Board of Park Commissioners

City of Hobart Board of Park Commissioners Minutes August 11, 2014 Call to Order: Mr. Ehrhardt called the meeting to order at 6pm, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The following Commissioners were present: Mr. Ehrhardt, Mr. Spain, and Mrs. Sills, and Mrs. Liss. Also present were the School Board Representative Mr. Rogers, Council Representative Mr. Maggio, Park Superintendent Mr. Mitchell, and Park Board Secretary Julie Mandon. Approval of Agenda: Mr. Mitchell brought up the idea of changing the Park Board meeting times to 5pm instead of 6pm. Mrs. Sills made a motion to approve the time change and the agenda as presented, seconded by Mrs. Liss. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Approval of Minutes: Mr. Spain motions to approve the minutes from June as presented, seconded by Mrs. Sills. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Approval of Register of Claims: Mr. Ehrhardt questioned the purchase of the generators. Mr. Mitchell explained that they got a very good deal on the generators that we needed. They retail at about $15,000 and got them for $4,800. Mrs. Sills questioned what a MMZ pusher was and Mr. Mitchell stated that it was an attachment that sits on the tractor running the blades. Mrs. Sills also questioned the arts and craft purchases and Mr. Mitchell said that we have an Arts in the Park children’s program. Ms. Mandon stated that there was a late addition of an invoice to SEH’s contract for $15,206.18. INDOT will reimburse 80%. Mrs. Sills made a motion to accept the register of claims for August as presented, seconded by Mrs. Liss. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Correspondence: None. Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Mitchell stated that the parks department did receive the LARE grant to improve the shoreline behind the community center. He is very aware of the lakefront improvements that need to be made. It is a growing problem from the clocktower to the bank with the brick walkway deteriorating. The sand washes out constantly and the sidewalk has lowered 5-6 inches. The park employees have maintained this walkway 3-5 times a year for the past few years. It obviously is a long term project but it is such a popular area for citizens it needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Mr. Mitchell said that the 23rd Annual Lakefront Festival is this weekend. There will not be a carnival this year but there will be a kid’s zone with bouncy houses, magic shows, and Euro bungees. Everything will be kept on one side of the park except parking. Mrs. Sills asked about the summer market golf carts staff being paid out of special events or parks budget and why are there no volunteers. Mr. Mitchell explained that special events do not have a budget but solely work off of sponsorships so they need to work hand in hand with the parks department to make the events happen. He said they cannot find volunteers willing to do the heavy lifting, bathrooms and garbage duty. It is all hard work to set up and tear down each market. Mr. Mitchell said he has moved around the workers schedules so that they are not working any more hours than a normal week just different times. Plan Commission Report: Mr. Spain stated that the plan commission approved site plans for the brewery on 30 and Utah Street, Devil’s Trumpet, for outdoor seating area. Also, the commission approved an emergency tower at Hillman Park. Council Report: Mr. Maggio stated that he finally was able to attend the Summer Market. It was a great crowd and it achieves exactly what we want it to do by bringing people to our city. He appreciates the hard work to enhance the quality of life. School Board Report: Mr. Rogers stated that school starts Wednesday and there are about 15 new teachers excited and ready to go. Friday is the last day for the school free lunch program. It was very successful and served about 500 a day. Old Business: The Robinson Lake Superhero Race has its insurance policy and is all set with the event. Sandy O’Brian stated that the EMS and Police has been notified. All proceeds go to the Friends of Robinson Lake. The course and registration will be the same as last year beginning at 6pm August 23rd. Mr. Mitchell said he will provide extra garbage cans and picnic tables. New Business: Rainbow Serenity’s representative Brandon Wagman said that it is the 3rd year for the event at Veterans Park. Mrs. Sills asked why hold it at Veterans Park. Mr. Wagman stated that they like the setting and it is easy to control with one way in and one way out. It is a great location with the opportunity to expand. Mr. Mitchell stated that this is a great group to work with, no problems and very clean. He will add some garbage cans, a few extra tables and unhook the picnic tables. Mr. Spain motions to approve this event, Mrs. Liss seconds. All aye, motion carries. (4-0) Announcements: Sandy O’Brian addressed the board with discussion in regards to control burns. She said that she has been burning for 15 years. It helps give life and makes a big difference benefitting the growth of plantings. She stated that she needs a letter from the mayor allowing her to continue the burnings. Mrs. O’Brian stated the sewer truck does need to visit Robinson Lake bathrooms as soon as possible. Mrs. O’Brian also wanted to thank Mr. Mitchell for having the park open and ready for the NWI Paddlers event. She also asked what trees Mr. Mitchell planned on planting around the emergency tower. Mr. Mitchell stated he would let Mrs. O’Brian choose the 6 native plantings herself. Ms. Mandon presented he Boat race contract and insurance policy in need for approval. Everything is the same as previous years. Mr. Spain asked how many boats participate and Mr. Mitchell stated around 100 boaters bring around 4 boats each. They run several heats a day until it is too dark to race. Mr. Ehrhardt entertains a motion to approve the event. Mrs. Sills motions to approve, Mrs. Liss seconds. All aye, motion carries. (4-0) Adjournment: Mrs. Sills made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Liss. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________