Starke County Park Department
April 11, 2023
Minutes
Present: R. Ballard, T. Busch, R. Ritzler, K. Swihart and S. Byer
Meeting was called to order by President R. Ballard.
K. Swihart made a motion, seconded by T. Busch and passed 5-0 to approve minutes from March 14, 2023 meeting.
Kathy Norem of CVC spoke with concerns that the Park Dept. may not be proceeding on the Kayak Launch project. She expressed the need to get the project going by September. T. Williams will meet with her so K. Norem can assist her in finding the necessary matching funds.
K. Swihart gave an update on the Veteran’s Memorial. He is still working to get a representative from North Judson post. Plans are in the works for a Memorial Day Parade. There will be marching bands and looking for a rider less horse to lead the parade. Their group will meet again on May 8th.
T. Busch led discussion on the status of the grant application. There will be a meeting with Troyer Group on April 13th. to go over the plan before being presented to the board.
A pier update explained there was only one outstanding return confirmation notice from the required letters sent out. The DNR directed T. Williams to post a public notice that will be out 4/13 which will be sent to the DNR on then and we are hopeful everything will be a go.
Discussion was held regarding prohibiting the unauthorized mooring of boats within the riparian rights, 300 feet off shoreline. It was tabled until T. Williams receives written documentation from the DNR that the county may enforce this.
T. Williams reported that a new bladder tank will be installed tomorrow at the pump house to correct water issues. She stated the water will be on by May 1st., contingent on the weather.
S. Berndt will need 22 fingers to finish the pier installation. The cost will be approximately $3,000.00 to $3,500.00 R. Ritzler made the motion to approve this expenditure, not to exceed $3,500.00. K. Swihart seconded and it passed 5-0.
S. Byer said he has the DNR coming to the beach within the next couple of days to remove the dive platform.
Kramer Beach beautification project is moving forward. The guardrails are getting put back up, landscaping and are putting in 2 benches and a picnic table.
S. Byer made the motion, seconded by R. Ritzler and passed 5-0 and the meeting adjourned at 7:05 PM.