MINUTES FROM THE REGULAR MEETING

WEST GEAUGA COMMUNITY JOINT RECREATION DISTRICT

March 13, 2019

President Walt Waetjen called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm at West Geauga High School Library. Board members present: Mick Benitez-Santana, Ed Curtis, John Gromek, Rick Izant, Linda Palchick, Greg Poe and Walt Waetjen. Jason Abate also present.

The minutes for the: February 2019 meeting were presented. Rick Izant motioned to accept the minutes. Mick Benetiz-Santana seconded. Vote was taken: Ed, yes; Rick, yes; Linda, yes; Greg, yes; Walt, yes. All in favor, motion carried.

The Treasurer’s report for February 2019 was distributed by treasurer, Ed Curtis. The February treasurer’s report showed: Ending checking balance: $12,614.49; Total disbursements: $217.38; Total deposits: $0; Encumbered funds: $300.00; Unencumbered funds: $40,029.59. Rick Izant motioned to accept the treasurer’s report; Greg Poe seconded. Vote was taken: Ed, yes; Rick, yes; Linda, yes; Greg, yes; Walt, yes. All in favor, motion carried.

Maintenance Contract – Walt Waetjen stated the total contract bid of 48,500.00 is the only submitted bid received from Abate Landscaping. Jason Abate said it has been 6 yrs. Since the price was raised and is 4,000.00 more (10%) higher than previous year. This is year 9 and 10 for Abate to maintain the park.

Walt explained that our Board is operating in a very tight budget this year due to the unforeseen $9K expense incurred with our levy on the last ballot. Rick Izant motioned to award the bid to Abate Landscaping. Mick Benetiz-Santana seconded. Vote was taken: Ed, yes; Rick, yes; Linda, yes; Greg, yes; Walt, yes. All in favor, motion carried. Kudos to Abate for the superb job done at the park. Board discussion that more advertising is needed as we want more bidding on the contract.

Maintenance – Jason Abate reported there was debris on the baseball field. River flood also left logs and leaves on the trail as it is going down to the baseball field causing asphalt collapse of the trail.

Visitors present at this meeting from sporting organizations that use our fields. Sarah Mann from WG Rec Council reported that the Park will again be used for their fall Soccer Tournament. Discussion by the Board and Sarah of last year’s successful fall tournament details.

Robert Antczak from WG Baseball Federation reports that starting near the end of May 2019, Colt and Pony league will use our field. 14 game dates between May 2 and July 10. An estimate for field prep was give to the Board from Munson Valley Landscaping for 1,500.00. Baseball participation interest is down. Guy McIntyre wants to use our field for the WG High School team. Jason Abate says there are some holes in the outfield. Rick asked if any other schools can use our baseball field. Newbury Schools is being absorbed by WG in the 2020-21. There are 2 baseball organizations in Newbury and they may merge with WG. Tentatively April 8 is the start of baseball practice.

Linda Palchick motioned to encumber 1,500.00 for Munson Valley to prepare the baseball diamond for this season. Rick Izant seconded. Vote was taken: Ed, yes; Rick, yes; Linda, yes; Greg, yes; Walt, yes. All in favor, motion carried.

Linda Palchick reported that Soccer begins on April 13 this year. 1 permit received for using the pavilion from Riverview Church for a service there.

Jason Abate said that the new pipe is working well. Sand for the playground will be installed this year. 10/20 grade; 3 inches in the playground. Volleyball court needing sand also. Fairmount Central (formerly Best Sand) will provide the sand. The Board is responsible to haul the sand to the site.

Ed Curtis reported that he has not heard from the County on the lease. The payment was sent certified mail and ends on 7/16/19.

Mick Benetiz-Santana motioned for meeting adjournment at 8:15 p. Ed Curtis seconded. Vote was taken: Ed, yes; Rick, yes; Linda, yes; Greg, yes; Walt, yes. All in favor, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________________ ____________________________

Monica Gromek, Clerk                      Walt Waetjen, Chairperson