A significant portion of the meeting addressed the city’s approach to managing its trees, both on public and private lands. A strategic ten-year plan aims to preserve the urban forest by assessing tree conditions and identifying those needing replacement. The plan outlines a projected need for $495,000 in grant funding to support the removal and pruning of hazardous trees, emphasizing collaboration with property owners. Concerns about specific trees, such as large spruce trees posing risks to properties, were also voiced, prompting calls for proactive measures to manage aging trees that threaten homes and utility lines.

The board also delved into the issue of camping rates at local parks, considering an increase in nightly rates amid inflationary pressures. A 3% rate hike for nightly bookings was proposed, with plans to revisit more specific rate adjustments at a future meeting. This decision was driven by the need to implement changes before the reservation start date, just three weeks away. The discussion revealed a desire to balance fair pricing with maintaining the park’s competitive appeal, particularly for high-demand lakeside tent and RV sites. Additionally, there was consideration of a new “prime nightly” pricing category for sites transitioning from seasonal to nightly use, aimed at reflecting their increased value. Rates for off-season tent camping were also discussed, with a proposal to keep them unchanged to maintain their role as a positive public relations tool.

In another key segment of the meeting, the board received an update on the local golf course. Despite a slow business pace, the course reported a positive season with increased numbers. Plans are underway to prepare the clubhouse and equipment for winter, with maintenance tasks scheduled for the coming weeks. The course faces challenges with its aging cart fleet, described as a “boneyard” of unsightly and unreliable vehicles, with only three operational carts remaining. Efforts are being made to negotiate the acquisition of used carts from another golf course, while ensuring the purchase stays within budget.

Furthermore, the board discussed the future of the Coast Guard facility, currently under assessment for transfer to the city. There were debates over whether the property should fall under the parks department’s jurisdiction and how it might be utilized, with suggestions ranging from a bed and breakfast to community-focused uses. A comprehensive master plan was deemed necessary to address related infrastructure issues, especially concerning the facility’s parking lot.