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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-04-2008Jeffersonville Parks Authority Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 4, 2008 The Jeffersonville Pazks Authority met in special session in Che Mayor's Conference Room in City Hall, Jeffersonville, Indiana, on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 7:00 BM. Pazks Authority President Ron Grooms called [he meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. Councilpersons Mike Smith, Ed Zastawny, Keith Fetz, Connie Sellers, Bazbara Wilson, Nathan Samuel, and Ron Grooms were present. Also present were: Mayor Tom Galligan, Pazks Superintendent Bob Manor, Assistant Packs Superintendent Ricky Romans, Council Attorney Larry Wilder, Communications Director Larry Thomas, and Deputy Clerk Treasurer Bazbaza Hollis. The Pazks Riverstage Non Reverting claim list was presented for consideration. Councilperson Zastawny made the motion to approve the claims as presented, second by Councilperson Sellers, passing on a vote of 7-0. Pazks Authority President Grooms introduced the Council, Mayor Galligan, the Pazk Staff and the Park Advisory Boazd. President Grooms explained public comment rules. No public comment was voiced. President Grooms highlighted Ordinance No. 2008-OR-4, reading the section concerning athletic events in Jeffersonville, explaining he wants to discuss the Jeffersonville Youth Football League and the problems. The City and Parks Department have made a decision to have one league. The goal here is to bring both together. It is unfortunate that some get priorities and goals ahead of what is best for the kids. This is al] about the kids. President Grooms hopes when this meeting is over tonight al] will be on the same page with one football league and all will be proud. Pazks Superintendent Bob Manor reviewed a previous meeting [hat the Pazks Department offered to pay off the league debt and help organize with all money to go thru the Pazks Department. When the league started people were told to send the money to Cory Norman. President Grooms asked if the Pazks Department was prepazed to assume total control of the youth football league. Superintendent Manor replied, yes. Mr. Mazk Wasdovich, JCCYBL Executive Boazd Member feels there was a miscommunication. There was no attempt to bypass the Pazks Department. He asks why no phone call was made. Assistant Park Superintendent Ricky Romans is confused as well. He thought it was working well and an agreement had been reached. A phone call was made. Communication has been a problem. He had no idea of early registration. A registration form has been developed. PresidenC Grooms asked Council Attorney Wilder if Assistant Romans could be vested with these charges. Attorney Wilder said if it is a sporting even[, it is the obligation and shall be operated by the Parks Department. Assistant Romans said he does not have a personal issue working with anyone. He feels there may be some [hat do not wan[ that. People have told him they would like change. Ms. Olivia Hanley has been asked to help organize. There have been some communications problems. An email was sent she got no reply. Sign-ups were never discussed. They were done the same as always. It was never discussed who to make checks out to. There has been total confusion. If the issue is only about sign ups and the money it is no[ a problem. It could have been cleazed up if questions had been asked. She has been trying to help kids for 23 yeazs. Ms. Hanley will help to get things in order. President Grooms asked if the money would be turned over to the Pazks Department. Ms. Hanley replied yes. President Grooms asked if she is ready to get the program conning. Ms. Hanley replied yes. The checks have not been cashed. Councilperson Fetz asked if criminal charges have been filed against the previous President of the league. Ms. Hanley replied a police report has been filed. The investigation is ongoing. Ms. Hanley said there is a debt of $7,000 from the previous boazd. Councilperson Fetz asked if it is not uncommon to carry debt over. Ms. Hanley agreed. Ms. Hanley was told [he City would take caze of the debt and she understood the City would own the equipment. Jeffersonville High School Football Coach Steve Cooley said he does not know what happened. ARer talking to both sides he did not feel they could work together. Coach Cooley reviewed plans to develop the league as a feeder program for Jeffersonville High School. He wants to be a peacemaker. Councilperson Zastawny noted the need to have leaders when working with large groups. Coach Cooley hopes to come to an amicable agreement. President Grooms asked if Shirley Hall Pazk is suitable. Coach Cooley replies yes. Mr. Mazk Wasdovich introduced the Board of Directors, stating there is always room for improvement. He is trying to do well. Mr. Wasdovich said the league finances were audited in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Volunteers do no[ have all the necessary skill sets. In 2004 and 2005 the league pretty much ran even. In 2006 there was a large equipment purchase. He feels all can come together. Early regishation was explained. Coach Cooley said he would attend as many games as possible. He wants to get kids excited and Ceach. He plans to help whenever he can. Councilperson Fetz said the safety issues need to be looked at. Assistant Romans wants to work for an overall good experience. Mayor Galligan wants what is best for the kids. He feels both can work toge er for the benefit of the kids. All have to get on the same page. Communication works both ways. A good game plan needs to be set and all have to quit pointing fingers. He feels the Parks Department should call the shots working with the Board. All must work together with one boss -the Parks Department. President Grooms said rules and communication aze needed. Mayor Galligan stressed the need for one league and one authority. Accountability is needed. President Grooms asked Assistant Romans if he is ready to coordinate all. Assistant Romans replied yes. President Grooms said there would be one football league operated by the Pazks Department. The involvement of Ms. Hanley and the group is needed. Councilperson Fetz feels the goal is to be hands off as baseball is con. He feels all aze going in the right direction. Attorney Wilder is not sure he is hearing all are on the same page. There is need for an understanding. Mr. Wasdovich and Ms Hanley replied they understand. Mr. Gary Fridley, past president and board member has concerns for some differences of comments. He feels a lot still needs to be addressed. Ms. Beth Keith, parent, wants to move forward with Che league. Councilperson Zastawny feels all are closer and not so faz apart. Mayor Galligan feels the memo of understanding is for all parties. There is a need to make the league so that all can participate. He feels all can be accomplished. Mr. Wasdovich wants kids to play and host tournaments. Mr. Ted Throckmorton feels the sticking point is where to play. Shirley Hall Pazk is tremendous. President Grooms said the biggest problem is there is no parking. President Grooms said it is an honor to have Coach Cooley serve. Coach Cooley said it is a good deal. There is a need to schedule meetings. There have been good suggestions. Attorney Wilder reviewed the Ordinance and Assistant Romans obligation. The JCCYFL probably needs to reorganize with rules and a memo of understanding. He offers help. President Grooms feels all are on the same page. There will be one football league administered by, sponsored by, and nan by the City. Councilperson Fetz made the motion to reaffirm the position there be one football league, second by Councilperson Sellers, passing on a vote of 7-0. Councilperson Smith would like to have afollow-up meeting. Councilperson Zastawny suggested the next Park Authority meeting. Mayor Galligan thanked all for their input and participation. He feels more optimistic. Councilperson Smith made the motion [o adjourn at 8:40 P.M.. ssecond by Counc' o Sellers, passing on a vote of 7-0 L,r~ay~r~ Ro rooms, President