Minutes; Park Board; July 2009

PARK & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Monday, July 20, 2009, 6:00 p.m.
Evansville Council Chambers



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

Present: Jerry Krueger, Ron Carlsen, Jeff Farnsworth, Janis Ringhand, Rich Modaff (6:30). Staff: Rick Hamacher, Ray Anderson. Absent: Sue Merritt, Fred Juergens.

Agenda approved as printed on a Krueger/Farnsworth motion, unanimous.

Minutes of the June 15, 2009 meeting approved on a Farnsworth/Krueger motion, unanimous.

Allison Becker, 104 Garfield Ave., Kolleen Onsrud, John Decker and John Gishnok present for the Grove Society with a proposed planting plan for the Baker Building and tentative location of the Baker windmill. The gardens will be maintained by the Grove Society with the City mowing the green spaces, the bricks that were purchased by local citizens will be placed in a terrace. The windmill will not be functional, 20’ in height with a blade that is 8’; metal sheeting will be placed around it to keep children from climbing; concrete supports will be installed below the legs. Conceptual plans were approved on a Farnsworth/Carlsen motion with a recommendation that the City Planner be consulted regarding placement of the windmill, parking stalls required and landscaping requirements - unanimous.

Citizen appearances – Ben Banks, 222 S. Madison, Tim Paton, 6621 N South Fifth St. and Todd Veenstra, 562 Spencer were present for the youth baseball league. The expressed a concern for a shortage of ball diamonds and a growing number of youth participants in current programs. They asked when the Westside diamonds were scheduled for completion (2010) and told that the plan is likely not to happen on time. They inquired about volunteer labor to finish the fields, they were told to bring forward their plans for further review; we would work with their volunteers. Ray Anderson stated that Countryside Park has a backstop already and suggested they look at that location, they will contact Ray for a tour.

No report from SOLE or shoreland update. Ringhand received a call about weeds growing in the lake and contacted Carl Korfmacher who will do a site inspection with the assistance of Ray.

Lake safety issues were tabled until next month.

Chairs report on Council actions – reviewed the cleanup of the Every property.

Park Maintenance supervisor Ray Anderson reported that things are slow in the park, garbage at the skate park and tagging at the restrooms, notified Police Department. Westside park – grading around playground and more sand added.

Aquatics Director Rick Hamacher said the pool has been slow due to cool weather, swimming lessons are way down for enrollment, likely because of price increases. Reviewed proposed budget and Park Store operations. Rick informed us there will be no wage increases for seasonal workers due to the increase in minimum wages. Rick presented 3 options for the future of the Park Store. On a Farnsworth/Modaff motion we recommended seeking a private individual to take over the store, if that does not work, hours of operation will be reduced, unanimous.

Overall budget for 2011 will remain the same as for 2010, a cost saving could be realized if the store is rented out, a lease and equipment contract would have to be worked out.

Motion to adjourn by Modaff/Farnsworth at 7:05 p.m., unanimous.