Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-12-10-Park-Board-Meeting-Minutes Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation Tuesday, December 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, Jenn Kristunas, Joshua Kirsh, Linus Rude, Mark Westermeier Member(s) Absent: Katie Browning, Lin Zheng Others Present: Michael Klitzing, Department Director/CEO; Kurtis Baumgartner, Department Assistant Director/COO; Eric Mehl, Administration & Planning Director/CAO; Brian Bosma, 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 6:01 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comments There were no public comments. Staff Reports Assistant Director Baumgartner stated Staff Reports were included in the Park Board packet. Mr. Westermeier noted that the water in the lagoon at Central Park looked high during a recent drive through the park. He mentioned that there has been a history of muskrats blocking the drainage pipes. Director Klitzing added that there has been confirmed beaver activity. Committee Reports Finance Committee Ms. Kristunas reported that the Finance Committee did not meet last month. Strategic Funding Committee Mr. Westermeier reported that the Committee has not met. Nominating Committee Board President Hagan appointed members to the Nominating Committee as follows: Mr. Westermeier (Chair), Ms. Kristunas, and Mr. Blake. Minutes November 12, 2024 Park Board Meeting Mr. Rude made a motion to approve the minutes of the Park Board Meeting dated November 12, 2024, seconded by Mr. Garretson. Motion was passed unanimously 7 – 0. Docusign Envelope ID: F623A012-384D-4D33-BF86-FFC2486B6D60 Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation December 10, 2024 John W. Hensel Government Center Page 2 Financial Reports Consolidated Financial Report for October 2024; CCPR P&L Statements for November 2024 Ms. Kristunas made a motion to acknowledge receipt of the Consolidated Financial Report for October 2024 and to acknowledge receipt of the P&L Statements for November 2024, seconded by Mr. Rude. Motion was passed unanimously 7 – 0. Claims Claim Sheet December 10, 2024; Clay Township Claim Sheet December 10, 2024; CCPR Payroll for November 1, 2024, November 15, 2024, and November 29, 2024 Ms. Kristunas made a motion to approve the Claim Sheet dated December 10, 2024; and to approve the Clay Township Claim Sheet dated December 10, 2024; and to approve payroll wages and liabilities for payroll dates November 1, 2024, November 15, 2024, and November 29, 2024, seconded by Mr. Blake. Motion was passed unanimously 7 – 0. Monetary Gifts, Grants, Partnerships, and Sponsorships for November 2024 Mr. Mehl reported $600 was received in November: $500 sponsorship from Scenthound Indiana for Dog Pot stations along the Monon Greenway; and a $100 donation from an anonymous donor towards Staff Appreciation. Mr. Kirsh made a motion to graciously accept the items as presented, seconded by Mr. Rude, and passed unanimously 7 – 0. New Business Consideration of Motion to Approve the Assurance of Accessibility Compliance for the 2025-2029 Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Director Klitzing gave an overview of the requirements governing the signatures requested by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Mr. Garretson made a motion to authorize the Park Board President and Secretary to sign the Assurance of Compliance as presented. Motion was seconded by Ms. Kristunas and passed unanimously 7 – 0. Consideration of Resolution G-2024-002 Adopting the 2025-2029 Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Director Klitzing presented a summary of the master planning process. Upon receiving full support from the Carmel City Council and Clay Township Board, it was recommended that the Park Board approve the document as submitted. Ms. Kristunas expressed her appreciation to members of the Master Plan Review Committee, as well as the rest of the Board who participated in the feedback sessions. Director Klitzing also stated his gratitude to everyone who participated and further explained that the Department went to great lengths to ensure individuals and groups, who had not previously been involved, had the opportunity to participate in the process. Docusign Envelope ID: F623A012-384D-4D33-BF86-FFC2486B6D60 Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation December 10, 2024 John W. Hensel Government Center Page 3 Ms. Kristunas made a motion to approve Resolution G-2024-002 as presented. Motion was seconded by Mr. Rude and passed unanimously 7 – 0. Consideration of Services for Catalyst Public Affairs Group Director Klitzing gave an overview of the lobbying services for which CCPR had already engaged Catalyst to provide. He explained that