Board of Park Commissioners

City of Hobart Board of Park Commissioners Minutes Meeting of May 12th, 2014 Call to Order: Mr. Ehrhardt called the meeting to order at 6:00pm, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The following Commissioners were present: Mrs. Liss, Mr. Spain, and Mr. Ehrhardt. Also present were the School Board Representative Mr. Rogers, Council Representative Mr. Maggio, Park Superintendent Mr. Mitchell, and Park Board Secretary Julie Mandon. Mrs. Sills arrived after the pledge. Approval of Agenda: Mr. Spain made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Mrs. Liss. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Approval of Minutes: Mrs. Liss motions to approve the minutes from April as presented, seconded by Mr. Spain. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Approval of Register of Claims: Mr. Mitchell stated that he added bills from CINTAS for a total of $240.37. Mr. Spain questioned pool chemicals bill being for the whole season or just a start? Mr. Mitchell explained that those chemicals will last all season. Mrs. Liss questioned why the baby swings were replaced and Mr. Mitchell stated that they were dry rotted. Mrs. Sills made a motion to accept the register of claims for January as presented, seconded by Mrs. Liss. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Correspondence: None Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Mitchell stated that the Parks Department is busy cleaning up all of the trees and debris in the parks from the storm. The old Chamber building is torn down so that there will be more parking available. Mr. Mitchell said work on the pool will begin in about a week to get things cleaned up for the opening June 7th and the Summer Market will begin June 5th. Ridge Road is now open and Mr. Mitchell explained that he observed the traffic is slowed down so that is a good result. It is important for events with full parking lots filled with people crossing the road. Mr. Mitchell stated that the Hillman Ballpark is looking great due to Mr. Ellenberger working very hard there. Plan Commission Report: Mr. Spain stated that for the May report there were three site plans approved: Albanese expansion, a new landscape business next to Stardust Bowling, and a cheer/gymnastics business where the Wonder Bread building was. Council Report: Mr. Maggio said that he saw the Parks Department picking up and cleaning the debris and trees and they are doing a great job. Hillman Ballpark never looked better and he has gotten compliments from the players during league play. School Board Report: Mr. Rogers discussed the school year winding down with June 6th graduation and end of the year banquets. Mr. Spain asked when the scholarship banquet is and Mr. Rogers stated that it is next week. Mr. Rogers said that the lunch program begins as soon as school lets out and he wanted to thank the Park Board for allowing it to take place in the parks. Old Business: The Superhero race is tabled until next month. Mr. Maggio said that they got their insurance today but they are waiting on the paperwork. New Business: Mr. Mendoza gave a presentation on the comprehensive plan: Plan Hobart 2025. The plan is done every ten years and gives objectives for the city’s future development including parks and playground improvements. Plan Commission has teamed up with Special Events and Concept Marketing and Design in order to advertise and campaign for resident participation. There will be public sessions held weekly at the Community Center where residents can voice their opinions and give input. Mr. Mendoza also presented the bike trail system map amendment with ADA routes included. The trail system was removed that went through the cemetery, instead it now goes on the right of way. Mr. Mendoza states that the city is seeking federal funding in a grant opportunity with the application due May 16th. It will include trailheads on 2nd and Center St. with a parking lot and bike parking. This will also include a water trailhead with parking at Rugby Field. Mr. Ehrhardt asked how they will the wants from the public for Brickie Bowl. Mr. Mendoza said that will be discussed June 9th at the Community Center public planning session for the parks topic. Mr. Spain wanted to thank the staff and Mr. Mendoza for this, grants and funding agencies are very important. Mr. Mendoza opened it up for public comment. An audience member asked the projected timeline for the grant and Mr. Mendoza said the grant is due by May 16th for funding. Mr. Mendoza asked the board to consider the resolution 2014-01. Mr. Spain makes a motion and Mrs. Sills seconds. All aye, motion carried to adopt resolution. (4-0) Mrs. Curtis announced that the Tuesday night concerts for seniors have been moved to the Hobart Middle School. She stated that it being mid-May makes funding impossible. Mrs. Curtis also asked to please return her ice machine. Mr. Mitchell explained that it was lost in the flood back in 2008 where everything was destroyed. The Parks Department had to purchase a new ice machine for the new Community Center. Mr. Ehrhardt said to have that conversation with the Parks Department office not here at the board meeting. Announcements: The June 9th Park Board Meeting will be held at the Hobart Community Center 111 E. Old Ridge Rd at 6pm. Mr. Ehrhardt wanted to say congratulations to Mr. Mitchell on being newly married and also a Happy 40th Birthday to Mr. Mendoza. Adjournment: Mrs. Sills made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Liss. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) The meeting adjourned at 6:40pm. ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________