Board of Park Commissioners

City of Hobart Board of Park Commissioners Minutes December 8th, 2014 Call to Order: Mr. Ehrhardt called the meeting to order at 5pm, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The following Commissioners were present: Mr. Ehrhardt, Mr. Spain, Mrs. Sills, and Mrs. Liss. Also present were the School Board representative Mr. Rogers, Park Superintendent Mr. Mitchell, and Park Board Secretary Ms. Mandon. Approval of Agenda: Mrs. Sills made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Mrs. Liss. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Approval of Minutes: Mr. Spain motions to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Mrs. Sills seconds. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Approval of Register of Claims: Mrs. Sills questioned the purchase of the electric heaters. Mr. Mitchell explained that they were for Veteran’s Park restrooms because we now need to keep them open in the winter for the new sled hill. The work was done in house and saved a lot of money. These heaters will keep the pipes above freezing. Mrs. Liss questioned the photocell purchase and Mr. Mitchell explained that they are necessary for the lights to come on dusk till dawn on the lakefront. Mrs. Sills asked if the lights were all adjusted for the early darkness this time of year and Mr. Mitchell said yes. Mrs. Sills made a motion to accept the register of claims as presented, seconded by Mr. Spain All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Correspondence: None Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Mitchell stated that the sled hill now has signage and the bathrooms are ready for the winter. The dirt was donated but it took a toll on the blacktop into the park. A thank you to the Mayor for helping get the blacktop fixed as it was needed. The City Christmas Tree Lighting had great weather with about 600 people in attendance. There was a movie, Elf, shown in the park, carriage rides, a bonfire, Santa pictures, arts and crafts corner, and popcorn. The Holiday Market is Sunday December 14th 9am – 3pm with vendors booked to capacity selling Christmas gifts. Mr. Mitchell discussed the LARE Grant and the 700ft of shoreline restoration from the small boat dock to the old Heuring house. The Park Department will be getting help financially from the Stormwater Department to complete the project. Mr. Ehrhardt wanted to thank Mr. Mitchell and the Parks Department for the hard work for the 2014 year. Plan Commission Report: Mr. Spain stated that the Plan Commission recommended a parking ordinance to the council for RV and boat control. There also was a bike show approved near the bike trail. Council Report: Mr. Maggio was not in attendance. School Board Report: Mr. Rogers reported that the school hosted The Polar Express Movie with about 300 people in attendance. December 22nd – January 2nd is the winter break for students. Old Business: Mr. Mitchell updated the board on the Deep River Access Project and stated that there will be more information to follow. New Business: Mrs. Sills motions to approve the Oak Savannah Trail Change Order #1, seconded by Mrs. Liss. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Ms. Mandon states that there needs to be a vote on a price range for fitness instructors to teach classes held for the Parks Department. There is a proposal to hold Zumba Fitness classes beginning January 8th at the Community Center for $5 per person. The teacher range needs to be set based on level of instruction. The proposed range is $25- $60 per fitness class for the Parks Department. Mrs. Sills motions to approve the instructor payment range for fitness classes, seconded by Mr. Spain. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Announcements: The Mayor addressed the Park Board and stated what a very good year it was for the Parks Department. He wanted to thank Mr. Mitchell and his staff for a job well done. The Mayor said that each board member brings something unique to the table like marketing, architecture, civic duties, and law. Some discussion ensued in regards to the board being included in more of the front side of projects. The Mayor said he looks forward to next year and the board needs to be kept in the loop even more and plans need to be vetted in before the board. There needs to be more strategic planning and trying to slow down Mr. Mitchell is difficult to do but out of respect to the board it needs to be improved upon. Sandy O’Brien addressed the board in regards to Fred Rose Lakeshore Park and she stated that she will be back next month with a presentation on the dog park. Pete Mendez addressed the board and said he looks forward to being on the board next year and Mr. Mitchell works hard, thank you. Mr. Mendez looks forward to slowing down on Fred Rose Lakeshore dog park and said that the Friends of Robinson have suggestions. Adjournment: Mrs. Sills made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Liss. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________