the Board’s action would ratify the initial services started in 2024 and allow for those services to continue into 2025. Mr. Garretson made a motion that the Park Board ratify the action of Director Klitzing for the services agreement entered in 2024 and approve a not to exceed amount of $10,000 per month in 2025 with Catalyst Public Affairs Group for legislative initiatives that support sustainable funding solutions for CCPR. Motion was seconded by Ms. Kristunas and passed unanimously 7 – 0. Consideration of Resolution B-2024-009 Authorizing the Purchase of Fitness Equipment for the Monon Community Center Assistant Director Baumgartner provided details of the proposed equipment, including lifespan, warranty, and trade-in value of the current equipment. Mr. Rude asked if the new equipment was networked to monitor usage, to which Assistant Director Baumgartner explained that only the AMT machines would be networked to monitor the hours used. Staff uses this information to determine which machines need to be rotated to another location to balance usage between machines. Mr. Blake made a motion to accept the quote from Direct Fitness Solutions and authorize the Assistant Director to execute a purchase order in the amount of $129,812.99 to purchase the identified Precor and Stages fitness equipment as stated within Resolution B-2024-009. Motion was seconded by Mr. Kirsh and passed unanimously 7 – 0. Consideration of Resolution G-2024-003 Regarding the Interest in and Authorizing the Purchase of Real Estate Director Klitzing gave an overview of properties needed in the City’s attempt to construct two new greenways on the western side of the central core. This resolution will allow staff to enter into discussions with owners. Mr. Garretson asked if this property is next to the VFW, which Director Klitzing explained the property in question lies to the south of the VFW. Mr. Garretson asked what would end up on that property, which Director Klitzing responded that this area would be used as a trailhead and entry point for these greenways. Mr. Garretson asked if the greenway would enter Oden Woods. Klitzing explained that the goal is to work with the School Corporation to grant approval for the greenways to run through Oden Woods. Mr. Garretson asked if this would damage the woods and include tree removal. Director Klitzing explained that there would be some tree removal and clearing of existing damage. Board President Hagan reassured that this would only include cutting in a trail and would not put parking or larger items within the wooded property, which Director Klitzing confirmed. Docusign Envelope ID: F623A012-384D-4D33-BF86-FFC2486B6D60 Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation December 10, 2024 John W. Hensel Government Center Page 4 Mr. Rude asked if the 0.12- acre parcel was the entry drive to the north, which Director Klitzing explained it was actually the small triangular section to the south of the property which is also owned by Buckingham Properties. Mr. Rude followed up drawing attention to the north drive into the development and asked if that would end up being a shared drive between the development and the trailhead. Director Klitzing confirmed that it would be a shared drive, and the City would grant an easement to the development to maintain access to their property. Mr. Blake made a motion to adopt Resolution G-2024-003 as presented. Motion was seconded by Ms. Kristunas and passed unanimously 7 – 0. Old Business Consideration of Resolution P-2024-002 Amending and Restating Rules of Park Operations Ms. Kristunas made a motion to move Resolution P-2024-002 from the table. Motion was seconded by Mr. Blake. Director Klitzing gave an overview of changes to the park rules and provided additional follow-up on items discussed at the previous meeting. Mr. Kirsh expressed his overall support for controlling the speed limit on the Monon and adding the reckless behavior language. He expressed his concerns of potentially limiting ‘micromobility’ devices in the future. Mr. Kirsh asked if the Chief of Police supported this language, which Director Klitzing confirmed the Chief is happy with the enforceability and consistency of the language. Mr. Garretson asked if there would be signage identifying open water on public property. Director Klitzing replied that CCPR will not add anymore signage. Each park has the standard posted park rules which will be updated as needed. Board President Hagan said the addition of reckless behavior is a good one as it is really the underlying issue even for individuals using any type of micromobility. Ms. Kristunas stated her concern was that the rules might prohibit the use of future micromobility vehicles that are unknown at this time. Board