Parks and Recreation Board Meeting 2.20.24

Detailed briefing

Parks and Recreation Board — February 20, 2024 ATTENDEES: Richard Worthout, Karen Shaw, Sarah McLean, Brandon Mulder, Scott Reese and Mike Flaw were recorded present. The chair reported that all members were present and a quorum existed. • The board approved the previous meeting minutes and updated its bylaws. Agendas will be emailed rather than mailed; the board is defined as having seven members; four members constitute a quorum; and four votes are required for board action. • Survey and programming committees were approved. After extensive discussion about the parks-use survey, the board voted to hold a special meeting February 26 at 4:30 p.m. to hear from a survey specialist and discuss distribution and remaining questions. The survey committee was expected to continue its work afterward. Members emphasized keeping the initial survey short and focused primarily on where park users come from and how often they use parks. • The board authorized staff to take two concepts to the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation for evaluation: Kiwanis Park trail and disc golf work, and recycling receptacles for parks. Staff said the spring grant application is due March 1 and indicated the two proposals would compete with each other, so one would likely be selected after consultation with the foundation. • The board approved recycling “option 2”: purchasing public recycling receptacles, collecting them during regular trash service, and consolidating the material in 96-gallon carts at DPW for Emmet County pickup. Staff will obtain receptacle pricing, discuss grant support and explore whether City Hall or the DDA wants to participate. Staff estimated matching receptacles could cost roughly $800 each. • Project updates included completed brush removal at Harborview, planned sand removal and wood-chip installation at Kozakwa Park, two ordered toddler swings for Kozakwa, and an April 22 installation date for the Zorn playground. Work on the supporting wall was expected in late March or early April, followed by playground equipment and turf. • Staff plans to update City Council in March on the Harborway project and seek direction on the eastern boardwalk. Fundraising totals were described only as rough estimates: approximately $4,000 in hand for the boardwalk and about $5,000 for Harborway, with additional boardwalk pledges or potential donations discussed. Worth watching: 1. Which Community Foundation grant concept staff ultimately submits by March 1. 2. Whether the special survey meeting produces a finalized, balanced distribution plan. 3. Pricing and funding for recycling receptacles and any City Hall or DDA participation. Upcoming: Special survey meeting February 26 at 4:30 p.m.; next regular board meeting March 19; Zorn playground installation scheduled for April 22. Why it matters: The board is narrowing its priorities while seeking better user data, outside funding and practical park-system improvements.

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