Minutes; Park Board: January 2010

PARK & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Monday, January 18, 2010, 6:00 p.m.
Evansville Council Chambers

Present: Ron Carlsen, Jeff Farnsworth, Rich Modaff, Fred Juergens, Sue Merritt, Jerry Krueger, Janis Ringhand, City Administrator Dan Wietecha. Guests: John Decker for Grove Society.

Farnsworth/Juergens motion to approve agenda as printed, unanimous.

Krueger/Juergens motion to approve the minutes of the December 14, 2009 meeting as printed, unanimous.

Citizen appearances - None

Motion to approve the Ground Lease for the Grove Society/Baker Block at Leota Park on a Farnsworth/Juergens motion. After discussion the motion was amended to include “Approval of the City Attorney” on all language, by Farnsworth/Juergens, unanimous. The main motion passed unanimously with the amendment.

Chair’s report on City actions – Chair Ringhand requested that the committee consider removing the lights on the ball fields in the park as the cost has become prohibitive for the amount of time they are used, $3,000.00 annual expense with $200.00 income to offset expense. Another option to consider is charging the Co-ed Team a higher rate to help compensate expense; add advertising to fencing in ball fields as previously proposed. Questions arose as to how often the lights are used and by whom. Chair Ringhand will seek more information for the next meeting.

City Administrator Dan Wietecha shared information about the Baseball & Softball programs. Currently most are breaking even and the City is not subsidizing them. The Baseball program for youth ages 4-12 is falling short by about $3,200.00, the City will not subsidize that expense this year. Dan will contact Jenny Katzenmeyer, Baseball Coordinator, for input on resolving the short fall, either by raising fees or eliminating expenses. Baseball Youth of Evansville, BYE, is another option for youth aged 10-12; community Sponsors are another option to explore.

Old Business – none.

New Business – none.

Motion to Adjourn by Farnsworth/Carlsen at 6:30 p.m., unanimous.

Next meeting Monday, January 18, 2010, 6:00 p.m.