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Approved Minutes
Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation Commission
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
7:00 p.m., City HallI. CALL TO ORDER – Meeting called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Chair Frost.
II. ATTENDANCE AND DECLARATION OF QUORUM
A. Members Present: Baumgardner, Collison, Cooper, Frost, Hiner, Seaman & Smith
B. Members Absent: None
C. Staff Present: Baderschneider, Bundy, (Intern) George & Weaver
D. Guests Present: Tracey Ellsworth, Linda Fabian, Andre D’Artagnan & John Bushart
E. Public Attendance: 6 Ellsworth Family FriendsIII. APPROVAL OF AGENDA/MINUTES
A. No changes were made to the agenda.
B. Motion by Comm. Hiner, second by Comm. Collison to approve the minutes of March 22, 2005. Motion Carried.IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
V. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
A. Iraqi Freedom Memorial: Mr. Baderschneider clarified and summarized information regarding the Iraqi Freedom Memorial presentation that took place on April 26, 2005 by Linda Fabian and the information appearing in the Morning Sun regarding the presentation. Chair Frost then invited anyone who wished to speak regarding the memorial to step to the podium. Linda Fabian addressed the commission regarding the desire to place a memorial at Island Park for the service men and women who have lost their lives in the war on terrorism, specifically the Iraqi conflict. The motivation for the memorial was inspired by the death of Justin Ellsworth, who was killed in the service of his country. Mrs. Fabian, on behalf of the Ellsworth Family, has spearheaded the drive to construct the memorial. Literature on the memorial was distributed to commissioners and staff. Fabian recapped Ellsworth’s story, his life, his service and death. Fabian requested the monument be placed at Island Park next to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial. The monument requested is part of a nationally standardized design. Mrs. Fabian stated that she has been in contact with local Vietnam Veterans instrumental in planning the Vietnam Memorial and has received a letter of support. Fundraising is being planned to secure the funds for construction of the memorial. Commissioners clarified that this memorial will be designed for all service personnel who reside in Isabella County who may be lost in the Iraqi Freedom conflict.
B. Family Center Task Force: Mr. Bundy stated that the Task Force has been in recess for the past month after presenting plans for a Family Center to the county. Finding minimal support for the project within the county, the Task Force will meet again within the next 2-3 weeks to take a different direction with the planning, and finalizing their recommendation. The Task Force will ask for endorsements from the county and the city for the new approach.
C. PEAK Update: Mr. Bundy recapped the recent golf outing as PEAK’s largest outing to date. Bundy introduced Raychel George, PEAK public relations intern, to the Commissioners. George discussed a possible profit of $5,000 from the outing, but specific numbers will not be available until the end of the week. Bundy reviewed the switch of fiduciary responsibilities from the school district to the City of Mt. Pleasant. A tuition will be in place this summer and in the years to come, but will range in price according to income and residential status. A 2% request from the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe was submitted and a response is expected within the next 2 weeks. PEAK did receive F.I.A. funding – about $25,000 per year for the next 3 years – to support programs for at-risk children (this will also allow for transportation for these children). The largest change most children will see in the program is a lack of bus transportation home after school, other than that, the program will stay as close to the same as possible.VI. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
A. Parks: Mr. Baderschneider reported the Chipp-a-Waters pavilion almost done – top dressing still in the process of completion. The Lion’s Club, a long time supporter of Mt. Pleasant Parks, has shown interest in building a storage facility for their grills and other supplies needed for their annual chicken BBQ. Two possible locations for the building: 1) Pickens field close to the river or 2) Behind DPW (north of the building – out of the public eye). Baderschneider sought feedback from the commission. Commissioners Hiner and Collison discussed the possible locations and clarified the funding would come from the Lion’s Club. Locations will still be looked at in the planning process – factors such as accessibility to vandalism and future use will be examined. At this point, the DPW location looks to be the “safest.” If other organizations show a similar interest, the request would most likely be declined as the Lion’s Club investment in the Parks far outstands that of any other organization.
Little League contracts are being updated – Bundy is also working on this – most contracts are from the 70s and 80s. Commissioner Frost also highlighted the need to update participant standards. Contracts should show that organizations and/or agencies leasing any city facility must meet ADA requirements for their participants.
B. Recreation: Mr. Bundy discussed more programs focusing on senior resident involvement including Walk Mt. Pleasant. MPPR is also in the process of working with the downtown sector to create a Saturday farmer’s market – this was attempted last year, but it was not consistent. This year’s market will be held in town center with the kick-off Saturday June 25 – the same day as Summer Festival. The vendors will bring all of the necessary supplies (i.e. tables, canopies, etc…); Parks and Recreation only supplies the necessary space. Girls on the Run 5K to take place Saturday, June 4 at Island Park. Two hundred girls will run 3.1 miles signifying the end of their training. Everyone is welcome to cheer the girls on. The run begins at 9 a.m. MPPR is now offering a competitive swim camp because CMU took over the traditional swim program. ArtTrain was in town – Bundy noted appreciation of park staff help with the event.VII. OTHER BUSINESS/COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Hiner questioned the elimination of Park Rangers. Baderschneider confirmed a discussion regarding this matter at a City Commission meeting. No decisions have been made to date; however, Ranger positions are not secure in the 2006 budget. Baderschneider noted the hiring and supervision of Rangers is a responsibility of DPS.
VIII. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
All interested persons may attend and participate. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources Office at 989-779-5313. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the City through the Michigan Relay Center at 1 800 649 3777. A 48 hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.