Park Board

Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 BOARD MEETING MINUTES December 11, 2023 6:30PM Present: Kevin Jansen, President, Jen Blackman, Dave Button, Dennis Nartker Sam Zollman, Dawn McGahen, Park Director, Mayor Suzanne Handshoe, Skate Park Enthusiast Ron Witham. Public Comments: Ron Witham discussed the skatepark progress and asked about updates. Mayor Handshoe thanked the Park Board for all of their work and complimented the Park Department on all of the new amenities and ongoing upkeep of the grounds. Minutes of the November 13, 2023, meeting was approved as presented. (Nartker, Zollman) Claims were reviewed and approved as presented. (Blackman, Button) Skatepark Discussion: Dawn advised the board that the CreatINg Places grant has ended and we are waiting to receive the money from them. We are still working with Hunger Skateparks to set a build date for 2024. Election of Officers: Kevin Jansen nominated Tracy Tipton to the Park Board President for 2024. Dave Button seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Jen Blackman nominated Kevin Jansen as Vice President, Dennis Nartker seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Directors Report: 1. End of the Year encumbrances and transfers have been completed and turned in to the Clerk Treasurer. 2. In 2024 we will need to start working on our next 5-year Master Plan. Dawn has met with JPR and will keep the board updated on the timeline for this. 3. We have started gathering information for the 2023 Annual Report. 4. We have two Dekko Foundation Reports that are due and Dawn is working on them. 5. Paperwork has been completed for a partial reimbursement from DNR for the Sunset Prairie work. Maintenance Report: 1. Staff finished mulching leaves around the park. 2. Helped with delivery, pickup, and setup of the Community Christmas Drive-thru. 3. Several bathrooms within the park system were painted and drains were repaired and replaced in them. 4. Sorted and moved picnic tables for storage and repair during the winter months. 5. Helped empty a storage unit that was used for various recreational items. 6. Had the new tractor delivered. 7. Looked at areas on the Youth Center roof that are leaking. Recreation Report: 1. Setup the Community Christmas Greetings Drive-thru. 2. Had to cancel the Tinsel Trot Walk/Run due to bad weather. 3. Had a float in the Christmas Parade. 4. Reported that several people are playing euchre at the Youth Center every Tuesday and Thursday. Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex Report: 1. The Turkey Bowl was held and despite the cold weather, had a great turnout and several good comments. 2. Jason is working on next year’s schedule. 3. Working with Brian Young at the YMCA to host a 3-3 basketball tournament over Christmas Break. 4. Working on organizing a dodge ball tournament to be held at the Youth Center and a ping pong tournament this winter. Acceptance of Donations: Community Christmas Greetings Drive-thru: Aubrey & Ginny Ray $150.00 Brad Miller $250.00 Recreational Programs: Brad Miller $250.00 Board Input: Dave thanked Kevin for his work during his time serving as Park Board President. Dennis also thanked Kevin. The meeting was adjourned at 7:12PM (Nartker, Zollman)