Board of Park Commissioners

City of Hobart Board of Park Commissioners Minutes June 11, 2018 Call to Order: Mrs. Galka called the meeting to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call: The following Commissioners were present during roll call: Mr. Kara, Mrs. Sills, and Mrs. Galka. Also present were School Board Representative Mr. Rogers, Common Council representative Mr. Huddlestun, Park Board Secretary Ms. Montes, Park Superintendent Mr. Mitchell, and the City Attorney Mr. DeBonis. Approval of Agenda: Mr. Kara made a motion to accept the agenda as submitted, seconded by Mrs. Sills. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Approval of Minutes: Mrs. Sills made a motion to approve the meeting minutes, seconded by Mr. Kara. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Approval of Register of Claims: Mr. Kara questioned invoice regarding electric by Steiner and LaPorte Nursery regarding trees. Mr. Mitchell replied that Steiner was electrical work that needed to be done in one of the bathrooms in the park and the trees by LaPorte Nursery is regarding the memorial trees that were ordered. Mrs. Sills made a motion to accept the claims list, seconded by Mr. Kara. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Approval of Bond Proceeds Claims List: Mrs. Galka questioned Mr. Mitchell in regards to Butler Fairman & Seufert for the playground RFP. Mrs. Galka asked what exactly were they supposed to submit because what the board is seeing in the packet is basically what they got from ADA consultant. Mrs. Galka asked if there are any additional site plan information that BF&S got done. Mr. Mitchell responded that BF&S went with some of the ADA site plans and that they only made a few changes. Mr. Mitchell also mentioned that he spoke to the ADA consultant again and he said that the site plans are just examples of something that they can go by. Mrs. Galka mentioned that she was basically looking for site plans that were more precise with measurements. Mr. Mitchell expressed that BF&S had all the information that they needed and he was disappointed with the end results that they have presented. Mrs. Galka mentioned that was the reasoning for her questioning paying for the bond proceeds lists because the board is looking at paying over $11,400.oo. Mr. DeBonis stated that he made two sets of changes and BF&S adopted the changes and did some work to the RFPs. Mr. DeBonis confirmed that the RFP is ready to go, but he was hoping someone from BF&S would of showed up to the meeting to re-assure the Board Members what is now in the RFP and attached to it is sufficient for proposals to be made and work to be done. He doesn’t know that the board needs to wait any longer to do that, the satisfactory RFP needs to give notice in the matter required by law which is a publication. Mr. DeBonis received an email from Mr. Dammarrell asking to draft a form of notice. He hasn’t done it yet but will do it the following day and would be able to be put in the paper and can be reviewed by the next meeting. Mr. Kara also commented that just looking at the information that is turned in looks like roughly 120 hours that BF&S are billing for and he honestly doesn’t see 120 hours of work. Mr. DeBonis stated that if they don’t feel comfortable they can just continue to table the playground RFP until BF&S comes and explains with all the details to Board Members. Mrs. Sills makes a motion to approve the bond proceeds list with the exception of the Butler Fairman& Seufert claims for 6,070.20 and 5,340.00, Seconded by Mr. Kara. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Consideration for Park Director: Mr. Kara makes a motion to move consideration for Park Director at the end of the agenda, Seconded by Mrs. Sills, All aye, motion carried (3-0) Correspondence: None Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Mitchell announced pool opening day, Saturday June 2. Jay Durr and Ryan Johnson have done a lot of work to get the pool ready and on time for the grand opening day. Also, on Friday June 15 from 6:00-10:00 pm the pool will be hosting a pool dance for the middle school and high school students. Mr. Mitchell mentioned that the Second Summer Market was a success and has been the largest market ever as far as what was brought in as Special Events and Park Department. Mr. Mitchell stated that talking to people and going to other Summer Markets, he believes Hobart Summer Market thanks to Mrs. Lopez is one of the best market yet due to being an all-around family friendly. Mrs. Sills