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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-07-12-Park-Board-Meeting-MinutesCarmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation Tuesday, July 12, 2022, 6:00 p.m. John W. Hensel Government Center 10701 North College Avenue Carmel, Indiana 46280 Member(s) Present: Jessica Beer, James Garretson, Louise Jackson, Joshua Kirsh, Linus Rude, Rich Taylor, Mark Westermeier, Lin Zheng Member(s) Absent: Jenn Kristunas 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 announced that there was a quorum. Board President Taylor called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. and asked everyone to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comments There were no public comments. Staff Reports Assistant Director Baumgartner stated that Staff Reports were included in the Park Board packets. Assistant Director Baumgartner announced that it has been an extremely good summer thus far. Waterpark attendance is comparable to what we experienced in 2019, which was a banner year for us. Year-to-date compared to last year, we have sold over 10,000 more day passes in 2022 than we did in 2021. Mr. Garretson asked if there had been any complaints about out-of-county guests. Assistant Director Baumgartner said he had not heard any. Director Klitzing said that The Waterpark is serving many from the Indianapolis area as most of their pools are closed due to the lack of lifeguards. Overall, it has been a smooth summer without any major behavioral issues. Board President Taylor said he and his family visited The Waterpark on July 3rd. Even though it was one in, one out, The Waterpark did not feel overcrowded. He highly recommended the cabanas. Mr. Rude asked if the entrance modifications to The Waterpark a few years ago were successful. Assistant Director Baumgartner replied that the flow was much better and added specific details about the current admissions process. Board President Taylor said it was money well spent. Discussion followed regarding the benefits of purchasing memberships versus day passes. Mr. Garretson asked if parking was an issue. Assistant Director Baumgartner explained that when staff limited capacity to about 1200 guests a couple of years ago, this alleviated most, if not all, of the parking issues. DocuSign Envelope ID: 61D21224-F5D5-448D-B99C-0F85DE4D6A9D Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation Tuesday, July 12, 2022 John W. Hensel Government Center Page 2 Director Klitzing added that people can visit the website to check the occupancy at The Waterpark and plan their visit accordingly. Also, staff created a Facebook Group that is specifically for The Waterpark. It has been a helpful tool for members, as well as day pass users. Assistant Director Baumgartner said there are over 4,000 followers on the Facebook page. Mr. Garretson asked about building a municipal swimming pool. Director Klitzing said there has not been strong support for an additional pool. Also, a second facility would more than likely not be self-sufficient and we would have two facilities, including The Waterpark, that would not be 100% cost recovery, which would require a tax subsidy. Additional comments followed. Finance Committee Ms. Zheng stated that the Finance Committee met last month. The Committee discussed and recommends approval of the two resolutions on the evening’s agenda, A and B under item 10 (New Business). One resolution is for the cost-of-living adjustment for all full-time staff and the other to amend salaries for 2022. The Finance Committee plans to meet in the next couple of weeks to finalize the budget for next year (2023). Minutes June 14, 2022 Park Board Meeting Mr. Rude made a motion to approve the minutes of the Park Board Meeting dated June 14, 2022, seconded by Mr. Kirsh, and unanimously passed 8 – 0. Financial Reports Consolidated Financial Report for May 2022; CCPR P&L Statements for June 2022 Ms. Zheng made a motion to acknowledge receipt of the Consolidated Financial Report for May 2022 and move to acknowledge receipt of the P&L Statements for June 2022, seconded by Dr. Beer, and unanimously passed 8 – 0. Claims Claim Sheet July 12, 2022; Clay Township Claim Sheet July 12, 2022; CCPR Payroll for June 3, 2022 and June 17, 2022 Ms. Zheng made a motion to approve the Claim Sheet dated July 12, 2022 and to approve the Clay Township Claim Sheet dated July 12, 2022, and to approve the Payroll Wages and Liabilities for the Payroll dates June 3, 2022 and June 17, 2022, seconded by Dr. Beer. Board President Taylor asked Board Members if staff could discontinue including the 2019 P&L Statements for comparison to 2022. All agreed. Board President Taylor called for the vote, and the motion was unanimously passed 8 – 0. Monetary Gifts, Grants, Partnerships, and Sponsorships May 2022 (Amended); June 2022 Mr. Blake stated that the May contribution was received too late for the report last month; therefore, the May 2022 report was amended to reflect the $100 anonymous donation for employee appreciation. The report for June 2022 reflects a $100 donation for employee appreciation. Mr. Kirsh made a motion to accept the donations as presented, seconded by Mr. Rude, and unanimously passed 8 – 0. DocuSign Envelope ID: 61D21224-F5D5-448D-B99C-0F85DE4D6A9D Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation Tuesday, July 12, 2022 John W. Hensel Government Center Page 3 New Business Consideration of Resolution B-2022-001 Authorizing Cost of Living Adjustment for Full-Time Staff Assistant Director Baumgartner stated that he and Director Klitzing met with the Finance Committee on June 27th and presented a proposal to provide all full-time staff with a 4% cost of living adjustment, otherwise known as COLA, effective the pay period ending Friday, July 22nd. The proposal received a favorable recommendation from the Committee. Mr. Garretson asked how staff determined the