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Home My Public Portal AboutNovember 22 2016 Special Session Greencastle Board of Park Commissioners Minutes of the Special Meeting Tuesday, November 22, 2016 Present: President Beva Miller, Vice President Tim Trigg, and Dr. John Hennette Absent: Secretary Cathy Merrell, City Council Liaison Steve Fields, Greencastle Community Schools Ex-Officio Member Dr. Wayne Lewis, and Putnam County Library Ex-Officio Member David Taylor Also Present: Eric Bernsee - Banner Graphic, Matthew Welker, and Parks & Recreation Director Rod Weinschenk Call to Order The special meeting of the Greencastle Board of Park Commissioners was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Greencastle City Hall. Public Input-None Greencastle Aquatics Center Water Line Repairs Director R.Weinschenk informed the board that two bids were received from area contractors. He recommended that the board accept the lowest of the two and give him, as Director, to enter into a contract for repairs. The lowest bid was received from Joe Spiker Excavating in the amount of$8,100.00. On the motion from T.Trigg, second by J.Hennette, permission was granted for Weinschenk to enter into a contract with Spiker Excavating. All Ayes. Youth Basketball Program Matthew Welker, new member of the Youth Basketball League Committee, stated he would like to see the board revamp and rejuvenate the city league. During discussion, the following points were made: • Increase numbers to what it was 15 years ago at 310 kids. Last year's program drew 165. • If the program numbers increase, we can playing grade level versus grade level with second-graders, for example, only playing second-graders, instead of having to mix older kids in with younger players. • Lower registration fees will help raise numbers, for example from $65 registration fee to $25, noting that $25 from 325 kids is about the same as $65 from 165 players. • Save money by improving the shirts players receive, getting more volunteers to officiate instead of paying referees, getting the Greencastle High School basketball coaches to become actively involved in the program. • Gym usage fees - see if we can get the gym usage fee waived. Gym use is currently billed at $1,250, while a $1,080 gym supervisor fee is also paid to have a keyholder on site during practice and games. GHS teams have free use of the park facilities like Big Walnut Sports Park, Robe-Ann Park and the People Pathways trails. 1 • Spruce up the uniforms a little, with an eye to cost, of course, but something instead of just T-shirts. He said the committee would favor shirts with just "Greencastle basketball" on the front and the sponsor's name and a number on the back. • Looking into healthy living and programming grants to help offset costs that could then be used to lower fees. Board Comments • "I'm in full support of trying to make it a better league". • "It's been weak at times. Anything you want to try to get the numbers up, I'm all for it,because if you don't do that, none of the other things will be possible." • Many of these things can take place next year, but it's too late to change the fee structure this year. • R.Weinschenk agreed that it is too late to change the fee structure; however there are things like the program promotion, t-shirts, awards, and officials that can still be changed in preparation for next year. The Park Board thanked M.Welker for his comments and will take them into consideration. Minutes respectfully submitted by:1 A A Roderick M. Weinschenk, irector Greencastle Parks & Recreation Department Minutes approved by: Beva Miller, President Tim Trigg, i President Cathy Merre , Secretary Dr. Johi Hennett / 2