HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes January 8 2009, Rec & parksBozeman Recreation & Parks Advisory Board
P.O. Box 1230 · Bozeman, MT · 59771
Minutes of the Recreation & Parks Advisory Board
January 8, 2009
Present:
Board: Terry Baldus, David Cook, Wendy Pierce, Chris Guy, Sue Henning, Sandy Dodge, Bob
Wade
New Board Members: Julie Zickovich, Betty Stroock, Tawnya Storm, Ada Montague, MSU
Student Brenda Truman
City: Ron Dingman, Thom White, Jamie Saitta and Chuck Winn. Mayor Kaaren Jacobson had
informed the Board last month that she would be on vacation.
Other: Jane Garcia, D.J. Kominsky, Velma McMeekin, Dee Ann Stinson, Kathy Brown, Rusty
Swingle, Martha Fayer (all from Water Fitness program) and Judy Blackmore.
Public Comment: Four members of the water fitness group taught by Sue Harkin, who has
retired from the Recreation Department, spoke of their dismay and sorrow that the city will not
allow her to continue immediately in the same capacity as a volunteer instructor. Both Ron
Dingman and Chuck Winn reiterated city policy which provides for a break in service so that
new management could implement policies without pressure from prior management. Chuck
Winn said that he had just gone through the same situation having moved from Fire Department
management to Deputy City Manager.
Introduction of New Members: Introduction of new members noted above was held. They
were asked to state their interests. Betty Stroock is interested in improvement of Parks and
Trails. Ada Montague has the same interests and also is interested in being a liaison between the
board and county. Julie Zickovich is interested in cycling and possible circuit in a public park or
space. Tawnya Storm is a realtor with small children and cares about general improvement and
maintenance of public parks. New board member training was completed before the general
meeting.
Board Officers Nomination Committee: Bill VandenBos accepted the chairperson position.
Sue Henning will be Vice-Chair for the year and temporary secretary for the January 2009
meeting. The board secretary position remains to be filled.
FOR Parks: Bob Farrington and another volunteer gave a power point presentation on the
Regional Park and the new Leather’s Dinosaur playground to be built June 8 – 14, 2009. This
playground is adjacent to the new fire station/911 building. $110,000 of the $275,000 needed
has been raised. Several grants are pending. Sunrise Rotary will be responsible for the tots
section. Signs Now is helping with the trex picket fence posts, which will have names on them
for the $45 per name (16 letters maximum) fee. There will be walls with children’s handmade
tiles, murals, and donor plaques. The playground area is 15,000 square feet and will be able to
handle 150 to 200 kids at a time. It was discussed that security issues would be handled by
activity at adjacent fire station/911 center located at Davis Lane and Oak Street.
Committee Reports:
Subdivision Review Committee: Sandy Dodge reported on Meadow Creek (attached to
agenda). The filling in of the detention pond with proper soil profile was discussed with
engineer Chris Budeski, who was present. A discussion occurred about the park size and
number of units in Cowdry Towers (attached to agenda) The park size will be done
according to current city formula and offsite dedication.
Committee responsibilities were discussed (listed below) with new board members along with
committee reports.
Committee Responsibilities:
Park Improvement Grants: Members are Terry Baldus, Chris Guy, Thom White, and
Wendy Pierce. Terry noted this was an important avenue to acquire matching monies
and more public donations to city seed money. The softball complex $100,000 has
engendered one million dollars in donations.
Budget Committee: Thom White and Bill VandenBos meet with Director Ron Dingman
to discuss the budget.
Subdivision Review Committee: Members are Ted Lang-Gallatin Valley Land Trust,
Sue Henning, Sandy Dodge and Thom White. Works with subdivisions and planning
department with master plans & parkland dedications.
Snowfill Watchdog: Members Terry Baldus, and Sue Henning.
Activities Committee: Website – Bob Wade and Sandy Dodge. There will be a link to
the Regional Park Leather’s Playground on the info bozeman website.
Nominations Committee: Terry Baldus.
Cash-in-lieu Committee: Ron Dingman, Sandy Dodge, with help from Representative
J.P. Pomnichowski.
Liaisons: David Cook – Library & Cemetery Board, Regional Park – liaison needed,
Bike Board – Bob Wade, Tree Board – Ada Montague is a member.
Recreation Division Report: Jamie Saitta & Dan McCarthy (attached).
Parks Division Report: Thom White (attached).
Parks and Recreation Director’s Report - Ron Dingman said there are many applications for
the Recreation Superintendent position and they are being screened by Human Resources first.
An appointment will be made by mid February. The City Commission needs to approve new
aquatic fees and also rental fees for Story Mansion for parties and weddings. According to the
City Legal Department the city cannot dedicate land to itself so a declaration of parks to include
Centennial, Soroptomist and Burke Parks will be held on February 2nd to prevent their use for
any other purpose than as parks.
Other: Terry Baldus reported on the Great Fall’s dog park. Thom White added some
guidelines. Comments were made by Terry Baldus, Sandy Dodge and others to coordinate
statewide on cash-in-lieu changes in the state law.
Submitted by Susan E. Henning,
Temporary Secretary