"It would be wrong to vote for myself," former Warsaw Parks and Recreation Board President Don Clemens said at Tuesday's meeting. As it turns out, Clemens broke a tie, ultimately forfeiting his reign as board president.

The board met Tuesday at the Nye Youth Cabin to elect new officers, welcome new board member Jeff Grose and discuss ongoing projects and 1999 year-end reports.

Former president Clemens called the meeting to order and started off the election for officers. Among the nominees were Clemens and Toby Sumpter for president and John Sadler for vice president.

Election results named Sumpter as the new park board president and Sadler as the vice president.

Andy McCleary, parks activity director, initiated discussion on unfinished business by updating the board on the ongoing Greenway Project.

"We are again, slowly but surely, moving along on our Greenway Project," said McCleary. "The Greenway Project is a multi-jurisdictional path used for biking, walking, jogging, cross-country skiing. It's a recreational trail."

McCleary said they were proposing an eight- to nine-mile trail starting where the old Chicago Boys Club used to be. The trail will meet up with Southtown Estates and go through Winona Lake and Warsaw. It will continue out on West Center Street, through the City-County Athletic Center and the Chinworth Bridge.

"It's coming right along," said Garber.

Other business discussed Tuesday included the Mantis Skate Park. The park was originally set up in 1995. McCleary is working on improvements and changes to the park.

When the park first opened, it was set up to be a volunteer-organized park. Since that time, it's been difficult for the board to find volunteers to run the park, McCleary said.

"I've been fine with running that park," said McCleary. "It's been something that's dear to my heart. It's something that I would like to see continue to grow in Warsaw."

The Boy Scouts of America originally covered the park's insurance. During this time, someone age 21 or older was required to be out there at all times. McCleary is trying to obtain the park's own insurance. He assured the board that the elimination of the Boy Scouts for insurance does not result in greater liability for the Parks and Recreation Department.

McCleary also distributed a list of tentative rules for the park. On that list were the issues of supervision, age requirements and waivers.

"I feel very uncomfortable about not having supervision out there," said new board president Sumpter. As the rules are currently set up, a supervision recommendation for children under the age of 12 is given and a waiver must be signed for those under age 18 before they can skate. It is also recommended that no child under the age of 7 be allowed to skate at the park. Revisions and adjustments are currently under way.

In other business:

• The 1999 year-end report was reviewed by the board and a list of improvements that took place during that year was discussed.

• The financial status for the Parks and Recreation Department was also discussed. "Overall," Garber said, "we're doing all right with our fees and income." [[In-content Ad]]