President Hagan advised that the main goal is remove competing or conflicting language between the existing park rules and City code allowing police enforcement. Director Klitzing added that the definition of motorized vehicles is not in the park section of City code. The park rules provide examples as to what may be included, for example golf carts. He added that he anticipates the City Council to send the park rules to one of their committees for further deliberation. Mr. Rude brought up the possibility of rickshaws on the Monon as part of micromobility. Discussion followed on this as well as various types of e-bikes. Mr. Westermeier stated that the park rules have been changed four or five times during his involvement with parks. Docusign Envelope ID: F623A012-384D-4D33-BF86-FFC2486B6D60 Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation December 10, 2024 John W. Hensel Government Center Page 5 Director Klitzing said that he would ensure the Park Board is aware of when the Council’s Committee is meeting to discuss the rules. Ms. Kristunas spoke about the unforeseen future of micromobility especially as many students in high school right now do not want to obtain a driver's license. They do not want to drive a car, but will need different ways to get from point A to point B. She stated it was important to keep an open mind regarding micromobility options that would lower emissions in Carmel and Indianapolis. Ms. Kristunas made a motion to approve Resolution P-2024-002 as presented. Motion was seconded by Mr. Kirsh and passed unanimously 7 – 0. Attorney’s Report Mr. Bosma updated the Park Board on current projects including:  resolution for park rules; and  various contracts and RFPs. Director’s Report Director Klitzing provided updates on the following:  The center span has been added to the pedestrian bridge at 106th.  Footers have been placed for the indoor playground (at the Monon Community Center); anticipate opening in spring of next year.  City Council approved the Third Amendment of the Interlocal Agreement; Clay Township Board to vote on December 17, 2024. Mr. Garretson asked if the City Council has considered making the park department its own entity like the Carmel Clay Public Library. Director Klitzing explained that this type of action would require special legislation from the State, which has not gone favorably in the past. Mr. Garretson asked how much money is being returned to the City this year. Assistant Director Baumgartner explained that this number has not been finalized as there are end of year purchases forthcoming. He will provide an official report in January. Information Items Plan Commission Mr. Kirsh said he had no issues to report. Mr. Kirsh mentioned that Brad Grabow, Plan Commission President, announced he will be stepping down after roughly 17 years on the Plan Commission. Mr. Kirsh gave kind words regarding Mr. Grabow’s service to the City and the Plan Commission. School Board There was no report. Parks Foundation Director Klitzing announced that the Parks Foundation will meet December 11 to elect new officers and vote on a contribution to the Department for grant matching funds. Docusign Envelope ID: F623A012-384D-4D33-BF86-FFC2486B6D60 Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation December 10, 2024 John W. Hensel Government Center Page 6 Mr. Bosma noted that as of January 15 of next year, the Park Board will be receiving the transfer of ownership of Central Park from the Building Corporation once the final bond payment is made. Board President Hagan asked if the Park Board will have ownership of the new greenways previously discussed. Director Klitzing said he expects the City to retain ownership and enter into a management agreement with CCPR for maintenance. Climate Action Plan (CAP) Advisory Committee Mr. Mehl reported that the Committee met on December 4. He provided an update on the White River Greenway project including the 106th pedestrian bridge, which will help meet some of the alternative transportation standards. He also shared information on grant efforts to help meet other standards on the list. Park Board Comments / Discussion Board President Hagan noted that she saw pictures of the staff appreciation event and asked for an overview, which Assistant Director Baumgartner provided. Board President Hagan expressed appreciation to the executive team for the great year, including CAPRA reaccreditation and the other big-ticket items that were accomplished. Adjournment Mr. Rude made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Blake. With no objections, Board President Hagan adjourned the meeting at 7:10 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: F623A012-384D-4D33-BF86-FFC2486B6D60 1/15/2025 1/15/2025