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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-10-Park Board-Meeting-MinutesCarmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 6:00 p.m. John W. Hensel Government Center 10701 North College Avenue Carmel, Indiana 46280 Member(s) Present: Jonathan Blake, James Garretson, Judith Hagan, Joshua Kirsh, Jenn Kristunas, Linus Rude, Mark Westermeier, Lin Zheng Member(s) Absent: Katie Browning Others Present: Michael Klitzing, Department Director/CEO; Kurtis Baumgartner, Department Assistant Director/COO; Eric Mehl, Administration & Planning Director/CAO; Zach Nicely, Park Board Counsel Roll Call; Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance Board President Hagan welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked Mr. Rude to call the role. Mr. Rude stated that there was a quorum. Board President Hagan called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comments There were no public comments. Staff Reports Assistant Director Baumgartner said Staff Reports were included in the Park Board packet. Mr. Baumgartner pointed out he included an email received from an MCC member regarding his son’s positive experience. Board President Hagan wanted to draw attention to the free sunscreen dispensers placed in the parks last month. Committee Reports Finance Committee Ms. Zheng reported that the Finance Committee did not meet last month. Master Plan Review Committee Ms. Kristunas announced that the Committee met three times over the last month. The Committee completed its review of the Master Plan and provided feedback to maintain consistency throughout the document. Suggestions did not change the overall integrity of the document. She further thanked members of the Board for their time serving on the Committee and assisting with the Master Plan review. Strategic Funding Committee Mr. Westermeier reported that the Committee has not met. Minutes August 13, 2024 Park Board Meeting Board President Hagan pointed out that everyone received a copy of the minutes upon arrival to the meeting. Mr. Kirsh made a motion to approve the minutes of the Park Board Meeting dated August 13, 2024, seconded by Mr. Blake. Motion was passed unanimously 8 – 0. Docusign Envelope ID: 554D3456-3C73-4318-BBC4-AC5D11012D67 Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation Tuesday, September 10, 2024 John W. Hensel Government Center Page 2 Financial Reports Consolidated Financial Report for July 2024; CCPR P&L Statements for August 2024 Ms. Zheng made a motion to acknowledge receipt of the Consolidated Financial Report for July 2024 and to acknowledge receipt of the P&L Statements for August 2024, seconded by Mr. Garretson. Motion was passed unanimously 8 – 0. Claims Claim Sheet September 10, 2024; Clay Township Claim Sheet September 10, 2024; CCPR Payroll for August9, 2024 and August 23, 2024 Ms. Zheng made a motion to approve the Claim Sheet dated September 10, 2024; and to approve the Clay Township Claim Sheet dated September 10, 2024; and to approve payroll wages and liabilities for payroll dates August 9, 2024 and August 23, 2024, seconded by Mr. Garretson. The motion passed unanimously 8 – 0. Monetary Gifts, Grants, Partnerships, and Sponsorships for August 2024 Mr. Mehl reported the contributions that were received in August: $500 sponsorship from United Construction Services for the HAMPA meeting; and the $100 donation from our anonymous donor for Staff Appreciation bringing the total to $600. Mr. Kirsh made a motion to graciously accept and thank the donors for the items as presented, seconded by Mr. Blake, and passed unanimously 8 – 0. New Business There was no new business. Old Business White River Greenway North Extension Consideration of Second Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with SJCA Consideration of Third Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with SJCA Director Klitzing gave an overview of the two amendments that are necessary to keep the project on track. Mr. Westermeier asked if they found anything within the archaeological study, to which Director Klitzing indicated the findings were all small items of no major significance. Mr. Kirsh further pointed out that in his experience with the city street construction, they look for remains or items of significance. Mr. Rude asked for more details regarding the placement and topography of the new trail location. Director Klitzing reported that the topography was unchanged, but the new layout allows for additional distance closer to the (White) River for better views and more separation between the Trail and River Road towards the northern section. This will allow more opportunities for landscaping barriers as well. Mr. Garretson clarified that this would make it safer, which Director Klitzing confirmed since it will create more distance between the Trail and Road. Board President Hagan asked if any street trees will be disturbed. Director Klitzing reported that no street trees will be disturbed, given there are few to begin with, but any additional street trees will be Connor Prairie’s responsibility as part of their construction agreement. Docusign Envelope ID: 554D3456-3C73-4318-BBC4-AC5D11012D67 Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation Tuesday, September 10, 2024 John W. Hensel Government Center Page 3 Mr. Kirsh made a motion to approve the second and third amendments to the Professional Services Agreement with SJCA for the Wither River Greenway North Extension as presented, and further move to authorize the Director of Parks and Recreation to execute the amendments as prepared by Park Board’s legal counsel. Motion seconded by Ms. Kristunas and passed unanimously 8 – 0. Attorney’s Report Mr. Nicely stated that they have been working with Director Klitzing on a local referendum legislation for potential future parks funding. Issues with Morphy Construction’s performance bonds have been resolved. Park