Attendees Carla Bradshaw, Anita Force, Chris Neumann, Gretchen Walker  

Chris made a motion to approve the minutes as provided. Carla seconded the motion. The minutes were approved as presented.

Old Business

The pending lighting grant has been approved. Both, Chris and John Neumann did a lot of legwork to get the grant ready for approval which was much appreciated by all. A thank you will be sent by Gretchen Walker on behalf of the Parks Board to John Neumann for all the work that he did to satisfactorily see the grant through to approval status.

The event form previously noted is still pending City Council approval. It will be presented at the next Council meeting.

The Operation Round-Up grant monies will be available through REMC starting in 2010. Example “Rhino” brand trail markers were ordered and presented by Chris Neumann at the meeting.

The revised Adopt a Spot letters were sent out recently. The 4H Delphiniums have relinquished their spot. Kyle Germond will take the lighted sign by Delphi Park. Further discussion regarding two obscure locations was held to determine if they should be Adopt a Spots any longer. It was determined that a drive by of all locations would be done by Parks Board members to determine if every location on the Adopt a Spot registry is visible and necessary. Further review will be held at the next meeting after site visits are completed.

The property next to City Park has been purchased. Discussion will be brought up by the new owner to determine if she is interested in selling the ravine to the Parks Board.

New Business

The land next to Riley Parks Annex is for sale at $6,000. As the land is not buildable, it was decided to table the issue at this time.

Election of Officers for the Parks Board is required each January. It was discussed and concluded to maintain the current status of Officers for the 2010 year.

Superintendent Report

Two (2) trees that were unsafe in Riley Park have already been cut down and removed.

The recyclable/trash grant was approved for $6,000. The Parks Board has to pay 25% of the total cost of purchases which totals $1,941.38. If the total bill is paid in the next 30 days, the total price will be $800 less. The $1,941.38 has been requested by the Parks Board to be encumbered for 2010 payment. The required documents have already been provided to the Clerk Treasurer for processing allocation.

Gayle Conner has expressed an interest in being the next Summer Recreation coordinator. Anita was going to meet with her over Christmas to discuss the position.

Riley Cabin upgrades are progressing as planned. All the windows and doors are in. The mortar on the outside of the cabin is being worked on currently as well as the reception room and restroom areas.

The new welder to be used by Chuck Maxwell is in. It will be used on the soccer goals and some other projects after Chuck returns in January from the Holidays.

Other Discussions

Gretchen Walker attended the “Open Door Law” seminar held at the Delphi Library in November. Information was shared regarding proper meeting etiquette.

The need for bat boxes at Riley Park to help reduce insects during the summer was discussed by Gretchen Walker. An example bat box will be made by the Walker family for presentation at a future Park Board meeting.

Next Parks Board meeting is Jan. 27th at 4:00pm in the Stone Barn building.