phone service, walkways and signage. Members are asked to consider other ways to improve the safety and make our beaches second to none. Buoys – the Coast Guard may assist us with the installation; another possibility would be to use the Sheriff Departments boat. Pontiac still requests some type of barrier at the new Rotary Park for safety concerns. Each concession stand should have an A-Fib device for emergencies. NEW BUSINESS Discussed installing docking stations for bicycles at 1st Street and 5th Avenue beaches and on River Street. Visitors would be able to rent bikes and tour the city. Area groups including Munson Medical Center, Live Well, Great Start, etc. should be involved as it benefits the health of Manistee residents and tourists. Mikula will have McCann look into this idea. Adding additional fire pits was discussed – not at this time. Mikula stated that the snow will be gone soon and this will begin a very busy time for the Parks and DPW. Motion by Spencer, second by Rozga to adjourn at 6:50 p.m. All in favor. Next meeting date – Thursday, April 19, 2018 @ 5:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kathie Boyle Recording Secretary