Soldotna’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board would get bigger and meet more frequently under proposed changes that will be considered next month by the Soldotna City Council. The city’s parks and recreation board oversees the development of Soldotna’s parks, campgrounds and the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex.
Soldotna Parks and Recreation Director Andrew Carmichael wrote in a March 11 memo to council members that the five-member board initially considered bumping membership up to six, however, members expressed concern about what would happen in the case of a tied vote.
As a result, city administration is recommending that the board be bumped to seven members, which Carmichael wrote “will reduce the tie vote scenario likelihood yet still carry forward the board’s interest in increasing community involvement opportunities.”
Carmichael also said the board asked that up to one of the two new seats be open to a non-city resident. Administration is recommending that the council approve language stating no more than two board members can live outside of city limits.
Under the changes, which council members will consider at their April 13 meeting, the board would also meet more frequently — up to six times per year from four times per year.
“This is seen as an expanded opportunity for community involvement and to improve the board’s participation in a more ‘real time’ manner,” Carmichael wrote.
More information about the Soldotna Parks and Recreation Advisory Board can be found on the city’s website at soldotna.org.
Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.
