Parks Commission
Regular MeetingManistee, MI · February 16, 2023
Minutes
City of Manistee
Parks Commission Minutes
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Members Present Kelly Greve, Liz Laskey, Karin Maue, Tim O’Connor, Karen Peltola, John
Veach
Members Excused Lani Rozga
Others Present Jeff Mikula, Katie Trivisonno
A meeting of the Manistee Parks Commission was held on Thursday February 16, 2023 at
5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 3rd Floor Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by
Chair Liz Laskey.
Approval of Minutes Motion by Tim O’Connor, second by Kelly Greve to approve January 19,
2023, minutes. All in favor.
Approval of Agenda Amend the agenda to include amphitheater feasibility study, tennis courts
at Sands Park, community feedback. Motion by Karin Maue, second by Tim O’Connor to
approve amended agenda. All in favor.
Citizen Comment Devin Wegner presented trash and recycling solutions at Douglas Park
area. She suggested placing extra receptables and adding recycling bins. Grants are available.
Committee Reports Concessions- Advertisements for bids have been posted to the City’s
webpage and in the Manistee News Advocate. Applications are due March 1st.
Morton Park-Jeff Mikula gave an update on playground equipment and costs. Karen Peltola
requested a Master plan of all Manistee city parks.
Bylaws- Karin Maue presented revisions and updates to the Parks Commission Bylaws. Motion
by Karen Peltola, second by Kelly Greve to approve recommended changes to Bylaws.
Disc Golf-Grand opening scheduled for May 20, 2023. Signs, benches, and receptacles will be
ordered prior to event.
Library Story Hour-Karen Peltola suggested read/learn events in the parks. Lani Rozga is
working with the Library to incorporate Storytime at nearby parks.
Movies in the Park-Movie licensing is required to play movies in the parks. Tim O’Connor
reached out to the Vogue Theater for more information.
Riverwalk-Manistee received an EDA grant for the South Riverwalk project. Committee
members Kelly Greve and Liz Laskey participated in a walk through, met with contractors and
engineers.
New Business Teen Center and Sands Park-Karen Maue inquired about how to keep skating
rink open more days during winter season. Jeff Mikula explained how the rink is maintained and
offered possible options.
Tennis Courts-Removal of courts is necessary and there should be a short term and long term
plan in place. Some suggestions: Pump track, RC track, BMX track, skate park, volleyball
courts, new tennis courts.
Summer Activities-Karin Maue mentioned a stargazing activity. The DPW welding department
constructed an enclosed mobile fire pit to be used within the city. The DPW has cut and will
offer a supply of firewood for special events.
Marina Restrooms-The public restrooms have been deep cleaned and painted. Kelly Greve
would like to decorate with decals, new mirrors, and light fixtures.
Harbor Commission-Kelly Greve and Liz Laskey presented a list of beautification items and are
accepting donations from local businesses to help fund the projects.
Porta Johns-A suggestion to use a neutral colors for all locations.
Amphitheater Project-Karen Peltola volunteered to participate in the feasibility study with City
Manager. The study will provide information including size of venue, types of entertainment,
cash flow etc.
Community Feedback-Manistee Proud Facebook posted a survey and received feedback and
suggestions from the community.
Round Table Discussion John Veach thanked the Commission and felt the meeting was
enlightening and encouraging. Kelly Greve spoke with the Jaycees about cleaning up the
Bandshell, light repair. A volunteer will install a rain garden in the median area near the Family
Dollar Store on Memorial Drive. Liz Laskey thanked everyone for their efforts. Karin Maue asked
Jeff Mikula about staining the concrete wall at 5th avenue beach to match the building. Tim
O’Connor mentioned Manistee Proud Instagram posts. DPW Parks leader Mickey McCann
received the Charles Schoedel award for his outstanding service in recreation.
Adjourn Motion by O’Connor, second by Peltola to adjourn meeting at 7:55 pm.
Katie Trivisonno
Recording Clerk
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