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Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes September 21, 2021 Page 6 Chair Van Valkenburg wondered if they could leave pickleball equipment and other equipment for people to use. Staff Liaison Vaughan said the boxes hold bases and pitching machines and there isn’t much room to add other items. They could purchase another box to put by the tennis courts. He hasn’t had requests to rent equipment other than for volleyball. People bring their own ball for the gagaball pit. Chair Van Valkenburg felt they should add a meeting on December 14 to focus on programs. He asked the committee members to be thinking about how park programs work and maintenance issues. C.2022 Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Work Plan Chair Van Valkenburg wanted to add personnel and staffing needs to the list. Chair Van Valkenburg said that after touring parks last July, he compiled a list of maintenance issues and other items at Hazelnut, Valentine, Perry, Arden Manor, Freeway, Samson and Crepeau parks. He would like to add the east side parks including Johanna Marsh, Ingerson, Floral, Cummings, Royal Hills and Arden Manor. Interim Public Works Director Swearingen commented that it was a struggle to get seasonal employees this year. That does affect park maintenance. Streets, water, sewer, storm water departments involve rain gardens, storm sewer rehab, potholes etc. and staff has been spread thin. He appreciates the list of from the committee and staff can work on items as time allows. Committee Member Poelzer thought if they went to the schools or colleges they may be able to find students that want to earn funds for their sports programs. Council Liaison Grant said if they have issues with how parks are maintained they should notify the Public Works Director who can in turn discuss staffing with the City Council. He felt they should make recommendations on what they feel needs to be maintained and they should expect them to be maintained, then the Public Works Director would come up with a plan. He reiterated that this year was difficult to find seasonal employees. Committee Member Finlay said he hoped there would be a way to work more closely with the maintenance department. Interim Public Works Director Swearingen stated the lists they were compiling were helpful and he appreciated them. The best way they could help would be to get the younger people involved as seasonal employees. Committee Member Beggin thought it had been a real challenge for Staff Liaison Vaughan as programmer with less staff. He came up with ideas that were low cost or no cost that could bring people into the parks. He suggested music in the parks, food trucks, ice cream socials, a walk from Valentine Hills to Perry Park or on other trail sections to encourage people to socialize.