Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (Formerly Parks, Rec and Senior Services)

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD Thursday, October 30, 2014 – 7:00 p.m. Mahany-Meininger Senior Center 3500 Marias MEMBERS PRESENT: Stan Schaffer, Mike Ripinski, Todd Menig, Alex Fike, Phil Smith, Mark Ryan, and Amanda Klein. ALSO PRESENT: Tod Gazetti, Superintendent of Recreation; Greg Rassel, Director of Public Service; Don Johnson, City Manager; Mayor Ellison, Isaac Kuhn, City Intern; and Judy Davids, Community Engagement Specialist. MEMBERS EXCUSED: Rob Winter and City Commissioner Mike Fournier Chairperson Menig called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. I. Approval of Minutes: Motion by Ripinski, seconded by Schaffer to approve the September 11, 2014 minutes. Motion passed unanimously. II. City Commission Comments: Commissioner Fournier was excused. III. Public Comment: Pete Mancour suggested the city talk to John Erb regarding donations or possible buying the naming rights of a park through the Erb Foundation. IV. Business: a. Park Signs and Names Review – City Intern, Isaac Kuhn, supplied the board with historical information on all 50 parks which generated conversation on many of the parks within the city, and which parks would qualify for possible name changes. Judy Davids is going to contact the individual service clubs and invite them to the December 11th Parks and Recreation Meeting to discuss what level of commitment each group has for their namesake park. Motion by Fike and supported by Ripinski that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board supports the concept and will consider the selling of naming rights of parks or internal elements within a selected park. Motion passed unanimously. b. Grand Slam Batting Cages - Jeff McCormick from the Finance Department is sending out a R.F.P. to see if there is any interest in the batting cage property for any type of recreational activity. Staff will update the board at the December meeting. c. Public Places, Community Spaces – Ms. Davids supplied the board with information regarding public places, community spaces concept, discussion followed. Staff requested a motion of support and the following was offered by Ripinski and supported by Ryan: The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board supports the development of a plan for a smart park at the pedestrian plaza next to the Center Street parking structure and the application of matching funds through the Public Places, Community Spaces initiative. Motion passed unanimously. V. Items not on the agenda: None VI. Upcoming Events: December 4th – Annual Tree Lighting, 6:00pm @ the Farmer’s Market Page 2 Next Meeting – December 11, 2014 @ 7:00 p.m. @ Mahany/Meininger Senior Center Motion by Fike and seconded by Ryan to adjourn at 8:28 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Tod Gazetti Rob Winter Tod Gazetti, Supt. of Recreation Rob Winter, Secretary