Park Board

Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 KENDALLVILLE PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT BOARD MEETING MINUTES December 14, 2020 6:30pm Present: Kevin Jansen, President; Tom Jansen; Jennifer Blackman; Sam Zollman; Dave Button; Jim Pankop, Park Director and Dawn McGahen, Recreation Director. Ron Witham; Diane Peachy and Chris Streb Skatepark Advocates. Christy Wiesenhahn from Hunger Skateparks was also present. Jennifer Blackman was welcomed as a new Park Board member coming from the School Board. Public Comments: None were given. Minutes of the meeting of November 9, 2020 were approved as presented. (T. Jansen / Zollman) Claims were reviewed and approved as presented. (T. Jansen / Zollman) Diane Peachy and Ron Witham addressed the Park Board on behalf of the skatepark enthusiast group. Diane reported to the Board that the skatepark group has selected 3 locations to explore the feasibility of constructing a skatepark. Diane asked the Board if they would approve to let them go ahead with soil borings starting with their first pick, Sunset Park near the pavilion. If that site did not work, they would then proceed to their second choice, on Sherman Street near the shelter and if that did not work to go on to their third choice, Sunset near the basketball court. Christy Wiesenhahn from Hunger Skateparks mentioned that they really liked the Sunset Park location near the pavilion. The Board voted to let them go ahead with soil borings and research keeping in contacted with the Park Director and Board President. (T. Jansen / Button) Kevin Jansen was elected President of the Park and Recreation Board for 2021. (T. Jansen / Blackman) Dave Button was elected Vice President of the Park and Recreation Board for 2021 (T. Jansen / Zollman) After input from the staff the Board voted to leave fees and policies the same for 2021. (T. Jansen / Button) The Board reviewed a list of items including equipment and park improvements that have a cost exceeding $500.00. After discussion the list was approved. (Button / T. Jansen) Directors Report: Highlights 1. Reviewed the Appropriation Report from the Clerk’s Office for the month of November 2020. 2. A list of department goals for 2021 was reviewed. 3. The Board learned that a list of the department’s accomplishments for the year 2020 has been given to the Mayor in preparation for the State of the City. This is the start of the Annual Report. 4. The Board granted vacation extension to Jim Pankop so remaining vacation time can be used after May 20, 2021. (T. Jansen / Zollman)  Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 Maintenance Report: Highlights 1. Maintenance staff planted 15 trees at the KORC and 4 trees in the park. 2. Helped the Fire Department put Christmas lights on the large tree at Briedert Park. 3. Graded stone roads and parking lots. 4. Refurbished 1 park bench. 5. Helped set-up Christmas Card Drive-thru. Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex Update: No report was given. Recreation Update: 1. The Community Christmas Greetings Drive-Thru is setup and illuminated every evening. There appears to be several cars going through the campground to look at the boards. 2. The Park Department is hosting a virtual Christmas Scavenger Hunt where participants will be asked to find festive items and complete tasks then post pictures on Facebook. Acceptance of Donations: (Zollman / T. Jansen) ❖ Christmas Greeting Drive-thru o McGahen Family - $50.00 o LouAnne Pillers - $100.00 o Max Platt Ford-Lincoln Inc - $100.00 o Erica Dekko - $100.00 o Quick Tanks Inc - $100.00 o Orchard Hill Farms Inc - $100.00 o State Farm – Don Gura - $150.00 o Aubrey & Ginny Ray (Ginny’s Daycare) - $150.00 o AMI Investments - $500.00 ❖ General Use o David Button/Rockwell Foundation - $3500.00 ❖ Recreation o Kappa Kappa Kappa, Inc. Alpha Associate Chapter - $50.00 o M. Jane Pankop - $100.00 Board Input: Sam Zollman mentioned that we should consider making the Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex entrance the Parks main entrance. He also thought security cameras at the Campground would be a good idea. Tom Jansen thanked the maintenance staff for continuing to keep the park looking great. He also commented on how good the Christmas Card Drive-thru and the Christmas tree at Briedert Park look this year. Jennifer Blackman said she is looking forward to learning more about the park. Dave Button along with the rest of the Board thanked Tom Jansen for his many years of service and leadership. Jim Pankop commented that he owes Tom a debt of gratitude he can never repay. Kevin Jansen made a motion to adjourn at 7:24pm.