Park Board

Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 BOARD MEETING MINUTES November 13, 2023 6:30PM Present: Kevin Jansen, President, Tracy Tipton, Vice-President, Jen Blackman, Dave Button, Dennis Nartker Sam Zollman, Dawn McGahen, Park Director, Cathy Berry & Diane Peachey, Skatepark Enthusiasts, Diane Leighty, Lance Waters, Mayor Elect. Public Comments: Diane Leighty asked about trash cans around the walking path of the lake. This idea will be taken under advisement. She also had concerns about pavilion rentals not having access to bathrooms that are close to the pavilions and are open. It was explained that renters have the option to rent a porta-john for their events and bathrooms are unlocked all summer long. Minutes of the October 9, 2023, meeting were approved as presented. (Nartker, Zollman) Claims were reviewed and approved as presented. (Button, Tipton) Skatepark Discussion: Diane explained that we still need donations to get our Patronicity grant match. We also have a couple of grants that are under review, so we are hoping to receive funds from them as well. Directors Report: 1. The decision was made that we will discontinue having employees working the park gate starting in 2024. 2. Dawn met with a representative from JPR regarding the park 5-year master plan. She also discussed splash pad options with them and found out there are a lot of regulations and added costs to installing them. 3. Park staff are working on end-of-the-year encumbrances and will report on these at next month’s meeting. 4. The December meeting discussion will focus on fees and park hours. 5. We are gathering information for the annual report. The Park Board was given packets with financials from the campground and pavilion rentals for 2023. Maintenance Report: 1. Staff have been clearing out brush around the campground. 2. Delivery and help with the Christmas Greetings Drive-thru setup. 3. Mowing and mulching of leaves continues. 4. Planted new trees and trimmed lower branches of trees within the park. 5. Hauled picnic tables and started sorting for winter repairs. Recreation Report: 1. Helped with the YMCA and BBBS Halloween parties. 2. Will host the Tinsel Trot on December 1st at 6:15PM. This is a collaboration with the Cole Center Family YMCA 3. Continue working on the Community Christmas Greetings. The first night for the display will be 12.1.23. Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex Report: 1. Concessions are emptied and cleaned and Pepsi and Hossinger have winterized equipment. 2. Staff are working on painting the soccer concession and bathrooms. 3. The Turkey Bowl, touch football tournament will be held on Friday November 24, 2023. Acceptance of Donations: (Tipton, Blackman) • Community Christmas Greeting Drive-thru. Bollhoff Inc. $250.00 Campbell & Fetter Bank $200.00 Erica Dekko $100.00 Randy and Mayor Suzanne Handshoe $100.00 Orchard Hill Farms Inc. $100.00 Bob and LouAnne Pillers $100.00 Quick Tanks $200.00 State Farm-Don Gura $150.00 Max Platt Ford Lincoln Inc $100.00 AMI Investment $250.00 Larry and Phyllis McGahen $50.00 • Mobile Stage St Mark’s Lutheran Church $900.00  Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 • Skate Night Skates B.P.O.E. Elks #1194 $4,000.00 Board Input: Jen asked how many Christmas Boards were being done this year, she was told it is 52 which is a bit less than last year. Dennis mentioned that he liked hearing all that is being done and continues to be done in the park. The meeting was adjourned at 7:16PM (Nartker, Zollman)