Starke County Park Board-Sept. Meeting minutes
Regular Meeting Minutes
Date: September 9,2025
Location: Annex 1
1. Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Starke County Park Board was called to order at 6:00 pm by Richard Ballard.
2. Roll Call
Present: R. Ballard, T. Busch, S. Byer, D. Sinn, T. Trout
Absent: none
Others Present: Bob Alloi, Kathy Norem
3. Approval of Minutes – August 12, 2023 Regular Meeting
- Motion made to approve the minutes as presented by S. Byer.
- Motion seconded by T. Busch.
- Vote: All in favor. Motion carried.
4. Agenda Items
A. Bass Lake Beach & Campground Renovation Update
- Troyer prepared a punch list. Prior to their visit, a preliminary list was created with the assistance of Al Watts.
- A more detailed punch list was created by Christa, which has been submitted to the contractors.
- Brown & Brown, along with a civil engineer and Hill Excavating, are reviewing next steps.
- Awaiting a response regarding the concrete slab and related items.
- Board members confirmed that Christa’s punch list aligned with the previously prepared list, with additional items noted.
B. Highway 23 Kayak Launch Parking Lot
- Discussion held regarding the project bidding process.
- Clarification provided by Kathy Norem regarding Indiana Code requirements for projects under $150,000 (no advertisement required; three contractor contacts sufficient).
- Contractors contacted: Jeremiah Patrick from Hill Excavating, Jamie Dowd, and Stanger Group. Only one was bid received, from Hill Excavating.
- Discussion about donated millings from the Highway Department and responsibility for hauling was held.
- Concerns were raised regarding limited bids and was discussed to extend the bids for a couple of weeks but potential timeline conflicts with asphalt plant closures and weather were discussed.
- A motion was made to open the single bid received by T. Busch. Motion seconded by S. Byer.
- Bid opened in the amount of $26,734.20.
- Motion made to accept the bid by S. Byer. Motion seconded by D. Sinn.
- Vote: All in favor. Motion carried.
- Superintendent to notify contractor of award.
C. Superintendent’s Report
- Kramer’s Beach
- Legal update: The Haug’s have filed an appeal of the prior ruling by Starke Co. Court.
- There was a new incident reported involving alleged assault of a family; forwarded to legal counsel.
- Bass Lake Campground
- Winter storage process beginning: 17 RVs and 17 shore stations stored last year.
- Storage fees remain $350 (RVs) and $200 (shore stations).
- Discussion on placement of shore stations to avoid obstructing homeowners’ views.
- Consensus reached to continue storing on the south end, with clear markings to avoid disputes.
- Programming & Community Events
- Yoga on the Beach and sound bath/energy healing sessions held.
- DNR-sponsored “Wonders of the Wetlands” educator workshop scheduled for September 27 at the Beach House.
- Campground Operations
- Positive online reviews received for campground operations; specific recognition given to staff (Bev Watts).
- Electrical System Update
- United Consulting proposed $17,800 for preparing a Request for Proposals (RFP) package for electrical improvements.
- Plan to request funding from Commissioners and County Council at the September 15 meeting.
- Financial Report – August 2023
- Year-to-date revenue: $373,000+.
- Expenditures below revenue; overall cash balance stable.
- Utility costs remain elevated; superintendent to adjust budget line items as needed.
D. Other Business
- Discussion on pier installation/takeout contract cycle; proposal to align contract cycle with seasonal schedule. Board agreed to request a spring installation quote from current contractor for review at next meeting.
- Handicap parking lot flooding issue noted; included on punch list awaiting contractor response.
- Board members raised concerns about a missing concrete structure originally delivered to the site; follow-up needed.
- Superintendent confirmed renovation project documents available for public review at the Beach House.
5. Public Comment
- Members of the public commended the improvements at Bass Lake Beach and Campground.
- Recognition given to Superintendent Amie Flora for outstanding work.
6. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6;45 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Amie Flora
Superintendent, Starke County Park Board
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Richard Ballard-president Tom Busch-vice president
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Sam Byer-member David Sinn-member
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Teresa Trout-member