Parks board re-elects Danny as chair; Sarah named vice chair, committee rosters set

The Harbor Springs Parks & Recreation Board re-elected Danny to continue as chair and approved Sarah as vice chair during its January meeting. Board members moved and seconded both nominations and approved them by voice vote.

The leadership votes were followed by appointments to two standing subcommittees. The board approved a motion to appoint Sarah and Audrey to the programming subcommittee and a motion to appoint Natalie and Melissa to the funding subcommittee; both motions were moved, seconded and approved by voice votes. Members discussed that subcommittees typically meet at 4:30 p.m. (an hour before the regular 5:30 p.m. meeting) so they do not create an extra day’s commitment.

The nominations came after staff outlined the committees’ roles: the programming committee reviews and plans events such as sledding nights and community activities, while the funding committee focuses on fundraising, grants and revenue strategies. Board members emphasized that subcommittees are advisory and cannot take action without bringing recommendations to the full board.

Chair Danny, speaking after the vote, said he was willing to continue in the role and help onboard the new members. The board encouraged new members to communicate agenda items to staff in advance; packets are generally distributed the Friday before the Tuesday meeting.

Next steps: subcommittees will meet in February (programming first, funding in March) and the board will revisit committee work and priorities at the February meeting.