Parks Commission

CITY OF MANISTEE PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday, January 21, 2021 Members Present: Tom Oele, Lani Rozga, Tim O’Connor, Tom Swedenborg, Bob Brooks, Ron Pomranky Members Excused Mark Tomaszewski Present: Kathie Boyle, Mickey McCann, Jeff Mikula - City of Manistee A regular meeting of the Manistee Parks Commission was held on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. remotely as authorized by the Open Meetings Act (MCL 15.263a). Meeting was called to order by Chair Tim O’Connor at 5:35 p.m. Approval of Agenda Motion by Rozga, second by Brooks to approve agenda. All in favor. Public Hearing N/A Citizen/Public Comments N/A Approval of Minutes Motion by Pomranky, second by Swedenborg to approve December 17, 2020 minutes and place on file. All in Favor. Correspondence O’Connor read a letter received from Jen Teller regarding Morton Park, proposed 1st Street hotel, dog park, 1st Street tennis courts and smoking in City parks. O’Connor will contact Mrs. Teller to address comments and concerns. Committee Reports Disc Golf - Oele will discuss in old business. Old Business Disc Golf Roundup – Oele updated the commission on the City Council work session he facilitated – felt very positive feedback from Council, a very positive response on Facebook was also noted. Next step is City Council to approve project – Mikula will prepare item agenda for February 2, 2021 Council meeting this must be accomplished before funding requests can begin in the City’s name. Parking Fees and Rental of Park Space – Many questions on this including how you would handle parking – who would get the space – beach goers or those that paid to park. Further discussion is needed. Manistee Parks Commission Logo – O’Connor will send members link to order shirts. New Business Commission Member Absences – Current bylaw states “There will be no limit on the number of consecutive excused absences for any Board member”. Due to Covid 19 precautions zoom meetings are being held and not all members have internet access. O’Connor will reach out to member if there is anything we can help with. First Street Beach Hotel Proposal – Mikula updated proposed hotel – property is on private land. Developers includes tearing down existing hotel and rebuilding a five-story hotel. Process begins with Planning/Zoning Department. Discussed: ➢ Upgraded water & sewer to handle flows ➢ Water main loop at end of 1st Street – south end of park into Harbor Drive ➢ Additional parking - 90% of the time parking will be sufficient occasionally additional parking may be needed due to overflow this will need to be addressed with the City ➢ Storm water removal – City give up space – a recessed area flow would seep into the sand that would be absorbed ➢ Hotel will not interfere with disc golf project ➢ Fire Department – adequate pressure/flow in an event of fire Items Discussed Location of private property at Manmade Lake – fence line & posts show boundary. Friends of Manistee Parks portal is up and looking for volunteers. This group is not associated with the City of Manistee. The City will soon begin the budget process for 2021/2022. A council member mentioned requesting monies for upgrades to Morton Park. This park is under utilized and currently does not have much to offer our community. Need to discuss best use of this park. Different areas for different age groups and activity could be accomplished, parking will need to be addressed. Commission will form an ad-hoc committee. Mikula requested cost of concrete for disc golf pads. 5th Avenue Tennis Courts – Huge cracks due to erosion and constant blowing sand. Need to discuss whether to replace or remove. Several members requested drawings of conceptual plans. Will review plan as it’s been enough time we could begin to update. If members request copy please let Mikula know jmikula@manisteemi.gov if you need a copy and he will forward Reserving City Parks – Should the City allow reservations – O’Connor will contact other communities to inquire whether they do and if they do what type of software they use. As soon as O’Connor receives feedback we will revisit. Grant Applications – Consumer Energy and DNR have grants available for park improvements. Will apply after approval from Council on disc golf project. Rozga can begin application process. Bylaw Updates – O’Connor heard back from our City Attorney George Saylor – the City uses a basic format for all board by-laws. Need to take existing by-laws and edit all changes O’Connor will rewrite and send to City Manager’s office for future agenda. First Street Concession Stand – Mikula terminated 1st Street concessionaire – did not adhere to contract. Will advertise this spring – Mikula requested a team to serve on interview committee. Suggestions on hiring new vendor --experience, sustainability and diverse menu will be on top of list. Fifth Avenue Beach House – Lake Gulls was a great asset this past summer and did an awesome job – positive feed back from community and guests. North Riverwalk – Not successful on grant can reapply in the future. Five Year Recreational Plan expires this year and need to update. We cannot apply for any DNR Grant until plan is renewed. Hill Crest Development has pledged $30,000 in community development providing capital improvements in parks. Dumpsters have been placed in corrals in the DDA area. Per ordinance dumpster corrals will need to be placed in several city (park) dumpster areas. Skating Rink – In good shape if weather stays in our favor we will be able to open soon. Motion by Brooks, second by Rozga to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. All in favor. Next meeting date – February 18, 2021 @ 5:30 p.m. zoom or teleconferencing. Respectfully submitted, Kathie Boyle Recording Secretary