Board of Park Commissioners

City of Hobart Board of Park Commissioners Minutes April 13, 2015 Call to Order: President Mr. Ehrhardt called the meeting to order at 5pm, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Ms. Mandon did role call and the following Commissioners were present: Mr. Ehrhardt, Mr. Spain, Mrs. Sills, and Mrs. Liss. Also present were the Council Representative Pete Mendez, 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: Mrs. Liss notes a correction in the minutes in regards to the dog park issue. The minutes should not read that it was tabled until next month but that it was tabled until further research is completed and feedback is gathered. Mrs. Sills motions to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Mr. Spain seconds. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Approval of Register of Claims: Mr. Spain made a motion to accept the register of claims as presented, seconded by Mrs. Liss. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Correspondence: The Park Board members received a letter from Mrs. Allen in regards to the Dog Park issue. Mr. Ehrhardt also received a letter from Mr. Zorn in regards to the Dog Park also. Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Mitchell stated that the shoreline stabilization project work would begin in May but the Parks Department has done their in-kind work of removing trees and the fence. From May until June the area will be unusable. This year the arts and craft area for the Lakefront Festival will be moved to the entrance area of Festival Park and there will not be any informational vendors. Electric has been improved in the park for the vendor’s usage. New baskets were purchased with self- containing water reservoirs to allow for less watering in the summer. Bike racks and benches are being installed by the parks workers and The Doughboy flag pole, benches and lights were replaced due to damage from a car hitting them. Mr. Mitchell stated that the shelters at Veteran’s Park and Robinson Lake were in bad shape and need repair. The concrete has cracked and it is a dangerous tripping hazard. The Parks staff is also working on improving the drainage at the west end of the Rugby Field. Saturday April 25th is the City-Wide Clean-up at 9am in the Bandshell. If anyone wishes to participate, please call the park office to sign-up. Mr. Mitchell presented Fred Rose Lakeshore pictures to the Park Board. There are dangerous spikes, concrete and railroad ties that are left over from the suspension bridge and need to be cleaned up. The Parks Department will begin the cleaning in about a month and Mr. Mitchell spoke to a DNR expert that said they mow instead of burn the natural areas. Mr. Mitchell presented the Park Board with a letter from the Fire Chief stating he did not want any burning to be done at Fred Rose Park or the Gilliana property. Mr. Ehrhardt asked how long ago the suspension bridge was put in and taken down. Mr. Mitchell said he did not know but he knew it was taken down in the 90s. Mr. Spain asked whether or not insurance would pay for The Doughboy damage. Mr. Mitchell stated it would because the guy had insurance for the estimated $3,200 damage. Mr. Spain asked if there was anything the city could do to stop this from happening again. Mr. Mitchell stated he asked about this and was told if you put something to stop traffic from hitting The Doughboy, the city takes on the liability issue of possibly hurting the driver as well. Plan Commission Report: Mr. Spain stated that the Plan Commission had three site plans reviewed including a city parking lot at 2nd and Center St. with 18 spaces, a light industrial project, and St. Mary’s nursing care development which was tabled. Council Report: Mr. Mendez stated that he had no report. School Board Report: Mr. Rogers was not present. Old Business: Mrs. Liss discussed the dog park issue and taking a step back to evaluate locations and get more feedback. She would like to get 100 surveys back and she has about 25 now. The surveys have been about 90% in favor of a dog park with the top amenity being a water fountain, second parking, third a tie for shade and separate small/large dog areas. Mrs. Liss would like to see a budget and plan to review before making a decision. She said the committee consists of herself, Mr. Spain, Mr. Mendez, Hungry Hound representatives, and 2 citizens. Mr. Ehrhardt asked about the Pennsy Park location for the dog park. Mr. Mitchell stated that this would be a good location because it has minimum disturbance to neighbors, parking, restrooms, available water, and it is made up of mostly sand so it will stay dry. The playground would have to be moved to the other side of the park near the Hobart Chamber building. Mrs. Liss requested a site plan, budget, and maintenance plan for the future. Mr. Mitchell asked about the residents near the area and if they were contacted at all about this location. Mr. Mitchell said no, he has not spoken with them yet. Mrs. Liss discussed the liability form, hours, double gate entry, and key or fob entry. This topic will be tabled until next month’s meeting. New Business: Mrs. O’Brien stated that she is relieved that the dog park is moving to Pennsy Park. She stated that Fred Rose needs protection of the natural area. Mr. Ehrhardt agreed it is natural but according to Sergio Mendoza and any other research he has done, there is no official record of it being preserved. Mrs. O’Brien stated that the Fire Chief told her the burning was ok when they met earlier and that she should get some type of city status for doing so. Mr. Mitchell displayed a letter from the Fire Chief that stated he did not want any burning done on Fred Rose property or the Gilliana property. Some discussion ensued. Mrs. Sills said to table this topic until a later time. Mr. Ehrhardt stated to be clear on the record that Fred Rose Park is NOT a nature preserve with legal protection. There is no record of nature preservation and it is a city park only. Andy Gregory did not show for the meeting. Announcements: A resident approached the board and stated that Fred Rose should not be a dog park and burning is better than mowing. She wants swings at Fred Rose Park and they should be moved from Pennsy Park to Fred Rose instead of by the Chamber building. Mr. Mitchell stated he wants to add more and keep updating at Fred Rose eventually with the new bond. Mr. Krebes addressed the Park Board stating that the liability is an issue with a dog park and a chance of aggressive dogs. He also stated that burning is beneficial but public safety is #1. Adjournment: Mrs. Sills made a motion to adjourn at 6:15pm, seconded by Mr. Spain. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________