Zionsville Board of Park and Recreation

Summary Minutes of the Meeting of the Zionsville Park and Recreation Board February 9, 2011 The Zionsville Board of Park and Recreation met Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 7:00 PM. Ellen Butz, Steve Mueller, Scott Bruns, Phil Howard, and Neil Clements were present. Roger Burrus, Board Counsel and Matt Dickey, Superintendent were also present. Minutes Steve Mueller made a motion to approve the January 2011 regular board minutes as presented. Phil Howard seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Phil Howard made a motion to certify the holding of the 2/5/11 Executive Session and that the matters were as appropriate for such a session. Scott Bruns seconded and the vote was unanimous. Public Comments/Presentations None Staff Reports The reports from the Superintendent of Parks & Recreation, the Assistant Superintendent for Maintenance Services, and the Naturalist were all part of the Park Board packet and available for review. Matt Dickey highlighted the recent Indiana Park and Recreation Association conference and some of the sessions. Two staff members attended a playground safety course at the beginning of that same week and both passed the certification exam. Mr. Dickey reported that IPL is interested in a one-time $15,000 grant to establish a prairie planting under the power lines at Starkey Park. They are not interested in helping (monetarily) with ongoing maintenance, but noted their interest in potentially partnering on future projects. Matt noted this should not have an impact on any Golden Eagle grant potentials in the future. Mr. Dickey also noted this project should have a positive impact on removing one of the invasive species spawning points now at the park. Phil Howard made a motion to have Roger Burrus and Matt draft an agreement with IPL to accept the grant money. Scott Bruns seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Ellen noted this is a good opportunity for positive press. Matt thanked Steve and his communications committee for their positive impact on community relations. Mr. Howard asked about the IPRA playground safety program. He wanted to know if that knowledge is being used for any Town parks. It was discussed that while in the three weeks since the Conference it had not yet been, the intent was to use the knowledge gained during the course to assist in the ongoing maintenance of our play features. 1 In his Attorney's report, Mr. Roger Burrus stated he was in contact with IPL about an easement at the northern end of the rail trail. He supplied IPL with some general information. Mr. Burrus will keep the Park Board updated as information becomes available. Mr. Burrus also reported on the Dow Chemical property and the potential rezone there. The Plan Commission did not take any action at their January meeting, and the proposal will be back in February. Roger stated the proposal shouldn’t negatively impact Creekside Park. Mr. Burrus stated the proposal contains about 26 acres of green space, which might present some opportunities to work with developer. Mr. Burrus handed out a revised draft of the golf course contract and proposed compensation package. He noted the golf course manager has to comply with the Town’s salary ordinance, so the Park Board shouldn’t have to directly approve what the manager is paying the course staff. Ellen asked about who is responsible for the golf course after the season is over. Roger stated the contract could be amended to be for a 12 month period instead of the current 11 months. There was also some discussion on having an ‘automatic renewal’ clause added. Phil Howard made a motion to approve the contract with the amendment for 12 months, and to renew automatically each year, and authorizing the Board president to sign. Steve Mueller seconded and the motion passed unanimously. New Business None Old Business: Golf Course contract-discussed under Staff Reports Strategic Advisory Committee Reports: Land Resources – Phil Howard. Phil noted the committee is up and running, with the first meeting being February 23rd. He named committee membership and asked if Board members had any concerns. There were none. Finance/ Funding – Neal Clements. Neal stated he and Matt are working on a budget for a potential RTP grant application, due May 1st. Communications – Steve Mueller. This committee has not met yet this year, but hopes to organize one in March sometime. Mr. Mueller wanted clarification on garden plots at Goodwin and wanted to know if the Park Board will offer additional plots or location. Mr. Dickey noted that it appears that RL Turner, the contractor at Elm Street Green, left the site of the garden plots area lower than per approved plans. Discussions are ongoing as to the bringing in of suitable topsoil. Because of potential flooding delays and uncertainties of contractor timetables, it cannot be guaranteed that Elm Street Green will be ready in the normal garden-plot timetable. Early March is usually the sign up and it would not be wise to reserve Elm Street plots that may not be ready. It was determined by 2 consensus during Board discussion to announce for the Goodwin Acquisition for now, if there are more names than available plots and the contractor at Elm Street is able to address the issues out there in time we can inform waiting list people can be informed and allowed to pick an Elm Street plot. Recreation –Scott Bruns. This committee will meet March 3rd and work on reviewing recreational grant request to present to Board for discussion and approval. Scott also noted some work is being done on the ZSA contract. He is working with Roger and Matt on that. Facilities– Ellen Butz. Wednesday March 2nd is first meeting and they will be working on facility rental policy to present to the Board. Other Board Related Items None Claims Neal Clements made a motion to approve the claims. Steve Mueller seconded and passage was unanimous. The meeting was then adjourned at ~8:20 PM. ______________________________ ____________________________ Scott Bruns, Secretary Ellen Butz, President 3