Minutes - October 24, 2018
NOBLE COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 24, 2018 MEETING
Present: Ray Scott, Scott Allen, James Haddock, Doug Keenan.
Guests: Matt Getts, KPC Media; Kenneth Hughes, Noble County Plan Commission; Jeff Boyle, City of Ligonier; Diann Scott; West Lakes Association.
The October 24, 2018 meeting of the Noble County Parks and Recreation Board was called to order by President Ray Scott at 10:00 AM.
The Minutes of the September 26, 2018 meeting were approved as sent.
Old Business:
5-Year Parks Master Plan Update – Kenneth Hughes, Noble County Plan Commission Director, presented an updated draft of the Five Year Master Plan Update. A discussion was held on the action plans and prioritizing of the next steps for the Board. Kenneth has touched base with Acres Land Trust, the municipal parks directors, and county council. Water recreation and the possibility of “water trails” has been added to the Master Plan.
A public input session will be held on Wednesday, December 5, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Dekko Room at the County Office Complex South. The Noble County Parks and Recreation Board will meet after the public input session.
“Take a Stroll” Program – Jim Haddock noted that the program needs to be revamped in order to be successful in the future. Diann Scott suggested a different marketing campaign for the strolls.
Strawberry Valley Cultural Trail Program – Jeff Boyle presented an update on the trail. The different city departments will be assisting to maintain the trail. The trail will be five miles in Ligonier, and will connect all four parks in Ligonier. Eventually, the trail will connect to the West Noble School Campus. There are 37 mural and 7 bronze statues in Ligonier, which are features for the trail. There will be two bridges built across the Elkhart River. The project will be completed in three years.
Noble Trails Program – Scott Allen reported that Noble Trails has received a commitment for the final piece of the trail, which will allow the trail to be complete from Gene Stratton Porter Historical Site to the Kendallville Sports Complex.
Open Position on the Board – Jeff Boyle is willing to represent the Ligonier/Cromwell area on the Noble County Parks and Recreation Board. Ray Scott will contact Tom Janes for County Council approval.
Winter Recreation Photo Contest - Matt Getts will approach KPC Media to co-sponsor a winter recreation photo contest with the Noble County Parks and Recreation Board. Photos of people active in outdoor recreation this winter will be submitted for a prize. Matt will work on criteria for the contest. It was suggested that this could expand to each season, and a calendar could be made featuring the photos.
West Lakes Association – Diann Scott gave a report on the progress of the West Lakes Association. The sediment study has been completed, as well as the vegetation study. The gauge at Waldron Lake had been replaced, and water quality tests are ongoing. A conservancy district is being planned, as well as a Noble County Lakes Council. Flood preparedness and home elevation is moving forward.
Meeting adjourned at 11:35 AM.
Next meeting – Wednesday, December 5, 2018 following the Public Input Session at 6:00 p.m. in the Dekko Room at the County Office Complex South.