Minutes: Park Board: May 2008

City of Evansville
Park and Recreation Board Regular Monthly Meeting
Evansville City Hall Council Chamber
Monday, May 19, 2008, 6:00 p.m.


Call to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Janis Ringhand. Members present: Jerry Krueger, Jeff Farnsworth, Ron Carlsen, Fred Juergens, Sue Merritt, Rich Modaff (6:15). Staff: Ray Anderson & Rick Hamacher. Also present : Gib Wiedenhoeft (SOLE).

Motion to waive the reading of the minutes of the April 14, 2008 meeting and approve them as printed by Farnsworth/Merritt, unanimous.

Motion to approve the agenda as printed by Farnsworth/Carlsen, unanimous.

Citizen appearances: Robin Grignon, ECP, was present with the first draft schedule of events planned for the 4th of July weekend, from July 3 thru July 6. More events will be added and a new schedule submitted at the meeting in June. Farnsworth brought up the fact that he was approached about having a Blackhawk Helicopter land at the park and be on display for a few hours. Robin was aware of the request and agreed that it would be an attractive option. The Committee agreed that the helicopter would be a positive attraction. Farnsworth will inform the party that inquired about it.

John Decker was present for the Grove Society regarding the Baker Office Building located at the park entrance off Madison St. ECP would like to occupy the building by September 1, 2008, grading and a handicap entrance must be completed before then. Decker asked to be placed on the June agenda, he will consult with the City Planner and Engineer to get their approval of the plans.

SOLE Committee report: Gib Wiedenhoeft was present for SOLE with 3 issues.
1. Would like to get the core samples of Lake Leota done – already done, testing was completed May 19.
2. Results will determine who gets the soil, several properties west of town have agreed to accept the soil from Lake Leota, if it has safe cadmium levels.
3. Landmark declined to spray for weeds with their equipment. Prisoners from Oregon Corrections may be utilized to cut and spray the weeds.

SOLE meets on Wednesday, May 28 and they will have a food stand at the park for the 4th of July events.

Chairs report: Ringhand informed the Board about a presentation for a “Dream Park” that was discussed at an ECP Retreat May 15. A concept plan for an extensive play ground system was discussed, the plan would be initiated and paid for by local citizens, not the city. The upper park was the most desirable and central location. Ray Anderson would like more information about size, location, etc. We have fairly new equipment in the upper park, it could be relocated, but there was a reluctance to cut trees to accommodate the structure. Ringhand will inform ECP that the PRB would like more information.

The floodplain is changing along Allen’s Creek on August 18, 2008, increased in some areas, decreased in others. This may affect areas of the park for future plans, all existing structures are grandfathered in.

Park projects/maintenance report: Vandalism occurred at the park involving the repairs to the creek wall, stones were removed and thrown in the creek. There was a break in at the Antes cabin. Ringhand will contact Chief McElroy about patrolling more frequently on nice days, especially if it is an early dismissal day from school. Discussed possibly adding motion detector cameras for security purposes in areas of the park. Coca Cola will not replace any more pop machines, several have been destroyed over the past few years.

We will invite Chief McElroy to our next meeting to discuss these issues.

Ray heard from Bill Alt regarding the grind rail, but no recommendation for placement.

Discussed the need for a DNR Permit for creek wall repairs, Ringhand will contact the City Administrator and Director of Public Works about application.

Westside Park playground equipment will be installed in late June. The soccer fields should be usable by the fall league. Once the new fields are usable, let the Leota Park fields rest for a season.

Aquatics report: Registration has been slow, likely weather related. The pool system will start up Tuesday for a test run. Solar panels are being worked on. Opening day for the pool is May 31. Still looking for an aerobics instructior, should be taken care of the next two weeks.

No old business or new business.

Motion to adjourn by Merritt/Carlsen at 7:00 p.m., unanimous.

Next meeting is June 16, 2008, 6:00 p.m., City Hall.