Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH MANCHESTER - Indiana Department of Natural Resources rejected the North Manchester Park and Recreation Department's five-year master plan first draft.
DNR found faults at five points: more information needed on the area's natural and landscape features; more information needed on historical, cultural and man-made features; parks board officials' signatures were needed; priorities and action schedule needed; and the number of public participation surveys returned needed in the draft.
"Keep this in mind, this is our first draft," said Brian Wagner, park director, to the board.
Two of the five points were already corrected before Wednesday's meeting: the signatures and survey numbers. The other points "need to be addressed with Dean (Rundell)" for more information, Wagner said.
Anne Myers, board president, was certain Dean Rundell knows how to correct the other points. Rundell, from Rundell, Ernstberger & Associates, Muncie, is consulting with the board on its five-year plan.
"We can count on our professional to lead us through this," said Wagner.
The final draft is due in April. Myers wants the plan finalized this month.
"(Rundell) is deadline driven," Wagner said.
"Tell him our deadline is Feb. 15," Myers said.
In other business, the board finished the Mill Street Heritage Tree Restoration Project.
DNR inspected and then approved the newly planted trees. But a few trees need rerooting deeper in the ground.
"It went smooth and is out of our hair," said Wagner.
The department will mulch the Mills Street's trees for the first three years and in three years will prune the tress.
The parks and recreation department board's next meeting is Feb. 27.
North Manchester Department of Parks and Recreation Board members are: president Anne Myers, vice president Dennis Frieden, Kay Batdorf, Larry Miller, parks director Brian Wagner and assistant parks director Donna Boomershine. Brad Yoder is Plan Commission representative.
