Minutes; Evansville Park Board: June 2009

PARK & RECREATION BOARD MINUTES
Monday, June 15, 2009, 6:00 p.m.
Evansville City Hall


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

Present: Jerry Krueger, Janis Ringhand, Fred Juergens, Ron Carlsen, Sue Merritt, Jeff Farnsworth, Absent: Rich Modaff. Staff Present: Rick Hamacher, Ray Anderson, Dan Wietecha.

Motion to approve the agenda as printed on a Juergens/Farnsworth motion, unanimous.

Motion to approve the minute of the May 18, 2009 meeting as printed, on a Juergens/Carlsen motion, unanimous.

Citizen appearances – Ben Banks, 222 S. Madison St., regarding baseball fields at Westside Park. Informed Mr. Banks that the capital plans call for finishing the ball fields in 2010 or 2011.

Helen Busse – League of Their Own and softball leagues – discussion regarding pitching machine and umpires for home games. Approved the league spending the balance of their budget on umpire fees at the discretion of the coach, on a Juergens/Krueger motion, unanimous.

Dan Laux representing Lions Club – Discussion on Culpepper & Merriweather Circus, August 21, 2009, at Westside Park. Motion by Farnsworth/Carlsen to approve the circus location at Westside Park, but not on the soccer fields, unanimous.

Fireworks on July 2 – Kyle Allen present to discuss a floating fireworks display for the evening of July 2, following the Grand Re-opening of Lake Leota ceremony. Approved the pyrotechnic display by Kyle Allen & Mike Bollerud for July 2, contingent on liability insurance being procured. If insurance is not obtained, will use display on July 4 in conjunction with the Lions Club fireworks, unanimous.

Update of Wetland Shoreland & Lake Leota issue, SOLE Report – Kyle Allen was present for SOLE, announced that another 500#’s of minnows were released on Friday, June 12. Discussed vandalism issues and misuse of parkland, will follow up with Police Department. Discussed Shoreland zoning, our ordinances do not address landscaping or riprap on the shoreline, suggested Plan Commission look at the new State Shoreland Zoning rules.

Lake recreation, safety & liability issues – Atty. Mark Kopp sent information concluding that the City is not liable for actions of others in or around the lake and other parkland. We will continue to discuss some issues such as swimming in the lake, hours of boating and enforcement.

Park Maintenance Supervisor report – Ray Anderson reported that the parks are busier since school is out; there is vandalism and misuse of park land regularly. Kyle Allen has discussed the issues with officials from the County, Schools and DNR, we will pursue a meeting of all entities to educate youth on Park Etiquette.

Aquatic report – Rick Hamacher stated that swimming has picked up the last 2 days since it has been warmer.

No new or old business.

Motion to adjourn at 7:20 p.m. on a Juergens/Farnsworth motion, unanimous.

Next meeting July 20, 2009, 6:00 p.m.