Ely Park and Recreation Board elects officers, limits public comment and seeks role in proposed sale of city land

The Ely City Park and Recreation Board met March 11 at City Hall and conducted officer elections, set public-comment time limits and asked staff to research options related to a potential city land sale.

At the start of new business, Eva Sebesta moved to nominate Kristen Anthony as chair (Adam Bisbee seconded); the motion carried with Anthony recorded as abstaining. Jill Swanson was nominated and elected vice chair (Bisbee abstained), and Scott Kochendorfer was re-nominated to continue as secretary. The board then adopted new time limits for public participation: a 15-minute maximum for requests to appear and a three-minute maximum for open-forum speakers (motion by Bisbee, second by Steve Toddie; motion carried).

The board spent substantial time on Ordinance 397 and a proposed rezoning and sale of 900 E Miners Drive. Council Representative Adam Bisbee raised concern that Park and Rec should be involved when city-owned parcels zoned Public or Open are sold. Planning and Zoning Administrator Scott Kochendorfer reviewed the parcel's plat and zoning history and said the city has an interested buyer; he told the board that “the city council has the sole authority to authorize the sale of city land; this is not completed by city staff.” Minutes say the board asked Kochendorfer to research whether cities set aside a portion of sale proceeds for park and recreation reinvestment; the board moved this item to the top of Old Business for April and requested a report back from staff.

On old business, the board discussed several routine items. Staff reported the mountain-bike-trail project received a federal concurrence/verification letter (referred to in the minutes as FRTP); light brushing is expected this spring and bids may be opened this season. The minutes also record that the outdoor skating rinks closed early due to warm weather after operating Dec. 2025 through March 1. The Pickleball Club agreed to pay up to $2,000 toward a survey needed after spring brushing. The board agreed to continue the Annual Trailhead Gathering and placed ‘Budget’ on the April agenda.

Board members debated jurisdiction over the new Trailhead building. Kochendorfer read Section 2.55 of the city code (Park and Recreation Board duties), and Steve Toddie moved — seconded by Jill Swanson — that, in accordance with Chapter 2.55, the Park and Rec Board have authority over rules and regulations for the Trailhead Center. The motion carried with Eva Sebesta recorded as abstaining.

Votes at a glance: Motion to approve Jan. 14 and Feb. 11 minutes — moved by Eva Sebesta, seconded by Adam Bisbee; carried. Nomination of Kristen Anthony as chair — moved by Sebesta, seconded by Bisbee; carried (Anthony abstained). Nomination of Adam Bisbee as vice chair — moved by Swanson, seconded by Sebesta; carried (Bisbee abstained). Nomination of Scott Kochendorfer as secretary — moved by Sebesta, seconded by Toddie; carried. Adopted 15-minute request-to-appear and three-minute open-forum limits — moved by Bisbee, seconded by Toddie; carried. Motion asserting Park and Rec authority over Trailhead Center rules (per Chapter 2.55) — moved by Toddie, seconded by Swanson; carried (Sebesta abstained). Motion to move next meeting to Ely Rec Center — moved by Bisbee, seconded by Toddie; carried; minutes later note April meeting will be held at Ely City Hall due to a Rec Center scheduling conflict.

The meeting adjourned at 6:13 p.m. The board noted its next meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2026 at 5 p.m.