Winamac Park Board discusses Octagon Pavilion; approves budget, advisory board

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Published: Saturday, 03 September 2016 22:38

WINAMAC - The preservation of the historic octagon pavilion in the Winamac Town Park was discussed by the Winamac Parks & Recreation Board at its September meeting.

Board member Brad Zellers shared that he felt the 1892 octagon pavilion was the most historic part of the park. He suggested that white steel be placed on the outside of the building to preserve the inside.

Board president Courtney Poor said he believes a fundraiser could be held to raise money for the steel. He added that the landscaping around the building is an issue. The board also discussed the type of roof of the structure. Zellers suggested making the shutters wooden and functional.

Park manager Dave DeLorenzo and Zellers will research contractors to obtain quotes for the project. Board member Jon Chapman asked if the landscape should be removed now. Poor said before this begins, the general public should be notified. There are memorial trees planted around the pavilion. Zellers made a motion to remove the landscape, but following discussion he rescinded his motion. It was decided to notify the public before removing any landscape.

In other business, discussion was held to appoint a fifth person to the board. Zellers will ask the Town Council for an appointment from either the school board or the library board at the Sept. 12 meeting.  

Following discussion, the park board approved Resolution No. 1 of 2016:  A Resolution Establishing an Advisory Council for the Town of Winamac Board of Parks and Recreation. During the discusssion, Patsy Bennett’s name was replaced with Theresa Calloway. The following people will served on the advisory committee: Sherry O’Connor, Dave Bennett, Theresa Calloway, Steve Miller, John Behny, Chris Smith, Stan Czech, John Simmermaker and Dave Zhart.

Boy Scout Austin Felty spoke to the board regarding an Eagle Scout project he has proposed for the Winamac Parkway. He would like to place 60 cherry blossom trees in memorial of veterans and families. The tree committee is also helping with this project. Jason Potthoff and Reese Shidler with ProScapes provided information regarding what kind of trees to plant. At this time the Tree Committee does not have a design plan. Felty, Potthoff and Shidler will work together on this project. The board expressed concern with the maintenance and replacement of the trees. Shidler recommends not planting all of the same tree due to a disease that could happen. Another concern is how cluttered the trail would look with 60 trees. Discussion was held to extend into the south of the town limits and possibly plant some trees in the Rinehart park and town park as some of the trees need to be replaced. The board voted to allow the Eagle Scout project.  

Veterans Memorial Parkway was discussed with ProScapes. Poor said the landscapers should be recognized for their work on Veterans Memorial Parkway. The board is looking for signage at the park and asked for their idea on a sign. Potthoff commented that due to the irrigation system, he feels the turf portion of the park should not be utilized for signage but maybe in the corner. Discussion was held regarding benches in the park as both the VFW and American Legion and both auxiliaries would like to place memorial benches in the park. Delorenzo said he felt it would be important to have two benches and combine the auxiliary with each bench. A brick apron was also discussed. The VFW and American Legion will be informed that only two benches will be placed at the Veterans Memorial Park and that the benches will have to match. Potthoff acknowledged that Compton’s Mowing Service has been mowing the park at no cost to the Town. The board approved a motion to limit benches to two at the Veterans Memorial Park.

Park board president Courtney Poor asked if there was any information on soccer goal prices and DeLorenzo said they would be under $5,000. Lead time on the slides is 3-4 weeks. The board approved a motion to purchase slides.

Compensation for the park board members at $20 a meeting was discussed. Schramm stated he felt he is not sitting on this board to make money and he is not in favor of compensation. Members Chapman and Zellers felt the same way. The board voted to strike the budget line item for compensation as long as this board is seated.

Board secretary Melanie Berger reported she had spoken with CDC director Nathan Origer regarding grants for ADA compliant playground equipment. Currently, the Community Foundation has a grant cycle, but the cutoff date is Sept. 9. She and Origer will continue to research grants.

A Rainy Day Fund was discussed in the park fund. Attorney Justin Schramm said he could draft a resolution for the next meeting, but the document would need specifics for the purpose of the fund. The board approved a motion to draft a rainy day resolution.

Chapman discussed signage at the historic pavilion. Zellers said he will research. There is a rock at the intersection of Logan and Main streets that the Town Council approved to have sandblasted with "Winamac Parkway." The park board approved.

Katie Bierrum thanked the board for the wish lists they provided. She is still working on some of the demographics. She needs to complete the public input section with a minimum of two forms. She has drafted a survey and needs a few more questions. Poor asked that she forward the survey so the board can consider additional questions. Bierrum has access to a free survey website and would also like to insert the survey into the weekly Independent paper. Origer said he would place the survey on the County’s website and reference it in the CDC quarterly newsletter. After discussion, the board scheduled Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m., at the Winamac Utility Complex for a public hearing.

The job descriptions for the park manager and seasonal part-time assistant to the park manger were discussed. The board voted to accept the job descriptions as written.

The 2017 budget was presented for approval. The board voted to approve the budget, with the exception of removing the line item for board compensation. The motion passed with three yeas and one abstention, Chris Schramm.

Park Manager’s Report:

Park manager Dave DeLorenzo reported the park held 35 reunions. Cannonball was here for the last time this year. Four-on-four volleyball league and softball league have begun. Seven more ash trees have been removed with help from the street and water department; there are 10 more that town employees can help remove. Nine aprons have been poured around benches and approximately nine more remain to be poured. Staff continues to mow, weed-eat and pick up trash; and has repaired two water leaks.

Final Business: 

The board reviewed the claims.

Zellers asked DeLorenzo about the status of the pickle-ball court. DeLorenzo said he is still waiting for them to arrive. Zellers will call on behalf of the Town.  

Chapman informed the board that there is a Hank Kopkey fund with First National Bank of Monterey to be used for children’s activities. He asked if the park board could apply for any of the monies for playground equipment. It is available annually.

Prior to the meeting, the Park Board watched the Internal Controls webinar until 6:30 p.m.

The next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 6.