HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-01-11-Park-Board-Meeting-MinutesCarmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation
Annual and Regular Park Board Meeting
Tuesday, January 11, 2022, 6:00 p.m.
John W. Hensel Government Center
10701 North College Avenue
Carmel, Indiana 46280
Member(s) Present: Jessica Beer, James Garretson, Joshua Kirsh, Jenn Kristunas, Linus Rude,
Rich Taylor, Mark Westermeier
Member(s) Absent: Louise Jackson, Lin Zheng
Others Present: Michael Klitzing, Department Director/CEO; Kurtis Baumgartner, Department
Assistant Director/COO; Jonathan Blake, Administration & Planning Director; Brian
Bosma, Park Board Attorney
Roll Call; Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance
Board President Taylor welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked Mr. Rude to call the role. Mr. Rude
stated that there was a quorum. Board President Taylor called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. and asked
everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Staff Reports
Assistant Director Baumgartner said that staff reports were included in the Park Board packet. He added
that the quarterly contract log was also included for review by Board Members to ensure no one has a
conflict of interest.
Board President Taylor stated he heard that our region was awarded $20 million of the READI grant.
Director Klitzing confirmed and said there was a meeting scheduled with the Indiana Economic Development
Corporation on Friday to receive more guidance on how the money can be spent. Board President Taylor
added that the funds must be spent in accordance with the ARP (American Recovery Program) dollars.
Committees
Finance Committee
In Ms. Zheng’s absence, Board President Taylor stated the Finance Committee has not met; therefore, there
was nothing to report.
Nominating Committee
In Ms. Zheng’s absence, Dr. Beer presented the report from the Nominating Committee. Dr. Beer stated
that the Nominating Committee met on January 4th. Chair Ms. Zheng, Mr. Rude, and Dr. Beer recommended
keeping the same slate of officers: Mr. Taylor as President, Ms. Kristunas as Vice President, Ms. Zheng as
Treasurer, and Mr. Rude as Secretary.
Dr. Beer stated she enjoyed serving on the Committee. She added that the Committee Members had some
really great discussions, especially about the big rocks this year, and the Committee Members were certain
that Board President Taylor should continue as President, especially with upcoming situations like long-term
funding as he was very well suited for making that happen and finding some good solutions.
DocuSign Envelope ID: B785D71B-7A26-44CE-970B-8D4381D8573B
Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
John W. Hensel Government Center
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Minutes
December 14, 2021 Executive Session
Mr. Rude made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted, seconded by Ms. Kristunas, and unanimously
passed 7 – 0.
December 14, 2021 Park Board Meeting
Mr. Rude made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted, seconded by Ms. Kristunas, and unanimously
passed 7 – 0.
Financial Reports
Consolidated Financial Report for November 2021
Ms. Kristunas made a motion to acknowledge receipt of the Consolidated Financial Report as presented,
seconded by Mr. Kirsh, and unanimously passed 7 – 0.
CCPR P&L Statements for December 2021
Ms. Kristunas made a motion to acknowledge receipt of the P&L Statements as presented, seconded by
Mr. Kirsh.
Mr. Garretson asked about cost recovery for the Monon Community Center. Assistant Director
Baumgartner replied that the 108, 109, and 110 funds will each end 2021 at 100% cost recovery. Mr. Kirsh
and Board President Taylor commended the staff. Assistant Director Baumgartner said staff have been
diligent in managing their expenses and have done a phenomenal job.
Mr. Garretson asked if one of the reasons for achieving cost recovery was due to the staffing levels as some
employees were let go during the (Covid) crisis. Discussion followed.
Board President Taylor called for the vote, and the motion was unanimously passed 7 – 0.
Claims
Claim Sheet January 11, 2022; Clay Township Claim Sheet January 11, 2022
Ms. Kristunas made a motion to approve the Claim Sheet dated January 11, 2022, and the Clay Township
Claim Sheet dated January 11, 2022. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kirsh and unanimously passed 7 – 0.
CCPR Payroll for December 3, 2021, December 17, 2021, and December 31, 2021
Ms. Kristunas made a motion to approve CCPR Payroll for December 3, 2021, December 17, 2021, and
December 31, 2021. The motion was seconded by Mr. Rude and unanimously passed 7 – 0.
Monetary Gifts, Grants, Partnerships, and Sponsorships for December 2021
Mr. Blake announced that three donations were received in December 2021. The first donation came from
the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District in the amount of $7,014.42 for interpretive
signage; the proceeds came from the Rain on Main event. Also received was $165.00 for employee
appreciation donations: one from an anonymous donor and one from the Park Board. Mr. Kirsh made a
motion to accept the donations as presented, seconded by Ms. Kristunas, and unanimously passed 7 – 0.
