Park Board

Park Board Meeting Minutes February 9, 2021 Park Board Members Present: Ron Brunk, Jim DeHerrera, Terri Dunn, Frank Sweeney, and Carrie O’Reilly Park Board Members Absent: Ray Boksich Guests: Greg Gunderson, Shiva Solaimanian, Dave Noftsinger and David Laing City Staff Present: Maria Butts and Mary Blubaugh A. Call to Order: 7:05 p.m. B. Approval of the February 9, 2021 Agenda – Member Sweeney moved to accept the agenda as presented. Member Dunn seconded. A vote was taken with all ayes. C. Approval of the November 10, 2020 Meeting Minutes – Member Dunn moved to accept the minutes as presented. Member Sweeney seconded. A vote was taken with all ayes. D. Public Comments – None E. Committee Reports a. Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee – Vice President DeHerrera said the Baker Underpass is not open this winter. The consultant for the River Bend path suggests the committee not pursue an easement along the river or a switchback. The consultant recommends a crosswalk across 2nd Street with MDT’s approval. The committee will need to discuss this recommendation and may need to come to the Park Board. b. Tree Advisory Committee – Member Dunn said there were no new reports. c. WSFF Board – Member Sweeney reported they are making some money selling open time to private parties. d. WAG Board – Member Boksich is not present. Director Butts said there has been a large turnover on the WAG Board. Tom Turnow is no longer president. Plans are in place to get a new President and replace the Board Members. F. Presentation – Update from Forestoration on the Irrigation and Landscape Plan. The Park Board had received the Irrigation and Landscape Recommendation drafts in their packet. David Laing from Sure Water reviewed the Draft Irrigation Recommendation. He stated 5 goals for the 2021 irrigation season. He reviewed his report and the cost for each recommendation. Shiva Solaimanian reviewed the Draft Landscape Recommendation with the Park Board. This report contained analysis, goals and design considerations. Also included was a Soroptimist Park Conceptual Plan. Discussion and questions from the Park Board were fielded by Greg, Shiva, Dave Noftsinger and David Laing. The Board gave feedback for moving forward. They would like to see general standards or a master plan for our green spaces which could be used as a tool for future overhaul of sites or new areas. Priority areas for both irrigation and landscape need to be determined as well. G. Public Hearings – None H. Old Business – None I. New Business – Review of FY22 CIP and Priorities. Director Butts reviewed in detail the Draft FY22 CIP and Unscheduled Priorities and the Resort Tax Projects. Motion: To accept the 5-year CIP and Resort Tax Projects as presented. Made by: Member Sweeney 2nd by: Member O’Reilly A verbal vote was taken with all ayes. J. Other Items - None K. Items from Parks and Recreation Department a. Administrative Report – Director Butts updated the Park Board on the Crestwood Encroachment. Her recommendation was that all above ground improvements be removed and the underground utility service remain. The Park Board is good with Director Butts moving forward with her recommendation. 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 – A written request from Mr. Clay Binford for a Whitefish pool was received and reviewed by the Park Board. Director Butts told the Park Board full time seasonal staff would be required to maintain a pool. This would also require ongoing financial commitments. Maria believes the City would have to go out for a bond to finance this. Director Butts believes that is not feasible currently. The Park Board decided this is not the direction they want to go at this time. M. Items from Park Board: Frank Sweeney – As an FYI; Project Whitefish Kids is trying to raise monies for a bathroom. North Valley Music School and Project Whitefish Kids would like to see a music school facility at Smith Fields. Zoning though does not allow that unless it is a city building. Terri Dunn – None Carrie O’Reilly –None Jim DeHerera - None Ron Brunk – It is possible the Park Board may hear from the Glacier Twins regarding the Verizon monies now that checks are being received and going into the City’s General Fund. N. Adjourn: Motion to Adjourn Made by: Member Sweeney Seconded by: Vice President DeHerrera A verbal vote was taken with all ayes. The meeting was adjourned at 9:38 pm.