Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH MANCHESTER - North Manchester Parks and Recreation board adopted its 2002 budget Wednesday with a unanimous vote.
The budget totaled $305,704, after a $40,000 cut. All 2002 capital projects funds were halted as well.
Due to the state's tax rebalancing, the board had to shave budget costs like the other Manchester departments.
Inside the $40,000, the parks and recreation department lost a full-time maintenance worker's salary and benefits.
In other business, the board:
• Discussed its five-year plan, 2002 through 2007, with Deane Rundell, with Rundell, Ernstberger and Associates, Muncie. The company is working with Manchester's comprehensive town plan, which includes the parks and recreation department.
The board is required to have the master plan with its goals and the master plan is necessary for the town to apply for and receive grants.
"Begin to think about what you want to accomplish over the next five years," said Rundell, beginning the discussion about the results of the previous plan.
The board and Rundell reviewed the 1997-2001 master plan mission statement, programs, facilities progress and finances.
Rundell encouraged the board to buy more land, especially the Eel River flood plain. Rundell recommended that environmental conservation and stewardship should become a part of parks and recreation's initiative.
• The board also discussed thoughts on a skateboarding park. With state liability laws in the city's favor, Larry Miller said, after seeing the kids run out of so many areas, a skateboard park would be good for them.
The skateboarders would rather be in public places with an audience to watch their skills, Rundell said as potential sites were mentioned.
"It's a good discussion," Anne Myers said, and added it to a list of new plan's potential goals.
The board will meet with Rundell again as the first draft of the new five-year plan is due Jan. 15, 2002. The final draft's deadline is April 2002.
• Raised the salary for the department's maintenance person. Retroactive to Sept. 25, the salary was upped to $10.75 per hour. In 60 days the salary would go to $11.33 per hour. Manchester's maintenance department salaries are $11.33 per hour.
• Hired Twyla Stuard as a lifeguard on Sept. 11.
"And we started her that day," said Myers. Stuard had previous experience in lifeguarding, said Myers.
North Manchester Department of Park and Recreation Board members are: president Anne Myers, vice president Dennis Frieden, parks director Brian Wagner, assistant parks director Donna Boomershine, Larry Miller and Kay Batdorf. Brad Yoder is Plan Commission representative.
