Heather Hanover

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent items, which covered minutes from a prior meeting and the December 31, 2025, financial report. Discussions on Old Business centered on the 2026 Event List, specifically debating which events are PSD-sponsored, the involvement of DPW workers, liability for joint events, and coordinating with the Chamber regarding event classifications, deferring final slate approval to February. The committee also referred the issue of categorizing events and granting funds for fair decision-making to the Events committee. New Business focused on the upcoming 2026-2027 Budget requiring committee input for approval. In a closed session, the board approved the 2026 contract for the Executive Director, Heather Hanover, including a $1000 increase. The meeting concluded with a public comment regarding the removal of holiday décor.

The meeting focused on new business, specifically the review of the 2026-30 Parks and Recreation Five-Year Master Plan. The board discussed formally recommending this plan to the City Commission for adoption in January, including an agreed-upon amendment to move the Recreation Director position below the City Manager position within the Administrative Structure section. In old business, an update was provided on the Wilson Community Center roof construction, which was approximately 50% complete, and a potential change in flooring material from laminate to tile for historical reasons was mentioned.

The board conducted an election of officers, reconfirming Member Pioszak as Chairman for his first year out of the two-year limit and nominating Member Fromson as Vice-Chair. The board also recommended the reappointment of Members Thelen and Butler for two-year terms, prompting a discussion regarding the seven-member board structure. Key old business involved reviewing the 2026-30 Parks and Recreation Five-Year Master Plan, including alignment with the citywide master plan, action plan prioritization, and discussions on downtown elements like the Mint Fest move and silo removal feasibility. Updates were provided on Fantasy Forest 2.0, confirming main construction completion and addressing ongoing maintenance and rule posting needs. For the Wilson Center project, agreements are signed, awaiting federal feedback, with roof replacement mobilization imminent for a projected six to eight month duration. A DNR Passport Grant application was discussed, noting the preliminary score requires improvement to reach funding levels. New business included the approved sale of two east rail cars with a six-month removal timeline, strong program activity reports highlighting expanding winter non-traditional programs and potential softball league rule adjustments, an update on Depot Restoration nearing completion with new flooring and key pad entry implementation, and expansion of the Disc Golf course with new holes, printed scorecards, and consideration of turf tee pads.

The special meeting agenda was approved, and the minutes for the December 8, 2025, special and regular meetings were approved. During public comments, several individuals offered positive feedback regarding the City Manager's leadership, mentorship, and responsiveness. The Commission subsequently voted to terminate the employment of the City Manager, Chad Gamble, effective immediately, citing ongoing issues with communication, trust, and approach, pursuant to the employment agreement. Following this action, the Commission appointed Kristina Kinde as interim City Manager and directed the City Clerk to commence the process of gathering proposals for a new City Manager.

This document outlines the City of St. Johns' multi-year Capital Improvement Plan, detailing funding requests for fiscal years 2027 through 2036. The plan focuses on strategic investments in infrastructure maintenance, replacement, and new construction across various departments, including wastewater treatment, water production and distribution, public works, street maintenance, parks, and public safety. Key priorities involve upgrading facilities, replacing vehicles and equipment, improving IT infrastructure, and enhancing community assets to ensure continued operational efficiency and service delivery.