Illinois Valley Times

City of Ottawa Playground & Recreation Board met Oct. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Recreation Board Members Present: Brent Roalson, Phil McNally, Steve Brenbarger, Melissa Hulse , (Dave Marvin, Director of Ottawa Recreation).

Others City Officials attending the meeting: Steve Kuhn, Marla Pearson, Tammi Koppen

Recreation Board Members Absent: Kari Hilton, Randy Bretag, Maribeth Manigold,, Ryan Cantlin

Guests: Chris Stone, John Stone

Chris Stone discussed addition of a new 9 hole disc golf course so Ottawa could host large disc golf tournaments, he indicated he has some sponsors, and he had the ability to fundraise. Two locations were discussed East Side City property near to Dockside Bar and Grill and Walsh Park area. The board requested a drawing of the disc golf course at both locations, so they could better visualize the layout and its requirements.

1. Phil moved to approve the August Recreation minutes. Steve second. Motion passed. 

2. Phil moved to accept the August Recreation Financial Reports. Steve second. Motion passed.

3. Commissioner’s Report: Marla

a. Train playground equipment for Walsh Park was delivered.

b. Peck Park project – weather has held up what can be done for this year. Striping for the Court will take place in the spring 2024.

i. South Ottawa Township would like to help with the project.

1. They want to donate for a specific portion.

4. President’s Report – NONE

5. Director’s Report –

a. Fall Dance: Needed 2 bill voted on, (not enough members to vote

i. $1200 for the venue rental

ii. $1650 for the band

b. Summer Parks (Camps Report)

i. Ottawa Rec

c. Multi League / Disc Golf – Chirs Stone discussed the league at the beginning of the meeting, not the turnout that was expected.

i. Dave indicated Rec purchased minimal equipment, we collected more in fees, so the league would “worst case” break even financially

6. Old Business:

a. Outstanding committed money

i. Outstanding- Nothing new to report

b. Parks / Rec Code of Conduct – Tabled until next meet

c. Vacant board position – No news, Marla would check on the process

7. Long Range Planning and Board Goals

a. Construction in Progress –

i. Peck Park – Finished for the Season

b. Park Inspections – None

c. Long Range Plans and Review – None

8. Committee Reports

a. By-laws (Maribeth) – None

b. Financial (Ryan) – None

c. Parks (Randy B., Steve B.) – None

d. Programs – (Phil and Maribeth) - None

e. Leagues –

9. New Business –

i. Directors Position – Dave indicated with his upcoming retirement, and uncertainty of his future plans, the board needs to look into making the Director’s position full time.

1. Budget this for next year, we would need that information by December for his budget proposal.

2. Last increase in pay was 2019 (all other Rec staff increased a total of $5 dollars / hour do to state minimum wage increases)

3. Added duties

A. Website

B. Scheduling

4. Difficulty competing with other Recreation programs

A. Degreed college grad or experience recreation personnel will not work for part time.

10. Meeting adjourned.

a. Melissa made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Steve Seconded. Motion passed.

https://cityofottawa.org/wp-content/uploads/Government/Boards_Commissions/Play-Rec/2023_Minutes/OCT-2023-minutes.pdf