Park Board

Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 BOARD MEETING MINUTES March 6:30PM Present: Kevin Jansen, President, Tracy Tipton, Vice-President, Jen Blackman, Dave Button, Dennis Nartker, Sam Zollman, Jason Meade, KORC Manager, Dawn McGahen, Park Director, Diane Peachy, Skate Park Enthusiast, Whitney Lovett, Dane Forbes, Ali Kegg, Heather Owsley, Eric Owsley, Adult Softball Players. Public Comments: None were given. Minutes of the February 13, 2023 meeting were approved as presented. (Tipton, Blackman) Claims were reviewed and approved as presented. (Button, Nartker) Skatepark Discussion: Diane Peachy told the board that we had a follow-up meeting with The Dekko Foundation regarding our grant. We hope to hear from them soon and will then start fundraising. The Board thanked Diane for her work and complimented the brochure that she designed. Directors Report: Highlights: 1. There was a lengthy discussion amongst the board and the adult softball players regarding the league and having it this year. Last year, there were issues with teams violating rules so it was undecided on whether we would host the leagues this year. There will be a follow-up meeting to discuss how to proceed this year. 2. We are working on hiring the campground coordinator. This year, they will be hourly staff so that they follow the city policies and procedures. 3. The board agreed to have the gate attendant work again this year. 4. The city asked to use the mobile stage for a concert June 17th, 2023. Board members asked who would pay employees and how often they were having concerts. The board agreed to let them use it. 5. Contacted DNR about the beavers in Bixler Lake. They are doing damage to several trees around the lake. 6. Gave the board an update on the memorial fountain that was being discussed last year. They family has asked for additional ideas because the contractor for the fountain has backed out. 7. With Ligtel discontinuing their wireless internet, we lost service to the campground. We are upgrading to fiber at the Youth Center and will put a tower at the maintenance barn and campground so we have service. The initial expense will cost us but the service will be faster and more reliable. Maintenance Report: Highlights: 1. Staff are working to complete the interior of the maintenance building. They have painted the interior, put in a new toilet and water heater and continue to organize and clean. 2. Several trees and limbs were down from the last storm. Trees were cut up and hauled away as were limbs. There are still several down, but the ground is too soft to get to them. 3. The Sunset Park ball diamonds have been cut out and dirt moved. They will be completed for spring use. 4. Sunset Park play equipment has some wear that is being addressed. This equipment will need to be replaced in the next few years. 5. The Youth Center has had some touch up painting done and staff have started priming Christmas boards for this year’s drive thru.  Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 Recreation Update: 1. We have begun scheduling concerts in the park. The goal is to have at least 4 throughout the season. 2. We will host an Easter Bunny Drive-Thru event again this year. We also plan on doing a social media contest regarding Easter so that children have a chance to win an Easter basket. There will be 8 baskets awarded to various age groups. 3. Planning is underway for summer day camp. We will have a back to camp night on April 11, 2023 where parents can come and register their children, ask questions, etc. Field trips are being planned as well as specialty camp weeks. 4. The Patriotic Pops concert on July 4th, 2023, will be expanded with children activities and food trucks. We are also working with the CLC on the Philharmonic fundraiser that will be held on May 3 rd, 2023. Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Update: 1. Jason Meade has been hired at the KORC Manager. He has started and is working on contacting various user groups/teams and the scheduling. 2. We have had several requests already for diamond usage from area travel teams. 3. Banner renewal has been going great. Jason plans on reaching out to new businesses to see if they would like to purchase a banner for advertising. Acceptance of Donations: None Board Input: Tracy welcomed Jason to the department. Dennis and Kevin mentioned all the standing water and asked if we could address that. Dawn will ask Ryan about it. The meeting was adjourned at 7:52PM (Tipton, Button)