Park Board

Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 BOARD MEETING MINUTES December 13, 2021 6:30PM Present: Kevin Jansen, President; Jen Blackman, Dave Button, Dennis Nartker, Sam Zollman, Dawn McGahen, Park Director, Ryan Alwine, Facilities Manager. Also, present Campground Coordinator- Steve Walters, Skatepark Advocates-Diane Peachy, Ron Witham, Cathy Berry and Chris Streb. Jim Kimmel from the National Softball Association was also present. Public Comments: None were given. Minutes of the November 8th, 2021 meeting were approved as presented. (Button, Zollman) Claims were reviewed and approved as presented. (Nartker, Blackman) Skatepark Discussion: The skatepark group met with Dawn McGahen and Ryan Alwine to discuss a possible location for the skatepark at the Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex (KORC). The group asked the park board to approve pursuing the possible site due to concerns about the previous site at Sunset Park. After discussion, it was decided that the KORC site could be utilized. (Blackman, Zollman) National Softball Association (NSA) Discussion: Jim Kimmel the State Director for NSA thanked the board for sending Ryan Alwine to the NSA Conference. He explained how they were able to network and by doing so the KORC will be hosting the NSA Silver and Elite World Series in September of 2022. He also expressed an interest in scheduling other events at the complex in the future. Election of Officers: Kevin Jansen was nominated for President. (Button, Blackman) and Sam Zollman was nominated for Vice President (Jansen, Blackman). Park Fees: After receiving input from park staff and discussion by the board, they agreed to adjust fees accordingly for 2022. Fee increases will be publicized on the park website and relayed to individuals interested in renting facilities and camping. (Zollman, Button) Approval of Spending Over $500.00: After discussion by the board, they agreed to adjust the limit for spending to $4,000.00 to match what the Board of Works requires from other city departments. The board reviewed a list of equipment and park improvements and after discussion, the list was approved. (Nartker, Button)  Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 Directors Report: Highlights 1. The park had an employee test positive for Covid. Staff did a good job working individually and keeping their distance during this time. 2. The park received a matching Dekko Foundation for the KORC Phase II Endowment. There was discussion regarding the board helping fundraise for this. 3. The Office Manager has asked that park office hours be shortened. It was discussed with the mayor and the board and was decided that we would adjust the hours and see if it works. 4. We will be scheduling meetings with individuals and groups who we work with throughout the year such as Wayne Township Trustee, baseball and softball leagues, soccer, etc. Maintenance Report: Highlights 1. Mulching of leaves has been completed throughout the parks. 2. The campground firewood storage area is finished and looks very good. 3. Bulletin boards were added at the campground office and bathrooms. 4. Several benches were repaired and spruced up. 5. Low spots in the campground were filled and leveled off. 6. Assisted with the city Christmas tree and put up the banners on Main Street. 7. Helped with set-up of the Community Christmas Greetings Drive-thru. Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex Update: 1. We are working on updating fees and contracts for the upcoming season. 2. Continuing to work on the 2022 schedule. 3. Staff has been cleaning out the barns and concessions stands. 4. Completing routine maintenance on all of the vehicles. Recreation Update: 1. Set-up of the Community Christmas Greetings Drive-thru with a total of 52 boards. We also have several holiday themed blow-ups that were donated by the Jim Hodge Family. 2. In collaboration with the Cole Center Family YMCA, we held our annual Tinsel Trot through the Christmas Card Display. Patrons were then offered hot chocolate and smore’s around the campfire. 3. The park had a float in the Christmas Parade and won 1st place for most unique. 4. Skate night continues to be successful with several children attending each week. Acceptance of Donations: (Blackman, Button) ❖ Community Christmas Greeting Drive-thru o AMI Investments - $500.00 o Brad Miller - $500.00 o Aubrey & Ginny Ray - $150.00 o Taylor Made/Lippert - $100.00  Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 Board Input: Dennis Nartker asked if we could get rid of the shuffleboard courts at Sunset Park due to their deteriorating condition and being an eye sore. Dave Button commented how nice the park looks. Kevin Jansen asked if we could look into getting concrete cornhole sets installed somewhere in the park system. The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 PM (Nartker, Zollman)