Minutes - January 31, 2018
Present: Ray Scott, John Metzger, Scott Allen, Jim Haddock.
Guests: Matt Getts, Albion New Era
The meeting of the Noble County Parks and Recreation Board was called to order at 10:00 AM by President Ray Scott.
The Minutes of the November 29, 2017 meeting were approved as sent.
The present officers were all re-elected to their respective positions for 2018.
Ray Scott, President
Scott Allen, Vice President
Doug Keenan, Secretary
Old Business:
A. Potential implementation of any future action items included in our IDNR 5-year Master Plan.
No specific plans at this time. Our current plan expires in January of 2019.
B. Review of the NCPRB Website.
None at this time. The website URL is: www.noblecoparks.wixsite.com/website
C. Review of the 2017 “Stroll” Program and Discussion of ideas for 2018.
The general consensus of the group was that although the concept has merit and should be continued, the emphasis should be altered to make it more inclusive. The following changes were suggested: 1) “piggyback” our strolls with other outdoor recreational events being held in the county to attract a larger and more diverse audience; 2) increase flexibility by varying the “Stroll” schedule to coincide with that of “sister” events such that more than 1 activity could be held in a given month. Some months could conceivably have no events; and 3) inclusive dates for this summer would be mid-May to mid-October. Probably most events would occur on a Saturday but this is not guaranteed.
Listed below is a starter list consisting of groups potentially providing a template for our “tag-along” Stroll activities that we should consider.
Each committee member has agreed to make initial contacts with a few of the groups listed below: Parkview Health Fair (Kendallville), Noble Trails/ Gene Stratton Porter, (Rome City) Strawberry Days (Ligonier), West Lakes Assoc. (West Lakes and Elkhart River), Chain-of-Lakes Festival (Albion), Avilla Freedom Festival (Avilla), Merry Lea (Wolf lake). Kendallville Parks/Acres (Kendallville).
Consult the various Chambers of Commerce for additional possibilities.
D. Status of Strawberry Valley Greenway Trail Project
No report. We are still looking for a board member from that area.
E. Noble Trails Program
Scott reported that their next event will be a 5K run on April 28th. Runners will begin at the GSP headquarters. Construction on trails between west and north of Kendallville will begin again this spring. Go to their website for additional information at www.nobletrails.org
New Business:
A. Updating of IDNR 5-Year Master Plan
Our first draft is due Jan. 15, 2019. The Final Draft will be due April 15th of next year. There appears to be two major alternatives relative to any new preparation: 1) update only or 2) update with the eventual goal of obtaining DNR approval. The latter is required in order for us to compete for federal/state funds for any projects that we might undertake. There was considerable discussion on this aspect as well as knowing how much of an update of the consumer interest questionnaire would be required. Significant funding would be required again in order to update this component of the Master Plan.
Meeting adjourned at 11:10 AM
Addendum:
Matt Getts requested that Board Members personally evaluate our present IDNR 5-year Master Plan as to its strengths and weaknesses, if any, for discussion at our next meeting
Next meeting – Wednesday, February 28 at 10:00 AM at the Noble County Public Library.