MONTHLY REPORT … Nick Ramos, who has completed his six month probationary period in charge of pools and parks, gave his update to the board at the May 5, 2021 Montpelier Parks and Recreation Board meeting. Director Sandy Gordon congratulated him, along with the board members, as he is now a full time employee. (PHOTO BY REBECCA MILLER, STAFF)
By: Rebecca Miller
Montpelier Parks and Recreation Board welcomed Brandi Harris from The Hub in Holiday City to address them during the May 5, 2021 meeting. Harris requested that The Hub, which is a church in Holiday City, be allowed to use Storrer Park for a Worship night event on May 22 from 6-8 p.m.
Following some discussion, a motion was made and approved to allow them to do so.
Also present to speak with the Board was Sam Schroeder who asked if he could start a Volleyball League and reserve some time at the courts for tournaments. Schroeder said that he has had a large number of people indicate an interest in having a league.
They would like to hold the games on Thursday nights, starting around either May 27 or June 3, and running through two six week Leagues, so potentially through August.
He forsees eight to ten teams so they would need both courts for two sessions each Thursday evening.
There was discussion about lights, restrooms, music, food, etc. with the Board giving their approval, with the stipulation there is to be no alcohol and no cash prizes.
In regular business, the board approved the April 7, 2021 minutes and the Financial statement/report. They also, at the recommendation of Director Sandy Gordon, rescinded the March motion to charge $1500 for League umpire fees and approved a new motion to make it $2500, and $500 for Pony League.
Nick Ramos gave a Park and Pool update on all that has been accomplished since the last meeting. He also reported that there have been a few minor vandalisms; he continues to get training and certifications; there are four certified lifeguards now and eight more getting certified in May. He thanked everyone who donated for the dugouts.
Gordon reported that she had four sick days, three vacation days and one holiday in April. She has updated Facebook and webpage as needed; finished the Program Guides and gotten them printed; finished transplanting and starting seeds; is getting employee paperwork all turned in; has started employee Food Handler training; worked at the Concession stand; completed a master schedule for all the home baseball and softball games and completed a concession work schedule for May; and was there for the Health Department Inspection on May 3.
Pavilion reservations have started coming in. She got pricing for a Shade Structure at Founders Park, attended supervisor meetings, Rotary meeting and County Mayors’ Meeting.
She gave an update on Bean Days as well, sharing all the possible activities that are planned for that event on July 16 and 17.
A recommendation to allow the Church of Christ Park Bash in May or June to have a Portable Fire Pit was approved. There will be no All Stars this year.
Village Manager Jason Rockey shared that the Veterans would like to place “Don’t Litter’ signs on the Iron Horse River Trail, near the trash cans.
The board voted to approve a motion to allow that and thanked them for saying they will help clean up the trail quarterly or as needed.
Concerning Founders Park, Rockey said that a local concrete contractor highly recommends that they allow the ground to settle for a few years before putting in the concrete for the Shade Structure on the northeast side of the park.
Due to the fact that there were basements under the west side of the park, they might be able to go ahead and build the Performance Stage.
Grass is already coming up and they plan to have music there for Bean Days. Bids were opened on Connecter Trails and they came in low. They are working to select a contractor and will be done over the summer. There will be NO Pony League Tournament as it stayed in Michigan.
Gordon suggested that as they desire to have a Park Master Plan, she hopes they will determine some consistent things that will let people know automatically that they are in the Montpelier Park System. She also recommended some way of letting visitors know what is available at each of the parks.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Rebecca can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com
