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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark Board Minutes 02.11.26PARK BOARD MEETING MINUTES FOSTER COMMUNITY CENTER Wednesday February 11th, 2026 BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mike Dombrowski, Kimberly Whitfield, Nate Scramlin, Isaac Francisco, Joan Lenhard, Tirstan Walters, Christopher Greene- Szmadzinski BOARD MEMBERS EXCUSED: Rayvnne Gilmore CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 P.M. Foster Community Center I. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA Added G under New Business. Christopher Greene-Szmadzinski moved to accept the agenda as amended, Joan Lenhard seconded, passed unanimously. II. BOARD MEETING MINUTES A. January 14th 2025 - Nate Scramlin moved to accept the minutes, Kimberly Whitfield seconded, passed unanimously. III. NEW BUSINESS A. St. Joseph Neighborhood Input – The board heard from neighbors in the area of St Joseph Park. Discussed planting trees in the park. Trees are typically available in May through our current tree program. The director agreed to have the locks at the bathroom checked, 3 trash cans installed, benches by the playground, and 6 picnic tables installed in the May 2026. Discussed possibly doing a concert in the park at St Joe during Summer 2027. There was a discussion about the upcoming WNA Flea Market. B. Letts Tennis Courts Land and Water Conservation Fund – Grant application moved by Tirstan Walters, seconded by Kimberly Whitfield. Passed unanimously. C. MDNR Trust Fund Land Acquisition Jolly Rd Parcel 11 acres. – Grant application moved by Tirstan Walters, seconded by Isaac Francisco. Passed unanimously. D. CIP Proposed Project List – Reviewed list of possible CIP Projects, the board agreed to review this in the March meeting. E. NFC Innovation Zone - National Fitness Campaign: Looking into adding a Fit Court at Gier. F. Michigan Waterways Stewards Eco Zone - The board would like to thank Michigan Waterways Stewards for their continuing efforts to clean litter from our river trail and waterways. The board has asked the director to ask the LPD for additional input on this subject. G. Scott Woods Easement - Christopher Greene-Szmadzinski moved, Joan Lenhard seconded. Passed unanimously with Kimberly Whitfield not present or voting for this motion. IV. OLD BUSINESS A. 5 - Year Plan PARK BOARD MEETING MINUTES FOSTER COMMUNITY CENTER Wednesday February 11th, 2026 B. Michigan Waterways Stewards Grant - Grant application moved by Tirstan Walters, seconded by Christopher Greene-Szmadzinski. Passed unanimously with Kimberly Whitfield not present or voting for this motion. V. UPDATES The director is planning on taking on a deputy director and plans to vacate his position by the end of 2026. The director would like to ensure that the transition period is sufficient to ensure training needs for the new director and associated staff. VI. CORRESPONDENCE Moores Park Pool and Signs: The director, the board, and neighbors in the Moores Park Neighborhood Organization had a discussion about the Moores Park Pool. The Department is looking at June 10th to open the Moores Park Pool. The historical society will be bringing on Teagan D’Arcangelis Baiocchi to give a presentation. There may be a fundraiser at the Moores Cottage. If there is staffing there will be adult swim on Wednesday. There is a need for life guards for the upcoming Summer Season. The Moores Park sign is being replaced. The construction is hoping to be completed in May and the filling and systems testing completed in June. VII. INFORMATION VIII. REMARKS BY BOARD MEMBERS Mike Dombrowski asked about snow plowing on the city maintained area on the river trail. The director discussed how snow plowing continues during the winter with priorities on making the community centers and especially making the entrances and handicap parking safe and then park staff will focus on parking lots and the river trail. IX. STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS All meetings of the Park Board shall be open to the public. Those in attendance shall have the opportunity to speak on any issue related to parks and recreation services not otherwise on the agenda at the end of the meeting and may speak on any agenda issue during the meeting after park board members have had an opportunity to discuss the issue or prior to the board voting on the issue. The President may impose a time limit on public comments. Don Dean spoke about the need for trail maintenance at Bankroft Park Meeting closed at 9:10 PM