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MINUTES FROM THE REGULAR MEETING
WEST GEAUGA COMMUNITY JOINT RECREATION DISTRICT
June 15, 2021
Vice-President Bernie Mandel called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm at the pavilion of The Commons Park. Board members present – Mick Benitez-Santana; Ed Curtis, Frank Formicelli, John Gromek, Rick Izant, Bernie Mandel, Linda Palchick, and Sara Sustin. Jason Abate also present.
The minutes from the May meeting presented by clerk, Monica Gromek. Linda Palchick motioned to accept the minutes when corrected. Mick Benitez-Santana seconded. Vote was taken. Mick, yes; Ed, yes; Frank, yes; John, yes; Rick, yes; Bernie, yes; Linda, yes; Sara, yes. All in favor, motion carried.
The May treasurer’s report was distributed by Treasurer Ed Curtis. The treasurer’s report showed: Ending checking balance: $35,626.72; Total disbursements: $7,025.00; Total deposits: $0; Encumbered funds: $3,500.00; Unencumbered funds: $53,355.65. Frank Formicelli motioned to accept the treasurer’s report; Mick Benitez-Santana seconded. Vote was taken. Mick, yes; Ed, yes; Frank, yes; John, yes; Rick, yes; Bernie, yes; Linda, yes; Sara, yes. All in favor, motion carried.
John Gromek motioned the following bills be paid Monica Gromek June 2021 minutes $ 25.00 USPS Box rental $ 146.00
Bernie Mandel seconded. Vote was taken. Mick, yes; Ed, yes; Frank, yes; John, yes; Rick, yes; Bernie, yes; Linda, yes; Sara, yes. All in favor, motion carried.
Ed Curtis received a letter from the Geauga County Budget Commission to our Board about “receiving direction from the Ohio Department of Taxation regarding the question of when the Newbury Local School District’s values will be added to your collection.”
See Ms. Shelley Wilson, Ohio Department of Taxation’s response below:
“… if the West Geauga Recreation District is defined as encompassing the territory of the school district, then the tax year for which the Newbury property joins the West Geauga School District will also be the tax year it joins the recreation district because the Newbury property will be part of the school district before the recreation district accepts its rates well after the school district has done so.”
It would appear from her response that The Budget Commission was mistaken during the budget hearings in August 2020 in thinking Newbury LSD’s values for the West G Rec District would transfer before the values transfer to the West Geauga Local School District. The values will transfer to the West Geauga Local School District beginning in Calendar Year 2022. Since the West G Rec District follows the West G. Local School District the values would also transfer to the Rec District beginning in Calendar year 2022, not Calendar year 2021 as previously thought.
As a result, we have completed your 2021 Schedule B, and a 2nd Amended 2021 Certificate of Estimated Resources with updated tax revenues based on those values and rates that were included in years prior.
Tax year 2022; payable in 2023. Possibly an increase of 10K from Newbury. The amount will be submitted in the budget report in July 2021.
Jason Abate will give the board a quote to remove several dead trees at the Commons and large number of tree stumps to be ground.
Facilities - Linda Palchick Rec Council Soccer is done. There may be some summer games in June and July. 3 requests for August pavilion usage.
Maintenance - John Gromek and Jason Abate The park looks very good. Jason Abate planted the October Glory tree we received from Arbor Day; the deer ate the entire tree in 1 day. Jason power washed the bathrooms and graded the volleyball court. John Gromek is receiving quotes for resurfacing the basketball court. Jason put down 8 yards of grindings on the tail on Sat. June 12, 2021 and will fertilize the fields next week.
Web Update – Mick Benitez-Santana The website is up to date.
New Park sign – Sarah Sustin Sara Sustin and Mick Benitez-Santana met to discuss this project. Mick will do some drawings of sign ideas. Jason Abate asked that a gravel pad be placed around the new sign as it will be easier to maintain the grounds. John Gromek took pictures of the sign at Metzenbaum to check out its design. The new sign does not need to be as large as the present sign and may be placed at a new location on the path going to the Pavilion.
Wooden Benches at Park Replacement of damaged boards on the benches at the park was discussed. Jason Abate can remove the boards. The new boards will need to be painted and sealed. The 10 posts on our 5 benches need painting also. Board discussion of where we can get help for this project. The soccer goal posts need wire brushed and painted. 4 to 6 people will be needed for this work. Drop clothes should be placed under each bench while working on it. Remaining benches need power washed and updated.
Eagle Scout Sign Project A walk around the trail was done by Eagle Scout Ryan McGinnis and Greg Poe and Ed Curtis. Ryan was assisted by the biology professor from Lakeland Community College to identify the trees where the new signs will be placed. 10 location sites were identified.
Our July monthly meeting will be on the 13th to approve our budget. A list of projects for 2021 is needed including their costs.
John Gromek motioned for meeting adjournment at 7:40 pm. Rick Izant seconded. Vote was taken. Mick, yes; Ed, yes; Frank, yes; John, yes; Rick, yes; Bernie, yes; Linda, yes; Sara, yes. All in favor, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________ __________________________
Monica Gromek, clerk Bernie Mandel, Vice-President