rules were reviewed and forwarded to City legal counsel. Board President Hagan asked if the changes were related to the DORA. Director Klitzing clarified that the park rules must be adopted into City ordinance for official enforcement. They will be presented to the Board for approval after City legal has reviewed. Board President Hagan asked if anything is being done to combat the speeders on the Monon Greenway. Director Klitzing explained his goal of bringing the speed limit down to 15 mph for the full length of the Monon rather than just certain sections. He further explained that through discussion with the (Carmel) Police Department, enforcement lies with the inability to use radar on bicycles with the current equipment capabilities. Mr. Kirsh further explained that this is a topic of discussion within the City as well and that it will more likely be an effort of community involvement and education. Mr. Garretson, Mr. Rude, and Mr. Westermeier spoke in support of more enforcement on speed limits, traffic control at intersections, and motorized vehicles (golf carts, powered skateboards, e-bikes). Mr. Westermeier also suggested making the speed limit for trails across all (CCPR) properties be put at 15 mph for consistency. Director Klitzing indicated that this type of feedback allows him the ability to push the conversation further with City officials. Director Klitzing also ensured that the golf cart issues are being addressed in the proposed new rules. Mr. Garretson asked for clarification on (CCPR) policy regarding alcohol within the parks, to which Director Klitzing explained that it is only allowed within the designated DORA and during events when served by a permitted vendor. Mr. Garretson asked if the City approached the Department for feedback on the DORA. Director Klitzing replied that the Department was asked, but there was significant political pressure to move the initiative forward. Board President Hagan asked if the new sections of the White River Greenway were wider than existing, to which Director Klitzing confirmed. Mr. Rude asked if the Department has a timeline for upgrades to the Old Town section of the Monon. Director Klitzing responded that he did not want to conflict with the City’s plans for construction around the area. Mr. Rude also asked for an update on the Midtown Spray Plaza. Director Klitzing reported that construction is ongoing and expected to be on schedule to ensure a spring opening next year. Director’s Report Director Klitzing reminded the everyone that the October Board Meeting will be held on October 17th at the normal time and location. This date change is due to Department staff attending the NRPA national conference. Docusign Envelope ID: 554D3456-3C73-4318-BBC4-AC5D11012D67 Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation Tuesday, September 10, 2024 John W. Hensel Government Center Page 4 Budget workshops with City Council are scheduled for September 25th and 26th. The City Council’s Land Use and Special Studies Committee will meet on September 19th at 6 p.m. in the Carmel Clay Public Library. The Committee will discuss the proposed Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement to lock the current Park Board structure in place for another two years. Mayor (Finkam) has given a favorable recommendation on the budget proposals. Some of the capital project items may be completed as part of a capital lease program or proposed bond issuance being presented to City Council. Director Klitzing provided a summer recap outlining the success of the Summer Camp Series and The Waterpark. Mr. Garretson commented on the shortened operating days for the Waterpark and asked if that was due to the school calendar, which Director Klitzing confirmed. Mr. Garretson continued to express his opinion on the negative impact the school calendar is having on the community. Mr. Westermeier recounted during his involvement that the school board is aware of the overall effects on the community, but are more concerned with the education process and outcomes. Director Klitzing also provided an update on how the MCC team has presented potential solutions to keeping parts of The Waterpark open after school starts, which may help with additional revenue and community experience. Director Klitzing provided an update on CAPRA accreditation, stating that the official notice of reaccreditation will be received at the NRPA conference in October. The Department will host a celebration and banner unveiling on October 22nd at 11 a.m. in the MCC gymnasium. Director Klitzing provided an update on current construction projects including the White River North Extension, the 106th St. Pedestrian Bridge, and the MCC indoor playground. All updates included recent progress photos. Information Items Plan Commission Mr. Kirsh reported the City is hosting Moby Con which is a master class on roundabout and pedestrian integration. Mr. Kirsh also participated in the River Class last Friday. School Board There was no report. Parks Foundation There was no report. Climate Action Plan (CAP) Advisory Committee There was no report. Park Board Comments / Discussion Board President Hagan wanted to thank staff for their presentations on the 2025 budget proposals last month. Ms. Kristunas mentioned that Director Klitzing celebrated his 20 years of service to the Department and thanked him for his service. Docusign Envelope ID: 554D3456-3C73-4318-BBC4-AC5D11012D67 Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation Tuesday, September 10, 2024 John W. Hensel Government Center Page 5 Mr. Rude wanted to draw attention to recent articles and publications mentioning parks as reasons why Carmel is one of the best places to live. Adjournment Mr. Kirsh made a motion to adjourn the meeting. With no objections, Board President Hagan adjourned the meeting at 7:05 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: 554D3456-3C73-4318-BBC4-AC5D11012D67 10/21/2024 10/23/2024