Park Board

Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 BOARD MEETING MINUTES September 12, 2022 6:30PM Present: Kevin Jansen, President, Sam Zollman, Vice-President, Jen Blackman, Dave Button, Dennis Nartker, Tracy Tipton, and Dawn McGahen-Park Director, Diane Peachey Skatepark Enthusiast, Steve Walters Campground Manager, Brett Slone and Scott Vondran from Kendallville Girls Softball. Public Comments: Scott Vondran inquired what the status was with the ball diamonds at Sunset Park. He is going to meet with Ryan Alwine to discuss options regarding moving the two north diamonds to the south side of the park. He also asked that we look at the steps on the bridge over the creek, due to a large drop off and the steps coming down from Rush Street due to lots of overgrowth. Steve Walters told the board that the campground had another successful season. He has several full weekends before the campground closes. Steve also mentioned that this would be his last year as the campground manager. Minutes of the August 8, 2022 meeting were approved as presented. (Nartker, Blackman) Claims were reviewed and approved as presented. (Button, Nartker) Skatepark Discussion: Dawn passed out drawings of an initial design provided by Hunger Skateparks. Diane will get them to the youth involved and ask their opinion on the design. There was discussion about how much endowment we should have for long term maintenance on the skatepark and where the money raised should be held. Dawn and Diane will follow-up on these two areas. Directors Report: Highlights: 1. There was discussion about the progress of the KORC Phase II Endowment. We still need to raise funds in order to reach the maximum amount on The Dekko Foundation Grant. 2. This fall, we have an East Noble Senior, Kam Ritchie, as an intern. So far, he has done a very good job and is willing to do whatever task is asked of him. 3. Dawn spoke to the Department of Natural Resources regarding the petition and article in the paper about the restocking of Bixler Lake. At this time, interested parties should contact DNR for information regarding this. 4. We met with representatives from DNR and USDA regarding the Sunset Park Prairie project. They were very helpful and will continue working with us throughout the restoration process. 5. There is a prospective buyer for the lot north of the Youth Center. Once this is sold, the Park Department will need to work with the buyer regarding the property lines. 6. Dennis had asked that we check with a DNR forester regarding the pine trees that are dying off in the area. Dawn reported that it is most likely caused from a needle cast disease and is only treatable by an air application which is very costly. 7. We are working with the engineers that will be completed the Drake Road project. They may utilize our parking lots for equipment and storage of supplies. 8. The board discussed the memorial fountain that a family would like to donate and have installed in the park system. They are still inquiring about long term maintenance and costs, that will be the departments responsibility once the fountain is installed. Vacation Extension: Dawn McGahen has 178 hours of vacation that needs extended. Several of these days are scheduled they just fall after her anniversary date. The board approved the extension. (Blackman, Tipton)  Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 Maintenance Report: Highlights: 1. Mowed edges of duck pond, complex retention ponds and hills, channel, sunset park and the solar fields. 2. Pulled out the bushes along Lake Street and Rush Street. 3. Took out broken down concrete stairs on Lake Street and the West Terraces. 4. Distributed the Engineered Wood Fiber to the playgrounds. 5. Cleaned up the grounds in front of the Youth Center by pulling weeds, trimming and putting down fresh mulch. 6. Cleaned up downed limbs in the park and cemetery that came down from the wind storm. 7. Continue to groom the beaches. 8. Moved the bleachers, took out the fencing and worked on removing the two north ball diamonds at Sunset Park. 9. Added soil and leveled out the archery range parking lot. Recreation Update: 1. The Young Professional Network Food Truck Friday that was held in the park was successful. We look forward to working with them next year on some additional events. 2. The Family Challenge cohosted by the Park Department and the Cole Center Family YMCA has concluded. Dawn will work with Brian Young from the YMCA to expand this event next year. 3. We are starting to work on the Community Christmas Greetings and have several boards primed and ready to be distributed. Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Update: 1. The Fall Adult Leagues have started and will continue into October. 2. The KORC hosted an NSA Silver World Series qualifying tournament. It went very well and there were several compliments regarding how nice the facility and fields look. 3. Cole Center Family YMCA, NASA and St John are all using the soccer fields at the complex. There have been both practices and games held there. 4. East Noble Middle School cross country will host a home meet at the complex the end of the month. 5. The disc golf course continues to be popular amongst locals and out of town visitors. The Crew Cup will be held on the new Woodland Course this fall. Acceptance of Donations: (Tipton, Zollman) • Disc Golf: Logan and Jessica Conley-$500.00 Board Input: Sam asked if we could use the dead pine trees for mulch in areas around the park. Dawn will look into this. He also inquired about the dates Young Professional Network would have events in the park next year. Dawn spoke with them and they will vote on dates in January. Dave likes how nice the grounds look along Lake Street since the bushes were removed.  Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 The meeting was adjourned at 7:43PM (Tipton, Zollman)