Parks and Recreation Board Meeting - 2026-10-22

Detailed briefing

Parks and Recreation Board Meeting — October 22, 2026 ATTENDEES: Roll call listed Maggie Kloss, Danny Roderick, Patrick O'Brien, Natalie Stackhouse, Melissa Georges, Jamie Melke, and Sarah McLean. • The board approved the September 8 meeting minutes. Staff also apologized for canceling the prior scheduled meeting after mistakenly concluding that a quorum would not be available. • Staff said the capital improvement plan will focus on 2027 for now, rather than a full five- or six-year plan, with a broader review expected in spring. The goal is to separate CIP work from the annual budget cycle and make the plan more realistic about funding and staff capacity. • Kiwanis building replacement remains the intended priority for the 2027 construction season. Staff said the project has a $500,000 grant, extended through December 31, 2028, and that the city will explore construction methods that keep replacement close to or within that amount. The Kiwanis playground-equipment project was proposed for postponement until after the building work. • Members raised concerns about goose waste, sanitation, restroom odors, dock cleaning, and beach safety. Ideas included temporary fencing at City Beach, continued or expanded use of deterrent lights, deploying the Ford Park sweeper more regularly, better cleaning tools and procedures, and possible consultation with universities or the health department. • The board voted to recommend that the city prioritize custodial training, tools, and work effort for beach sanitation. Discussion clarified that this recommendation was not necessarily for a new full-time employee; members discussed using current public works capacity while the city develops its 2027 budget. • The board discussed lifeguard shortages and whether the raft and lifeguard model should be reviewed, but made no decision. Staff said public works positions have been filled and said the 2027 budget will be developed over the next six weeks. • Fall Fest was described as successful and heavily attended. Members suggested improving next year's volunteer sign-up process, reconsidering the height of hay bales, exploring local food-vendor options, and tracking event costs and attendance more deliberately. Worth watching: • Whether the health department will meet with the board or staff to improve notification and coordination on beach closures and water safety. • Whether sanitation staffing, equipment, and training are included in the proposed 2027 budget. • Whether a draft event policy is brought back for board review at the next meeting. Upcoming: City Hall training is scheduled for December 9, from 1 to 4 p.m.; board and commission applications are due December 4 at noon, with appointments anticipated December 21. Why it matters: The board is linking park maintenance, beach sanitation, and capital priorities to the city’s upcoming 2027 budget decisions.

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