Board of Park Commissioners

City of Hobart Board of Park Commissioners Minutes October 10th, 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. Spain, Mrs. Liss, Mr. Ehrhardt, and Mrs. Sills. Also present were Park Board Secretary Ms. Mandon, Park Board Superintendent John Mitchell, and Council Representative Mr. Herzog. School Board representative Mr. Rogers was not in attendance. Approval of Agenda: Mrs. Sills made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Mr. Spain. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Approval of Minutes: There was no September meeting so the approval is for August 8th minutes. Mrs. Sills motioned to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Mrs. Liss. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Approval of Register of Claims: Mr. Ehrhardt questioned labor cost by Boyd Construction. Mr. Mitchell stated that it was for the Friends of Robinson grant work. Mr. Spain made a motion to approve the register of claims, seconded by Mrs. Sills. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Correspondence: Ms. Mandon reported that there was a call from Mr. Rybicki that stated Fred Rose Lakeshore needed to be mowed and maintained. Mrs. Bruce and Mr. Bruce also sent emails with details about problems at Fred Rose including mowing the weeds, ticks, and safety with the tall weeds and brush. Mr. Mendoza addressed the board in regards to the Park Board Master Plan information. There will be a public meeting to get the information and findings with a survey. He stated that he will be meeting with Park staff to narrow down and rank the findings. The public meeting is tentatively set for November 29th. Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Mitchell stated that it has been a busy September. Mrs. Kelly Goodpaster was hired to handle the landscape and environmental projects. Mr. Mitchell has learned a lot from her already. The Robinson Lake project will be completed in the spring, the shoreline is finished but the fishing dock will be added. Mr. Chuck Watts passed away and his family wanted to donate to the Parks Department. We added a shelter at Hansen Park in his name. The picnic shelter at Fred Rose was completed today along with two benches and a grill. The Fred Rose maintenance in the plan was completed by mowing last week. Plan Commission Report: Mr. Spain stated that at the Plan Commission meeting, there was a petition to re-zone Harms Rd for a painting business but there was an unfavorable recommendation because it is too close to residential areas. Mr. Ehrhardt asked about the old Prudential building and Mr. Spain said the site plan was up for approval and can go through permitting now with Phase I beginning in 2018. Council Report: Mr. Herzog stated that the Parks Department has done a great job, thank you. He has heard only great compliments from outside people as well. School Board Report: Mr. Rogers was not in attendance. Old Business: None New Business: Mr. Schwuchow’s father was in attendance to ask the board for lower rental rates to host a holiday orchestra performance at the Community Center. Last year the college group performed at the Barrington Clubhouse and it was at capacity. They would like to perform on Wednesday December 21st. Mr. Mitchell has known the family and he is a great kid. Mr. Mitchell stated that he will personally pay for this rental fee of $25 for this event and Mr. Ehrhardt stated that he will even split the cost with him. They believe this will be a great free event with a great turnout for the community. Mr. Ehrhardt asked for a motion to approve the meeting rate of $25 for this event. Mrs. Liss made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Sills. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Mr. Siwy was a no show. Ms. Giglarz was a no show. Mrs. Woronecki-Ellis addressed the board in regards to Fred Rose Lakeshore Park. She stated that she at first was going to give the Park Department accolades but not anymore after seeing the destruction that was done. Woronecki-Ellis stated that it should only be mowed in November and keep it 6” long. Some discussion ensued. Mrs. Liss went out and took a look at the park and said it should be mowed when the ground is harder and not so wet. Mr. Mitchell stated that there was so much garbage cleaned up while this park was being mowed, there was a whole dump truck filled as it was all stuck in the weeds. Repairs to the ruts will be made before next board meeting. Announcements: Mrs. Woronecki approached the board and stated that it is migratory season for the birds and the damage at Fred Rose ruined it. Mrs. Dixon stated that burning was taken away from the Mighty Acorns. She questioned what can be burnt and what can’t. Some discussion ensued. The Mayor stated that there were requests from different entities to burn rural protected areas asking to amend the burn ordinance and it will be submitted to council soon. Mr. Bruce addressed the board in regards to Fred Rose Park burning. He asked who would be liable if the homes caught fire, the city? Who holds insurance? Some discussion ensued. Mr. Bruce stated that the park belongs to the city not some special interest groups and teenagers should be welcome as well. Mr. Jones is a 12yr daily dog walker and he is a responsible one. He has never had a tick and he keeps his dog on a leash just like the ordinance says. Adjournment: Mrs. Sills made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Liss. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________