Carson City Parks and Recreation Commission covers pesticides, MAC

Use of organics versus synthetic pesticides and policies for using the latter were discussed fully Tuesday at Carson City’s Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.

Commissioners also approved recommending a continued $1 per year lease cost for a city structure, which is used by a foundation supporting parks and recreation, and heard a report on the multi-purpose athletic center (MAC) that’s less than a month from opening.

The report on pesticides, which had been requested by Commissioner Donna Curtis, was provided by Scott Fahrenbruch, deputy director with the Parks and Recreation Department. He said policy on synthetic pesticides used at most parks were to let park users know before applying, to post signs on days of application and to leave and return another day if a park user expressed concern. Among the concerns of users is sometimes if they are pet owners.

Fahrenburch also reported a test is being conducted at John Mankins Park on use of organic pesticides, which are advocated by an organization called Beyond Pesticides.

He said the fair test to compare costs and required manpower will take through the next growing season at least, but he called the test period indefinite. He said if changes eventually will be made, members of the Board of Supervisors will want information on benefits and costs.

“If we do have to supplement our budget, they’re going to want that,” he said. He also said Reno has gone to organics, as has Portland. He said a website search showed Portland’s costs did go up.

The board, with three members recusing themselves as members of the foundation involved, voted without dissent to recommend to the city’s governing board the city continue renting the historic Wungnema House though an older foundation had been abandoned for a new one called Foundation for Carson City Parks and Recreation, Inc. The former one was called Foundation for the Betterment of Carson City Parks and Recreation.

David Bugli, president, said the new foundation would serve as an umbrella organization for groups who want to raise funds for city parks and recreation programs but don’t have tax-free non profit status themselves. The Wungnema House at the east end of Mills Park is operated and used by the foundation, and some other organizations. The city maintains the exterior and the foundation the interior.

Roger Moellendorf, Parks and Recreation Department director, made the MAC report. He said the wooden floor at the $8.4 million facility is almost in place, the overhead walking track is going in later this month and the grand opening party is set for Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. He said there wouldn’t much delay in usage.

A two week delay had been planned when a mid-month party was to be held, but finishing touches set the party back.