Park Board

Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 BOARD MEETING MINUTES December 8, 2025 6:30PM Present: Tracy Tipton, President, Kevin Jansen, Vice President, Jen Blackman, Jeni Ekovich, Dennis Nartker, Dawn McGahen, Park Director, and Brian Brennan. Public Comments: None were presented. Minutes of the November 10, 2025, meeting was approved. (Jansen, Ekovich) Claims were reviewed and approved as presented. (Jansen, Blackman) Directors Report: 1. End of the year encumbrances were turned in and approved by Board of Works. The Clerk Treasurer will work on transfers within the budget. 2. Our last payment from the Gene Wible Trust was received and put into special donations. 3. The board discussed the Youth Center property and the possibility of purchasing a small section that includes part of the parking lot from Chris and Dawn Rodman. 4. A homeowner on Wallace Road asked the park department to pay for a portion of gravel to maintain the private road. Board members would like to have additional information regarding this. 5. A local Boy Scout troop would like to do a winter camping weekend in January at the campground. The board approved letting them do this. 6. The board agreed to change pavilion fees to $40.00 for everyone. This will take effect January 1, 2026. Maintenance Report: 1. Staff have been cleaning up trees that came down during the high winds. 2. Mulching was completed throughout the park system. 3. Staff have been plowing the park and helping the street with plowing and removal of snow. 4. The Youth Center bathroom floors were stripped and have a coat of epoxy on them. 5. The employees designed and built a float for the Kendallville Christmas Parade. We received first place in the most unique category. Recreation Report: 1. Dawn met with individuals from Marie Janay Studios and Noble County Economic Development in hopes to bring an event to the park on the second Saturday of each month from May-September. They are working on music, food trucks and activities. 2. The Christmas Greetings Drive-thru is open and there are 65 boards on display. 3. We have a contest this year where children find the hidden Christmas Star amongst the boards in the drive-thru. There will be a prize given each day. Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex: 1. Jason is working on next year’s schedule. Tournaments are open online and registration is going well. 2. There have been several people sledding on the hills at the practice fields. Acceptance of Donations: (Blackman, Ekovich) • Gene Wible Trust: General Use $200.00 • Bradley Miller: Christmas Greetings Drive-thru $500.00 Board Input: Dennis asked about the park budget and how it looks, he was told we are in good standing this year. Jeni asked about how St Mary’s can keep their Christmas Board to auction at their gala. Dawn explained the process and cost. Adjournment: 6:57pm. (Jansen, Nartker)