Parks and Recreation Board - March 10, 2026

Detailed briefing

Parks and Recreation Board — March 10, 2026 ATTENDEES: Roll call recorded Richard Tortell, Leslie Virgin, Dorothy, and Natalie present; Rachel delivered the parks director’s report. • The board approved the February 10 meeting minutes by voice vote. The transcript does not state a vote count. • A major discussion focused on a reported request to consider eliminating the Parks and Recreation Board, Tree Board, and possibly the DDA. The interim city manager said the subject would be placed on the upcoming Monday council agenda and stated that council would need three votes either to dissolve the Parks and Recreation and Tree boards or to send the issue to an election. The DDA’s status was still being checked. No board was dissolved at this meeting. • Members raised concerns that converting the Parks and Recreation Board into an informal club would reduce official standing, staff support, transparency, accountability, and fundraising credibility. They also warned that eliminating a full-time parks position could interrupt programming and project momentum. The interim city manager said he did not support dissolving the boards but was responding to competing staffing and financial pressures. • A proposed hybrid position combining parks duties with assistant-to-the-city-manager work remains under development and had not been posted. Board members requested that the process slow down until after the council discussion. The interim city manager promised it would not be posted that weekend and said the outcome of Saturday city manager interviews could lead him to delay it further. • The Easter egg hunt is scheduled for April 4 at 11 a.m. at Zorn Park, with setup at 10 a.m. Candy and eggs have been obtained, and Key Club volunteers are expected to help distribute eggs. Rachel will leave signs, rope, stakes, a megaphone, and other supplies at City Hall, email setup reminders, and notify Natalie when materials are ready. • Zorn Beach restroom quotes have been approved, and completion is targeted before Memorial Day weekend. DPW and water department personnel are expected to oversee the work. No firm construction start date was available. Kiwanis and Shay Park site plans are scheduled for Planning Commission review on March 19, with Kiwanis described as the priority. Worth watching: 1. Whether council advances or rejects the proposal affecting the city boards. 2. Whether the hybrid parks/administrative position is posted or delayed for the next city manager. 3. Whether restroom work and the Kiwanis plan remain on schedule. Upcoming: Planning Commission review March 19; seasonal staffing packets due by March 31; Easter egg hunt April 4 at 11 a.m.; master plan kickoff discussion at the next board meeting. Why it matters: Decisions about board status and staffing could determine whether Harbor Springs maintains its current level of parks planning, programming, fundraising, and public oversight.

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.