also states that she attended last Thursday Summer Market and she cannot believe what a great of a job Mrs. Lopez has done. Mrs. Sills commended Mrs. Lopez for the great job she has done and for taking the Summer Market to the next level and has turned it into something great. Mrs. Lopez responds that she loves doing her job and is all labor of love. Mrs. Lopez and Mr. Mitchell mentioned that helicopter was a success and took 50 people up and the all loved it. The helicopter will be present for every Market. Mr. Mitchell mentioned that Tuesday June 12 at 10am there is a scheduled walk through for the electrical area at the Lakefront. Mr. Mitchell stated that talking to the electrician they concluded that there are a few more issues and Mr. Mitchell is asking any of the board members if they would like to attend the walk through. The electrician informed Mr. Mitchell that when they do the walk through they will be able to provide the Department a total amount of any new cost within two days prior to the meeting. Following the walk through, Mr. Mitchell also wants to arrange a special meeting with the Park Board Members Monday June 18 in regards the solution for the electric at the Lakefront. The Park Board Members agree that the Special meeting take place Monday June 18 at 5:30 pm. Mrs. Sills made a motion for the Special Meeting next Monday June 18 at 5:30, Seconded by Mr. Kara, All aye, motion carried. (4-0) Mr. Mitchell mentioned Arts in the Park starting Tuesday June 12. The arts and craft program is a fun, FREE program for children ages 4-12 years old. It’s an opportunity for children to participate in arts and craft activities during their summer vacation. Arts in the Park program begins – August 4th. Mondays 11-2 pm in Festival Park, Tuesdays 11-12 pm at Silich Park, Wednesdays 11-2 pm at City Ball Park, Thursdays 11-2 pm at Arbor Lane Park, Fridays 11-2 pm at the Hobart Pool. Mr. Mitchell also mentioned that the School Program started the Summer Food Service Monday through Friday. 11:00-11:30 at City Ball Park, Friday, 12:50-1:20 at Hobart Pool, 11:55- 12:25 at Festival Park, and 11:50-12:20 at Hansen Park and every Tuesday at Festival Park from 5:00-7:00 is taco Tuesday. Plan Commission Report: Mrs. Galka announced that there will be a special meeting regarding the Cressmoor Subdivision developments intended to go in off of Wisconsin and 37th of Lake Park Ave. Mrs. Galka also announced that a car wash was approved for 37th Ave. to take place of the existing car wash. Mrs. Galka also mentioned that the High School came in front of the Plan Commission for the site plan for the pool and it has been approved. Common Council Report: Mr. Huddlestun mentioned that he appreciates and thanked the interview committee for their time they put in those two days of long nights. Mr. Huddlestun also mentioned that the partnership of Friends and Robinson Lake, Mr. Huddlestun went out to fish and had a great time. School Board Report: Mr. Rogers mentions that everything is moving right along and getting all the design work done and that everyone will be proud of the end results will be. Mr. Rogers mentions that the ground breaking on the 28th of the aquatics at the High School and the middle school would take place sometime in July. Old Business: Tabled: RFP’s for playground Equipment Upgrades: Remains on the table. Mrs. Sills stated that it would be best the leave on the table and let the new Park Board Director get a chance and take a look and give their advice on what’s going on. Mrs. Sills makes a motion to table RFPs for the Playground Equipment on the table, Seconded by Mr. Kara, All Aye, motion carried (3-0) New Business: None Consideration for Park Director: Mayor Brian Snedecor began by thanking the interview committee Mr. Kara, Mrs. Sills, Mr. Huddlestun, and Mrs. Longer and himself for the actual five members of interview process. With that said there were applicants from all over the Midwest, some were not affordable, one had scholar legal and there were also a number of people from different background that applied, however, the direction of the Board was that they wanted to presue someone who had background of parks and recreation who has leadership and education. At the end of the process the Board was unified and who they felt should be the new title of Park Director. Mayor Brian Snedecor announced Mrs. Goodpaster as the new Park Director in front of the Park Board Members. Again, he thanked everyone for the hiring process and at the end of the process he believes everyone felt