Park and Recreation Board

March 5, 2002

 

The Ellettsville Parks and Recreation Board met on Tuesday, March 5, 2002 at the Ellettsville Town Hall.

 

Members present were Darlyne Sowder, President, Patrick Stoffers, L. D. Axsom, and Art Moynihan, Secretary.

 

Regrets: Edwin Macatangay

 

Guests: David Sorokoty - Town Board President, Deborah Hudson, Town Administrative Assistant

 

Darlyne Sowder, President, called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.

 

Minutes

 

Patrick Stoffers motioned to accept the January 8, 2002 minutes. Art Moynihan seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

 

Art Moynihan motioned to accept the February 5, 2002 minutes. L. D. Axsom seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

 

Public Comments

 

None

 

Old Business

 

Skate Park

The Board heard comments from Dave Sorokoty. Dave reported that he attended an insurance meeting and an agent named Bliss-McKnight who specializes in municipal insurance may be in a position to provide an insurance quotation relating to the skate park. Art Moynihan reported that Regina of the May Agency stated that the town’s liability carrier was not interested in quoting skate park coverage, but she continued to pursue another market for a quotation. Dave will have Deborah Hudson, the town’s new administrative assistant, follow-up with Bliss-McKnight and the May Agency to determine the cost of appropriate coverage by the next Parks Board meeting. Deborah commented that insurance costs continued to increase. Darlyne wants to wrap-up the insurance issue so premium costs, if available, can be communicated to the skate park group for funding. 

 

Well Site Woodland Park

Dave Sorokoty reported that Jim Rubush, Assistant School Superintendent, is willing to coordinate 4th grade and junior high student volunteers to work in the park April 22nd through May 13th. Teachers will supervise the students. There will be about 20 students volunteering 2 days a week during this period. Dave suggests Darlyne speak with Mr. Rubush, the teachers, and Cathy Meyer of the Monroe County Parks Department. Darlyne stated that we need to outline exactly what we want the students to do in this timeframe. Additionally, Darlyne expressed her concern that there may be open wells in the park area and we need to address this issue before student participation. Dave agreed to contact Mike Farmer about properly inspecting and securing the wells to minimize risk.

 

L. D. Axsom shared a graphic of the property line for the park as stated in the deed and walked off the actual area for comparative purposes. L. D. stated that there seems to be a discrepancy. Dave will contact Rick Coppock, town engineer, to aid in identification of property lines and secure a survey, if necessary. In addition, L. D. reported that several plant varieties might need to be identified for removal to promote growth of plant life we want to encourage in the area. Dave mentioned that this would be a good way to use Cathy Meyer of the Monroe County Parks Department.

 

Other thoughts relating to the Well Site Park are:

-Use work release prisoners to clean up the park area before students work in the area.

-Create a contest to name the park, using the contest as a way to increase knowledge and interest for the park.

 

Darlyne agreed to arrange another special meeting at the Well Site with Cathy Meyer. She will check on Cathy Meyer’s availability to aid in creating appropriate steps for clean up and identification of plants. Dates proposed are March 10th or April 7th as weather permits.

 

Basketball Courts

Darlyne reported that the final cost to re-work the basketball courts was $3,216.40. Contributions to date total $3,012.00 leaving a balance of $204.40. Darlyne feels this is a small cost to absorb for the great improvements to the courts.

 

New Business

 

Five-Year Master Plan

Darlyne stated that we must use the appropriate State of Indiana specifications and forms in the creation of a 5-year plan in order to qualify for state grant funds. Darlyne suggested that the Board review the historical plan created in 1996. Additionally, Darlyne will copy the state guidelines and distribute them to board members for study.

Dave suggested that the board get copies of 5-year plans from similar towns to gain an understanding of the state requirements.

 

Tax Levy Rates

L. D. questioned the tax levy rates, stating that funding for parks will become necessary in order to accomplish our goals. Patrick Stoffers stated that parks are a separate rate, although we are not clear as to what it is. Dave is against any increases in tax rates.

 

 

Other

 

-Special meeting of the Parks Board will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 10th or April 7th at the Well Site for a tour with Cathy Meyer. Darlyne will advise the board as to this date.

 

-The next meeting of the Parks Board will be 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 2, 2002 at the Town Hall.

 

Adjournment

 

Art Moynihan made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Patrick Stoffers seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0 and the meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.

 

 

_________________________                      _____________________________

Darlyne Sowder, President                               Edwin Macatangay, Vice President

 

 

_________________________                      _____________________________

L. D Axsom                                                     Patrick Stoffers

 

 

_________________________

Art Moynihan, Secretary