The board’s decision to approve a 25-year amortization plan for the JC’s Park lighting project was a focal point, as it balanced financial constraints with the need for enhanced park safety. The lighting project, initially deferred due to funding concerns, presented two options: utilizing capital funds for a lump sum payment or spreading costs over two decades through monthly billing. The latter was recommended by staff, aligning with other replacement projects to ensure feasibility.

During discussions, members raised questions about the adequacy of proposed lighting for night use at the pleasure rink, considering potential additional lighting setups similar to those at Gregory Park. Concerns extended to the soccer field adjacent to the parking lot, with suggestions for professional sports lighting to facilitate extended evening play. One member highlighted the importance of parking lot visibility to deter vandalism and ensure security, advocating for well-lit areas to promote safety and usage of park facilities.

In parallel, the board tackled the 2025 park fee schedule, opting to defer the banner program for separate discussion. The banner program’s inclusion in the fee schedule was a point of contention, prompting suggestions to negotiate separate maintenance agreements for field rentals. The board aimed to accommodate varying needs among organizations, particularly for tournaments, by promoting a flexible rate structure. Such flexibility was deemed essential to facilitate larger events and support outside agencies interested in park utilization.

The meeting also addressed the placement and management of benches within parks. Discussions focused on the responsibilities of individuals or groups purchasing benches, with calls for clearer guidelines on maintenance and lifecycle management. The board considered policies to notify families when benches reach the end of their lifespan, allowing them to decide on replacements. The potential for a minimum guarantee period, possibly five years, was suggested, given the durability of synthetic materials used in bench construction.

Further deliberations touched on the approval of Change Order 3 for ongoing construction projects, addressing cost overruns resulting from items omitted from original plans. Adjustments were made to manage the budget, including in-house fabrication of handrails and deferring unnecessary painting. These measures brought the total contract to approximately $475,000, slightly below the revised budget.

The board also approved an amendment request from WSB for additional staking and observation time on the parks ARA project. The amendment, totaling $6,480, was necessary to balance additional hours required by WSB against the project’s financial constraints. Despite exceeding initial estimates, the project remained within budget.

Additionally, the discussion covered the JC’s Park grading plans, clarifying misconceptions about the pleasure rink’s depth and addressing drainage concerns for the soccer field. Confidence in the current design’s ability to handle drainage without major adjustments was expressed, with plans to monitor the situation closely.

The public forum saw no citizen comments, but board members reflected on past community events and future improvements. Discussions included enhancing the beach area, addressing water quality issues for a successful reopening, and potential pickleball court conversions at Gregory Park. Efforts to deter vandalism through camera installations and the hiring of new staff were also noted.