HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark Board Minutes 04.07.2022April 7, 2022
Laurel Park Board Meeting
Started 5:33 PM by Scot Stokes with Iry Wilke, Rick Herr, Jon Rutt, Evan Bruce, Matt Wheeler, Kirk
Markegard, Mayor Dave Waggoner and Paul Kober.
Public Comment:
Mary and Elizabeth from the LARC came to volunteer LARC to facilitate opening the Laurel Pool this
year.
Approved minutes from February 3, 2022, meeting, Iry motioned and Rick 2nd. Motion passed
No minutes from March 3, 2022, meeting, because of a lack of quorum.
New Business:
Andrea Johnson from the Montana Tennis Association and the USTA spoke on building tennis courts and
possible pickle ball courts in Laurel. Several locations suggested along with working with the schools and
Pickle Ball group on raising funds when a location is found. Motion made by Irv, 2"d by Jon to investigate
the feasibility of this being done in Laurel. Motion passed.
Kirk and the Mayor made a presentation on building a Bike Park and Skate Park similar to the one in
Billings called Blue Creek Bike Park. Proposed location is an unused park area north of the Fir Field
soccer park. Very doable project with low cost and the skate park people have already raised $6,000
towards the building of a skate park. Grants and fundraising can be kicked into gear with a location.
Motion made by Evan, 2nd by Iry to study the feasibility of accomplishing this project as soon as possible.
Motion passed.
Old Business:
Riverside Park Updates. A lot of work has been done to clean up the park and some landscaping needs
to be completed to be ready for summer. Discussion on the addition of another vault toilet, rebuilding
the shower building and fixing some septic tank systems. Perc tests are being run by Riverstone for
feasibility. Motion made by Iry to pursue money from the Exxon penalty to complete some of these
projects, Paul 2"d. Motion passed.
The Little League and the American Legion want to enter into a long term 25 year lease to secure
stability in their investment in the fields. Motion made by Iry to draft a lease with regular increases that
would be agreeable along with reports from the organizations on their investment and improvements.
Paul 2"d. Motion passed.
Richard Klose, Ken Olson, and George Waddell spoke on behalf of the American Legion post
adopting/championing the building in Riverside Park. Discussion followed about ways to incentivize the
organization through reduced or waived rent of a long-term lease after proof of investment in improving
the functionality of the building. Some problems need to be addressed with the septic and utilities
before an agreement can be made.
Other Items:
Matt presented the need for replacement of the soccer nets in Murray Park. Jon made a motion to
approve this purchase, Iry 2nd and motion passed.
Lions Club is using the former Jaycee Hall and would like to consider adopting/championing the building
and would we consider renaming Lions Hall?
We agreed to meet on May 5, 2022, for the next meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 7:03
Jon Rutt