Board of Park Commissioners

City of Hobart Board of Park Commissioners Minutes February 8th, 2016 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, Mrs. Liss, and Mrs. Sills. Also present were the School Board representative Mr. Rogers, Councilman Herzog, 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. (3-0) Approval of Minutes: Mrs. Sills motions to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Mrs. Sills seconded. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Approval of Register of Claims: Mr. Ehrhardt asked about the big cost to Ellenberger’s. Mr. Mitchell stated that it was for clearing and cleaning up the Rugby Field and Fred Rose Park. Mrs. Sills made a motion to accept the register of claims as presented, seconded by Mrs. Liss. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Correspondence: None Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Mitchell stated that there is a need to increase the number of park full time employees. He requested that the board approves 2 positions, Ryan Johnson for maintenance and Bri Wischman for the pool and administrative assistant. They are both loyal and trustworthy and have been with the city for 5 years and 9 years. Mr. Mitchell stated that the Fred Rose clean-up will begin, Robinson Lake work will begin soon and the park master plan work is underway. Mr. Mitchell discussed the need for a new concession vendor contract at the pool as the other contract expired. Mr. Rogers asked about salaries and if it will come out of the budget as it stands. Mr. Mitchell said he found the line items to take from in the current budget. Mr. Ehrhardt stated that he supports the promotions. Mrs. Sills made a motion to hire and put bid out for the concession stand at the pool. Mrs. Liss seconded the motion. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Plan Commission Report: Mr. Spain was not in attendance. Council Report: Mr. Herzog stated that he had nothing to report. School Board Report: Mr. Rogers reported that the schools are looking forward to President’s Day break. He said there are good things happening in the schools and to check the school mailings that are being distributed. Old Business: None. New Business: Mr. Bruce addressed the board about Fred Rose Park. He stated that the shelters were deteriorating, grills are gone, and split rail fencing is all in bad shape. New shelters are needed, picnic tables, garbage cans, and maybe a kayak launch for fishing/water access. Mr. Mitchell stated that he can do most of the work in house with his workers. He wants a small dock, stumps removed, add benches, garbage cans, and clean up dead trees. The tresses were saved from the old shelters and can be reused. Further discussion ensued. Mr. Mitchell brought up the idea of an ice skating rink for the city. He wants to so a natural rink with a berm hopefully this fall. Mr. Rogers stated that Mundell used to have the parking lot freeze and use that. Mr. Mitchell asked if Mundell could be a possibility for the location of the skating rink. It is centrally located with parking and bathrooms and the city could do the labor to add a berm and liner. Mr. Rogers stated he would have to take that back to the school board as a possible idea. Mrs. Gallagher addressed the board in regards to renewing the hot dog stand location request for the 13th year. Mr. Ehrhardt asked if she already has her proper permitting and she said yes, she is all set again. Mrs. Sills motioned to approve the request for Hoosier Doggie hot dog stand to be located at Pennsy Park. Mr. Ehrhardt seconded the motion. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Mrs. O’Brien stated that she is concerned about Fred Rose Park having no protection. It has been natural for 25 years. She stated that a plan needed to be put in place to stop unnecessarily cutting down trees and mowing natural areas. She said Fred Rose needs to be protected please. Some more discussion ensued. Mr. Mendoza stated that the Parks Master Plan is to be completed by January 17th and public input will be necessary. It will include the old projects from the previous master plan that were not accomplished and also now projects for the future. Announcements: None. Adjournment: Mrs. Sills made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Liss. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________