Park Board

Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 KENDALLVILLE PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT BOARD MEETING MINUTES April 13, 2020 7:30pm Present: Kevin Jansen, President; Dennis Nartker, Vice President; Dave Button; Tom Jansen; Kara Hand; Dawn McGahen, Recreation Director and Jim Pankop, Park Director. Also present Ben Hand. Public Comments: Ben introduced himself and informed the Board that he worked maintenance at the Sports Complex. Minutes of the meeting of March 9, 2020 were approved as presented. (T. Jansen/Nartker) Claims were reviewed and approved as presented. (Nartker/Hand) Directors Report: Highlights 1. Reviewed the Appropriation Reports from the Clerk Treasurer for the month of March 2020. 2. Discussed areas closed within the park system due to COVID-19. 3. The Board learned that the county has completed de-brushing on 2 regulated drains entering Bixler Lake. The Surveyor should soon be supplying the information we need to replace the culvert under the road near the Fishing Channel. 4. The Board was updated on the Tennis Court and Dump Station projects. Maintenance Report: Highlights 1. Finished installing a security system at the Youth Center with help from Rick Kiersey, the cities IS Coordinator. 2. Connected the Fishing Pier to the abutment. 3. Installed Bixler Lake Park sign on Park Avenue. 4. Installed 2 rebuilt park benches. 5. Tilled and staked garden plots that will be rented at Sunset Park. 6. Started to turn on winterized water services. Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex Update: Reported that, due to COVID-19, 2 tournaments scheduled for April have been cancelled. League play and tournaments scheduled for May are currently in limbo. NASA has cancelled their spring season. ENYB, KGSL, Adult men’s & coed teams, Rag Ball / T – Ball games and tournaments are all on hold until further notice. With the additional time edging is being completed on all 8 ball diamond infields along with other maintenance work at the complex.  Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 Recreation Update: 1. The Easter Bunny Drive-Thru was held and was successful. Staff, volunteers and the Easter Bunny passed out treat bags to 375 participants. 2. Plans for summer daycamp, Camp Wethonkitha are moving forward. Staff is being hired, field trips planned and registrations are coming in. We are hopeful we can start on time but if we need to delay, we will adjust accordingly. The only concern so far is the arrival of the international staff. Acceptance of Donations: (T. Jansen/Button) ❖ Tennis Court Upgrade o Dr. Gerald & Kara Warrener - $2000.00 ❖ KORC (Mike Probst Memorial) o (see attachment) Board Input: Tom Jansen asked about use of the Sunset North ball fields. He was informed that they were still used as practice fields by the KGSL. Tom was wondering if they could be used as kickball fields throughout the summer if there was interest. Tom Jansen made a motion that Brian and Doris Baker be named “Friend of the Park”. The Board voted unanimously in favor. (T. Jansen/Nartker) A motion to adjourn was made by Tom Jansen at 6:54pm.