The meeting was called to order by Parks Commission Chair Joel Goldstein at 4:00 p.m.; roll was called and members present were as follows: Cinda Bell, Jennifer Travis, Kay Headley, Brandon Tate, and Otis Edwards; a quorum was present and City Clerk/Treasurer Sharla Derry was present.
Approval of Minutes
Motion was made by Mr. Edwards, seconded by Ms. Bell to approve the 05-28-24 regular meeting
minutes as presented; motion passed unanimously.
Committee Reports
- Freedom Fest Committee – Mr. Craig stated that he felt that despite the heat, it was a good event
with close to 80 artisan vendors and 20 food vendors; he said several employees worked and members of high school groups volunteered their time also, which was a huge help as 25-30 total volunteers made all the difference in streamlining the event overall. He said 7/25 the committee will meet to discuss process improvements and set up meetings for the next event and said that the 7/3 food vendor placement helped with getting those food trucks placed ahead of the 7/4 event. - Trails Committee – Mr. Tate said there was a meeting in July and they talked about updating the
master plan, with concentration on property boundaries so that a correct plan is ensured; plan for talks with the school and art guild about putting quilt-related art along the trails; talks of creating native wildflower areas along the trails in an effort to help the pollinators.
Mrs. Gwen Martin reported that she was unable to go past a half mile down the East Loop trail at the lake due to trail overgrowth, and there was a discussion about keeping the trails at the lake maintained with the Parks Department taking over the marking of the trails, and the maintenance thereof, since it appears that it won’t be completed via a scout project. - Tree & Plant Board – Ms. Bell said the committee has met and visited with Hunter of the Planning
Department and she received ordinances about greenspace and what the City faces as far as greenspace and canopy goes. Mr. Goldstein asked Mr. Craig if pine trees could be planted this fall where the trees were removed off of the loop at the lake trail; Mr. Craig confirmed that he would add this to his list.
Agenda Items to be Added: None
Business Items
Director – Sale of Kawasaki Side-by-Side to Street Department – Mr. Craig said that his
department believes this equipment to be beyond useful state of repair and the Street Department is interested in its transfer; he said the Street Department can pay an agreed upon amount of $1,500.00 for the equipment and Mr. Craig confirmed that it could be replaced within the Parks Department eventually, but not immediately; motion was made by Mr. Edwards, seconded by Ms. Bell to approve this; motion passed unanimously.
Foundation Report
None
Director’s Report: Written report submitted with talking points as follows:
- Splash pad update, with financials provided by Mr. Marsh (after director’s report)
- Fox Run Road is set to be underway July 22nd; water / sewer was affected by grades and that has caused delay
- Splash pad likely not to be finished for use this year
- New disc golf course is much more challenging, which was desired
- Update on Liberty Park wooden covered bridge which will be charming when finished
- Oaks to Bell Park trail paving is at 30% engineering and comments are being collected to satisfy
state requirements; easements being acquired - $10,000 that would have been spent on mountain bike trails would be better served by transfer to
the splash pad - Geno’s fundraiser Tuesday night for Inclusive Park
- Phasing of Inclusive Park project being discussed in order to see progress; talk of in-kind services
being offered by engineering and Steve Beam Construction for initial phase - 16 events at pavilion this month versus 9 last year
- Pavilion power washing and staining quote came in at around $10,000; previous was done 3-4
years ago but wrong material was used then; this is intended to be placed into next year’s budget,
along with addressing weathered wood on pergola in amphitheater - Request to check on cost to repairs of cracks in flooring at pavilion
Comments: None
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Tate, seconded by Mrs. Travis; meeting adjourned at 5:12 p.m.
