Park Board

Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 BOARD MEETING MINUTES February 9, 2026 6:30PM Present: Tracy Tipton, President, Kevin Jansen, Vice President, Jen Blackman, Dave Button, Jeni Ekovich, Dennis Nartker, Dawn McGahen, Park Director, Brian Brennan and Grace Johnson Public Comments: Brian Brennen informed the board that the size limit for large mouth bass at Bixler Lake is 18 inches. Most lakes are 14 inches. Minutes of the December 8, 2025, meeting were approved. (Jansen, Button) Claims were reviewed and approved as presented, both January 2026 and February 2026. (Blackman, Jansen) Directors Report: 1. We received our first installment donation from Wayne Township. It was the same amount as last year and was put into our general donations fund. 2. After discussions with the campground coordinators, we have decided to raise the camping fees a minimal amount for the 2026 season. We are still working on wood prices. 3. The board discussed and approved for us to pursue the purchase of the Rodman property that runs north of the Youth Center. They voted to only spend up to and no more than $11,000. (Jansen, Nartker) 4. Dawn gave an update on personal that are off with illness and transferred into the department. 5. The board agreed to allow Dawn to purchase gift cards as prizes for various activities and events in the park. (Jansen, Ekovich) 6. The park and korc funds at the NCCF are in good standing. 7. The board agreed to extend Jason Meade’s 32 vacation hours. Maintenance Report: 1. Staff helped tear down the Christmas Greeting cards. They primed several boards for next year’s event. 2. Continue plowing roads and sidewalks in the park as well as helping the street department when needed. 3. Staff continued to do campground roadwork this winter. 4. Replace old wood and painted utility trailer. 5. Staff have fixed and painted several wooden picnic tables. 6. Repaired all the backstops on the four older fields at the recreation complex. 7. Have been cleaning and doing maintenance on the tractors, vehicles, mowers and golf carts. Recreation Report: 1. The Community Christmas Greetings went very well. There were a variety of boards and lots of visitors through the display. 2. The park float won first place in the Kendallville Christmas Parade. 3. Hiding of the Christmas Star amongst the Christmas boards had 288 photos submitted. 4. We hosted a puzzle contest and had 10 teams participate. There were several positive comments received and we are considering doing it twice a year. 5. Dawn has been working with individuals to bring events to the park on Saturdays in the months May-September. We discussed having a beer tent at three of the events and the park board agreed that this would be okay. Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex: 1. The schedule for 2026 tournaments is starting to fill up. There are a few tournaments that already have a large amount of teams registered. 2. We have come up with a contract for teams to sign that shows fees and also late fees as we have had trouble collecting money from some individuals. The city has also taken one to small claims court over their fees not being paid. 3. Banner letters will be going out soon. 4. The 12U Titans will be having a card show at the Youth Center in March. Acceptance of Donations: (Ekovich,Blackman) • Aubrey & Virginia Ray: Christmas Greetings Drive-thru $150.00 • Melissa Walker: General Use $100.00 • Kappa Kappa Kappa Beta: General Use $50.00 • Wayne Township Trustee: General Use $11,000.00 • The Rockwell Foundation: General Use $5,000.00 • Kline Fencing: Christmas Greetings Drive-thru $100.00  Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 • Kendallville Area Chamber of Commerce: General Use $100.00 Board Input: Dave mentioned how the streets and sidewalks were being well maintained with all the snow. Jen asked about the dates for the Endurance Run (May 16/17) and Musicpalooza (August 1). Adjournment: 7:12pm. (Jansen, Blackman)