HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-09-2006 BOARD OF PARKS & RECREATION MINUTES OF MEETING - OCTOBER 09 I 2006 President Kevin LaGrange called the meeting to order at 12:07pm. The roll waS called and those present were as follows: Kevin LaGrange, Sue Pfau, and Ted Throckmorton. Absent: John Young, Vicki Conlin, and Robbie Valentine. Member John Young has called to inform that he is on his way, so it was noted that the meeting could commence with discussions only. Personnel and guests present were as follows: Superintendent Rob Poff I Aquatic/Recreation Director Sara Kraft, Outreach Director Justin Campbell, City Attorney Les Merkley, Evening News Editor Larry Thomas, Josh Hillman with Jacobi, Toombs and Lanz (JTL), and Oak Park resident Rhonda Kohl. Public Comment: Rhonda Kohl addressed the board as an 11-year resident of Oak Park neighborhood with concerns regarding the cleaning up of the wetland at Kyle Vissing Park (fka: Sylvan Park). She explained after reading a posting on the Internet in the public forum of an Eagle Scout Project scheduled for this Saturday to clean up the wetland directed by Kevin Vissing that she waS compelled to address this board and inform that this is a federally protected wetland. She explained that destroying or altering the habitat is a federal crime and digging in the pond or removing fallen dead trees would destroy the food source for herons, frogs, and wood ducks. She gave contacts she spoke with at the Core of Engineers, and Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and noted information on the Boy Scouts of America website specifically regarding the proper clean up of protected wetlands. She concluded by asking for copy of any plans for this project. Superintendent Rob Poff stated that there were no plans, just discussions with Kevin Vissing on proposed plans to clean out the muck and put rock along the edges. There waS a lot of discussion from the board and assurance to Ms. Kohl that nothing would be done with the wetland at this time. It was noted that tires, bikes, and such can be removed and there is other projects for improvement to the park that can be done. It was also noted that educating the public and neighbors could be helpful in understanding the natural progress and importance of these wetlands. Old Business: Josh Hillman addressed the board to submit revisions to the 5-year Master Plan. He informed that he received input on changes/additions from Rob Poff after the September Park Board meeting. He handed out the revisions and explained them in detail and noted the pages to replace in their original plans dated August 2006. After some discussion it waS noted that Sylvan Park on page III-10 should be changed to Kyle Vissing Park, and in lieu of earlier discussions on wetlands that the language/wording on pages III-10 & III-11 regarding the cleaning of wetlands 2 should be changed. A motion to approve 5-year Master Plan with noted revisions was made by Sue Pfau, seconded by Ted Throckmorton, carried unanimously. (NOTE: this vote was conducted after member John Young arrived to meeting) New Business: Superintendent Rob Poff passed out copy of lease agreement between Jeffersonville Housing Authority and Jeff Parks Department for Greentree Village building located at 1406 Frederick Avenue in Jeffersonville. Rob noted this is the old Main Office for the Parks and Recreation Department and that the department will continue to maintain the building for office and storage space, as well as, continue to schedule meetings and rentals in the Social Room. Rob also reminded that Cathy Graninger and Michelle Bemiss with Communities in Schools of Clark County (CIS) are occupying the office space during business hours. City Attorney Les Merkley reviewed the lease and stated it is pretty standard. He noted in paragraph 3, number 3 to remove the last part of the last sentence to read as follows: "The Parks Department shall occupy these premises for a rental fee of $1.00 per year". He also recommended the lease to be signed by Park Board President, Kevin LaGrange instead of Parks Director, Rob Poff. A motion was made by John Young to approve lease as amended, seconded by Sue Pfau, carried unanimously. (NOTE: this vote was conducted after member John Young arrived to the meeting) Superintendent Rob Poff addressed the board regarding improvements to Duffy's Landing. He informed that himself, Kevin LaGrange, and Sue Pfau met with Josh Hillman at Duffy's to check out and discuss improvements. Josh passed out drawings of proposed new docks and explained them in detail. The proposed docks are in an "L" shape, would be ADA (American with Disabilities Act) accessible, and stated that the Core of Engineers would ultimately have the final say of approval. He