Parks Board

REGULAR MEETING OF THE LAFAYETTE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 4:00 pm 13 February 2023 The City of Lafayette Parks and Recreation Board met in regular meeting at 4:00pm, February 13, 2023. The meeting was held at Rush Pavilion in Columbian Park. The meeting was called to order by Park Board President Matt Metzger. Board members present were Maurie Denney, Dave Mecklenburg and Siany Molina. Parks Superintendent Claudine Laufman and Parks Director of Operations Jon Miner were present. Parks staff members present were Mike Perry, Neil Dale, Samantha Haville, Ashley Wulff and Tyler Laufman. Also in attendance were Bob Downing of the City Council and Jim Kacsmarek from Lafayette, Indiana Pickleball Association. Upon motion by Mr. Mecklenburg, seconded by Mr. Denney, and unanimously carried, minutes of the January 9, 2023 Parks Board meeting were approved. Upon motion of Mr. Denney seconded by Mr. Mecklenburg, and unanimously carried, General Fund Claims in the amount of $222,639.23, Non-Reverting Fund Claims in the amount of $20,482.39 for a total of $243,121.62 were approved. Superintendent’s Report: • Superintendent Laufman provided an update on upcoming projects. The Zoo Commissary building design was awarded to Keystone Architecture. The Board of Works will be seeking approval for Kettlehut to serve as project manager for the Commissary Building. In addition, the Board of Works will also seek approval to accept bids for McCaw Park improvements on March 14. A discussion regarding the range of improvements in this phase and the next ensued; including the addition of over one hundred parking spaces. The final issue with the Board of Works is the approval of the contract with AFH for the design of the Primate Exhibit and improvements for the Bald Eagle and River Otter exhibits. • McAllister Programs Director Tyler Laufman shared the success of the Father/Daughter dance. In attendance were 167 girls and 13 fathers or father figures. There was a significant increase in numbers from last year’s event. • Marketing Manager Samantha Haville provided dates for upcoming Art in the Park events on June 6th and 20th at Columbian Park and Cat Park respectively. The July 11 event will also be at Columbian Park with the final AIP event on Aug. 1st at Armstrong Park. The 2023 Fun Guide will be printed next month. The Annual Report is being finalized to share with the Board at the March 20th meeting. Ms. Haville also shared recent media appearances and an update on increases to Social Media platforms. Park Board Minutes 2/13/2023 Page 1  • Director of Operations Jon Miner shared that the seasonal job postings have been online for about four weeks. Applications are coming in slowly. The goal is to hire 100 lifeguards. There were 81 lifeguards on staff last summer. Mr. Miner provided more detail on strategy to get in front of prospective employees by visiting local high schools and Social Media campaigns. Upon motion by Mr. Denney, seconded by Mr. Mecklenburg, and unanimously carried, Resolution 23-01, regarding purchase of picnic tables from Tippecanoe School Corporation was approved. (See Attachment A). Communications: • Board: Mr. Mecklenburg shared a concern with the street parking at McAllister Recreation Center during busy Saturday activities. A discussion followed regarding safety and alternative parking situations that could be available. • Public: none • Written: none 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 4:20 pm. _______________________________________ Matt Metzger, Park Board President _______________________________________ Maurie Denney, Secretary Pro Tem ________________________________________ Jenny Spencer, Recording Secretary Park Board Minutes 2/13/2023 Page 2