Starke County Park Board
September 10, 2024
Meeting Minutes
Present: R. Ballard, T. Busch, S. Byer & D. Sinn
Mr. Ballard called the meeting to order and introduced David Sinn as the newest member of the board. S. Byer made a motion, seconded by T. Busch and passed unanimously to accept his position.
A report was given by A. Giuliani that, as of this date, the two original Homa pumps have been put back into the lift station and the Liberty pumps are on the shelf as back up. Watermark informed us that the original warranty was voided when they took the pumps in for repair and now have a one-year warranty. Discussion was held on whether to move forward with filing an insurance claim for the $20,000.00 spent during the down time and getting temporary pumps or consider filing a suit against Watermark. A motion was made by T. Busch for J. Schramm to advise on the path forward. S. Byer seconded and it passed unanimously.
G. Laiter and A. Giuliani presented information stressing the importance of requiring lift stations for the 2025 season to protect the piers as well as other customer’s boats and minimizing the amount of time spent assessing and repairing damages from boats breaking loose after storms. A. Giuliani reported that less than 20% of customers do not have shore stations. Research showed that there are several options for purchasing new and used lift stations. T. Busch said he would not vote for this because it would be somewhat of an increase the council would not allow us to use and they had already cut our budget by $24,000.00. S. Byer made the motion to approve the requirement. However, it died due to a lack of a second.
Discussion was held regarding increasing the rate for pier slips in 2025 showing the cost of $23,102.00 this year for installing, removing, insurance, material for and maintaining the piers. A. Giuliani asked for a motion to increase the slips by $75.00 and an additional $25.00 for jet skis in the water. T. Busch said he would not support an increase, stating the council would not allow the department to use those additional funds. S. Byer made a motion to raise the rate to $1,000. that motion lacked a second. R. Ballard made the motion to raise it to $850.00 and D. Sinn seconded the motion. It passed 3-1 with T. Busch casting a no vote.
A superintendent report was given by A. Flora. She was pleased to announce that new, high quality, mason sand had been delivered to Kramer’s beach. Cathy Hensell showed pictures of how nice it looks and was incredibly grateful for the department’s support in making it happen. She also thanked everyone involved in getting it spread and raked.
August reported revenues of $2,300 from the gate, $3,400 weekend campers, $500.00 from kayaks and pavilion rentals.
She also reported that Tony Mildice donated his time and equipment to do drone footage of both the campground and the beach.
The board was asked for input on the interior and exterior colors for the beach house renovations. A suggestion was made that the public be given the opportunity to offer their thoughts on the same. This will be discussed in the next meeting with Krista from the Troyer group.
She explained the $1,500 claim to McGrath was necessary to repair the water heater and prevent having to close the campground.
There was one load of sand inadvertently delivered to Bass Lake Beach. A. Flora’s husband, Travis, donated his time and equipment to spread the sand for us.
Mrs. Flora is now on the committee, working with Bruce from the forest, for International Environmental Day and will be taking a tour of the forest tomorrow. T. Busch asked that she find out why fishing is prohibited there.
$1,500.00 was spent from the budget on necessary repairs for the county truck.
T. Busch made a motion to accept the paying of claims, seconded by S. Byer, and passed unanimously.
R. Ballard reported that the letter sent to the DNR requesting an extension for the erosion project was denied and that he has requested a new permit so that the project may be completed.
A motion to adjourn was made by T. Busch, S. Byer seconded, and it passed 4-1.