Park and Tree board approves lost funds transfer for stage project

The Red Oak Park and Tree Board met for its regular meeting on Nov. 10.
Park and Tree Board chairman Bill Drey shared an update on the Fountain Square Park stage with the board members.
“The concrete portion of the stage project was completed, and park superintendent Adam Van Der Vliet and I also discussed the specifications of the electrical hook-up with Miles Russell of Russell Electric,” Drey commented.
The board then discussed a resolution for determination of local option sales tax monies used toward the Fountain Square Park Stage. The board approved a resolution to transfer $150,000 from LOST funds to the stage project fund.  The motion passed.
Drey also shared the details of the efforts to keep the city’s parks clean and manageable.
“Van Der Vliet continues to pick up trash and check the parks daily. Two benches were installed at the dog park. Playground borders were fixed at Dutton and Kelly parks. Additionally, leaves in the parks were mulched as needed. Van Der Vliet has been fixing and replacing light bulbs on the Christmas lights at the Chautauqua Park Pavilion,” explained Drey.
In other business, the board:
• Approved a recommendation for the park and swimming pool budgets, as presented to the board.
• A rough draft of the Park Plan was shared for 2023. Members will review the plan and bring ideas for revisions to the plan to the December meeting. A list of completed projects for the year was also shared with members.
• Drey advised the board he will be applying for the Trees Please grant through Mid-American Energy, and completed the evaluation for hotel/motel grants.
• The board discussed the possibility of starting a Facebook page to represent the Park and Tree Board. Further discussion is expected at a future meeting.