Starke Co. Park Board August Meeting Minutes
Starke County Park Board
Date: August 12, 2025
Location: Annex 1 meeting room
Time: 6:00 pm
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Richard Ballard at 6:00 pm.
2. Approval of Minutes – July Meeting
- Board members reviewed the minutes of the July meeting.
- Motion made to approve the July minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Old Business
a. Highway 23 Kayak Launch Parking Lot
- Concerns raised regarding the bid process; board was not informed before bids were issued.
- Only one bid received (Hill Excavating). Other potential bidders declined due to unclear plans.
- Questions raised regarding plan accuracy, materials (stone), and lack of full public advertisement.
- Suggestion made to split project into two bids (construction vs. hauling).
- Consensus reached to invite Bob Alloi to September meeting for plan clarification.
- Motion: Reject current bid and re-bid the project. Motion carried unanimously.
- Special meeting to be scheduled with Bob Malloy.
b. Flow Technics Pump Service
- Indiana Pump quote reviewed; Tom Jordan recommended Flow Technics.
- Flow Technics serviced pumps at no charge during initial visit.
- Proposal: annual service at $300 per pump ($600 total).
- Additional recommendation: install hour meters for monitoring.
- Motion: Approve Flow Technics maintenance contract and recommended upgrades. Motion carried unanimously.
c. Park Department Hotspot
- Ongoing issues with campground/beach internet service.
- Request for portable hotspot device at $40/month, $1 equipment fee.
- Board agreed to allow purchase/use of hotspot for staff.
- Approval granted without need for formal motion.
d. Bass Lake Beach and Campground Renovation Update
- Brown & Brown construction reported project at 95% completion; landscaping and concrete work outstanding.
- Concerns expressed over ADA compliance, drainage issues, and sidewalk grading.
- Commissioner Donnie recommended withholding final payment until issues corrected.
- Consensus: Invite Christa (project lead) and contractors (Brown & Brown, Troyer) to September meeting for full report.
- Board agreed final payment should not be released until corrective actions taken.
4. Superintendent’s Report (Amy)
- Luau Event: Successful community event raised approx. $4,200. Plans to reinvest proceeds into future events.
- Children’s Crafts: Held in July; recommendation to expand to June & July next year.
- United Consulting: Site review conducted for future electrical RFP. Awaiting cost estimate.
- NIPSCO Utility Concerns: Wobbly pole reported; NIPSCO stated pole is safe. Commissioner Donnie will follow up.
- Rising Utility Costs: June–July bills significantly higher than prior year; board discussed possibility of budget plan.
- Job Descriptions: Updated descriptions for Camp Host, Harbor Master, Seasonal Staff, and Secretary accepted by Commissioners. Harbor Master reporting requirements amended to include board notification.
- Campground/Marina Reporting: Board requested monthly occupancy reports beginning April annually.
5. Financial Report
- July revenue: approx. $14,000.
- Major July expenditures: roofing, gutters, siding, marine costs.
- Cash balance remains stable despite heavy spending.
- August expected to reflect stronger financial position.
- Discussion held on utility increases and need to consider additional appropriations.
6. Community Events Update
- Fourth of July Event: Band from LaPorte performed; hot dog vendor present. Event deemed successful with strong community support.
- Board discussed improved event promotion for future years.
7. Commissioner’s Report
- Commissioners addressing easement issues in Husway area for fire/emergency access.
- Plan to survey and open additional easements.
8. Other Business
- Discussion of ADA compliance for new sidewalks and handicap access.
- Board consensus to require full compliance before project closeout.
9. Adjournment
- Motion made and seconded to adjourn. Motion carried.