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

Previous meeting minutes
Chris motioned to approve the minutes from the last meeting and Gretchen Walker seconded the motion. The minutes were approved as presented.

Old Business

Alcohol consumption at Riley Annex was evident as numerous bottles were in the trash during the absence of the soccer goals for two weeks as they were being utilized by the school. However, after the soccer goals were returned, the alcohol consumption issue seems to have subsided.

Sherry Cripe has items to report for the finalization of the Summer Recreation program. The tennis and golf league still have a few activities remaining. Gayle Conner showed an interest in heading up the Summer Rec program for next summer as Sherry Cripe would like to turn over the reins to someone else.

Xtreme Contractors have not sent the bill for City Park yet, but all other invoices have been paid. All resurfacing has been completed. Anita advised she was going to match up all the bills to work that was completed.

Chris followed up with the DNR office regarding the proposed Trailhead Park canoe launch. The lady that heads up this area was on vacation and Chris left her a message to contact her once she returns from vacation.

New Business

The 2010 Park budget is completed, but the overall departmental budget meetings are forthcoming as the final budget is due the 2nd of September 2009.

Chris mentioned that Operation Round-up was listed in the paper accepting grant requests. It was discussed to possibly request grant monies for an update of the Parks & Trailed brochure. Anita was going to review how many old brochures are located at the City building. It was also discussed to possibly request grant funds for marker signs at the head of all trails.

Anita mentioned that Cassie power-washed the Trailhead Park restrooms and they look much better. Anita also mentioned that the kiosk needed a thorough cleaning and Carla advised she would handle that. Also, Christmas lights are still hanging on the Trailhead pavilion and Carla was going to remove those when she was there cleaning the kiosk.

Further discussion regarding lighting of the Parks was held. Specifically, Trailhead Park having hot wired lighting that is on 24/7. Gretchen advised that the Parks monthly bill for lighting at that park alone is approximately $88/month. Carla mentioned the need for a dawn to dusk lighting system to possibly be installed instead of the 24/7 lighting.  It was advised that further discussion regarding updated lighting was needed for all parks.

Tennis court lighting was also discussed. Carla advised that in her hometown, they had coin operated lights that you had to pay for to light the tennis courts. It was again discussed that the lights needed to be turned off at dusk as no one should be using the Parks after dusk anyways.

Anita reported vandalism at Riley Park which consisted of individuals throwing a cement block on the newly sealed tennis courts that damaged the sealing. Anita was going to call Xtreme Contractors to ask that they reseal the tennis courts.
Anita also mentioned that vandalism at City Park was reported by Chuck. He was called on the weekend by the Delphi Police and was advised that water was gushing out of the women’s restroom. He went to investigate it and both women’s toilets had been busted. He shut off the water and the women’s side of the restroom. A new part is on order to fix 1 women’s toilet. It was discussed and agreed on to only have 1 women’s toilet instead of 2 as there was no divider between the 2 toilets anyways. Delphi Hardware advised they have many extra toilets and were willing to sell them for $50-$60 each. It was agreed on to purchase 2 of these toilets at the reduced price to keep in storage should a repair or replacement be needed in the future.

Chris brought up the fact that we need to find paint for the Stone Barn pavilion that matches the roof. Also, a coordinating stain for the posts needs to be chosen. She provided a few options and we advised she can proceed with the choices she makes.

Trailhead Park also needs paint colors for the shelter and to have the restrooms repainted to match the color scheme.

Paint color samples for Riley Cabin flooring were provided by Chris. Everyone reviewed the samples and is to try and decide on floor paint choices or bring other options to the next meeting. It was discussed that Cassie could paint the floor, inside siding, and drywall in the Fall when outside projects are not available.

Per Nancy advising Anita, at the end of each year, non-reverting funds are brought over to cover any line item deficiencies in particular categories to bring the categories to $0.00.  

A few Adopt a Spots are in need of care; Kiwanis @ Trailhead, Tri Kappa, and Dan McCain family. Anita will make contact to ask for these to be spruced up.

Emergency Management has high water markers from the Chief of Police. It was discussed to have these 2003 flood markers placed in the playground at Riley Park.

Chris mentioned that she was drafting up an “event form” that she will place on the website for anyone desiring to utilize Park property for a special event requiring approval.

Chris mentioned there is no battery backup lights at Riley Cabin. Anita said she will check on that. Also, numerous items including making a furnace “room” and adding more tables was discussed. It was decided to have a further review of all the buildings and what updates were needed and to handle each building separately at a later date.

Anita was helping set up and tear down the Canine Cavalcade on Sunday 8/9/09 from 8:00am finishing at 5:00pm.

A bench was donated in memory of Delores Thompson by Jane Miller (VanSickle) and the concrete was already poured for the bench to be installed at Riley Park next week.

A new Parks Department truck is in the Parks possession and was purchased from Dick Krieg’s. Payment for said truck is forthcoming from requested encumbered funds lost from 2008.  The truck purchased was a 2006 Chevy 2x4 with a tow package and 29,000 miles for $14,500.

Discussion regarding the pumping of the Riley Park sewage tanks was held. Anita mentioned that she will continue to make sure that every 2 weeks the septic is pumped. Gretchen advised that Youth Soccer was starting next week so the restroom usage will again increase during the evenings.

A letter was received regarding no restrooms at Stone Barn Park. Chuck mentioned there was a restroom at the back of the Stone Barn that was closed for years. He was going to research if the rusted shut door could be opened and the condition of said restroom.

Next meeting will be held at 4:00pm on Wednesday, August 26th at the Stone Barn.