REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 5, 2010
MIDLAND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7:00 P.M.
Meeting called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Chairperson Frank Altimore.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Altimore, Allen, Berthiaume, Bovid, Carlson, Jurado, Steidemann
MEMBERS ABSENT: Kelley, Martin
OTHERS PRESENT: Keith Baker, Planning Director
Kerry Irons, NMT committee member
Minutes of December 1, 2009
Allen motioned, Steidemann seconded to receive minutes of the meeting of December 1, 2009. Motion passed 7-0.
Call to Audience
None
Non-Motorized Transportation Committee Update
Planning Director Keith Baker introduced Kerry Irons, member of the non-motorized transportation committee. Mr. Irons gave a presentation on the committee’s goals, history and progress to date in promoting and providing recommendations to the city for enhancing non-motorized transportation opportunities throughout the community. The NMT committee is now a formal subcommittee of the Planning Commission and meets on a monthly basis. The NMT committee also provided input towards the 2010-2014 Parks Master Plan.
Project Reports
Park Rules: Murphy provided the commission with copies of the current park rules. The rules can also be found on the city’s website, www.midland-mi.org, on the Parks and Recreation home page. The last revision of the rules occurred in 2004. In keeping with the commission’s work plan for this fiscal year, the commission will review and discuss the rules over the course of the next few meetings. Staff will present any recommended changes at the February commission meeting.
Thrune Park
Project: Murphy reviewed the
proposed renovation of Thrune Park. A
goal in the upcoming Parks Master Plan, the renovation has been made possible
through a generous gift from the Charles J. Strosacker Foundation on behalf of
the Thrune family. The Foundation has
donated up to $350,000 to the city for this project, which will likely include
a new restroom facility, redesign of existing pathways to improve
accessibility, upgrades to the water feature, new play elements, the addition
of picnic and shade areas, and replacement of the existing fence. Due to the timing of the donation in
December, the City Council has already accepted this gift and authorized staff
to proceed with the design process.
Division Update
Winter Recreation
Division Update: In following the
Commission’s working plan for FY09/10, Murphy gave an informational
presentation about the winter recreation offerings. Winter activities are concentrated at the
City Forest, with sledding, toboggan runs, groomed cross county
ski trails and an outdoor skating rink.
Other winter opportunities include cross country skiing at various
parks, and ice rinks at Emerson and Plymouth Parks. Winter programming includes the North Pole
Calling program where volunteers help patch calls from Santa through to Midland
youth, and the snow sculpture contest coordinated through Midland Public
Schools.
Old Business
Jurado asked the status of the gate at Stratford. Murphy replied that a gate will be fabricated this winter and installed prior to the opening of the park in the spring.
New Business
Berthiaume expressed concern over the school-park partnerships that exist at the schools that are scheduled for closure. Murphy assured the commission that staff would address this concern with the school system as the closure process continues.
Motioned by Jurado, seconded Carlson to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed 7 – 0. Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Murphy
Public Services Director