February 6, 2006 Ellettsville Parks and Recreation Board meeting Minutes

The Ellettsville Parks and Recreation Board met on February 6, 2006 at the Fire Department Training and Conference Center. Members present were Brett Williamson, President; Edwin Macatangay, Vice President; Amber Ragle, and Michael Griffey. Geraldine McIntyre was absent.

Approve Minutes of January 3, 2006

Michael Griffey made a motion to accept the minutes for the January meeting. Edwin Macatangay seconded. Motion carried.

Approve Accounts Payable/Review Expenditures

The expenditures for the month were discussed.

Status of Master Plan

Brett Williamson contacted the Department of Natural Resources concerning the submittal of the Master Plan. He spoke with Mr. Watson, who wrote the letter and Mr. Watson’s boss. He was assured the Section 504 Compliance Form is not all-inclusive for the whole town. Mr. Watson will be preparing something in writing so Mr. Spencer can review and report to the Town Council. Brett was informed that there is no way to be eligible for grants without the Section 504 Compliance Form.

He also got a clarification on the low rate of return point from the letter. There were 5,000 surveys mailed out to residents and 56 were returned. DNR would like to see this number at least around 30%. The Town Council suggested sending surveys home with children from the school system and Brett has been in contact with the schools to see if that is a possibility. Brett also thought it would be a good idea to have people complete the survey at the Fall Festival later this year if we can get an extension on the deadline for completing everything. He is working on revising the survey and will bring it to the board for further input.

Stone at Nature Park

Michael Griffey stated there will have to be major work done at the Nature Park before any stone can be put down. The board needs someone experienced to tell us exactly what needs to be done. Brett has been in contact with a naturalist from DNR who is willing to come this month and look at the property. There was discussion about the standing water and possible solutions. Edwin Macatangay questioned an elevated walkway and Brett said that was the recommendation Ball State University gave.

Brett reported that he had asked Frank Nierzwicki to send a letter to Mr. Harmon concerning the temporary fence he has on our property.

New Business

Brett informed the board that there was a letter to the editor in the newspaper concerning the playground equipment at Campbell’s Park. It was written by an 11 year old girl who stated she enjoys using the park, but the screws on the slide are sticking out and are rusty. He asked Michael what the maintenance schedule was for park equipment. Michael explained that during the summer months everything is checked at least once a week and everything is cleaned once a year. He also said that after the letter was in the paper, they went and checked the equipment and everything was fine and no screws were sticking out or rusty.

Dennis Williamson asked if the Wishing Well Nature Park has ever been appraised. Brett can’t find any documentation it has ever been done.

The meeting was moved to adjourn by Michael Griffey and seconded by Edwin Macatangay. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:39 pm.