Board of Park Commissioners

City of Hobart Board of Park Commissioners Minutes June 8th, 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. Liss, 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. Approval of Agenda: Mrs. Liss added the topic of the dog park to the old business section of the agenda. Mr. Ehrhardt made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Mr. Spain. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Approval of Minutes: Mr. Spain motioned to approve the minutes as amended, seconded by Mrs. Sills seconded. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Approval of Register of Claims: There was a late add to the claims list for the LARE grant funding the project behind the Community Center. The amount of the first invoice is for $6,500. Mr. Spain made a motion to accept the register of claims as presented, seconded by Mrs. Sills. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Correspondence: Ms. Mandon presented Mrs. Liss with additional dog park surveys that were sent to the Park Office. Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Mitchell stated that there is a meeting June 9th with S&L Environmental Group Inc. in regards to the shoreline stabilization project timeline and construction schedule. The new hanging baskets downtown have really saved time and water. It has actually decreased by half. Mr. Mitchell said that the Hobart Pool opened on Saturday and the Summer Market on Thursday. This market was the best opening Thursday yet and this Thursday is Kid’s Day. Tiki Tom Tom’s and the Pineapple Beach Party is the entertainment with Toy Story movie to play afterwards. Mr. Mitchell stated that the skate park went to repair at Area Sheet Metal for a couple weeks. It will get all new metal and welds along with fresh paint for $7,400. Mr. Mitchell said that grants are not a guarantee. The process is difficult and only 10-20% of them are even awarded. Mr. Mitchell asked for a motion to approve a truck purchase for the parks fleet. It is a 2007 Chevy 4 door for $10,300. Mrs. Sills motions permission to purchase the truck, Mrs. Liss seconds. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Plan Commission Report: Mr. Spain stated that there was a parking ordinance recommended for approval for RV, boats and trailers in the city. This ordinance will go to council’s next meeting. Mr. Mendoza is working on the comprehensive plan for the city and will present probably near November. Council Report: Mr. Mendez stated that he would like to commend Mr. Mitchell and the Park Board for really listening to the public concerns. School Board Report: Mr. Rogers stated that the school graduated 260 kids from the high school and 310 from the kindergarten. Summer Food Program has already begun and it is hosting a kick-off event tonight (June 8th) at 5pm in the Field House. They serve an average of 550 a day for kids up to 18years old. If the adults want the lunch, they can purchase it for $3.50 as well. Old Business: Brickie Fest representatives corrected their insurance as instructed for the event September 26. Mr. Ehrhardt motioned for to approve this public event, Mrs. Sills seconds. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Mrs. Liss discussed the fifty dog park surveys that were collected. 28 of the people were dog owners. 36 of the surveys were yes and 10 were no. The top 3 amenities wanted were water, shade, big and small separate areas. Mrs. Liss recommended Pennsy Park in the upcoming master plan. Mr. Ehrhardt is in favor of moving forward with the dog park at Pennsy Park but defers the decision to the board with recommendation to add it to the master plan. Mrs. Sills said nobody wanted to support the issue so she wants to forget about the dog park suggestion. Mrs. Sills said in previous years there were people coming out to support but where are they now? Some discussion ensued. Mr. Ehrhardt stated that everyone will not be happy but the board will do what is best for the residents. The dog park issue will be tabled until January 16th Park Board Meeting. New Business: Ms. Mandon stated that all of the entertainment contracts were not turned in so it will be tabled until next month. Gloria Muldoon addressed the board in regards to the dog park location and why it is to be at Pennsy. It is a great playground and well used. She is against a playground in a residential area. Michael did not wish to speak. Mr. Lamphier did not make the meeting but his wife spoke on his behalf. She said that the dog park would be in her front yard. Mrs. Lamphier stated that it should not be in residential area and it will make hospitals rich because of dog flu. Ruth Markovich has lived in the area for 37 years and stated it was a historic site. Mrs. Markovich said that the parks department is taking a children’s park and giving it to the dogs. She wants a splash pad or drinking fountain for the historical park and she mentioned that there will be diseases from the dogs that will kill the children. She suggested Veteran’s Park for an alternate park. Mrs. Daley displayed a picture of the owl in Fred Rose and stated that it needs to be left how it is for the habitat and wildlife. Georgette Driemeyer was not in attendance. Beth Dixon displayed the Fred Rose and Lake George slideshow to display the beauty. Mrs. Dixon said that the people will come and follow the birds to Birdtown USA. She said she is looking for a commitment from the Park Board to keep it safe. Bob Krebes from the Friends of Robinson spoke while the slideshow was being set up. Mr. Krebes wanted to thank the park department for the preparation for their fishing event and the sewer collapse. Mr. Mitchell said they hurried up and dug by hand to get it functioning and repaired in time. Mr. Krebes said the event was a successful day with over 200 participants. Mr. Krebes stated that there is an erosion problem and Robinson Lake needs shoreline stabilization. He wants to use the cash donation that was given to the parks last year. Mr. Mitchell stated that it takes a lot of work and money. Environmental companies and engineering are complicated and expensive. Mr. Mitchell said that the next project at Robinson Lake is the shelter repairs. Mrs. O’Brien addressed the board in regards to Fred Rose Lakeshore Park. She asked the park board to allow her to write the habitat conservation plan/objective. She wants it to be in writing of how to take care of the park and why. Mrs. O’Brien said that the park is such a special area that the master plan needs to settle the mowing issue permanently. Some discussion ensued in regards to the habitat plan being entered into the master plan. Announcements: Jen Woronecki-Ellis addressed the board in regards to funding and why we have enough for a dog park and Skate Park but not enough for Robinson Lake. Adjournment: Mrs. Sills made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Spain. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________