DocuSign Envelope ID: B785D71B-7A26-44CE-970B-8D4381D8573B
Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
John W. Hensel Government Center
Page 3
New Business
Election of Park Board Officers for 2022
Dr. Beer stated that the Nominating Committee met on January 4th and nominated Mr. Taylor as President,
Ms. Kristunas as Vice President, Ms. Zheng as Treasurer, and Mr. Rude as Secretary. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Kirsh.
Mr. Rude said he wanted it known that the discussion among the three Members of the Nominating
Committee was quite fruitful, and it was a really good experience. Board President Taylor said it was an
honor to serve. He thanked the Committee Members for their vote of confidence and for serving on the
Nominating Committee.
Board President Taylor called for the vote, and the motion was unanimously passed 7 – 0.
Park Board Finance Committee Appointments
Board President Taylor said as Park Board President, he had the opportunity to make appointments to the
Finance Committee, which is the one and only standing committee according to the bylaws. According to
the bylaws, the position of Treasurer, who is Ms. Zheng, serves as chair of the Finance Committee. Board
President Taylor asked Dr. Beer and Mr. Westermeier to serve on the Finance Committee. Both Board
Members agreed to serve on the Finance Committee for 2022.
Carmel Plan Commission Appointment; Carmel Clay Parks Foundation Liaison Appointment
Board President Taylor appointed Mr. Kirsh to the Plan Commission and requested Mr. Garretson to serve
another year as Liaison to the Carmel Clay Parks Foundation.
Ratification of 2021 General Fund End of Year Budget Line Transfers
Assistant Director Baumgartner said this was an annual housekeeping item as it is a requirement of state law
and mandated by the State Board of Accounts that all general fund lines finish at zero or in the net positive.
To accomplish this mandate, the Department must transfer funds between line items. A summary of the
transfers was included the Park Board packet. Because the transfers are within the same budget
classification, they are within the Park Board’s authority to ratify. The overall budget does not change, but
some of the individual line items have been modified slightly. Assistant Director Baumgartner stated he was
pleased to announce that the Department was, once again, under budget and returned approximately
$234,301.13 to its fiscal body. Since 2003 when the city (Carmel) became the fiscal agent for Carmel Clay
Parks and Recreation, the Department has returned approximately $2,425,597.45 for a 19-year average of
$127,663.02. Discussion followed.
Mr. Kirsh made a motion to ratify the 2021 end of year budget line transfers as presented, seconded by
Dr. Beer.
Mr. Rude asked if returning monies impacted the Department’s rainy-day funds. Director Klitzing said the
dollars go back to the city as stipulated in the Interlocal Agreement. The Department’s rainy-day funds are
from the net income generated from the Monon Community Center, Extended School Enrichment, Dog Park,
and other operations in 110 (fund), adding that it is a healthy fund. Discussion followed regarding the
Department’s funding, past and present.
Board President Taylor called for the vote, and the motion was unanimously passed 7 – 0.
DocuSign Envelope ID: B785D71B-7A26-44CE-970B-8D4381D8573B
Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
John W. Hensel Government Center
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Consideration of Re-Bid for Replacement of Monon Greenway Structure #12
Assistant Director Baumgartner provided a brief description and overview of the project. The Department
received one bid from White Construction, LLC. American Structurepoint, the project engineer, and the
Department's legal counsel reviewed the bid documentation and confirmed White Construction to be the
lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Discussion followed including, but not limited to, a recent county
project with tree removal, mitigation, locations, etc.
Mr. Kirsh made a motion to accept the bid from and award a contract to White Construction, LLC in the
amount of $571,000 for the Replacement of Monon Greenway Structure #12 and authorize the Engineer,
the Director, the Assistant Director, and the Park Board Attorney to take all action necessary to complete
the contracting process and authorize the Director or Assistant Director to sign a contract with the Bidder
upon completion of the Park Board Attorney’s review. The motion was seconded by Ms. Kristunas and
unanimously passed 7 – 0.
Mr. Kirsh made a motion to delegate to the Director and the Assistant Director the authority to determine,
in conjunction with the Engineer, whether it is in the best interest of the Board and the Department to add
or change an item or items in the contract with White Construction, LLC and to approve each such change
order up to an amount not to exceed his purchasing authority and in accordance with applicable Indiana law
regarding change orders with a report to and ratification by the Park Board at a subsequent Park Board
meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Kristunas. Discussion followed regarding additional costs
incurred for the 103 Fund. Assistant Director Baumgartner said there would be no problems.
Board President Taylor called for the vote, and the motion was unanimously passed 7 – 0.
Consideration of Estimate for Reimbursable Utility (Fiber)
Assistant Director Baumgartner explained the necessity of the Board’s approval for one reimbursable utility
required for the Structure #12 project. MCI/Verizon has an existing fiber line under the western half of the
Monon Greenway pavement, which must be relocated. Verizon received an estimate from JDH Contracting
to relocate the fiber line for $79,000.
