Kelly Ewalt

This document outlines the Parks & Recreation Master Plan for the City of St. Joseph, serving as a guide for future park planning, community needs assessment, and funding prioritization for improvements. The plan is structured around three core strategic pillars: 'Maintain,' focusing on preserving and upgrading existing parks, facilities, and natural resources; 'Connect,' aiming to enhance pedestrian and non-motorized linkages between community areas and parks; and 'Respond,' emphasizing the identification of high-demand amenities, public safety, and increased community engagement in programming and cultural offerings. The overarching vision is to ensure a well-maintained, accessible, and interconnected park system that meets the evolving needs of the community.

The meeting included an update from the health officer, Nikki Brittain, regarding COVID-19 data and trends. The discussion covered confirmed cases, percent positivity, hospitalization rates, and death trends. There was also a report from corporate counsel on legislation updates, specifically Senate Bill 1108, which amends the open meetings act to permit remote meetings.

The meeting included discussions regarding an annexation request and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The annexation request pertains to AEP locating a substation on the property. The ARPA discussion covered eligible uses of the funds, including responding to public health emergencies, addressing negative economic impacts of the pandemic, providing government services, investing in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, and offering premium pay to essential workers. The deadline to commit these funds is December 31, 2024, and to expend them by December 31, 2026.

The meeting included discussions on various topics such as communications from different counties, resolutions, committee reports from administration, finance, and personnel. The finance committee discussed a county-wide culvert inspection bid and a bid on North County aggregate base course road. The personnel committee considered an issue involving a mental health board appointee and discussed board policies on per diem and mileage. Commissioners reported on attending various meetings including the Rhodes tour, Planning Commission meeting, 9-1-1 technical Ops and advisory meeting, road department garage tour, Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, and BC bit meeting. The board also discussed broadband internet access, the Orchards Mall, and recognized dispatcher and animal control week.

The meeting included discussions on various topics. The board addressed communications regarding the removal of health department orders for variance county schools. They also discussed the annual meeting of the board of canvassers, reappointment of members, and the process for elections. Public comments were heard regarding resolutions, including an added resolution about adjusting the speed limit on Glen Lord Road. The consent calendar was approved, including the resolution on the speed limit. The finance committee discussed ordering vehicles and trucks for the road department, a master agreement with the Michigan Department of Transportation for burying bus, and tax rolls. The administration committee discussed Motorola. The drain commission is looking at projects in the 12 million dollar range for 2022.