Included in the agenda of the City Commission Regular Meeting held on June 3, 2024, was an Administrative Recommendation which outlined seven instances where the public was invited to provide input on matters related to parks, recreation, and the proposed millage.
Although these events took place, it’s important to note that there were no public meetings before the millage decision that allowed for open dialogue, where the community could ask questions, discuss specific options, or share their priorities. Instead, the public was generally limited to making brief 3-minute comments during the discussion an item.
Below is the first page of the Administrative Recommendation, along with a detailed review of these events and the level of public participation they generated.
1. EPIC-MRA Resident Survey – September 2023
In September 2023, the city commissioned EPIC-MRA to conduct a statistically valid survey with 264 randomly selected participants. Additionally, an online version was made available for broader community input. However, due to the open nature of the online survey, it did not meet the standards of statistical accuracy. Survey Results.
This was the sole input gathered by the city prior to releasing the draft Recreation Master Plan. Notably, this process did not align with the city’s Public Participation Plan or the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Guidelines for Community Parks and Recreation Plans.
2. Recreation Master Plan Process City Commission Regular Meeting – October 16, 2023
During the City Commission Regular Meeting held on October 16, 2023 a motion was passed to begin the Opening Day Review Period for the Recreation Master Plan and set the date for the Public Hearing. The 30-day review period was intended to gather public input, with the commission encouraging residents to contact the City Manager or commissioners via phone or email. Citizens were given a 3-minute speaking opportunity on this item.
A Public Hearing on the Recreation Master Plan was conducted as part of the City Commission Regular Meeting held on November 20, 2023. Again, citizens were given a 3-minute speaking opportunity.
3. City Commission Study Session – January 11, 2024
This session was focused on identifying the One-Year Tasks for the Strategic Plan. The Millage was only 1 item discussed out of 44 tasks identified. The general public was not aware of any specific items discussed.
4. City Commission Regular Meeting – February 5, 2024
The agenda did not include any specific discussion on Parks and Recreation. The City Commission simply Adopted the Strategic Plan One Year Tasks identified at the January 11th meeting. Citizens were given the opportunity for 3-minutes of comments.
5. Committee of the Whole – February 5, 2024
A presentation was given by the Recreation Director and discussed by the City Commission. Public comments were not on the agenda and none of the attending citizens spoke. The Recreation Director’s presentation was neither listed on the agenda nor documented in the meeting minutes.
6. Focus Group Sessions – April 9, 2024
The city hosted two focus group sessions facilitated by a professional, which I attended. The first session had 27 participants, and the second had 15. Discussions centered on the ideal Recreation Department, recreation amenities, potential funding sources, and opportunities for partnerships. No specific projects were presented for attendees to consider. Focus Group Report
7. Public Engagement Forum – May 22, 2024
An open forum was held where the City Commission presented on the current state of parks and recreation and the department’s needs. Answers to frequently asked questions were provided verbally but not included in the presentation or made available to the public afterward. There was no opportunity for open dialogue as attendees were not permitted to ask questions during the meeting but could provide written feedback through a survey at the session’s conclusion. City Commissioners were available afterward for one-on-one discussions. Recreation Department Public Engagement Presentation