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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-10-2010•. JEFFERSONVILLE PARKS AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, MAY 10, 2010 The Jeffersonville Parks Authority met in regular session in the Mayor's Conference Room in City Hall, Jeffersonville, Indiana, on Monday, May 10, 2010, at 6:00 PM. Parks Authority President Ron Grooms called the meeting to order at 6:05 PM. Members present: Nathan Samuel, Barbara Wilson, Connie Sellers, Ron Grooms, Mike Smith and Ed Zastawny. Absent: Keith Fetz. Also present: Parks Superintendent Bob Manor, Attorney Greg Clark and Parks Office Manager Hona McBride. All stood for the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Councilperson Samuels moved to approve the agenda as presented, second by Councilperson Zastawny. Motion carried. Councilperson Samuels moved to approve the minutes for April 12, 2010, seconded by Councilperson Smith and carried unanimously. The claims lists were presented for consideration. Councilperson Sellers moved to approve the list dated April 29, 2010, second by Councilperson Samuels. Motion carried. Councilperson Sellers moved to approve the list dated May 6, 2010, second by Councilperson Zastawny. Motion carried. Councilperson Grooms noted he reviewed the appropriation list today in the Clerk-Treasurer's Office and all is in order. There is nothing unusual to report. Councilperson Grooms asked Supt. Manor about departmental changes in the Aquatics Dept. and RiverStage, and possible changes to the Salary Ordinance. Supt. Manor stated that the new Aquatics/Programs Director is Nikki Dillon and that Sara Kraft Schutz has been moved to Asst. Supt. of RiverStage and Special Events. The salary for the new Aquatics Director is $35,000.00. Mayor Galligan enters meeting. The new Aquatics Director was hired at a lower salary than was being paid the prior Aquatics Director. Supt. Manor would like a portion of that money not being used in the salary for aquatics in 204 Fund be moved to Director of Fieldhouse, also 204 Fund. Sara Nord is Director of Fieldhouse and is underpaid. This position paid more under the previous Fieldhouse Director as he was also Director of the Youth Commission, a group no longer in existence. Supt. Manor stated that Ms. Nord works overtime because of all the leagues being run out of the Fieldhouse, is not paid overtime and this proposed increase brings her salary more in line with the job description. Councilperson Grooms asked how to justify a $6,000.00 raise. Supt. Manor stated that she is underpaid and is not paid overtime. Councilperson Sellers stated that if she works overtime, she should be paid overtime. Councilperson Zastawny asked when the report would be ready on the salary study now underway. It has not been determined when the salary study results would become effective. If Ms..Nord's salary is increased to $35,000 then she would not be eligible for overtime nor comp time. This matter will go to the Common Council at its next meeting on May 17t1' Under Old Business, there was nothing to report on facilities repairs and maintenance, nor on the multi-use baseball complex. Chad Armstrong discussed the War Memorial to be located on Riverside Drive. He stated there has been a fund created at the Community Foundation and that it needs a minimum of $1,000.00 to activate the fund. He needs help with fundraising. Councilperson Sellers asked the total cost of the project and was told it was between $45,000 and $50,000. Councilperson Grooms stated that the city could come up with the $1,000.00 to get the fund started. Mr. Armstrong has been in contact with the VFW, American Legion, Rep. Baron Hill's office, the Red Cross and has not received a positive response from any of these organizations. Mayor Galligan suggested the city newsletter. Other possible donors include the Eagle Scouts, Elks Club, Bar Association and Knights of Columbus. Councilperson Grooms stated that the Parks Authority would come up with a method to kick-off the fundraising and get this project started. Supt. Manor stated that the Facilities Advisory Board was complimentary on the condition of the parks, that Duffy's Landing is being cleaned up today and that the pump from the fountain at Bob Hedge Park was stolen. Aquatic Director Nikki Dillon will start attending the Programs Advisory Board meetings, replacing Sara Schutz. Councilperson Sellers leaves meeting. Supt. Manor stated that a request has come into the Parks Office for a wedding to take place on RiverStage and would like the opinion of this board. He stated that after discussion with Sara Schutz, Asst. Supt. for RiverStage, it is recommended that weddings be allowed on RiverStage, with a two hour minimum rental and fee of $300.00 for up to two hours. Motion by Councilperson Samuels to allow rentals of RiverStage for wedding ceremonies at the rate of $300.00 for up to two hours, with one city employee in attendance, and a release signed by all persons in the wedding party. Motion seconded by Councilperson Zastawny. It was pointed out that only the wedding party would be allowed on the barge. All guests would have to watch from the Terrace Lawn. Discussion followed with Councilperson Smith stating he is against such rentals as the barge is not secure, needs to be painted, fencing issues, and a new ramp is needed. Councilperson Samuels suggested that our attorney draft a release holding the city harmless and, further, that no trespass signs be put on the barge. Attorney Clark stated that anybody on the barge needs to sign a hold harmless waiver. Motion passed on a vote of 4-1. Supt. Manor was instructed to get the fencing fixed and meet with Attorney Clark for the legal verbage on renting RiverStage and determining the maximum number of persons on the barge. Supt. Manor stated that the wedding date is August 14th Councilperson Wilson leaves meeting. Supt. Manor reported that the gazebo in Warder Park is being painted before the Concerts in the Parks begin, the tennis courts in Oak Park will be repaved and relined, the fence repaired and new playground equipment ordered. He would like to dedicate and name this park for Ted Throckmorton, a Parks Authority Advisory Board member and civic-minded citizen of Jeffersonville. Councilperson Grooms stated there is a process to go through in naming a park and to bring this matter back to the Board next month. Supt. Manor stated that the $10,000 fee for the River Crossing Festival has been paid out of City Partners, and that money should be reimbursed to City Partners. Councilperson Grooms stated that the City Council will address this matter and the reimbursement of those funds back to City Partners. He will contact Assistant Clerk Barbara Hollis to get this matter resolved. Councilperson Samuels stated that this festival is a fundraising effort and that when the festival is over the city will get reimbursed for this $10,000.00 expense. Councilperson Grooms inquired as to the status of the request of the Howard Museum at last month's meeting. Councilpersons Fetz and Smith were to meet with Brian Fogel and make sure there was no problem with placing the requested building on the west side of High Street. Also, to inquire about the need for any variances needed from the City and the Corps of Engineers. It was stated that the meeting has not been held. Supt. Manor stated that he and Mike Reynolds went to the site, measured and determined there is sufficient room for the building and play area, with the play area being on the east side of the property and the building on the west side. If the building is turned with its side facing the street, there is sufficient room for both the building and the play area. Councilperson Grooms asked the Mayor to get Rick Madden, Mike Smith, Keith Fetz and Brian Fogel together to discuss the above issues. Councilperson Grooms inquired as to the members of the various advisory committees and was told an updated list of members would be provided at the next meeting. Comments from Park Authority Members: Councilperson Smith emphasized that the barge needs to be made secure, the fencing issue needs to be addressed, the UEZ and Council should donate $10,000 each to expenses of Smokin on the River. He also called attention to the net over the Playsquare third base line and the fact that many balls are hit over the net. Something should be done to remedy this. Councilperson Grooms suggested that the Parks Department check the IACT website for information on group purchases. ..Y ~i Councilperson Zastawny moved to adjourn, second by Councilperson Smith. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM. ...~.. Ron Groorfis, Presi ent