comfortable and the direction they were going and taking marching orders from the Board as a whole and believes everyone was focused on the end result. Mayor also believes that even though Mr. Mitchell was not part of the voting member process, Mr. Mitchell very much feels that Mrs. Goodpaster has the skills sets and the ability to continue moving the Parks district in a positive direction. Mayor Brian Snedecor asked Park Board Members want to take any action and confirm the new Park Director so that the process can begin and move forward. Mayor believes that it would give Mrs. Goodpaster and Mr. Mitchell a chance to sit down and go over the playground RFPs a more detail together. Mr. Huddlestun made some comments in regards to Mrs. Goodpaster. He mentioned that Mrs. Goodpaster is a Hobart resident, Hobart graduate, and during the interview Mr. Huddlestun sense passion and really transpire to the committee. Mrs. Sills states that she believes Mrs. Goodpaster will do a great job and just knowing how her sister Mrs. Lopez works. She believes that together they will take Parks into another level. Mr. Kara also stated that there were many qualifications put in front of them, but knowing Mrs. Goodpaster a little bit he learned a lot and he can say that Mrs. Goodpaster was very prepared, showed passion and is very glad they choose the right candidate for the new Park Director. Mrs. Sills makes a motion to accept the Mayors appointment of Kelly Goodpaster to service as the Hobart Parks Director, Seconded by Mr. Kara, All Aye, motion carried (3-0) First and foremost Kelly Goodpaster thanks Mayor Brian Snedecor and the interview committee, Mrs. Longer, Mr. Fulton and everyone in the Parks Department for believing in her and her leadership. Mrs. Goodpaster states that not only does she loves Hobart, but she was born and raised in Hobart. Mrs. Goodpaster and her husband have two kids who are also born and being raised in Hobart. Her daughter name is Kaya and she is nine years old and her son name is Ryder and he is eight years old. They are also Hobart Brickies and with the plans of graduating Hobart Brickies. Mrs. Goodpaster states that in regards of her sister Nikki Lopez, the Hobart Event Director getting the change to work so close to her is really important that they keep Hobart and the community. She is very honored for her new position as Parks Director and will work very hard and not let the team down. Mayor Brian Snedecor added a couple things. Mayor stated that when he met with Mrs. Goodpaster to break the news to her, he only asked three things of her to serve as Director and that is to be responsible for the Parks Departments five year plan, credential on Parks and Recreation and to attend meetings. Mrs. Goodpaster absolutely agreed. Mayor also added a big thank you to Mr. Mitchell and he believes they will work together in this transition. Mayor thanks him for always giving 110 percent every day. He works really hard, supports his employees and he has brought the Parks Department a long ways from where they began back in 2008 where they had little to none, but thanks to his hard work and employees they have made the Department great. Mayor publicly thanked Mr. Mitchell and appreciates all his dedication and hard work. Mrs. Galka also thanked Mr. Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell states that before all the hiring process had started, Mrs. Goodpaster was working under the Mayor doing some of the landscaping and he decided to bring her in to The Park Department. Mr. Mitchell was dragging her along and showing her the whole process because working with Mrs. Goodpaster, he knew she was able to lead and represent the Park Department very well and take the Park Department to a higher level than what it is now. Mrs. Sills states that she cannot wait to see Mrs. Goodpaster and Mrs. Lopez Hobart Event Planner working together and seeing all the great things both come up with for the City of Hobart. Mrs. Lopez states that indeed they work great together, they have been working together their whole entire lives. Starting at Johnson’s Strawberry Farm for about ten years, working in restaurants together and now moving into the City of Hobart. Mrs. Lopez confirms that they do have a really good working relationship and they both have a great deal of passion for the City of Hobart. Announcements: None Adjournment: Mrs. Sills made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Kara. All aye, motion carried. (4-0) ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________