also informed that the current materials for the docks could be reused should it be decided the "L" shape is not feasible. He stated keeping in line with the budgeted $40,000 that he would have more detail on cost estimates at this board's next meeting. Nachand Fieldhouse Monthly Report: Outreach Director Justin Campbell distributed the September report for review. He explained the figures in detail. After some discussion it was requested to add a comparison with the previouS year. Aquatic/Recreation Director Sara Kraft informed that "Run for the Pumpkins" is scheduled for Saturday, October 28th. She explained this is a 2-mile walk/run for families that will begin and end at the Nachand Fieldhouse. This is in conjunction with Greater Clark Schools, Community in Schools (CIS), Jazzercise, Purdue Extension office and Clark Memorial Hospital. There will be live entertainment by High-Tops and a health fair before and after the race. 3 Be it noted Board Member John Young joined the meeting at 1:07pm during this discussion. Board President Kevin LaGrange took some time here and briefed him on the previous discussions. Minutes: The minutes for September 11, 2006 were approved as submitted on a motion made by Sue Pfau, seconded by John Young, carried unanimously. Claims: The October 2006 claims were distributed for review. After some discussion and explanations a motion was made by John Young to approve claims as submitted, seconded by Sue Pfau, carried unanimously. Correspondence: Thank you was read from Spring Hill Elementary staff for help and support with their annual picnic on September 21, 2006. Letter was read from Melissa Scully with Jeffersonville Knights of Columbus #1348 requesting donation for their annual lip sync show in October that benefits Jeff Police and Fire charities. Rob informed we gave them use of the Social Room on Frederick Avenue for their kid's rehearsal. Letter waS read from Utica Elementary School PTO requesting a donation for their Fall Festival on November 11, 2006. Rob recommended a 2-hour rental at the Nachand Fieldhouse. Superintendent's Report: Rob updated and informed on the following: 1) Hedge Park. Playground equipment has been installed, roofing is complete on shelter, landscaping. 2) Vogt Park. Flagpole, benches, and sidewalks are completed. Dedication will be scheduled as soon as lights are completed on flagpole. 3) RiverStage. Put into storage at Jeff Boat until Spring 2007. 4) Aquatic Center. Shut down is complete, appears that water level is holding. 5) Highland Park. Informed all repairs are done on shelter after storm damage. Insurance covered costs except for $2,500.00 deductible. 6) Warder Park. New sound system completed, Thomas Jefferson statue cleaned, trees trimmed, Gazebo painted. 7) Spoke on recent budget workshops. A new SNR (Special Non-Reverting) fund will be set up for RiverStage. 8) Informed letters discussed in September to Jeff/GRC Little League, and Greater Clark School Administration has been sent. 4 Board Input: Ted Throckmorton discussed the monthly board packets and asked why a bi-monthly report was not sent. It waS noted that packets for this meeting waS not received at board members homes. Rob stated the packets were mailed the Thursday before the meeting and cannot give any explanation why they were not received. He apologized that the bi-monthly report waS not done and explained he made the decision because there wasn't anything new to report or inform about. After some discussion Ted suggested a phone call to board members the Friday before as a reminder and it waS noted that the agenda and minutes would be emailed, as well as, put in the mail. This led to discussion from all board members present on their monthly meetings. Kevin LaGrange expressed his concerns on the importance of having a quorum and noted the last few months were questionable at the start of the meetings that there would be a quorum. In this discussion it waS stated the possibility that lunch time is not a good time for most, as well as, two board members not present today for input to this matter. After more discussion a motion was made by Ted Throckmorton to change the meeting time to 3:00pm, seconded by John Young, carried unanimously. Announcements: *Run for the Pumpkins at the Nachand Fieldhouse on Saturday, October 28th from 10am-12pm. *Halloween Downtown on Spring Street from Court to Market on Monday, October 30 from 6-8pm. *Holiday Open House with Downtown Merchants on Spring Street on Thursday, November 9th from 5-10pm. * *Note this is the third Monday due to Veteran's Holiday. Ad journment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:05pm on a motion made by John Young, seconded by Sue Pfau, carried unanimously. Secretary - Vicki Conlin President - Kevin LaGrange