Parks Commission

CITY OF MANISTEE PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday, September 15, 2022 Members Present: Liz Laskey, Kelly Greve, Tim O’Connor, Karen Peltola, Lani Rozga Members Excused Karin Maue, Bob Brooks Present: Jeff Mikula, Jennifer Teller A regular meeting of the Manistee Parks Commission was held on Thursday, September 15, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 3rd floor Council chambers. The meeting was called to order by Chair Liz Laskey at 5:30 p.m. Approval of Agenda Motion by Greve, second by Peltola to approve agenda. All in favor. Public Hearing - N/A Citizen/Public Comments Jennifer Teller requested Parks Commission minutes be posted sooner. Teller was pleased that Morton Park improvements were being implemented and provided several thoughts on possible improvements and equipment. Teller thanked the DPW, Parks Commission and volunteers for all the hard work being done in City Parks. Approval of Minutes Motion by Rozga, second by O’Connor to table the minutes from July 21, 2022 and August 18, 2022, until such time corrected minutes are presented for approval. All in favor. Correspondence – N/A Committee Reports Disc Golf – Mikula reported that no baskets have arrived for installation, sign posts are in, signs are ordered, obstacles installed as well as a refurbished bridge West of the Dog Park. Mikula believes that the Course will be playable this fall. O’Connor stated his desire to be invited to meetings regarding Disc Golf. 1st Street Senior Softball – Mikula noted that he has met with Senior Softball leadership several times with positive outcomes. Group has a lot of requests but recognizes that it will take capital and grants. O’Connor stated his desire to be invited to meetings regarding 1st Ballfields. 9th Street Kayak Launch – No report 5th Avenue Tennis Courts – Peltola observed an individual drawing, with chalk, a Pickleball Court on the surface. The large amount of shifting sand continues to be an issue at the location. Mikula stated that the City Manager is seeking funding to complete a Master Plan of the 3 beaches which would determine the future of the 5th Avenue Tennis Courts. Old Business Tetherball – In and playable at 1st Street and 5 Avenue Beaches. Morton Park – Mikula reviewed updated numbers for the improvements reflecting the suggestions made at the Morton Park Work Session on September, 2022, at 6:00pm. Motion by O’Connor, second by Greve to accept revised proposal as presented. All in favor. Douglas, 1st Street Beach, Hoops & Courts – Necessary to upgrade the current basketball hoop standard with a more rugged designed one. Possible funding sources for this were discussed. Origins Project at 1st Street Beach – Laskey requested that any Parks Commission members who are able to attend the dedication and ribbon cutting on October 13, 2022, at 10:00am at the 1 st Street Beach boat launch area. Memorial Chairs – Mikula provided the information that memorials are popular and receiving a lot of interest. Lions Pavilion Rental Income – Year to date collections are recorded of $4,475. City Marina – Greve reported that many volunteers have worked diligently. Everything has been prepped and painted, lights fixed and special touches added. Area is much improved and looks lovely. Park History – No report. Parks Commission Tour – Meet at City Hall, October 13, 2022 at 5:30pm. City Council members will be invited. New Business - N/A Roundtable Discussion Greve provided information on upcoming Manistee High School Cheerleaders volunteering at 1st Street Beach. Invited Commission members to attend. Peltola mentioned that a park back hoe toy had been repaired and broken again. Mikula stated that it is once again repaired. Peltola and Rozga reported on the Manistee County Conservation District event they attended to gain information regarding the repurposing of areas currently being mowed into wildflower prairies, which would divert staff to other endeavors. There was a general consensus to explore this idea further. O’Connor noted that one of the benches at the beach had been knocked off it’s platform and was in need of repairs. Mikula acknowledged he would follow up on this. Adjourn Motion by O’Connor, second by Peltola to adjourn at 7:20 p.m. All in favor. Next regular meeting date – October 20, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 3rd Floor Council Chambers. Minutes recorded and respectfully submitted by, Lani Rozga