Parks Board

REGULAR MEETING OF THE LAFAYETTE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 4:00 pm 17 October 2022 The City of Lafayette Parks and Recreation Board met in regular meeting at 4:00pm, October 17, 2022. The meeting was held at Rush Pavilion in Columbian Park. The meeting was called to order by Park Board President Pat Corey. Board members present were Maurie Denney and Dave Mecklenburg. Parks Superintendent Claudine Laufman, Director of Operations Jon Miner, City Controller Jeremy Diehl, Director of Facilities and Grounds Mike Perry, Zoo Director Neil Dale, Safety and Security Director Kurt Wolf, Marketing Manager Samantha Haville, Marketing and Events Coordinator Ashley Wulff and Recording Secretary Jenny Spencer were also present. Upon motion by Mr. Mecklenburg, seconded by Mr. Denney, and unanimously carried, minutes of the September 19, 2022 Parks Board meeting were approved. Upon motion of Mr. Denney seconded by Mr. Mecklenburg, and unanimously carried, General Fund Claims in the amount of $16,571.65 and Non-Reverting Fund Claims in the amount of $25,270.31, for a total of $41,841.96 were approved. Superintendent’s Report • Marketing Manager Haville gave a report on recent events. Coco was shown at Loeb Stadium on 10/7/22 with 230 in attendance. Revenue was reported at just over $1,200.00. Boo at the Zoo is Thursday through Saturday this week from 3:30pm – 7:30pm. Friday night, 10/21/22 the City and United Way are hosting Hocus Pocus as a Movie Night fundraiser at Loeb Stadium. McAllister Rec Center will be hosting their free community event, Boo Bash on 10/30/22. • User Group, Lafayette Youth Baseball, representative Mark Gregg provided a summary of the 2022 season. Spring baseball numbers were up 12% to 312 participants. The Fall season had 208 participants. Mr. Gregg shared details of field work at Armstrong Park. The 2023 season will bring back the 6U age group. A discussion regarding security was brought about by some picnic shelter and theft issues that arose. • User Group, LIPA (Lafayette Indiana Pickleball Association) Vice President Jeff Kelly, provided information to the Park Board regarding the use of the courts at McCaw Park. There are 363 members, which is a 100% increase over three years. The club has reserved play on weekdays from 8am – 12pm. Membership ranges from beginners (around 92) to certified pickleball coaches who conduct skills clinics. There were three tournaments for members and the Survivor Tournament. The Survivor Tournament had 200 entrants, bringing many participants from other states. This year the club has performed regular maintenance, repaired numerous cracks and repainted some areas on the courts. Park Board Minutes 10/17/2022 Page 1  • User Group Lafayette Recreational Sports representative Vinny Bruce updated the Park Board on the softball season at Lyboult. This season co-ed tournaments were held each Friday. Three benefit tournaments were also held. The church league increased by three teams. Proceeds allowed the pay-off of some equipment. This weekend there will be a Cornhole and Co-Ed Softball tournament at Loeb Stadium. Mr. Bruce commented that there has been a growth in number of previous high-school sports standouts participating in the various leagues. Upon motion by Mr. Mecklenburg, seconded by Mr. Denney, and unanimously carried, Resolution 22-02, General Fund Budget, was approved (See Attachment A). • City Controller Jeremy Diehl discussed points in the budget where costs have changed or are anticipated to change dramatically. For example, natural gas prices are increasing 60% per unit. Insurance premiums for employees are increasing by 6%, bringing about the proposed 5% salary increase for employees. There has been an increase in the tax base allowing for some of the potential increases. Upon motion by Mr. Denney, seconded by Mr. Mecklenburg, and unanimously carried, Declaration of Surplus property was approved including a pitching mound, bullpen and other items from Loeb Stadium (See Attachment B). Communications: • Board: none • Public: none • Written: Ms. Corey introduced a letter from Bill Vollmer of Wabash Disc Golf Club. The letter praised several specific Parks’ staff and the overall partnership between the club and the Parks and Recreation department as a whole. Mr. Vollmer also shared that the Greater Lafayette Open Tournament had 126 participants travelling from as far as Alaska. Other states represented outside Indiana were; Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia and Florida. The letter is submitted for record. There being no further business to come before the Board, on motion of Mr. Denney, seconded by Mr. Mecklenburg, and unanimously carried, the meeting adjourned at 4:36 pm. _______________________________________ Pat Corey, Park Board President _______________________________________ Dave Mecklenburg, Secretary Pro Tem ________________________________________ Jenny Spencer, Recording Secretary Park Board Minutes 10/17/2022 Page 2