Mr. Kirsh made a motion to accept the estimate provided by MCI/Verizon from JDH Contracting, Inc. to
relocate the existing fiber line under the Monon Greenway and approve reimbursing MCI/Verizon the utility
relocation expenses for an amount not to exceed $79,000. The motion was seconded by Ms. Kristunas.
After a lengthy discussion, Board President Taylor called for the vote, and the motion was unanimously
passed 7 – 0.
Mr. Kirsh made a motion to authorize the Director, the Assistant Director, and the Park Board Attorney to
take all action necessary to complete the reimbursement process and authorize the Director or Assistant
Director to sign a reimbursement agreement with MCI/Verizon upon completion of the Park Board
Attorney’s review. The motion was seconded by Ms. Kristunas and unanimously passed 7 – 0.
Ratification of Hydro-Vac Services for Lazy River Leak Detection
Assistant Director Baumgartner spoke about the process to detect and repair the leak in the Lazy River
located within The Waterpark. Staff requested the Board to ratify payment to SSI Excavating Services, Inc. in
the amount of $27,965.80.
DocuSign Envelope ID: B785D71B-7A26-44CE-970B-8D4381D8573B
Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
John W. Hensel Government Center
Page 5
Ms. Kristunas made a motion to ratify the actions of Director Michael Klitzing and Assistant Director Kurtis
Baumgartner and compensate SSI Excavating Services, LCC in the amount of $27,965.80 for hydro-vac
services provided at The Waterpark in order to repair the Lazy River leak. The motion was seconded by
Dr. Beer. Numerous questions followed with discussion surrounding the possible scouring and integrity of
the Lazy River, the Department Capital Asset Management Plan, and long-term funding.
Ms. Kristunas stated she needed amended her motion to SSI Excavating Services, LLC (not LCC). Dr. Beer
seconded the amended motion. Board President Taylor called for the vote, and the motion was
unanimously passed 7 – 0.
Old Business
Bear Creek Park Master Plan Update
Director Klitzing announced that SmithGroup has developed concept plans that will be shared at the third
public input meeting on Tuesday, January 25th, at 6 p.m. at the Jill Perlman Pavilion. Director Klitzing
encouraged all Park Board Members to attend. These same concept plans will be presented to several focus
groups. SmithGroup will use the feedback to ultimately develop the master plan.
Clay Township Impact Program Updates
Director Klitzing stated construction is proceeding on all projects (see Director’s Report).
Attorney’s Report
Mr. Bosma stated he continues to work diligently with staff on a variety of items including three donation
agreements in various stages of progress; funding solutions for the future; and current funding solutions
including impact fees. Mr. Bosma will be joining Director Klitzing at the Council’s Finance Committee
Meeting on January 12th to discuss impact fees.
Director’s Report
Director Klitzing said his written Director’s Report was included in the Park Board packet.
Director Klitzing spoke about the upcoming public meeting for the Bear Creek Park Master Plan. He shared
the backstory on the Bear Creek Park sticker that was developed by the marketing team after meeting with
students in focus groups.
Director Klitzing stated he was working with a developer in the Legacy area about another possible parkland
donation. (Director Klitzing provided details using graphics of the area.) The land is about 14.71 acres which
has been effectively developed as a park providing a natural experience. Director Klitzing continued with
descriptions of possible funding opportunities and connections to Conner Prairie and the Thomas Marcuccilli
Nature Park.
Director Klitzing said he had been asked to attend a meeting of the City Council’s Finance Committee on
January 12th at 6 p.m. at City Hall regarding park impact fees. (At this time, Director Klitzing presented his
Overview of the Park Impact Fee.)
Information Items
Plan Commission
Mr. Kirsh said he was under the impression that they have gone back to the drawing board on Altum’s
Gardens on Michigan Road. He did not think it would turn out favorable.
DocuSign Envelope ID: B785D71B-7A26-44CE-970B-8D4381D8573B
Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
John W. Hensel Government Center
Page 6
Parks Foundation
There was no update.
School Board
There was no report.
Park Board Comments / Discussion
Mr. Kirsh spoke about the upcoming closure of the Monon Trail between City Center and Gradle through
October or November. Discussion followed regarding detours, etc.
Board President Taylor said the date for the first workshop has been set. Assistant Director Baumgartner
announced that by consensus of the Board, the workshop would be held on February 26th. Director Klitzing
said the workshop would be hosted at the Administrative Offices from 9 a.m. to noon. A meeting invite
would be sent out.
Adjournment
Mr. Rude made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ms. Kristunas, and unanimously passed 7 – 0.
Board President Taylor adjourned the meeting at 8:32 p.m.
Approved,
Signature Date
Signature Date
Meetings of the Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation are recorded and may be viewed at
https://vimeo.com/channels/parkboardmeetings or see the archive of meeting recordings at
https://www.carmelclayparks.com/about-us/park-board/.
DocuSign Envelope ID: B785D71B-7A26-44CE-970B-8D4381D8573B
2/14/2022
2/9/2022