Park Board

Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 BOARD MEETING MINUTES April 18, 2022 6:30PM Present: Kevin Jansen, President; Sam Zollman, Vice President, Dave Button, Dennis Nartker, Tracy Tipton, Dawn McGahen, Park Director, Julie Cauhorn, Gary Uhl and Tracie Mullins. Public Comments: Julie Cauhorn and Gary Uhl presented checks to the KORC Phase II Endowment Fund on behalf of their parents Harold and Jean Uhl. They expressed how their father was involved in youth sports and thought highly of the Park so they wanted to donate in his memory. Minutes of the March 14, 2022 meeting were approved as presented. (Tipton, Zollman) Claims were reviewed and approved as presented. (Button, Zollman) Skatepark Discussion: Hunger Skatepark would like a representative’s name attached to their contract. It was mentioned that it is usually a Park Department employee. The board discussed and voted to have Dawn McGahen be that individual. (Tipton, Zollman) Directors Report: Highlights 1. Dawn reached out to Doug Atz regarding clarification on the nepotism policy. 2. The Youth Center is now using key fobs for employees and rentals and they are working out well. Staff can control the hours that the renters have access to the building. 3. City Council passed a resolution that the park would receive a portion of the certified shares each month starting in January 2023. 4. An update was given on the fundraising for KORC Phase II Endowment. We still need to raise additional funds to match our Dekko Foundation grant. 5. Use of the mobile stage was discussed. If the City of Kendallville wants to use it, they will be allowed pending Park approval. All other for profit or nonprofit entities will need to pay the set prices. 6. A grant was written to the Dekko Foundation for the Sherman Street barn roof. Dawn met with them to discuss it and will continue to work on ways to fund the project. 7. The group of disc golf volunteers will be working with park staff to fundraise for signage and tee pads in the near future. 8. Oak Farm would like to use our tennis courts for their fall season since their courts will not be completed by then. The board discussed this and agreed to let them use them and we will collect a fee, certificate of liability and a signed contract. 9. Young Professional Network has requested that the park collaborate with them in hosting their food truck Friday events this year. Park board agreed that we could do this and Dawn will work out the details. Maintenance Report: Highlights 1. Continued to work on the interior of the cabins so that they are ready to rent Memorial Day weekend. 2. The removal of the lifeguard chairs has been completed.  Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 3. The west beach bathroom had graffiti painted on it. Staff repainted that side of the building. 4. We are slowly turning water on to the bathrooms and buildings. 5. Planted grass seeds around the cabins and other areas within the park. 6. Cut up two trees that came down in the storms and also removed several limbs. 7. Have continued to pick up trash that is noticeable this time of year and are in the process of putting out new trash dumpsters to help with the lifting and dumping of the 55-gallon barrels. 8. Painted the spring animals that are in the tot-lot. 9. The Street Department hauled away the dirt that was in the archery parking area. We will work on getting that graded and solid once the rain slows down. 10. Graded campground and KORC access road. Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex Update: 1. Staff have mowed and groomed the fields. 2. Concession stands are clean, full of product and have been open for purchases. 3. Soccer practices are going on and NASA starts their games Saturday. 4. Our first weekend tournament was this past weekend and everything went very well. Recreation Update: 1. We hosted an Easter Bunny Drive-Thru that was successful with over 150 children attending. 2. Camp Wethonkitha is hosting a Back-to-Camp night for parents to ask questions and register their children. 3. Logan Conley asked Dawn to talk to the youth at The Crew about summer camp and employment opportunities. Acceptance of Donations: (Button, Tipton) ❖ General Use o Wible Lumber - Donated 1500sqft Wallboard ($2.95/sqft) - Bixler Cabins Board Input: Tracy asked when tournaments were going on at the ORC and when would be a good time for Park Board to have a presence there. They were told that anytime would be great to interact with staff. Dennis asked about summer, mowing help and was told we still need to advertise positions. Dave mentioned how nice the park looks even with the rain. The meeting was adjourned at 7:32PM (Nartker, Button)