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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-04-08-PB-Meeting-MinutesCarmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation Park Board Meeting Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 6:00 p.m. John W. Hensel Government Center 10701 North College Avenue Carmel, Indiana 46280 Member(s) Present: Jonathan Blake, Jenn Kristunas, Katie Mueller, James Garretson, Jon Shapiro, Mark Westermeier (virtual) Member(s) Absent: Judith Hagan, Josh Orahood, Riddhi Shukla Others Present: Michael Klitzing, Department Director/CEO; Zach Nicely, Park Board Counsel Roll Call, Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance Board Vice President Kristunas welcomed everyone to the meeting, and asked Ms. Mueller to call the role. Ms. Mueller stated that there was a quorum, and Ms. Kristunas called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comments Director Klitzing welcomed and introduced Clay Township Trustee Paul Hensel, who was in attendance for the meeting. Staff Reports Director Klitzing stated Staff Reports were included in the Park Board packet. No questions were asked by the board. Committee Reports Finance Committee Mr. Westermeier reported that the Finance Committee did not meet last month. Strategic Funding Committee Mr. Westermeier reported that the Strategic Funding Committee did not meet last month. Minutes March 11, 2025, Park Board Meeting Minutes Ms. Mueller made a motion to approve the minutes of the Park Board Meeting dated March 11, 2025. Motion was seconded by Mr. Garretson and passed unanimously 6 – 0 by a roll call vote. Docusign Envelope ID: 6647F4DB-D2D3-4920-B424-634746688ABF Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation April 8, 2025 John W. Hensel Government Center Page 2 Financial Reports Consolidated Financial Report for February 2025; CCPR P&L Statements for March 2025 Mr. Blake made a motion to acknowledge receipt of the Consolidated Financial Report for February 2025 and to acknowledge receipt of the P&L Statements for March 2025. Motion was seconded by Mr. Shapiro and passed unanimously 6 – 0 by a roll call vote. Claims Claim Sheet April 8, 2025; CCPR Payroll for March 7, 2025, and March 21, 2025 Mr. Blake made a motion to approve the Claim Sheet dated April 8, 2025; and to approve payroll wages and liabilities for payroll dates March 7, 2025, and March 21, 2025. Motion was seconded by Ms. Mueller and passed unanimously 6 – 0 by a roll call vote. Monetary Gifts, Grants, Partnerships, and Sponsorships for March 2025 Director Klitzing reported that in March of 2025 the department received five sponsorships. Grand Appliance & TV contributed a $1,500 sponsorship for the Waterpark cabanas; IU Health $1,250 for Family Nature Walks; Centier Bank $1,000 for Monon Mixer events; Merrifield Exterior $3,100 for Lunch & Learn programs and Waterpark cabanas; and a $100 donation from an anonymous donor towards staff appreciation. Mr. Garretson made a motion to accept the items as presented. Motion was seconded by Ms. Mueller and passed unanimously 6 – 0 by a roll call vote. Ms. Kristunas expressed her appreciation to everyone for their generous sponsorships and donations. She inquired whether this was the first time cabanas had been sponsored. Director Klitzing clarified that cabana sponsorships began last year and that the program is continuing, with efforts underway to secure additional sponsorships not only for cabanas, but also for other park amenities. New Business No new business. Old Business No old business. Attorney’s Report Mr. Nicely updated the Park Board on current projects: • Finalizing the closing documents on the purchase of Lawhead property located along River Rd. Survey should be completed by, April 16, 2025. Closing within week thereafter. • Working on MOU with City of Carmel related to the infrastructure bond projects, for projects specific to parks. • Continuing to work on an Employee Claim through the Indiana Civil Rights Commission; update should be forthcoming at the next meeting. Docusign Envelope ID: 6647F4DB-D2D3-4920-B424-634746688ABF Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation April 8, 2025 John W. Hensel Government Center Page 3 Director’s Report Director Klitzing provided updates on the following: • Cherry Tree Park sustained significant storm damage from the EF-1 tornado that impacted Carmel. The tornado’s path affected two undeveloped park properties, with Cherry Tree Park experiencing the most damage. Numerous trees had been uprooted, and large limbs had become entangled in the canopy. The estimated cost of the damage was approximately $32,000. Due to the complexity of the cleanup, the work had been contracted out and was scheduled to begin on April 25. • Storm damage along the Monon Greenway south of City Hall and between the Japanese Garden was shared, noting that limbs and insulation from nearby tornado damage were cleaned up, including debris from the ditch, which was connected to the stormwater management system for Central Carmel. • Members, visitors, and staff at the MCC sheltered in place following protocol until it was safe. No major damage occurred, highlighting the importance of emergency procedures. • With Spring Break in Carmel, many families and staff are out of town or out of the office, resulting in a relatively slow week. Mr. Garretson asked Director Klitzing about the tornado damage and potential insurance reimbursement. In response, Director Klitzing explained that he is working with the city to explore possible reimbursement from the State. Following the Mayor's emergency declaration, there may be funding opportunities available. The Fire Chief is assisting the city, utilizing his prior experience with Indiana Homeland Security to identify resources that could help cover expenses. Mr. Garretson inquired about replacing the trees at Cherry Tree Park. Director Klitzing explained that the trees were large, and the team is considering suitable replacement species while also discussing the best use of the park. Given its proximity to Inlow Park, Director Klitzing noted the value of retaining Cherry Tree Park for its open space. Information Items Mr. Blake reported the Plan Commission discussed amendments to the primary plat for North End, which is located on Smoky Row west of the Monon Greenway. Mr. Blake requested the developer to reach out to Director Klitzing since the project is adjacent to the Monon Greenway. Director Klitzing confirmed Old Town, the developer, had contacted him and a meeting has been scheduled. This project received a Park and Recreation Impact Fee Credit approved by the Board of Public Works, which requires the extension of the Hagan-Burke Trail through the development. Mr. Shapiro reported Carmel Clay Schools was fortunate with the storms last week, and that no school buildings were damaged. There were volleyball matches going on at the high school and was fortunate that everyone was safe. Mr. Shapiro also noted the School Board and Administration are waiting to see what happens with the state legislature and the impact on school funding. Director Klitzing reported there were no updates for the Climate Action Committee. Director Klitzing reported the Parks Foundation had not met. Park Board Comments / Discussion Ms. Kristunas emphasized that safety is the top priority in emergency situations and expressed gratitude to the staff for ensuring the safety of members and guests. Docusign Envelope ID: 6647F4DB-D2D3-4920-B424-634746688ABF Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation April 8, 2025 John W. Hensel Government Center Page 4 Adjournment Mr. Garretson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Blake. With no objections, Ms. Kristunas adjourned the meeting at 6:32 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:// Docusign Envelope ID: 6647F4DB-D2D3-4920-B424-634746688ABF 5/14/2025 6/4/2025