Park board forwards PATH fundraising committee applicants to council after strong applicant pool

The Heath Park Board voted to forward a group of PATH (parks and trails) fundraising committee applicants to the City Council for final appointment after staff reported receiving about 13‑14 applications and roughly 11–12 eligible candidates.

Board members said they were encouraged by the number of residents willing to volunteer for a committee described repeatedly in the meeting as a fundraising body rather than an events committee or the park board itself. "We were very, very clear with the applicants that this was a fundraising committee… they’re gonna be asked to call people and say write a check," Chairman Holland said.

Members discussed candidate strengths and the need for clarity in application forms; staff agreed to confirm with several applicants that they had applied specifically for the PATH fundraising committee rather than for other boards. The transcript records that some applicants did not check the exact form box but staff said those applications were likely submitted with the PATH link and can be clarified before council consideration.

The board voted to forward the applicants to the City Council; the council will make final appointment decisions and set the committee size and terms. Staff said the PATH resolution adopted earlier is written with rolling two-year terms, and council maintains discretion over membership numbers and appointment timing.

Ending: Board members asked staff to keep council and applicants informed and suggested that if additional applicants arrive they can be considered later; the board’s vote was a recommendation to council, not a final appointment.