Park Board

Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 BOARD MEETING MINUTES March 14, 2022 6:30PM Present: Kevin Jansen, President; Sam Zollman, Vice President, Jen Blackman, Dave Button, Dennis Nartker, Tracy Tipton, Dawn McGahen, Park Director, and Diane Peachy, Skatepark Advocate Public Comments: None were given. Minutes of the February 14, 2022 meeting were approved as presented. (Tipton, Zollman) Claims were reviewed and approved as presented. (Button, Blackman) Skatepark Discussion: Diane Peachy informed the board that the skatepark zoning change was approved by City Council and it goes to the Board of Zoning on Wednesday. Hunger Skate Park also has the contract and will go over the changes that Doug Atz recommended. Once the contract is approved, the design will be completed and fundraising will begin. Directors Report: Highlights 1. Dawn took the Certified Park & Recreational Professional test and passed. She will keep up with the continuing education credits needed to maintain the certification. 2. A grant was submitted to The Dekko Foundation regarding the maintenance barn roof repair and replacement. 3. The sale of park items was discussed and the money was deposited into the Phase II Endowment Fund. 4. The board was informed on the new procedures regarding the purchase of department clothing for seasonal staff. 5. The state has changed how they distribute the certified share money. Starting in January the money will go to the city so we are working with them on ways to redirect the money back to the park. 6. The Phase II Endowment Fundraiser is still underway and we need to continue our efforts to raise additional funds. 7. There was discussion regarding the campground cabins rental prices and rules. 8. The mobile stage contract and rental prices were discussed. 9. Reported that Jansen Pavilion has been spray painted causing damage. Maintenance Report: Highlights 1. Staff removed the wood platform from the duck pond. 2. Tore out the Sunset Park shuffleboard court and fencing. 3. Removed the bleachers from the hillside at Sunset Park to use on the north fields. 4. Filled in areas of mulch in the Tot-Lot Playground that had washed away in the rain. 5. Cleaned sludge out of the maintenance barn pit. 6. Worked on the key fob system for the Youth Center front door. 7. Street and Park staff took down Christmas decorations on Main Street. 8. Hauled the gymnastics equipment that was sold to EN team with the help of Street Department staff. 9. Completed playground inspections and fixed minor issues that were discovered. 10. Helped prepare the area where the rental cabins are being placed. Street Department staff assisted as well. 11. Graded campground and KORC access road. 12. Fixed loose siding on Jansen Pavilion.  Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex Update: 1. Ryan and Dawn have been meeting with travel team coaches and local leagues. 2. Concession cleanup has begun. We are meeting with distributors to get prices and delivery options. 3. Soccer practices are starting up and staff are reporting the fields are in good shape. 4. The batting cages have had a lot of use which is nice to see. 5. Disc golf volunteers had a work day utilizing teens that were in town for the youth pod. Recreation Update: 1. The park has been using Facebook for a Wordle challenge and giving the winners gift cards from local businesses. It has been well received. 2. Working with the Mayor on the pocket park ribbon cutting event to be held on April 30 th. Autumn Grey will play music on the mobile stage. 3. We are planning the Easter Bunny Drive-thru to be held at the Youth Center. 4. In coordination with the YMCA, we will hold a Back to Camp night on April 19 th. Acceptance of Donations: (Button, Tipton) Marvin Bailey Park Bench: Rita Rowe: $50.00 Erica Waszczak: $100.00 Memorial Tree: Oscar Handshoe: $125.00 Board Input: Jen Blackman inquired on when the Apple Festival Coordinator got paid. It was explained it was a monthly payment. Tracy Tipton asked if we had any big expenses coming up. We discussed the maintenance barn roof and a few other concerns that might arise. The meeting was adjourned at 7:44PM (Tipton,Nartker)