Park Board

Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 BOARD MEETING MINUTES September 11, 2023 6:30PM Present: Kevin Jansen, President, Tracy Tipton, Vice-President, Jen Blackman, Dave Button, Dennis Nartker Sam Zollman, Dawn McGahen, Park Director and Diane Peachey, Skatepark Enthusiast Public Comments: None were given. Minutes of the August 14, 2023, meeting were approved as presented. (Nartker, Tipton) Claims were reviewed and approved as presented. (Button, Blackman) Skatepark Discussion: Diane reported that we have designed a pledge form and so far it has been well received. She mentioned that she was still soliciting businesses and individuals and following up with grants. Diane also mentioned that she would like $10,000.00 of the money given by the park to go into the KORC endowment fund so we could get a matching grant from the CFNC. Motion made to deposit $10,000.00 to CFNC. (Tipton, Zollman) Vacation Extension: The board agreed to extend Dawn McGahen’s vacation hours, up to 184 hours. (Blackman, Zollman) Directors Report: 1. We are receiving funds regarding a family memorial that will be put towards a miniature golf course that will be placed in the east park system. 2. We were denied a skatepark grant from the Community Foundation of Noble County. Dawn is meeting with Margarita White this week to discuss this. 3. We would like to make upgrades to the campground. After talking to Clerk Treasurer Katie Ritchie, she suggested that we start a separate account where we deposit campground income and utilize it for projects. The board gave approval to start a campground fund (via council approval with a special ordinance) and transfer the money (via a resolution) after council approves the fund. 4. The police have done a great job patrolling the park after hours. Last week, they noticed someone started the Kiwanis Pavilion on fire and were able to get it extinguished. 5. The Sunset Prairie is blooming and looks very nice. There are a few bare spots that we might have to reseed. 6. Ginny and Aubrey Ray have completed their 20th year as gate attendants. The board agreed to discontinue collecting gate fees in the 2024 season. Maintenance Report: 1. Staff continue mowing and weed eating. 2. The campground gator has stopped working and Ryan is working on it. 3. Several trees within the park and nature trail were cut down and cleaned up with the help of the Street Department. 4. Several bathrooms in the park and recreation complex have been painted. We hope to finish all of them this fall. 5. The Rotary and Kiwanis Pavilions were restained. 6. The downspout at the soccer concession was vandalized and needed fixed. Recreation Report: 1. Blended Energy is hosting an exercise class in the park once a week. 2. The Crew Cup will be held this month and volunteers are installing new tee pads throughout all the disc golf courses. 3. Andi from the Community Learning Center hosted another kayak class in the park. 4. The Elks and Dr. Koerner received a grant for us to purchase more roller skates. Holly Miller is working with them on what is needed. 5. The mobile stage is being rented by a church in Auburn. We will deliver it and have staff on hand to run the sound system for them. Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex Report: 1. There is a fall youth league playing on Sundays and Adult softball leagues playing on Wednesday and Sundays. 2. NASA soccer has started, and we are working with them on fees and communication with us. 3. The YMCA has started flag football and it will be played on Saturdays. It won’t interfere with soccer as they will be played on ball fields. 4. Oak Farm, St John, FC Revolution are all hosting soccer at the KORC. ENMS also will have their home cross country meets at the complex. Acceptance of Donations: None  Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 Board Input: Dennis mentioned that we should have The Elks and Dr. Koerner be Friends of the Park. He also asked about sending Thank You’s to people who donate. Jen Blackman would like to have a tour of the disc golf course. She will contact Dawn when she is available. The meeting was adjourned at 7:27pm (Tipton, Nartker)