Park Board

Park Board Meeting Minutes September 15, 2020 Park Board Members Present: Ron Brunk, Ray Boksich, Terri Dunn, Frank Sweeney, and Carrie O’Reilly Park Board Members Absent: Susan Schnee and Jim DeHerrera Guests: None City Staff Present: Maria Butts and Mary Blubaugh A. Call to Order: 6:06 p.m. B. Approval of the September 15, 2020 Agenda – Member Sweeney moved to accept the agenda as presented. Member Boksich seconded. A vote was taken with all ayes. C. Approval of the August 11, 2020 Meeting Minutes – Member Dunn moved to accept the minutes as presented. Member Boksich seconded. A vote was taken with all ayes. D. Public Comments – John Phelps commented on the proposed Riverbend Condo bike path. He distributed to the Park Board a map drawing of an option for the proposed path. Mr. Phelps also reviewed the history of this area as it pertains to a bike path. E. Committee Reports a. Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee – Nothing added. b. Tree Advisory Committee – Did not meet. c. WSFF Board – everything seems to be doing well. d. WAG Board – Member Boksich said the fencing project kicks off on Thursday and should take approximately 5 – 6 days. F. Presentation – Request from Project Whitefish Kids to construct a sign kiosk at Smith Fields. Don Bestwick presented to the Park Board a drawing and an information sheet detailing the sign kiosk they are proposing. The design is the same as what is at the Whitefish Trails. Member Sweeney thought the price was high. Mr. Bestwick said Project Whitefish Kids would construct it themselves, and the prices listed are what the signs cost the Whitefish Trail. Member Sweeney also asked where the kiosk would be located. Mr. Bestwick said either by the new pavilion or by the concession stand. The location has not been finalized. Member Boksich thinks by the concession stand would be a good idea. The actual signage will come to the Park Board at a later date, prior to installation, once Project Whitefish Kids has the language finalized. Motion: To approve the building of the sign kiosk subject to confirmation of final site and signage. Made by: Member Sweeney Seconded by: Member Dunn A vote was taken with all ayes. b. Request from Flathead Area Mountain Bikers to construct Phase 2 of the pump track at Armory Park. Anders Broshe presented an aerial design and Project Summary of the proposed expansion of the pump track. This project will expand and extend on what is already there. There are some drainage issues on the West side of the current site. That issue will be dealt with as they tie into the existing site. Member Sweeney wanted to make sure the design does not add to weed growth and that it is serviceable. He also asked if there are standards or specifications to assure safety in designing these parks. Anders stated the Parks staff has been assisting in spraying for weeds. As for the safety issue, there are no jumps in the design. He believes the design is very safe, and they are building it to IMBA standards. Director Butts asked if he had any plans for landscaping. She would like it finished off with landscaping once the track is complete. Mr. Broshe was not sure but would pass the request on. The Construction Agreement would be amended to add this phase. Member Dunn said the aesthetics going into the dog park is important. She would like a commitment to do some landscaping. Motion: To approve the Armory Pump Track Phase 2 with the condition to include some landscaping on the western edge, subject to City approval. Made by: Member Sweeney Seconded by: Member Dunn A vote was taken with all ayes. G. Public Hearings – None H. Old Business – None I. New Business – None J. Other Items - None K. Items from Parks and Recreation Department a. Administrative Report –Director Butts informed the Park Board the Underpass Project should be complete in November. The Armory Park playground is almost done. There is topsoil and seed needed. LWCF has offered the Parks and Recreation Department $100,000-$125,000 with matching funds. These monies would fund the parking lot and adult fitness stations. b. Recreation Coordinator Report- Reviewed with no questions. c. Maintenance Report – Reviewed with no questions. d. Community Service Coordinator Report – Reviewed with no questions. L. Correspondence - None M. Items from Park Board: Frank Sweeney - It won’t be easy to get the permits for the bike path along the river. Terri Dunn – None Ray Boksich – The blvd. grass needs mowed on 2nd Street over Cow Creek. Depot Park is very wet in the middle. Director Butts said this was the first she had heard of that. She will contact RPA. Carrie O’Reilly – Regarding the Riverbend bike path it’s important to think of accessibility as well as environmental. Ron Brunk – He would prefer the path be along the river. N. Adjourn: Motion to Adjourn Made by: Member Boksich Seconded by: Member Sweeney A vote was taken with all ayes. The meeting was adjourned at 7:01 pm.