01-06-2022 Parks_Rec Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES PARKS & REC COMMISSION JANUARY 6, 2022 4 The Parks and Recreation Director commented that there will likely be some disruption because there will be the park project in addition to the street project. He stated that the residents will be mailed a letter related to the street project and could include park improvements as well. NEW BUSINESS: 2022 PARK ASSIGNMENTS The Parks and Recreation Director commented that the intent is to assign each Commissioner a park to visit and provide input. He stated that the assignments have been updated to provide each member with a new park to visit. The Parks and Recreation Director commented that in-person meetings have been able to work and the Council would like to maintain in-person meetings. He stated that staff will review the option for hybrid or virtual meetings to provide flexibility. He asked for input from the Commission on their preference for meetings. Commissioner Hipp commented that she believes virtual meetings would be more effective, as mask-wearing makes it harder to hear voices. Commissioner Chu commented that she would also like virtual meetings because of the concerns with the pandemic. She stated that she would also support a hybrid option to allow people to attend in person and those that are not comfortable attending virtually. Chair Miller stated that he likes in-person meetings. He believed hybrid meetings could be a challenge as he would want to ensure everyone can be heard and that those attending virtually are equally recognized. He stated that he would support any option that allows for fair participation. Commissioner Schletty stated that he enjoyed returning to in-person meetings but also understands that the pandemic has picked back up. He stated that a hybrid format would also be great and allow participation for those that may not feel comfortable attending. He stated that things are moving quickly, and he would be hesitant to decide at this time. He stated that if more people are comfortable meeting remotely and that is allowed, he would support that. Commissioner Abruzzese stated that she believes that the meetings should have returned to remote some time ago because of the circumstances of the pandemic and the number of cases. She commented that the remote meetings were efficient, and that format would place less risk on the members of the Commission. Commissioner Mui commented that he believes that it would be an all-or-nothing decision, whether that is in person or remote, and would not choose hybrid. Chair Miller commented that it would appear the Commission would like to request to return to remote meetings until things settle down with the pandemic.