Park board delays recommendation on PATH fundraising committee resolution for wording and membership changes

The Parks and Recreation Board reviewed a draft resolution to formalize the Parks and Trails of Heath (PATH) fundraising committee and decided to delay a recommendation to city council so staff can revise language on staff/board collaboration, membership selection and attendance requirements.

Staff said the resolution would establish the PATH fundraising committee as a fundraising and advisory body, clarify processes for receiving funds and identifying projects, and outline staff support for the volunteer committee. Board members and staff discussed multiple edits: replacing repeated references to “parks board” with the correct name, specifying that city staff should identify projects in collaboration with the park board (rather than unilaterally), and adding a clear attendance requirement for committee members.

Board members referenced comments from John Walker, a park board member who serves as chair of the PATH steering committee, saying Walker recommended the appointment process clearly outline duties, commitment expectations and a removal mechanism for underperforming committee members. Several board members argued that minimum attendance rules should be explicit (one suggested carrying over the three‑absence standard used by other city boards and commissions within a 12‑month period).

Members also debated whether the park board should appoint committee members or whether city council should make appointments under the city’s boards and commissions process; staff said legal review and consistency with existing board policies influenced the current draft. Board members expressed a preference for keeping at least one park‑board representative on the committee but removed a requirement that the park‑board chair personally serve as committee chair, citing concerns about forcing a non‑fundraising chair into a sales role.

Staff proposed ex officio, nonvoting city staff participation to ensure staff presence and operational knowledge at committee meetings; board members supported having staff liaisons present but emphasized that staff should be nonvoting. Several members suggested language clarifying that staff will act as liaisons and provide technical and administrative support while the committee pursues fundraising.

After discussion, the board agreed to push the item to the next meeting with specific edits: change phrasing to “city staff in collaboration with the park board,” remove any requirement that the park‑board chair must serve as PATH chair, clarify membership and appointment language consistent with the city’s boards and commissions process, and add a stated attendance threshold and procedure for member removal. Staff said they will return a revised draft for the board’s recommendation to council.