Minutes: Evansville Park Board: Monday, May 18, 2009

PARK & RECREATION BOARD MINUTES
Monday, May 18, 2009, 6:00 p.m.
Evansville Council Chambers


Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Ringhand.

Present: Rich Modaff, Jerry Krueger, Jeff Farnsworth, Sue Merritt, Fred Juergens, Janis Ringhand, Ron Carlson (6:05). Staff: Ray Anderson, Administrator Dan Wietecha. Absent: Rick Hamacher.

Agenda approved unanimously on a Juergens/Modaff motion.

Approved to waive the reading of the minutes of the April 20, 2009 meeting and approve as printed on a Modaff/Juergens motion, unanimous.

No citizen appearances.

John Sornson, 249 Franklin St., representing the American Legion, requested use of the concession stand on Friday nights to sell snacks and soda during ball games. On a Juergens/Farnsworth motion, approved the proposal to rent the concession stand on Friday nights to sell snack items and soda, at a price not to undercut the Park Store, for $2.00 weekly, excluding the 4th of July weekend. Number of weeks of operation will be determined and prepaid before use of stand starts. Passed on a 6-1 vote.

Kyle Allen present for SOLE. Kyle expressed concerns for a maintenance plan for weed control and shore land plantings. Ringhand explained that a plan is in place that was drawn up by Carl Korfmacher as part of a grant application. Kyle reported that the recently stocked minnows are escaping down stream due to large amounts of rain, they may need to be restocked. Trout Unlimited and Waterfowl USA may have Grants available for upstream improvements, Kyle will keep us posted.

Robert Tierney, 125 E. Main St., present for R&A Canoeing. Discussion regarding contract and rental of warming house for use by R&A Canoeing. On a Juergens/Farnsworth motion approved terms of the contract provided by Administrator Wietecha and charging R&A Canoeing a rental fee of $25.00 weekly for weeks of operation, payable monthly; security deposit of $100.00 due before opening. Unanimous. NOTE: When the sluice gate is opened during periods of high water, no canoes, kayaks or paddleboats will be allowed or will be restricted in that area for safety reasons.

Member Modaff left at 7:00 p.m.

Update on Lake Leota Grand Reopening – Mayor Decker and Senator Jon Erpenbach have agreed to attend and speak, have not heard from Rep. Davis yet.

Reestablish park equipment/memorial policy. Juergens proposed to rewrite the policy and have it available for the August meeting.

Administrator Wietecha will contact Carl Korfmacher to start weed control in the lake area.

Chair had no report on other items of interest.

Trees for Westside Park – Tom Calley offered to attend an auction to purchase $1,000.00 worth of trees, at City expense, in October. The committee would like to wait until fall to decide on an
amount to allow for trees, depending on budget balance.

Park Maintenance supervisor report – Ray Anderson reported they are busy mowing the Cemetery in preparation for Memorial Day Services, no other report.

Aquatic Report – Rich Hamacher could not be present due to an appointment for repairs at the pool, but submitted a written report. Swimming lesson registration is slow, still hearing complaints about increased prices and non-resident fees. Requested that the American Legion do not under cut prices at the Park Store for their concession stand. Pool will be full of water by the end of the day. First staff meeting to be held Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. at the Park Store.

Old Business – Advertising in ball field. Ringhand heard from 3 businesses that they would be interested. Wietecha stated that it would take at least 2 months to change the sign ordinance to allow for the signs. Will continue to determine interest of advertisers and work on a sample ordinance change. Advertising will not happen this summer.

New Business – Administrator Wietecha informed the Board that funds were not available for the restroom/shelter in the Westside Park this year. There is a shortage in the Fees in Lieu of Parkland Fund, due to slow development and progress in the new subdivisions.

Motion to Adjourn at 7:30 p.m. on a Farnsworth/Juergens motion, unanimous.