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Director reports: robot mower demo, Waterfront Park grant scoring, kayak kiosk moved and new sports supervisor hired
Summary
Parks director reported a no‑cost robot mower demo at John Collins Park, preliminary DNR grant scores for a $500,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund application (preliminary score 300/380), lower starting scores for two other DNR grants and that the kayak kiosk was relocated closer to the launch. Staff also introduced new hire Elijah Vlasas.
In the director's report on Sept. 22 Parks Director Derek updated the commission on a set of operational and grant matters.
Staff are running a no‑cost demonstration of an electric robot mower in John Collins Park to evaluate electric, lower‑noise alternatives to gas powered equipment. Derek said the unit is quiet enough to run at night, has a charging station at the park and has operational limits such as the need to mow frequently and limited ability to mulch leaves.
"It's like a neat robot," Derek said after viewing the demo. He added the machine "can only cut a little amount" per run and that it would not fully replace contract mowing or weed whipping in the near term.
On grants, Derek reported the city applied for three DNR grant programs for Waterfront Park. The city requested $500,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for a package that includes an expanded parking lot, a potential playground and trails; staff said the application received a preliminary score of 300 out of a possible 380. Derek said the city can submit supplemental information by Oct. 1 to try to gain additional points (up to 25) and that State Historic Preservation Office review had removed the need for additional pre‑construction testing on the property.
Two other DNR grant applications — Recreation Passport and the Natural Resources Trust Fund — received preliminary scores of 125 out of 250; staff said they will also provide supplemental materials but characterized those starting scores as less competitive.
Derek said the kayak kiosk near Main Field was moved down the hill and is now closer to the lake and the launch to avoid being blocked by upcoming construction, and he introduced Elijah Vlasas as a new sports supervisor who was previously an intern with the department and will help implement the new basketball program.
Staff also noted a Community Foundation‑supported buyback program for gas‑powered equipment that offers rebates to residents who turn in gas tools, and Derek said staff will continue to track evolving electric mowing options.
No formal commission action was taken on these informational items during the meeting.
