Park Board

Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 BOARD MEETING MINUTES January 13, 2025 6:30PM Present: Tracy Tipton, President, Kevin Jansen, Vice-President, Jen Blackman, Dave Button, Dennis Nartker, and Dawn McGahen, Park Director, Jeni Ekovich Library Board Member Public Comments: Tracy welcomed Jeni to the meeting. Minutes of the December 9, 2024, meeting was approved. (Jansen, Nartker) Claims were reviewed and approved as presented (Blackman, Button) Playground Discussion: Dawn told the board that fundraising was going well. We are close to our project cost and will order equipment and plan for the community build the second week of April. Directors Report: 1. The Wayne Township contract was signed. The board agreed to put their donation into either special programs or special donations. (Jansen, Blackman) 2. Dawn is working with JPR to schedule a public meeting and discuss the goals and objectives of the 5-year master plan. 3. Park board members signed their required Conflict of Interest forms. 4. Purchases from encumbered funds are being ordered such as recycled picnic tables to replace some of our wood ones. 5. The annual report is near completion and should be ready by the February meeting. 6. The board discussed the balance in our non-reverting account and what they should do with it. Maintenance Report: 1. Several dead trees have been cut down in the east picnic area. 2. Staff filled and patched holes amongst the park roads. 3. Limbs and brush continue to be cleaned up. 4. A portion of the miniature golf course has been built and will be assembled on site once the weather breaks. 5. The Community Christmas Greetings Drive-thru was taken down and staff are working on priming the boards for next year. 6. The mowers have been cleaned, oil changed and prepped for the upcoming season. 7. Picnic tables are being painted and rotting wood replaced. Recreation Report: 1. The Community Christmas Greetings Drive-thru (CCG) was successful with 58 boards on display. 2. We had a Candy Cane Challenge amongst the CCG and 134 children pictures were posted for a chance to win a prize. We gave away 15 gift cards and a grand prize to a lucky winner. 3. Dawn is planning for summer day camp, scheduling field trips, updating paperwork, etc. 4. Patriotic Pops with fireworks will occur on July 4th, 2025. 5. Several events are being planned for this year. The Armed Forces Endurance Run will be in May, Princess concert in June and a Jet Ski event in July. Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex: 1. Jason is working on this years’ schedule. There are several tournaments and travel teams wanting to rent the fields. 2. The USSSA tournaments are on their website and registrations are going very well. 3. Jason is working with maintenance staff during this off season. Acceptance of Donations: (Jansen, Button) • Playground Fundraiser: Don Gura State Farm $150.00 Rockwell Foundation $4,5000.00 Bradley Miller $1,000.00 Dependable Metal Treating, Inc. $100.00 Kendallville Lions Inc. $1,500.00 • Disc Golf: Schmidt Cabinetry & Furniture $178.50 • Christmas Greetings Drive-thru: Bradley Miller $500.00  Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 Board Input: Tracy asked about scheduling of KGSL this season. Dawn informed the board that Jason has offered them a weekend for a tournament. Dennis noticed people ice fishing and wondered if the lake was safe. He was told that it is at their own risk. He asked about the vandalism at the skate park. Staff have cleaned up what they can and will work on the other when the weather warms up. Dennis asked how the miniature golf course was coming along. Dawn told him that staff have built several of the holes and have ordered additional materials for it. Adjournment: 7:12p.m. (Jansen, Blackman)