percentage. Assistant Director Baumgartner replied that it was based on a couple of different things. One of the contributing factors was the potential pay increases for 2023, and the impact it would have on the 2023 budget, and the availability of 2022 funds in the 101 budget. There is no concern regarding the 108 or 109 funds as operations are fiscally sound for 2022. Discussion followed. Mr. Garretson made a motion to waive the reading of Resolution B-2022-001 and enter it into action, seconded by Mr. Rude, and unanimously passed 8 – 0. Mr. Kirsh made a motion to approve Resolution B-2022-001, seconded by Dr. Beer, and unanimously passed 8 – 0. Consideration of Resolution B-2022-002 Amending Salaries and Wages for 2022 Assistant Director Baumgartner stated that this resolution was also presented to the Finance Committee to ensure that all eligible full-time employees would be able to receive the cost of living adjustment. The resolution included changing the position title of Parks Foreman to Parks Operations Manager and changing the position from nonexempt to exempt. The resolution also received a favorable recommendation from the Finance Committee. Mr. Kirsh made a motion to waive the reading of Resolution B-2022-002 and enter it into action, seconded by Mr. Rude, and unanimously passed 8 – 0. Mr. Kirsh made a motion to approve Resolution B-2022-002, seconded by Mr. Rude, and unanimously passed 8 – 0. Consideration of Resolution B-2022-003 Selecting Guaranteed Savings Proposed Work and Financing Assistant Director Baumgartner recapped Resolution G-2021-006, which was adopted by the Park Board on July 13, 2021, selecting Ameresco to begin exploring potential energy saving solutions that could be implemented as part of a guaranteed energy savings contract, with potential solutions and estimated savings to be presented to the Park Board once the analysis was complete. Ameresco provided the Department with the report which was included in the Board packet. Alex Barghout, Manager of Project Development Engineering with Ameresco, presented detailed findings and proposed scope of work. Mr. Barghout addressed questions from Mr. Kirsh and Board President Taylor, and Mr. Bosma provided additional information related to the proposed contract. Mr. Garretson made a motion to waive the reading of Resolution B-2022-003 and enter it into action, seconded by Mr. Kirsh, and unanimously passed 8 – 0. Mr. Garretson made a motion to approve Resolution B-2022-003, seconded by Mr. Kirsh, and unanimously passed 8 – 0. DocuSign Envelope ID: 61D21224-F5D5-448D-B99C-0F85DE4D6A9D Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation Tuesday, July 12, 2022 John W. Hensel Government Center Page 4 Consideration of Purchase of American Bison and Calf Sculpture for Central Park Director Klitzing spoke about the proposed sculpture and his recent encounter with the artist, Dominic Benhura, with the Kuaba Gallery. The sculpture would be placed in Central Park, which is consistent with the current 2010 Central Park Master Plan Update that provided a vision to include artwork, especially artwork that would be engaging with youth and families around the trail network by the lagoon. Mr. Benhura’s sculptures feature both people and large animals. After conversations between the artist and Director Klitzing, the American bison was selected. Director Klitzing explained the decision for the American bison and the location within Central Park. Mr. Garretson asked if the sculpture would be an abstract. Director Klitzing said the intent is to have the sculpture as lifelike as possible. Ms. Jackson asked how the American bison was selected. Director Klitzing said that as a park system, he wanted to respect the indigenous animals of Indiana and wanted something to be dynamic and large enough to interest park visitors. Mr. Bosma added some history related the Buffalo Trace in southern Indiana and its significance to years past. Ms. Zheng asked if this was the first artwork purchased and if more artworks would be purchased in the future. Director Klitzing replied that there was a previous attempt to create a wind kaleidoscope at West Park. The installation, Jewels of the Prairie Sky, featured native insects made from wire. Unfortunately, due to the size and weight of the individual bugs, the artwork had to be removed for safety reasons. Director Klitzing said he would like to explore additional artwork; however, it would be dependent on appropriate funding. Discussion followed. Dr. Beer asked if the sculpture was climbable. Director Klitzing said he expects and encourages people to explore the American bison, which will be made from stone, including climbing, photos, etc. Discussion followed regarding interpretive signage and other opportunities to provide information related to the sculpture, artist, process, and safety guidelines. Board President Taylor said he knew Jayne During, owner of the Kuaba Gallery, and was excited to move forward on this project with a long-time friend. He elaborated on Ms. During’s work in Zimbabwe and Uganda through the Rotary and Heifer International. Mr. Kirsh made a motion to authorize the Director to sign a Purchase Agreement with Kuaba Gallery for the American Bison and Calf sculpture in the amount of $55,000 plus shipping to be reimbursed by Clay Township, seconded by Mr. Rude, and unanimously passed 8 – 0. Old Business The Corner Consideration of Project Agreement with the Carmel Redevelopment Commission (CRC); Consideration of Resolution G-2022-003 Adopting Schematics for the Interurban Trailhead Director Klitzing provided a detailed history of ‘The Corner,’ and previous actions approved by the Park Board. The Department had received a request from Kite (Realty Group) to allow improvements within Central Park for the benefit of ‘The Corner.’ This development is at the southwest corner of 116th Street and Rangeline Road, adjacent to the Interurban Trail, which is the northeastern pedestrian gateway into Central Park. Director Klitzing explained the proposed changes and requested approval by the Board. Mr. Kirsh made a motion to authorize the Director to sign the Project Agreement with the Carmel Redevelopment Commission for The Corner Trailhead Development, seconded by Dr. Beer, and unanimously passed 8 – 0. DocuSign Envelope ID: 61D21224-F5D5-448D-B99C-0F85DE4D6A9D Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation Tuesday, July 12, 2022 John W. Hensel Government Center Page 5 Mr. Kirsh made a motion to waive the reading of Resolution G-2022-003 and enter it into action, seconded by Dr. Beer, and unanimously passed 8 – 0. Mr. Kirsh made a motion to approve Resolution G-2022-003, seconded by Dr. Beer, and unanimously passed 8 – 0. Thomas Marcuccilli Nature Park Master Plan Updates Director Klitzing said there were no major updates. The next public meeting will be Thursday, August 18th, at 6 p.m. at the Wilfong Pavilion in Founders Park. The presentation will be a single concept that was developed based upon feedback received on the three concepts previously presented at a public meeting. Once the concept is refined, a draft master plan will be presented to the Park Board. Director Klitzing said that any Park Board Members interested in participating in the meeting are welcome to attend. Clay Township Impact Program Updates Director Klitzing invited Board Members to ribbon cuttings at Inlow Park and Meadowlark Park and provided recent photos with updates on the projects. Attorney’s Report Mr. Bosma advised that he has been working on several contracts this past month, including the CRC contract approved earlier in the meeting. The project agreement with Kite is a bit more complicated, as this contract involves the improvements themselves and the Parks Building Corp. Specific details followed. Work continues on the Ameresco funding for the planned improvements previously approved. He continues to work on the Interlocal and future funding options between the City (Carmel) and Clay (Township). Director’s Report Director Klitzing provided an overview of updates on a variety of projects, some related to the Clay Township Impact Program. Director Klitzing spoke about the vandalism at Carey Grove Park. Fortunately, the graffiti did not destroy anything, but the spray painting was significant. Staff did a phenomenal job removing the vast majority of the graffiti. Carmel Police are trying to identify the individuals involved using camera footage from the park. There was also graffiti reported at Central Park. We are seeing an uptick in this type of activity and expect it to decrease once schools resume. Director Klitzing reported that the Extended School Enrichment/Summer Camp Division has moved forward to obtain accreditation through the American Camp Association for summer camps. The official visit team was in town a couple of weeks ago. The Department will receive notification in October if our summer camps will be nationally accredited. Director Klitzing explained that this initiative is just as rigorous as the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). Mr. Garretson asked about the Dads’ Club building and summer camp. Director Klitzing replied that the Badger Fieldhouse is working out very well. The Department has a collaborative relationship with the Dads’ Club. The campers absolutely love this facility. Mr. Garretson asked if it was air conditioned and who pays the utilities. Director Klitzing said that the Dads’ Club is responsible for utilities; however, the Department provides compensation similar to the schools to help defray those expenses. Discussion followed. DocuSign Envelope ID: 61D21224-F5D5-448D-B99C-0F85DE4D6A9D Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation Tuesday, July 12, 2022 John W. Hensel Government Center Page 6 Ms. Jackson asked if the Department will be able to recoup any costs to remove the graffiti if the individuals are identified. Director Klitzing stated that the Department works with the city attorney who has a program in place to recoup costs from vandalism. It is not guaranteed, but there is a possibility, even though they appear to be minors. Mr. Rude asked about remediation on the (park) bench. Director Klitzing responded that it should be relatively easy to clean. Discussion followed on different remedies for graffiti removal. Mr. Rude asked for the name of the contractor installing the foot wash at Flowing Well Park. Director Klitzing advised that Scenic Construction, the general contractor for the major renovation project, was completing the work as they are very familiar with the park, water faucets, etc. Discussion followed. Information Items School Board Ms. Jackson said she had nothing to report. Plan Commission Mr. Kirsh spoke about the Jackson Grant PUD and numerous violations involving encroachments on the tree preservation easement. Mr. Kirsh elaborated on specifics and the proposed new development on the corner of 116th Street and Spring Mill. Parks Foundation Mr. Garretson said he had nothing to report. Park Board Comments / Discussion Mr. Kirsh spoke about construction projects as they pertain to his position as Engineering Administrator with the City of Carmel. Mr. Kirsh provided details on projects and answered questions from other Board Members. Director Klitzing announced that commemorative T-shirts were available to the Park Board Members. This T- shirt celebrates the Department’s 30th anniversary and features the Gold Medal Award on the sleeve for 2014 and 2020. Director Klitzing thanked the Park Board for all of their work contributing to the Department’s success. Adjournment Mr. Kirsh made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ms. Jackson, and unanimously passed 8 – 0. Board President Taylor adjourned the meeting at 8:09 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: 61D21224-F5D5-448D-B99C-0F85DE4D6A9D 8/10/2022 8/10/2022