Park Board

Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 KENDALLVILLE PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT BOARD MEETING MINUTES October 12, 2020 6:30pm Present: Kevin Jansen, President; Dave Button; Tom Jansen; Dennis Nartker; Jim Pankop, Park Director; Brett Slone, KORC Manager and Dave Lange, City Building Inspector. Also present Ron Witham and Diane Peachy, Skatepark Advocates. They were joined by Cathy Berry, Chris Streb and Cassie Dean. Public Comments: None were given. Minutes of the meeting of September 14, 2020 were approved as presented. (Button / T. Jansen) Claims were reviewed and approved as presented. (T. Jansen / Button) Diane Peachy and Ron Witham addressed the Park Board on behalf of the skatepark enthusiasts. Diane explained that after the last meeting new problems have come to light making the Sunset location difficult to develop for a skatepark. These problems are zoning and the fact that this area sits in a floodplain. Diane asked that a site on the east side of Bixler Lake be considered that is currently a basketball court in need of repair. After some discussion on various sites and with input from Dave Lange on zoning and site selection the process was tabled. The goal is to come back at the next Board Meeting with several feasible locations and continue the discussion. Directors Report: Highlights 1. Reviewed the Appropriation Reports from the Clerk Treasurer for the month of September 2020. 2. The Board was informed that pavilion rental income was down $1,465.00 this year due to Covid-19. 3. Current project updates were given. 4. Reported to the Board that quotes for facility improvements, equipment and tools are being sought for end of year spending if funds are available. 5. The Board read an email from Randy Sexton, Noble County Surveyor, updating them on Dredging of the Lash Ditch. Maintenance Report: Highlights 1. Replaced 80 feet of sidewalk near the fishing channel. 2. Over seeded many bare areas of the park. 3. Installed a climber on the Sunset Park composite play structure. 4. Stained Gatehouse at the entrance to the park.  Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex Update: Brett reported that ball play is winding down at the complex. Painting of the 2 older concession / restroom buildings is taking place now and other clean-up and maintenance projects outside will continue until the weather turns cold. Recreation Update: 1. Pickleball clinic ended after 4 weeks. Twenty-five people came during various times to learn the sport. The courts continue to be used a lot. 2. Noble Trails loaned us two benches for use in the tennis/pickleball courts. We will start saving caps and purchase two more to replace theirs. This is a part of the “Beth’s Benches” project. 3. We held a virtual backpack auction with proceeds going to Light the Night. Money, gift cards and items were donated by local individuals and businesses for the activity. It was a way to get the community involved in Light the Night this year since they had to go virtual. 4. We are working on the Community Christmas Greetings and do have some groups that are willing to paint boards. We anticipate it will be smaller than last year, but we will use some of last year’s boards as well. Acceptance of Donations: (T. Jansen / Nartker) ❖ Trees o Dr Thomas & Rita Koerner - $400.00 ❖ Light the Night Auction o Bradley A Miller - $500.00 o Dawn McGahen - $381.00 o Susan Crosby - $345.00 o Katie Wysong - $300.00 o Dee Wittrig - $165.00 o Century 21 Bradley Forbes Bros - $110.00 o Randy & Mayor SuzAnne Handshoe - $100.00 ❖ Park – General Use o Wilber L Helmer Foundation - $2824.46 Board Input: Dave Button asked about how the new Disc Golf course is coming along. He was informed that a tournament was held using some of the new course and it was well received. We will have the volunteers come to a Board Meeting at the end of the year to give an update on their progress. Tom Jansen reminded the Board that the long-term impact should always be taken into account on any decision they make. The other Board Members agreed. Dennis Nartker made a motion to adjourn at 7:51 pm.