Minutes: Park Board: 2010

PARK & RECREATION BOARD MINUTES
Monday, July 19th, 2010, 6:00 p.m.
City Hall


1. Call to Order & Roll Call
o Call to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Culbertson
o Present: Ray Anderson, Ben Ladick, Todd Culbertson, Rick Hamacher, Fred Juergens, Jerry Krueger, Sue Merritt & Rich Modaff. Absent: Ron Carlsen
2. Motion to approve Agenda as printed
o Approve the agenda on a Juergens/Modaff motion, unanimous
3. Motion to waive the reading of the minutes from the June 14th, 2010 meeting & approve them as printed
o Waive the reading and approve the minutes of the June 14th meeting on a Juergens/Modaff motion, unanimous
4. Citizen appearances, relating to Park & Recreation, but not listed as agenda items
o None to report
5. Bat Houses – Lake Leota Park
Kurt Bennett, 31 N. 5th St. made a second appearance to the committee in regards to building and placing bat houses in Lake Leota Park. This project would be part of his Eagle Scout requirements. Public Works has agreed to assist with the mounting of the bat houses in the event that the proposal is passed. Kurt was asked to research and report back to the committee at the August 16th, 2010 meeting, on the following: (1) Locate approximately 12 locations that he determines would be acceptable areas to mount the bat houses at Lake Leota Park. Of the 12 locations, the committee will select approximately 4 locations for the bat houses to be placed. (2) Consider placing a bat house at the Prairie Park and determine a good location. (3) Research the best type of structure for the bat houses to be mounted to i.e. building, pole, tree etc. (4) Research the effects that a lighted location will have on the bat house success. (5) Research health concerns regarding bat feces. (6) Research other aspects of the bat house project i.e. bat house habitat preferences such as direction for placement, other health risks that bat houses pose etc. (7) Consider placing an educational plaque at 1 or more bat houses for the public to view.
The committee will review Kurt’s recommendations and research findings and prepare to approve the project for the August 16th, 2010 Park & Recreation Meeting.
6. Update on ball field lights
o Culbertson reported highlights of the conversation he had with Scott Goerge of Water & Light. The current cost is approximately $.044/kwh for operating the lights as well as approximately $275/mo. The cost would rise to approximately $.11/kwh in the event that the city took over responsibility of the lights. Scott commented that the cost difference would basically be a “wash”; however the current $275/mo. fee also works as an insurance policy in the event that there is a mechanical breakdown with the equipment. Scott based this information on a conversation with Jerry Albrecht from the PSC. Scott also stated that the lights are due for a “Rate Case” review in 2011 at which time new rates will be assessed for the lighting costs. Culbertson will request that Scott Goerge attend the August 16th, 2010 meeting for more insight on this issue.
7. Chair’s report on items of interest and/or actions of City Committees & Common Council
o Nothing to report.
8. Reports/Updates park projects/maintenance
o Ray Anderson displayed pictures to committee members of the repairs made to the creek wall at Lake Leota Park as well as the “V” notch monument that was placed in the park. Ray submitted an invoice from Urban Landscaping, LLC for $403.40 for the “V” notch monument project and a request will be made for payment by the “Lake Leota Fund”. A request will be made by Culbertson to the Evansville Review for a picture to be taken of recent stone repair and printed in the paper along with comments to include the concerns regarding vandalism of the wall. A request will also be made to the Mayor for comments on the repairs and vandalism to appear in her “weekly column”
9. Aquatic Report
o Rick presented the committee with his findings on the referrals provided by Badger Swimpools for repair options to the City Pool. Motion to approve the RenoSys membrane repair for approximately $60,000 to the city pool and have it added to the Capital Budget by Modaff/Juergens unanimous.
o Rick proposed to the committee specific increases to pool fees for 2011 in preparation of the 2011 budget process. The fee increases are as follows: Eliminate the $.50 variances for specific days of the week and make a standard fee of $4.00 for a “daily walk up fee”. Group fees to increase by $.25 to $1.75 resident and $2.25 non-resident. Swim team fee to increase by $25.00 to $75.00 resident and $85.00 non-resident. Motion to approve the proposed increases to pool fees by Modaff/Juergens unanimous.
o Rick also recommended that an effort be made to rent out the Park Store for the 2011 season. Motion to pursue the efforts of renting out the Park Store for the 2011 season provided that the Health Dept. “grandfather’s” the current permit allowances Juergens/ Modaff unanimous.
10. Speed bumps in the park – discussion & possible action
o The committee requested that an article be written and published in the Evansville Review regarding this concern. The committee will also request increased and continuing police presence in Lake Leota Park as well as documentation from the EPD of time spent and tickets issued for this purpose.
12. Old Business
o None to report
13. New Business
o None to report
14. Motion to Adjourn
o Motion to adjourn by Krueger/Juergens at 7:04 p.m., unanimous.

Next meeting Monday, August16th, 2010 - 6:00 pm City Hall