Park Board

Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 BOARD MEETING MINUTES December 9, 2024 6:30PM Present: Tracy Tipton, President, Kevin Jansen, Vice-President, Jen Blackman, Dennis Nartker, Sam Zollman and Dawn McGahen, Park Director, Dr. Terry Gaff. Public Comments: Dr Gaff talked about partnering with the Park Department on a future trailhead for Noble Trails. Minutes of the November 18, 2024, meeting was approved. (Jansen, Zollman) Claims were reviewed and approved as presented (Jansen, Blackman) Playground Discussion: Dawn told the board that the playground fundraiser still needs approximately $10,000.00 dollars. The initial amount was raised for the two structures, and they will be delivered around February 6 th, 2025. We will continue to try and raise the additional funds so the remainder of the equipment can be ordered and here by the community build in April. Election of Officers: Jansen nominated Tipton as President; Blackman seconded the nomination. Tipton nominated Jansen as Vice President, Zollman seconded the nomination. The board voted unanimously on these appointees. Set Fees and Discuss Park Policies: The board voted to raise the monthy/seasonal camping fee to $525.00 plus tax. They also agreed to allow Dawn to adjust the day camp fees not to exceed $50.00. Dawn also reported that she is working with the campground coordinator to come up with a seasonal camping contract. (Jansen, Zollman) Friend of the Park: Sam Zollman was awarded friend of the park for his support as a park board member. Sam has resigned from the board as of January 1, 2025. Directors Report: 1. End of the year encumbrances have been submitted and were approved. 2. Dawn gave an update on the 5-year Master Plan. We will schedule a public meeting in January or February to go over it. 3. We are working on bringing a jet ski race to Bixler Lake and the east park in July. Currently, we are waiting on DNR’s approval to use the lake for this. Maintenance Report: 1. Staff helped make two floats for the Christmas parade. 2. Delivered and put out the Christmas boards, spotlights, and decorations. 3. Finished winterizing the bathrooms. 4. Removed some graffiti at the skatepark. 5. Picked up limbs, brush, and mulched leaves. Recreation Report: 1. Finished the Community Christmas Drive-thru display. 2. Had two floats in the Christmas Parade. 3. We are doing a Candy Cane Challenge where we hide a candy cane amongst the Christmas Card display. Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex: 1. The schedule for 2025 is nearly complete and we have several teams signed up already for weekend tournaments. Acceptance of Donations: (Jansen, Zollman) Christmas Greetings-Aubrey & Ginny Ray $150.00 Kline Fencing and Installation $100.00 Playground Fundraiser-Larry & Phyllis McGahen $100.00 Campbell & Fetter Endowment $10,000.00 Board Input: Kevin thought that the city could benefit from having a trailhead on the property that Dr. Gaff talked about. Jen asked about the stage getting moved back to the barn from Main Street. She also wondered why we didn’t serve hot chocolate and popcorn at the Christmas Greetings Drive-thru anymore. Sam thanked the board for serving with them. Adjournment: 7:36PM (Jansen, Zollman) Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064