Woody Woodburn, Charty Oliver, Jennifer Young, Jean Midthun, Lucy Hicks, John Flynn, Hans Larson, Bryan Sykora, Administrator Dana Young

John Dupont, Council Liaison Jon Monson

The Committee approved the January 8, 2004 minutes on a motion by Jennifer Young, seconded by Lucy Hicks. Motion declared carried.

The Committee welcomed new members Lucy Hicks, John Flynn, Hans Larson and Bryan Sykora to the Park Committee.

Nominations were held for the positions of Park Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson for 2004. John Flynn nominated Woody Woodburn for Chairperson. Woody Woodburn nominated Jennifer Young for Vice-Chairperson. Nominations were declared closed.

The Committee recommended the appointment of Woody Woodburn as Chairperson and Jennifer Young as Vice-Chairperson for 2004 on a motion by Charty Oliver, seconded by Lucy Hicks. Motion declared carried.

The Committee recommended the reappointment of John Dupont to a three-year term of office on a motion by John Flynn, seconded by Jennifer Young. Motion declared carried. John Dupont’s term is effective until February 2007.

The Committee recommended the reappointment of Jean Midthun to a three-year term of office on a motion by Charty Oliver, seconded by Hans Larson. Motion declared carried. Jean Midthun’s term is effective until February 2007.

Each Committee member volunteered to provide oversight on one or more City parks or beaches. Woody Woodburn explained that the purpose of assigning parks and beaches is to make each Committee member responsible for providing a monthly update on appearance and maintenance issues.

Paul Skrede was in attendance and provided a brief update on that portion of the City website devoted to parks and beaches. Discussion was held on providing additional descriptions and pictures of each park and beach.

John Flynn presented a Park Asset List for Committee review. The Committee thanked Mr. Flynn for his efforts and asked each member to review and update the report. Dana Young stated that he would provide Mr. Flynn with a copy of the City’s Capital Improvement Plan that describes all the assets at each park and beach.

The Committee reviewed a brief progress report on the following list of 2004 projects:

John Flynn suggested that the City could develop a list of park-related equipment that people could donate to the City. Jennifer Young stated that you need to be careful requesting donations on particular items because it’s not uncommon for people to make unrealistic demands when they are donating money or equipment. John Flynn agreed that you would have to make it clear that final authority on donated equipment rests with the City.

John Flynn suggested that a subcommittee could be formed to develop recommendations on a policy pertaining to donations that would help to clarify expectations. John Flynn, Lucy Hicks, Bryan Sykora and Jean Midthun all volunteered to serve on the subcommittee and report back to the full Committee with their recommendations.

Further discussion was held on the repair of the North tennis court at Thorpe Park. Dana Young stated that he had received a quote from Sportscourt in the amount of $38,000 - $41,000 to furnish a sportscourt for the 108’ x 120’ court. This cost did not include the site preparation or new fencing. He stated that he is still waiting to receive a quote from Tennis West on the cost of repairing the existing courts.

Woody Woodburn asked if anybody had received any input from the public on the sportscourt down at the Main Beach. Paul Skrede stated that most of the comments he has heard have been favorable. He stated that many of the people who have played on the court stated that they would definitely play on it again. Bryan Sykora stated that there appeared to be a lot of use on the court in the morning. It was suggested that a sign-up sheet could be placed at the sportscourt at the Main Beach to get people’s opinions on the court.

Woody Woodburn stated that we are looking at several options regarding the north tennis courts at Thorpe Park. The first option is to replace it with a sportscourt. The second is to repair the existing courts. And the third option is to remove the courts. Woody Woodburn asked what would be the cost to remove the courts. Dana Young stated that he hoped the courts could be removed by the public works crew at minimal cost.

Discussion was held on including a survey in the April Newsletter asking the public their opinion on what to do with the tennis court. Additional suggestions included a neighborhood survey, a survey on the website and holding a town hall meeting. The Committee requested that Dana Young send each member a draft of a proposed survey within the next week to ten days.

Discussion was held on establishing a list of goals and objectives for 2004. Woody Woodburn suggested that each member think about his or her goals and objectives for discussion at next month’s meeting. Further discussion was held on holding a strategic planning session to more fully develop goals and objectives for the Committee.

Motion to adjourn by Hans Larson, seconded by Jennifer Young. Motion declared carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m.

Discussion items for next month will include park revenue sources, tennis court survey and 2004 goals & objectives.