Parks, Recreation & Forestry Advisory Board

Parks, Recreation, & Forestry Advisory Board – MINUTES Thursday, June 16th, 2022 2022 Council Chambers 7:30 A.M. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers and is available on Zoom: Topic: June Park, Rec, and Forestry Advisory Board Meeting Date: Jun 16, 2022, 07:28 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada) Meeting Recording: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/iGqmyvfLq8qIWihrVbPXSggv7_9VbodSLmHxACnchLNLWwhuz2 Q6tP-ejFvHKc_b.fI4nPzIieIb8UovN CALL TO ORDER AT 7:30 A.M. ROLL CALL In attendance were, Caldwell, Coburn, Dardis, Griffith, Holden, Neilson, Reth, Running, Weigel, and Clark. P & R Director Ehnes, SRAC Facility Superintendent Rauterkus, Parks Maintenance Superintendent McDonald, City attorney McDonald, and Administrative Assistant Heiting. DECLARATION OF ANY POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST No Conflicts of interest were declared. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Caldwell moved, Dardis seconded, and all voted to approve the agenda as presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Coburn moved, Reth seconded, and all voted to approve the minutes of the May 19th, 2022, meeting. PUBLIC COMMENT Public comment was opened at 7:32 AM and no comments were received. ITEMS FROM VISITORS (Policy Note: Visitors are limited to 5 minutes of presentation followed by questions)  Parks and Forestry o Josh Larson who is a Community Forester with the state of South Dakota Agriculture Department was present to present the City of Spearfish with a Growth Award. Josh explained that the City of Spearfish has been part of the Tree City USA program for 38 years. o Superintendent McDonald explained that while discussing the Emerald Ash born plan it is important to be able to track tree inventory, as well as understand the composition of the different trees within our urban canopy. The tree inventory is vital to be able to identify and plan. Using computer software, the GPS allows “in the field” ability to track all trees that are planted, document newly planted trees, as well as the Next Meeting – July 21st, 2022 7:30 A.M. Council Chambers  Parks, Recreation, & Forestry Advisory Board – MINUTES Thursday, June 16th, 2022 2022 Council Chambers 7:30 A.M. ability to document any defects, and specify why trees were removed. The City of Spearfish received a grant to hire an intern to dedicate the time to perform the tree inventory and have the ability to identify trees and document the urban forest. o The new urban forest growth award sign will be placed on Colorado Blvd at the intersection of spearfish Canyon, Exit 12, and North Avenue. OLD BUSINESS Board Items  Question and answer session on the June Staff update o Caldwell questioned moving the sportsplex MOU forward one year and the ability to use BHSU facilities one more year for adult softball.  Ehnes explained that the sportsplex progress will affect the ability to play on the field due to the turf grass seed not being planted.  Griffith questioned if the field would be available to play on next fall, Ehnes explained due to the low success rate with fall seeding, the fields would need to be seeded next spring and the fields will not be available for play next year.  Clark questioned what would happen to the soil without seeding, Ehnes explained that there are different options available. Option 1 would be a cover crop would be planted. Option 2, leave it alone and let the weeds cover the dirt, 3rd option would be laying certified compost over the soil. Ehnes explained that it would be best at this time to place a cover crop of wheat, oats, and rye, as this would allow for a root system to form helping prevent erosion before next year’s spring seeding. o Ehnes explained that the skate park committee has met and toured the potential locations for the skate park. Locations that were toured were the sandlot located behind Jorgensen Park, Spartan Park, Nevada Trail Head, and Winterville. Ehnes explained now that there have been some locations narrowed down, he would like to come back in October with funding, non-profit status, and location, with the intent to start applying for grants this fall. o Caldwell questioned the location of McLaughlin Sawmill, Ehnes stated that due to the location being a distance out of town, as well as being zoned as heavy industrial this location would not be a good fit. TOUR Several members of the board, as well as some staff members, toured the construction site of the new complex. Next Meeting – July 21st, 2022 7:30 A.M. Council Chambers  Parks, Recreation, & Forestry Advisory Board – MINUTES Thursday, June 16th, 2022 2022 Council Chambers 7:30 A.M. ADJOURNMENT Wiegel moved, Coburn seconded and all voted to adjourn at 8:45 AM. Next Meeting – July 21st, 2022 7:30 A.M. Council Chambers