(PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
NEW SIGN … This is what the sign will look like that will be ordered and used at the bottom of the stairs for the water slide at the Montpelier Public Pool. The sign shows height requirements for using the slide, and will come in handy because no one will have to climb the stairs now to find out if they’re tall enough to use the slide.
By: Leigha Singer
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Montpelier Park Board meeting was called to order at 7 pm on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at the Recreation office.
The first order of business was hearing from local eagle scout, Kyler Stoy, about his idea to earn his eagle scout badge by installing benches in the park.
Kyler stated that the scouts would be willing to install a wrap-around style bench, which he said would cost $1761.43, and also two standard benches, which would cost in total $1800.28.
Kyler said the scouts would be willing to install both styles, depending on the funding they could obtain for it. He discussed the wrap around bench being used around the flagpole.
The two standard benches could possibly be used on the concrete path leading to the baseball field, or by the gaga ball pit, or by the splash pad. He also mentioned a worn-down bench near the pool area that could be replaced.
The wrap-around bench would take 6-8 weeks to arrive whereas the standard benches only take 1-2 days, so there was a concern about Kyler turning 18 before the arrival of the wrap-around style, since he needs to at least be approved by the boy scout council overseeing his eagle badge for the project.
Kyler believed the work itself did not need to be completed, but the plan would at least need to be approved before his birthday.
The council presented a form showing the true costs and turnarounds for the bench styles. One wrap-around bench would cost a total of $1759.31. 2 standard classic benches would cost $1,698.16 or two standard victory style benches would cost $1797.10. Kyler and the council also discussed adding plaques to the benches to display who made them.
The council discussed the time of arrival of the wrap-around bench being too long, cutting into time restraints both for Kyler and also the approaching winter months, and ultimately decided to give Kyler two weeks to hear back from the boy scout council before ordering the wrap-around style.
If Kyler doesn’t hear back by September 18, they’re going to order two of the classic-style benches. Council discussed asking the Friends to approve an amount up to $2,500 to cover the total costs of the benches.
The second order of business on the agenda was the financial statement, and it was stated that they’re still in the black for the year. The next order of business on the agenda was the Park & Pool Maintenance update, presented by Nick Ramos.
Ramos stated that the pool house has been closed and cleaned; all in all the pool ran fine this year. Due to some underperformance issues as well as some no-call, no-shows, less lifeguards may be hired next year.
The pool is currently running just to keep it clean and help with opening; they had to get a new chlorinator because of a mix-up by the chlorine supplier, and were able to get a new one brought over and installed.
The deck was power washed, and another coat of anti-slip sealant was added to the edge of the pool.
Ramos then stated that the usual grounds maintenance has slowed down, and they had some down branches cleared out from storm damage in Grove and Main Street Parks. Also, dead branches were cut in Grove Park.
There’s been a recall on the newest z950r mower, and they’re coming to fix that. Parks have been cleaned and the Storrer Park Pavilion concrete has been power washed and a light was fixed.
The decomposed mulch at the playground in Municipal Park was replaced with new wood fiber mulch. They’re getting ready for fair week by spraying weeds in some overgrown areas.
They were also able to get benches installed around the concession stand, and trimmed bushes at Main Street Park.
Mr. Ramos also stated that they have started some excavating for the new press box. He had a discussion with Brian Cooley, who told him he was handling the block portion, Chris Wurm would handle the excavation, Brandon Shoup is going to do the carpentry, with Owen Electric coming in to finish the electrical in the press box.
The next order on the agenda was the Recreation update, presented by Sandy Gordon. Gordon stated that the free lunch program was up this year, averaging 21.1 lunches per day, with August being a slower month, dropping that average down somewhat, being busy right up to the end of July.
Everything not used that won’t expire went to the food pantry. Many items got put away for winter, and they’ve had to keep on watering due to lack of rain.
Soccer has 140 kids enrolled and everything is ready for that and going well, with a few new referees and coaches.
Ms. Gordon then stated that one issue with the height requirement for the water slide at the pool is that the kids have to go all the way to the top to get measures.
Gordon presented a picture that showed a sign with a shark on it that could be used at the bottom of the stairs to measure height.
The next order of business on the agenda was a possible motion for new picnic tables at Storrer Park. A paper was presented with option choices for concrete picnic tables, which were said to cut down on possible vandalism.
The group decided to go with a light brown/DuraBrite option, reaching a total of $4,092.12 for a quantity of two. A motion was made to refer the funding to the Friends. All were in favor.
Lifeguard certification reimbursements were also a topic of discussion. The council discussed that the number of hours worked to receive reimbursement for lifeguard training would drop from 150 to 100 hours. The motion passed after all were in favor.
At this time there were no other updates from the board, and a motion was made to close the meeting. The next Montpelier Park Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 2 at 7 pm at 932 S. Pleasant St., Montpelier, Ohio 43543.
