Board of Park Commissioners

City of Hobart Board of Park Commissioners Minutes October 12, 2015 Call to Order: Mr. Ehrhardt called the meeting to order at 5pm, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Ms. Mandon took roll call. The following Commissioners were present: Mr. Ehrhardt, Mr. Spain (arrived at 5:05pm), Mrs. Sills, and Mrs. Liss. Also present were the School Board representative Mr. Rogers, Councilman 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 Mrs. Sills. 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 noted that there were a few late additions onto the register of claims. Mrs. Sills questioned the purchase of the snowplows and Mr. Mitchell explained that they were for the 2 new trucks. Mrs. Liss asked if this was the last of the Blues and Brews bills and Mr. Mitchell said yes. Mrs. Sills made a motion to accept the register of claims as presented, seconded by Mrs. Liss. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Correspondence: None Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Mitchell stated that the Wilderness Inquiry traveled from Minnesota and were out on Lake George the past 2 weeks offering free Voyager canoe rides. These rides were offered to the Mighty Acorn group of students and also to the community some evenings. He explained what a great opportunity this was for several students that have never been out on a boat before. Mr. Mitchell also discussed meeting with Friend’s of Robinson Lake about the septic and well systems out at the park. He speculated the cost being about $5 -$10,000 for a new system and will most likely be completed in the spring. There have been requests for more shoreline visibility at Pavese and the Mighty Acorn children were clearing the shoreline of the invasive species as an activity. Mr. Mitchell explained the idea of adding kayak/canoe stops along the waterway towards Liverpool Rd. This would have possibly 3-4 stops including Cardinal Court and Fred Rose Lakeshore. Mr. Mitchell reported that the phase 1 of the shoreline stabilization project is almost complete. The only portion left is to plant the trees in the spring when there is a bigger selection of quality trees. The Trunk or Treat is October 24th from 4-6pm in Festival Park. There will be candy, bonfire, live band, and a hayride. Mrs. Liss asked about a Brews and Blues update and Ms. Mandon said it was successful with great weather but we are always looking to make it better. Plan Commission Report: Mr. Spain stated that the Plan Commission approved zoning for the PUD Senior Housing Development off of 10th St. Council Report: Mr. Mendez stated that he had a few complaints in regards to roller bladers at Festival Park and wanted the committee to look in an ordinance. School Board Report: Mr. Rogers reported that Fall Break was the next week on Friday and Monday. Old Business: Kiwanis update on donating for Fred Rose 8th St. Park is that there has not yet been a meeting. This topic was tabled until on agenda request. New Business: Mr. Hildebrandt addressed the board in regards to the Hobart dog park proposed idea. He stated that he started a Facebook group titled “Hobart Wants it’s Own Dog Park” and has several followers already. Mrs. Liss stated that she had met with Mr. Hildebrandt and updated him about the past meetings and explained that it has been tabled until January’s meeting. Mr. Ehrhardt said to keep in touch and gather volunteers and supporters. Mr. Mitchell said there are supporters but no money to complete improvements. It is frustrating to only have heard from the naysayers, we would be happy to hear from the supporters in order to make the majority of the people happy. Mr. Mitchell stated that we welcome volunteers. Mr. Mendez asked if the majority of the followers from Facebook are from Hobart or elsewhere. Mr. Hildebrandt said they are mostly from Hobart, yes. Mrs. Sills said that no matter where the park is located, somebody isn’t going to be happy. Mr. O’Brien addressed the Park Board in regards to diversity in the parks and said he is struggling with the Fred Rose Park situation. He stated that we must maintain natural areas and quality of life. Mr. O’Brien is a user of parks and always has been. Mrs. Liss added that a management plan is being pursued with DNR for Fred Rose Park. Some more discussion ensued. Mr. Woronecki-Ellis is in support of keeping Fred Rose a natural area. He has no problem with Hobart getting a dog park but Fred Rose is not the place. Some more discussion ensued. Announcements: The next meeting will be November 9th and Mr. Ehrhardt will be on a business trip. Adjournment: Mrs. Sills made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Liss. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________