PR 06-05-90 MinPARKSJRECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
JUNE 5, 1990
PRESENT: BRET SEGREST - CHAIRMAN
MARY VOLKENING - CO-CHAIRMAN
KAY GAMBLE
GARY PARKER
BILL GOEBEL - PARKS/RECREATION DIRECTOR
1. Mr. Segrest called the meeting to order at 7:15 P.M.
2. Motion by Ms. Volkening, Seconded by Ms. Gamble to approve the
minutes dated 4/3/90 as submitted.
3. Public Participation
None
4. Director's Report
Mr. Goebel supplied copies to members of the Proposed 1990/91
I~.Y.Budget which he prepared and submitted to Mr. Abels.
Mr. Goebel explained the new positions of two (2) part-time
employees that will be needed for evenings and weekends to man
Candyland Park. By utilizing part-time employment the actua]_
cost will be less expensive because no benefits (insurance,
etc.) will be paid. Mr. Goebel stressed tYie importance of
having the park manned during operating hours to insure
against vandalism, park supervision, and general maintenance.
A full-time position of Recreation Program Supervisor has also
been requested by Mr. Goebel. This position wou7_d be in
charge of existing programs (other than softball and baseball)
and initiate new programs for all ages. Additional leisure
programs are greatly needed within our community as surveys
have indicated.
Mr. Goebel continued the review of the budget in great detail,
explaining the needs of new playground equipment for each park
and equipment needed for the personnel to continue to maintain
the grounds.
All members commented that Mr. Goebel had done a good job with
the budget. Only one change was indicated by Ms. Volkening;
to remove the Christmas Parade from the budget as the City has
aJ_located monies as a separate line item.
Mr. Goebel explained the complete budget process and said he
had an appointment with Mr. Abels next week to present the
budget. Mr. Goebel will contact the members if any changes
are made.
Mr. Goebel furn~_ shed copies of the Capital Improvement Program
that has been submitted to Mr. Abels, showing an outline of
the needs of the Parks/Recreation Department over the next
five years. Mr. Goebel stressed the importance of land
acquisition. He said this should be the number one goal of
the board tc research and report to the Commission on land
availability within the City. The outline showed new
construction of the maintenance building, gym, greenhouse/tree
farm, and swimming pool at Candyland, picnic shelter at Reiter
Park and a new community building. Improvements at all parks
were outlined such as fencing, irrigation, replacement of
playground equipment and lights. Equipment needs were also
addressed; a new mower is needed immed~_ately, which will
increase the mowing scheduling; the current mower will only
be useable a few more years and a new truck will be needed in
the near future.
Mr. Goebel continued his report by highlighting activities and
projects for his department. Baseball season has finished and
1_he ten week softball season has begun, including a co-ed
softball league that will begin June 8. The tennis courts and
parking area should be complete at Candyland by June 23.
Public Works will be striping the parking area to cut down on
costs. Summer Playground has filled and will begin June 11;
a few more positions are opened for counselors and Mr. Goebel
is currently interviewing. Ms. Gamble said she only has two
children registered for after camp dance classes. She was
concerned if flyers were available at registration and Mr.
Goebel assured her they were made available to all
registrants.
Mr. Segrest was curious about any feedback Mr. Goebel has had
concerning Candyland. Mr. Goebel said the only complaints he
has heard about were concerning the dust to area Yiomes in
Skylark which, of course, will be resolved when construction
is complete. Mr. Goebel said he has received many compliments
concerning the park and everyone seems very excited. Ms.
Volken.ing expressed con :ern over only one portable restroom
being available. Mr. Goebel said they were waiting DER
approval on the restrooms and one portable would be sufficient
since the baseball 1_eague has finished.
Ms. Gamble was concerned about expansion of recreation
programs and where they would be held. Mr. Goebel explained
that the Community Building was the only available indoor
facility and would have to be used. Mr. Goebel said the
Parks/Recreation Department sponsored activities would be the
priority in usage of the building. Ms. Gamble suggested
dividers to that the building could be used by two groups
simultaneously. Mr. Goebel said the City needs a new
community building desperately and program expansion is badly
Yiindered because of this.
5. Old Business
Mr. Goebel requested that the board prioritize the land
acquisitions that they are currently interested in. The board
agreed that the land adjacent to Reiter Park is the number one
priority, followed by Island Lake and the property on CR 427.
Mr. Goebel said he would draft a letter to Mr. Abels and the
Commission to inform them of the board's decision on future
land purchases.
Ms. Gamb]_e was concerned about the safety at Reiter Park with
th.e fence down, and keeping children away from uncleared areas
in the back. Mr. Segrest added that the area should be
cleared because he feels that it is the most attractive part
of Reiter Park. Mr. Goebel agreed and said he would try to
work that into the maintenance schedule.
Mr. Goebel stated that the City was planning an opening event
for Candyland Park on June 30 and asked if the board members
had any suggestions. All members agreed that they would
prefer the true "Grand Opening" be held in January when the
park was more complete.
Mr. Goebel announced that Mr. Segrest had volunteered to paint
the City Logo on the Raquetball Court wall at Reiter Park, and
will design the sign for Candyland Park.
Mr. Parker suggested that a baseball camp would be a nice
program for the summer. M_r. Goebel said that it would be
impossible tYlis summer but would be very interested for next
year.
6. Motion to adjourn by Ms. Volkening/Seconded by Mr. Parker at
8:40 P.M.
The next meeting of the Parks/Recreation Board will be on
Monday, July 9, 1990.
Respectfully Submitted
Eva Neisler