Park & Recreation Commission

CITY OF VERONA MINUTES PARK, RECREATION & FORESTRY COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021 1. The meeting was called to order by chairperson Tyler Powers at 7:05 p.m. 2. Roll Call: Present: Tyler Powers, Heather Reekie, Phil Hoechst, Mark Giesfeldt. Excused: Paul Schmidt. Also present: Dave Walker, Parks Director; Casey Dudley, Recreation Director. 3. Moved by Reekie, seconded by Hoechst, to approve the minutes of the April 21, 2021 meeting of the Park, Recreation, and Forestry Commission. Motion carried 4-0. 4. The Commission reviewed the Parks Department five year capital improvement plan. The plan is updated annually and is used primarily as a financial tool for future funding needs. All future facility improvements and equipment needs over $5,000 are identified and the plan changes slightly from year to year based upon budgets, Commission priorities, and the pace of growth in the Community. 5. Moved by Giesfeldt, seconded by Reekie, to approve the Parks Department five year capital improvement plan as presented. Motion carried 4-0. 6. Casey Dudley discussed Firemans Park staffing issues with the Commission. Due to a shortage of area lifeguards and increased demand for employees it was nearly impossible to find adequate staff for the beach. As a result, Casey was forced to increase wages to retain existing staff and limit beach attendance on days when not enough guards were available to work. This has been a growing trend for the last few years and will require some tough choices in the near future including a consideration to eliminate guard staff all together. The Commission considered this option as a last resort and would rather support increased fees and wages. 7. The Commission considered three special event request; one for the Triterium Triathalon at Firemans Park on June 26th and the other two for Verona Chamber Orchestra events at Festival Park on July 21st and August 18th. 8. Moved by Powers, seconded by Reekie, to approve three special event requests as discussed. Motion carried 3-0. 9. Moved by Reekie, seconded by Hoechst, to adjourn. Motion carried 4-0. Time: 8:35 p.m. Tyler Powers Chairperson