Board of Park Commissioners

City of Hobart Board of Park Commissioners Minutes July 13, 2015 Call to Order: Mr. Ehrhardt called the meeting to order at 5pm, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Ms. Mandon took roll call and the following Commissioners were present: Mr. Ehrhardt, Mr. Spain, Mrs. Sills, and Mrs. Liss. Also present were the School Board representative Mr. Rogers, Council Representative Mr. Mendez, Park Superintendent Mr. Mitchell, and Park Board Secretary Ms. Mandon. Approval of Agenda: Mrs. Liss made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Mr. Spain. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Approval of Minutes: Mrs. Sills motions to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Mrs. Liss seconds. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Approval of Register of Claims: Ms. Mandon notified the board of one late add bill for the Dam Duck Race tarps of $236. Mr. Spain questioned the purchase of the solar flashing signals. Mr. Mitchell explained that they were for Old Ridge Road to caution drivers and slow down traffic during events. This is half the cost split with the Mayor. Mrs. Liss asked about the flasher on the Oak Savannah Bike Trail and Mr. Mitchell explained that it was only around $900 because it was a repair of existing materials. Mrs. Sills noticed an accidental duplicate mistake for a reimbursement for Julia Mandon of $94.03. Mr. Spain made a motion to accept the register of claims as presented, seconded by Mrs. Sills. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Correspondence: Mr. Ehrhardt received a thank you letter from Mrs. O’Brien which he shared with the board. She wanted to thank the board for preserving the Fred Rose Lakeshore Park for now. Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Mitchell stated that the skate park repair was completed for under $8,000 including new fencing. The Summer Market has been going great, good weather so far for the Movies in the Park as well. There are three more movies this summer. Lakefront Festival is in the planning process and takes place August 20-23rd. Brews and Blues Fest is September 19th and the Model Boat Race is September 8-13th. Mr. Mitchell Stated that it has been raining so much that clean-up in parks has been put off until it dries out. It has been brought to Mr. Mitchell’s attention that there are a lot of problems and complaints about ticks and mosquitoes at Fred Rose Lakeshore Park due to allowing it to overgrow naturally. Mr. Mitchell addressed an issue with someone identifying themselves as Friend’s of Robinson representative via email and in person. This person, he will not identify their name, has brought up personal issues about Mr. Mitchell. This person has said several things behind his back and has made this a personal attack including questioning why Mr. Mitchell is in charge because he has been married more than once etc. Mr. Mendez commented and stated that this person does not speak for Friend’s of Robinson, that is not their view at all. This personal attack is their own individual opinion and they need to be addressed by the group telling them not to use their group title. Mr. Mitchell stated he would not hold anything against Friend’s of Robinson but they need to address the situation. Mr. Ehrhardt said he thanks Mr. Mitchell for his hard work and valued service on behalf of the board. Plan Commission Report: Mr. Spain stated that the Plan Commission had nothing to report. Council Report: Mr. Mendez stated that the RV and Boat ordinance was set back due to wording of the ordinance. School Board Report: Mr. Rogers reported that the school’s free lunch program was booming. They feed and average of 1000 students a day. Nancy Smith is the director and is doing a great job. Mrs. Sills stated that she appreciates the effort put forth by Mrs. Smith. Mr. Rogers stated that registration begins in August. Old Business: None New Business: Ms. Mandon presented the board with the remaining entertainment contracts to be approved for the Lakefront Festival. Mrs. Sills made a motion to accept the contracts, seconded by Mrs. Liss. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Mrs. Lopez presented the board with the Indy Model Boat Race contract and permitting paperwork. Mrs. Lopez explained that the city’s monetary responsibility has gone down this year, it was $5,000 but now it is about $3,000. Mr. Ehrhardt asked for a breakdown of cost and Mrs. Lopez stated that it will be $1,000 for prizes, $1,000 for their dinner, and about $1,000 for the port-a-johns. Mrs. Sills motions to approve the contract, seconded by Mr. Spain. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Jen Wornecki-Ellis addressed the board in regards to the shoreline stabilization project behind the Community Center in Festival Park. After her months of investigation, Mrs. Wornecki-Ellis wants the project to be reworked into a restoration project. Some discussion ensued. Mr. Ehrhardt asked Mrs. Wornecki-Ellis what she is asking the board to for? She states she wants this project to be reworked into a restoration project. Mrs.Wornecki-Ellis said that she has been speaking with Mr. Marty Maupin from IDEM since April as a “concerned citizen” in regards to this project. Mr. Ehrhardt said it is his educated guess that the “lakefront” is a wetland but the geological survey has no power. There are no records? Mr. Ehrhardt stated that the mitigated area was destroyed by the 2008 flood, no they are not stopping this project. The Parks Department has gone through all of the proper channels and permitting for this DNR funding project. Mr. Mitchell stated that he will address the issue of invasive species with S&L Environmental. Mr. Spain said that they must defer to the agencies with jurisdiction and the permitting agencies for the correct decision. Announcements: Brian Bruce addressed the board to say thank you for fixing up the skate park. Mr. Mitchell went above and beyond with the project. Mark Kopil addressed the board in regards to Fred Rose Lakeshore Park and the overgrowth. It needs help with cutting it back and helping minimize the bad mosquito and tick issue. Mr. Kopil offered his services to volunteer and clean up the park if the parks need. Adjournment: Mrs. Sills made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Liss. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________