Minutes; Park Board: March 2010

PARK & REC BOARD MINUTES
Monday, March 15, 2010, 6:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers


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

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

Approve agenda on a Juergens/Modaff motion, unanimous

Approve minutes of the February 15, 2010 meeting on a Farnsworth/Modaff motion, unanimous.

Citizen appearances - None

Rod Courtier present for SOLE – Looking for location for a monument for Lake Leota from cut out v-notch in dam. Ray Anderson will meet with Rod to locate an area that will be compatible. Fred Juergens is concerned about how it will be supported; Rod stated that Kyle Allen will check with Lycon Concrete Company about a base that will support the weight and shape.

Discussion on ball field lights – John Rasmussen was present to discuss the city charges for lights. Affects of removing lights – affects ball leagues, co-ed softball, soccer, relay for life, 4th of July, park store and pool will be affected, kids and family’s will not participate in park activities. Removing would be a grave mistake, as for cost, we are in the middle to high range with other communities. $5.90 per hour is the actual cost of electricity used; the base fee is $275.00 per month. Change in base rate would have to go thru Public Service Commission (PSC). Park could charge a small fee to recover energy cost. Lights could be addressed at next PSC rate hearing so that the City would own them instead of Water & Light. Changes that would occur with a rate case – electrical rate would triple for energy cost, customer cost would be $7.00 per month, city would have to maintain them, basically change bulbs ($15.00 each), typically about 12 bulbs per year, overall savings would be about 2/3’s of current cost. Rate cases are about $10,000.00 to request change. Rod Courtier questioned the cost of maintenance on the ball field light power house, John stated that it is minor in cost. John wrote a policy on ball field use, restricting the use and timing of turn on, he is not sure if it is still around. There is a policy for keys and use. Jon Frye thanked John Rasmussen for his research on helping resolve the light situation. Fred questioned what the alternatives are for the ball leagues? Jon stated they could play earlier, but it would be difficult. Farnsworth motion to recommend that W&L donate lights to the City of Evansville to restructure the fees for ball field lighting and Public Works to accept the donation, second by Modaff, unanimous.

Park Maintenance Report - Ray Anderson reported that clean up of branches is in progress.

Location of benches from Waller’s - there is an existing bench near scout house, would like to replace old bench. Ray commented that we don’t want to disturb roots on oak tree. Existing benches were installed in the 70’s by John Jones as an upgrade to the park. Will work with John Gishnock, Landscape Designer, for best fit of benches in the landscape plan.

Aquatic report – Rick Hamacher reported that the Park Store will not be rented this year, Health Dept. will not allow us to rent the store under our current license. Motion by Modaff to give Rick the authority to hire staff for the 2010 pool season, second by Farnsworth, unanimous.

Landscaping design - Connors Williams, Eagle Scout candidate, present to discuss handicap pier location and progress. Public Works had indicated at their last meeting that they are satisfied with the original location of the pier. Connor presented information about the pier size and cost from Quam Motor Sports. The cost is higher than originally anticipated, Connor will attempt to get the price lowered and seek donations. It was mentioned that the Antes Fund or Lake Leota Fund might be able to provide some funding. Connor will keep us updated on progress.

It is time to start landscaping; Janis will contact John Gishnock to get started. Funds are available from Lake Leota and Antes Fund; no City Park funds are available at this time.

Antes Fund – Janis stated that about $2,500 remains from last years allocation and $4,600.00 is available again this year. There has been an addition to the fund of $124,000.00 by Jackie Marshall, friend of Margaret Antes. Motion by Modaff/Farnsworth to allocate $3,000.00 from Antes Fund to move and restore Antes Cabin, with approval and collaboration of Historic Pres & Grove Society, unanimous. Juergens/Modaff motion to put balance of Antes Fund into landscaping around Lake Leota, unanimous.

Old Business – Creek Walls – Budget allocation of $15,000.00, check on bidding process if required, Kendall Wethal is interested in work.

New Business – Jeff Farnsworth & Kyle Allen are planning a creek clean up on May 22, 2010 at 9:00 a.m., from spillway to N. Madison St. bridge. Lions Club and others will help with process. DNR has approved project as long as habitat is not disturbed.

Motion to adjourn by Farnsworth/Modaff at 7:30 p.m., unanimous.

Submitted by Janis Ringhand, Park & Rec Chair