Board of Park Commissioners

City of Hobart Board of Park Commissioners Minutes May 11, 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, and Mrs. Sills. Also present were the Council Representative Pete Mendez, School Board Representative Mr. Rogers, Park Superintendent Mr. Mitchell, and Park Board Secretary Ms. Mandon. Mrs. Liss was absent. Approval of Agenda: Mr. Spain made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Mrs. Sills. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Approval of Minutes: Mr. Mendez said that a change needed to be made to the previous month’s minutes. He was the one that asked about the dog park area residents. It read “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.” It should read that “Mr. Mendez asked about the residents …” Mr. Spain motioned to approve the minutes as amended, seconded by Mrs. Sills seconded. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Approval of Register of Claims: Mr. Ehrhardt questioned the big purchases like the pool chemicals, tractor purchases and electrical installation at Festival Park. Mr. Mitchell explained each transaction and explained it will be a one-time expenditure not reoccurring. Mrs. Sills noticed that the dates on the SHE bills were not correct. They should be 10/15/14 for $17,203.22, 12/10/14 for $14,904.55. Mrs. Sills made a motion to accept the register of claims as presented, seconded by Mr. Spain. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Correspondence: There were dog park surveys turned in at the park office. Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Mitchell stated that the new flower baskets will be going up in a couple weeks throughout the downtown. There were new park benches installed at the doughboy to replace the ones that were damaged and drainage problems were being addressed with the help of the Street Department at the Rugby Field. The Parks Department has been cleaning up the pool and parks. Mr. Mitchell stated that there was the City Clean-up on May 2nd with a cookout to follow for the people that donated their time. Mr. Mitchell stated that the Summer Market begins June 4th and invited Nicole Lopez to address the board. Mrs. Lopez said that there are several new vendors and great returning vendors as well. She also said that she added 3 more movie nights. She is very excited for an Italian deli and more produce. Mr. Ehrhardt asked when the Lakefront Festival is being held this year and Mr. Mitchell said August 20th – 23rd. Plan Commission Report: Mr. Spain stated that the Plan Commission has an upcoming May public meeting regarding the parking ordinance in regards to boats and RV’s. Mr. Spain also said that The County Line Orchard expansion will be discussed in June. Council Report: Mr. Mendez stated that the Parks Department is doing a great job and he wants to commend Mr. Mitchell about the employee’s hard work. School Board Report: Mr. Rogers stated that the awards programs are going on and June 2nd is kindergarten graduation and June 3rd is the high school graduation. Mr. Rogers said that the school lunch program will begin again in the parks. They serve about 500 kids under 18 a day. Mr. Rogers asks for a motion to continue the school lunch in the parks program and utilize the park locations again. Mrs. Sills made a motion to continue the program in the parks, seconded by Mr. Spain. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Old Business: Dog Park at Pennsy Park – Mr. Mitchell found out that the water line is only about 50ft away from where we would like it and he received some estimates for installation of the dog park. Fencing for an estimated 1200 linear feet would be the biggest expense at $17,000. This would entail a separate small dog area and big dog area with double gates at the entrance. Mr. Ehrhardt asked if any of the work could be done in house buy the parks employees. Mr. Mitchell said the labor for the fence is only $3,000 for the company to do it but the Parks Department could do some of the agility items and as much other install as possible. Some more discussion on the dog park ensued and the issue was tabled until the June meeting. New Business: Jennifer Walker was not in attendance. Greg Livovich addressed the board in regards to Fred Rose Lakeshore Park. He helped Sandy with the control burns and it is only positively effecting the natural area. Mr. Livovich expressed to the board that this Fred Rose area is an irreplaceable area that is one of a kind. Pastor Rebecca Smith addressed the board in regards her 2nd Annual Military Appreciation Picnic event in Festival Park. The date is August 8th at 12-8pm and it is a free event for all Veterans and their families. This event is a co-sponsored event with the Mayor and the city. Mrs. Smith requests for approval of waiving rental fees but paying for any picnic tables necessary. Mrs. Sills made a motion to approve a free of charge event co-sponsored with the city. Mr. Spain seconded. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Brian Bruce approached the Park Board in regards to the current skate park condition. He stressed that it is broken and unsafe for the children. Some discussion ensued. Mr. Mitchell stated that he has a couple plans for new skate parks currently on his desk. The cost is estimated at $250,000 - $300,000 for a new concrete skate park possibly at the Rugby Field. Mr. Mitchell stated that when the planning begins he will consult young skaters in the area for their input on design. Mr. Mitchell has already contacted Area Sheet Metal for repair estimates. Lynn Kostbade was not in attendance so Ms. Mandon presented the Brickie Fest Hobart Alumni event information and insurance. Mr. Ehrhardt pointed out that the insurance minimum needed to be changed to $1 million dollars with the City of Hobart listed as a secondary. This topic was tabled until next month so that it can be corrected. Laura Daley and Georgette Driemeyer spoke in regards to Fred Rose Lakeshore Park. They are in favor of preserving it as is and they stated that Mr. Livovich said it all and they back him in no more mowing. Patti Woronecki spoke in regards to the Fred Rose Lakeshore Park being used to further education. She told the board that they should implicate kiosks with brochures guiding through natural paths in the wild flowers. She believes it is very important to extend this type of education to children. Sandy O’Brien displayed a slide show in regards to Fred Rose Lakeshore natural areas. She said that there is evidence that shows the worthiness of preservation. Mrs. O’Brien stated that mowing and removing stumps will ruin the natural area. She asked to pass a resolution to protect Fred Rose Park. Some discussion ensued. Mrs. Dixon is a teacher and photographer at Fred Rose Park. Mrs. Dixon said that mowing needs to be stopped and protected. Mr. Ehrhardt stated that the board cannot take action today on this matter. He also stated that he did not see any damage when went there and Mr. Mitchell must maintain public use with safety first. Mrs. Dixon stated that Hobart can become Birdtown USA and help improve tourism. Mr. Spencer Cortwright, an IUN professor, addressed the board and said that Hobart should be proud the nature preserve. It should have a solid plan to keep the natural area strong and healthy. Announcements: Mrs. Zeta Allen addressed the board with the announcement of the 6th Annual Fishing Event June 6th 9am-12. Mr. Allen stated that he tried to recreate an area like Fred Rose natural area on his own property. It failed with invasive species taking over. Mr. Krebes stated that the dog park should not happen because canine influenza is much too prevalent. Adjournment: Mrs. Sills made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Spain. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________