Minutes: Park Board: August 2008

PARK & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2008, 6:00 P.M.
EVANSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER


The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Ringhand. Present were Jerry Krueger, Sue Merritt, Jeff Farnsworth, Fred Juergens, Rich Modaff, Janis Ringhand, Ray Anderson and Rick Hamacher. Absent: Ron Carlsen.

Motion to waive the reading of the minutes of the July 14, 2008 meeting and approve them as printed by Juergens/Modaff, unanimous.

Approved the agenda as printed on a Juergens/Modaff motion, unanimous.

Citizen appearances: Al Trawicki, 5030 N Coon Island Rd., and John Sornson, 249 Franklin St., representing the American Legion. They would like to use the concession stand by the lower ball diamond on Friday evenings for food sales next year, hours would be 6-10:00 p.m. They would like to know the rental fee (if any), utility expense, reservation schedule and any other issues that may arise.

Chris Roberts, Hillside Ct., regarding landscaping and walkway from Hillside Ct. to the West Side Park. Recommend that the Park Maintenance find out about a temporary gravel walkway. Landscaping is pending.

SOLE – Gib Wiedenhoeft reported that ditching is ongoing, springs are increasing in size and #’s.

A League of Their Own – Helen Busse reported on team progress. Presented budget request for next year, including equipment and request for 2 umpires during home games at a cost of $20.00 each per game for 4 games, total of $160.00.

ECP – Dream Park – Rebecca De Marb presented a brochure that shows playground equipment. This project would be a community funded and constructed project. Information only.

Eagle Scout Project – West Side Park Trees – Pierson Calley presented a plan to seek donations of/for ornamental and native trees for the park. Concept plan approved on a Modaff/Merritt motion, with consultation from Public Works Committee and Park Maintenance Director, unanimous.

Soccer Board – Amy Eager reported on progress of Soccer League. Requested Porta Pot for the Fall League, 2 months at a cost of approximately $90.00, approved on a Modaff/Farnsworth motion, full expense or minimum of 50% of cost, unanimous. Requested information regarding watering of fields, maintenance, reservation schedule and signage for park.

Ball Field Banners/Advertising – Request from Bank of Evansville for advertising in the ball field area. Discussion on sign ordinance, charges, storage during off season. Will check with City Administrator to clarify current rules and regulations. Juergens/Krueger motion to support selling advertising on the fence in lower diamond, in concept, pending research on regulations, charges and other rules, by January 2009, passed 5 – 1.

Budget discussion – Ringhand reported on Capital Budget for 2009 and beyond. West Side Park has been changed from $475,000 in 2009 and $500,000 in 2010, to $200,000 per year for the next 5 years; Lake Leota dredging is in budget for 2009 for $2.5 million; stone walls in Allens Creek for $50,000 per year for the next 5 years; undesignated park & pool projects for $50,000 per year for the next 5 years; solar panel final stage request for $10,000.00. Rick Hamacher informed the Board that the solar panels will run $20,000.00, we will request an addition $10,000.00. Requested operating expense increase of 2% across the board.
Ray Anderson requested $7,000.00 to change the fencing and ball field layout for upper diamond, per bid from Lemke fencing. Baseball Youth of Evansville may donated some of the funding.

Discussion on ball diamond reservation policy – Consider adding 4th of July Committee to Sec. 86-6 (e). No action taken at this time, further review in coming months.

Discussion on naming West Side Park – Ray Anderson informed the Board that a sign has been ordered with the name “West Side Park” on it. There were discussions in the past regarding a name and nothing was done officially. On a Krueger/Juergens motion, we recommend that the official name “West Side Park” be recorded for the park, unanimous.

Discussion on a ribbon cutting ceremony for the West Side Park – will check with Mayor Decker for date availability on a Saturday during September or October before or after a soccer game. Ringhand will put a press release in the Review stating that the park is now open and a grand opening ceremony will be held in the future.

Chairs report – Ringhand reported that FEMA will cover some of the cost of the stone wall near the dam in Lake Leota that was destroyed in flooding this spring.

Park Maintenance Supervisor report – Ray reported that the grind rail is installed in the skateboard park. Merritt requested that a ramp be moved, Ray will attend to that.

West Side Park is reported to be very busy since opening. More graffiti reported in Leota Park, reported to PD. Ray will take care of weeds in the sand area of Franklin Park.

Aquatics report – Rick Hamacher reported that numbers were up in July, will stay open thru August with a skeleton crew. Park store is closed, candy is sold from pool. The floor in the store is being stripped and caulked. Rick shared a letter from the YMCA regarding newly trained instructors for the pool.

New Business – request a water hydrant or hook up in the West Side Park that can accommodate a water cannon, for watering soccer fields.

Adjourned on a Modaff/Merritt motion at 8:00 p.m.

Next meeting September 15, 2008, 6:00 p.m. Council Chamber.