Minutes - June 28, 2017

NOBLE COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD

MINUTES OF THE June 28, 2017 MEETING

Present: Scott Allen, Jim Haddock, John Metzger, Ray Scott, Guests: Jerry Jansen, member of County Council.

President Ray Scott called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM.

The Minutes of the April 26, 2017 were approved. There was no quorum for the May 24, 2017 meeting.

Personnel – Zack Becker, Board representative from Ligonier, has accepted a new job and has had to resign from the committee. Tom James, Co. Council representative for Ligonier, will attempt to recruit a replacement.

Old Business:

Five Year Master Plan – No new information.

Website Review – Information pertaining to the July “take a stroll” program has been added.

“Take a Stroll” Program – Our next program will be held on Sat. July 22 at the Mallard’s Roost Landing at the intersection of US. 6 and the South Branch of the Elkhart River. Note that this is a Canoe/Kayak Event and will be led by John Metzger. The program will run from 9 to 11 AM.

Additional programs coming up in the months ahead:

August 26 – Noble Trails, Beginning at Detering Preserve. Jim Haddock, Acres Land Trust.

September 23 – Merry Lea Environmental Center. (will need a replacement for Zach Becker), Merry Lea.

October 28 – Fishing Line Trail. Scott Allen, Noble Trails.

Our last stroll program was held on June 24, at Hidden Diamonds Park, Albion, with Doug Keenan, Albion Parks Department. Approximately one-half dozen people or so were in attendance.

Strawberry Valley Greenway trail project – No new update available.

Discussion with Jerry Jansen, Co. Council member – Jerry serves as our “link” between the Co. Council and this committee. We discussed at considerable length, how the Park Board and Council could work more closely together in a cooperative way to enhance recreational opportunities for the citizens of Noble Co. We all agreed that close communication and a full understanding of the positions of the governance bodies involved was essential. Jerry encouraged us to bring forward meaningful, well thought-out proposals to the Council for their review and recommendations.

Meeting adjourned at 11.45 AM

Next meeting – Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at 10:00 AM at the Noble County Public Library.

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