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Minutes for 12/14/2009

Kentwood Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting

December 14th, 2009 - 5:15 PM
Kentwood Activities Center

Roll Call: Bob Jones, Carolyn Oliver, Mimi Madden, Kevin Small, Bob Coughlin, Laura Johnson and Darius Quinn.
Absent with notification: Dale Potter and Steve Redmond.

Staff: Charlie Ziesemer, Parks & Recreation Director and Kendall Klingelsmith, Deputy Director.

Visitors: Herb Woerpel (Advance News) and Mike Miles, citizen.

1) Park Plan Update
Ziesemer gave a Power Point presentation of the proposed 2010-15 Kentwood Park & Recreation Plan that will be submitted to the State in order to qualify for DNR grants. The main focus of the Plan is to focus on the improvement of our current park system with some plans for development of designated park property if funding is ever available to build, and more importantly, maintain. Given the current status of the City's budget, the Commission has commented that if we can't maintain it, we can't build it. A Commissioner's comment 'the plan is ambitious but realistic', seemed to set the tone of Commission.

MOTION BY JONES, SUPPORT SMALL, a recommendation to City Commission, to approve by resolution the City of Kentwood's 2010-2014 Parks and Recreation Plan for submittal to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
MOTION CARRIED

2) Staff Report:
A Fundraising Sustainability Plan was introduced to the Commission by Klingelsmith. Various plans to obtain funding for programs and special events will take place during the course of the upcoming year. It is the intent of the department to further create financial security beyond the general fund.
Pinewood Park Splash Pad Grant application has been recommended for approval from the State Board and will go before the State Legislature for final approval.
Office hours for the department are now 9:00am to 6:00pm. This will help schedule staff (that is less) and will serve as best way to serve our participants.


3) Commissioner Report:
Coughlin reminded Commissioners that the special 4th of July ad-hoc committee to raise funds for the event will be meeting on Wednesday. Previous meeting was postponed due to the snow storm. Tree lighting event was fabulous. The turnout was excellent and was a positive night for Kentwood families. The Open Forum last Monday went well with a decent turn-out of citizens seeking more information about departments.
Quinn commented on his participation and the success of the Santa Parade down Division. It was a family fun experience. Coughlin echoed the same positive comments.
Jones asked about the plowing of the Paul Henry Trail. Ziesemer noted that it is plowed when possible and it is never down on a scheduled basis. The only section that gets plowed is between 52nd and Wing Ave.

It was decided to postpone the Commission dinner until next month when more Commissioners can attend.

Meeting adjourned at 6:00 PM.