Park Board

Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 BOARD MEETING MINUTES June 13, 2022 6:30PM Present: Kevin Jansen, President, Jen Blackman, Dave Button, Dennis Nartker, Tracy Tipton, Dawn McGahen, Park Director Diane Peachy, Cathy Berry and Chris Streb; skatepark group, Chad Shuck, Trevor Furlow and Jose Torres from Lippert Plants 150 & 151. Public Comments: None were given. Minutes of the May 9, 2022 meeting were approved as presented. (Tipton, Button) Claims were reviewed and approved as presented. (Blackman, Nartker) Lippert Plants 150 & 151 were awarded Friend of the Park. Both plants have volunteered numerous times in the park. They have helped with Mayday projects, painted a Christmas Board and recently picked up several sticks and limbs around the park so the mowing crew could continue mowing. Skatepark Discussion: Diane reported that Hunger Skate Park sent back the contract for approval and signatures. They will then work on designing the local park and after approval of the design, fundraising will begin. Directors Report: Highlights 1. Dawn explained how we had a juvenile male break into the maintenance barn and take a truck for a joy ride. He returned the next night and the police caught him trying to take a truck again. 2. An update was given regarding fundraising for the KORC Phase 2 Endowment. We need to continue to raise funds so that we meet our Dekko Foundation Grant deadline. 3. We have started our weekly water tests and results have been good. 4. An anonymous donor gifted the park money to purchase a golf cart for the sports complex. They also gifted money for Strawser Construction to fix the maintenance barn roof on Sherman Street. The board thanked the generous donor and agreed to accept the donation. (Tipton, Blackman) 5. The Park Department was the recipient of monetary memorial gift. After discussion, it was decided that half of the gift would go into the non-reverting fund for future projects and half would go into the KORC Phase 2 Endowment Fund. (Button, Tipton) Maintenance Report: Highlights 1. Fixed the Sunset Park Bridge that had two wooden slats broken. 2. Helped cemetery staff weed eat for the Memorial Day weekend. 3. Graded the campground road and parking lots. 4. Helped move the popcorn stand for the summer season. 5. Mulched around all the trees at the sports complex. 6. Sprayed weeds throughout the park, complex and campground. 7. Fixed memorial benches that needed repaired. 8. Continued to mow all the park grounds. Recreation Update: 1. Camp Wethonkitha Summer Camp has started. We had a successful weekend of staff training, have 170 campers signed up with some on the waiting list and are offering a 2-week art camp in collaboration with the Community Learning Center. 2. The mobile stage was used for the Fairy Festival and worked out very well for them.  Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 3. The free princess party was postponed due to rain and has been reschedule for Wednesday July 20, 2022 at 6:00PM. 4. The 4th of July Patriotic Pops is schedule for Monday July 4, 2022 at 8:00PM at the west terraces. Everything is in order for another great event. It was discussed on whether or not we could invite food trucks this year. Park Board agreed that we could and should collect the same $25.00 vendor fee. 5. The park is collaborating with Young Professional Network to host a Food Truck Friday on June 17 from 6:00-9:00pm. This will be held near the Jansen Pavilion and will feature the band Triple Shot on the mobile stage. 6. The Cub Scout Daycamp is being held in the campground around the Lions Pavilion. They have troops from the Howe area and as far south as Fort Wayne. Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Update: 1. New rule signs were placed at all three entrances into the ballfields. Staff are attempting to enforce them but have received negative pushback from some participants. 2. The rain has created some scheduling concerns as we are trying to squeeze in makeup games before the local league tournaments start. 3. Weekend tournaments have been very successful. Several teams from out of town have been playing at the facilities and have complimented about the condition of the fields and concession prices. 4. There has been discussion about adding additional foul ball netting over the bleachers. Staff will pursue this and get a cost. Acceptance of Donations: (Button, Nartker) ❖ Park Office o Apple Festival - $1000.00 ❖ Disc Golf o Christopher McCreery - $1000.00 o Rookleif Lawn Care Inc - $500.00 Board Input: Dave asked about vandalism to the bench that he had installed along Lake Avenue. Dennis inquired on whether the city still sprayed for mosquitos. Tracy asked about the pine tree stumps that remained from cutting down trees behind the Cole Gardens. Staff will get them cut down soon. Kevin mentioned the Patriotic Pops concert on July 4 th and asked board members to be present during the event. The meeting was adjourned at 7:48PM (Tipton, Nartker)