Ellettsville Parks and Recreation Board meeting Minutes

April 4, 2005

The Ellettsville Parks and Recreation Board met on April 4, 2005 at the Fire Department Conference and Training Center. Members present were Jeff Frownfelter, President; Edwin Macatangay, Vice President; L.D. Axsom and Geraldine McIntyre.

Minutes from Previous Meetings

Geraldine McIntyre motioned to accept the minutes from the March meeting, L.D. Axsom seconded the motion. Minutes approved 4-0.

Budget

Expenditures were reviewed for the previous month. The Board noted a $25.76 expense for materials. This expense is believed to be a result of opening the restroom facilities adjacent to the skate park.

Floor Open for Public Comment -No public Comment.

Skate Park

Mark Ennis from Bliss-McKnight, the insurer of the town, discussed a change to the signage for the Skate Park. The Insurer would like to amend the rules and regulations already posted to include a statement they feel will better serve the town. The amendment reflects the Indiana Tort Claims Act. He will be sending the amendment to us for review. Bliss-McKnight is unwilling to insure the park unless the specific statement is added to the rules. Rule amendment will be forwarded to all parks board members prior to the next meeting. In addition to the rules amendment, Bliss-McKnight would like to have the park inspected and the inspection verified in writing once per month. Bliss-McKnight will provide a form for inspection. He also suggests that any new equipment to be purchased comes from a reputable quality manufacturer that specializes in Skate Park equipment. When equipment is installed it would be very important to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The new policy for the Skate Park insurance is to take effect by the end of the month of May.

Wishing Well Nature Park

Jon Metcalf met with L.D. Axsom about clearing underbrush on the park property. The clearing estimate covered labor, disposal, overhead, and application of an herbicide to prevent further growth. Potentially eight acres could be cleared within the park. Edwin Macatangay questioned why particular underbrush species were targeted. The long term use of the park was also questioned, making sure in the planning and use of the park that clearing as necessary. Also brought up was the potential to control burn the area to rid the park of the underbrush.

The discussion turned to the long term uses and financial means for improvements to the park. It soon became obvious that more planning needed to be done before a decision could be made. It was suggested that all board members review the master plan and bring some ideas for the park to the next meeting.

Edwin revisited that fact that the master plan called for a walking trail through the park. He suggested further improvement to the trail that has been started. A small trail had been started but there were too little people and funds to complete the trail. A larger plan with Monroe County Parks also failed to materialize.

The Parks Board needs to think about the following three issues;

1. Where the board is with asset’s, what do we have to work with.

2. Where do we want to be in the future, a wish list for the park?

3. How do we get there, what actions are needed.

New Business

Mike Axsom from West Bogs Park invited the Parks Board to his facility and a two hour discussion of parks in general. Board members are to decide on possible dates to attend in the next two months and a visiting date is to be scheduled at the next meeting.

The meeting was moved to adjourn by Geraldine McIntyre and seconded by L D. Axsom. All members voted to adjourn, meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM. Motion carried.