The Zionsville Board of Park and Recreation met Wednesday, December 8, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. Board members George Tikijian, Linda Oxenrider, Art Small, and Tim East were present. Roger Burrus, Board Counsel and Al Smith, Park Superintendent were also present.

Art Small moved to approve the November minutes. Seconded and passage was unanimous.

George Tikijian thanked Linda Oxenrider for her years of service on the Board.

Superintendent’s Report

Al Smith reported that Christmas trees will be collected at the Starkey Park parking lot area until January 17, 2005. He also reported demolition of Jones Meat Market is nearly complete and that pictures of the butcher table and scale were sent to Conner Prairie and the Indiana State Museum. The items were dated as being made in the 1930’s. Conner Prairie is not able to accept items less than 100 years old. The Indiana State Museum declined the table due to its large size and the scale because of the difficulty in displaying it in a meaningful way.

2004 Superintendent’s Annual Report

Al Smith presented his 2004 Superintendent’s report.

OLD BUSINESS

Cross Country Trail Markers

Budd Glassberg reported that the Recreation Committee has installed trail markers identifying the cross country courses located at Nancy Burton Memorial and Starkey Parks. Budd Glassberg also asked that the Board consider signs identifying different sections of the Zionsville Rail Trail and where Starkey Park begins. He suggested that the signs could be two sided with one side describing the section/park entered and the other side the section/park being exited. George Tikijian will contact John Wallace, Public Communications chair concerning the possible addition of the signs.

Elm Street Green

Art Small reported that he has had conversations with Little League officials and they expressed a definite interest in utilizing the park land for practice fields. George Tikijian asked that Little League present a proposal for the use of the park.
December 8, 2004 – page 2

American Legion Trail Crossing

George Tikijian asked that the Funding Committee investigate available grants for veteran memorials.

Mulberry Fields

Roger Burrus reported that the Maplelawn Farmstead Preservation Committee continues to work on a lease agreement draft.

NEW BUSINESS

George Tikijian reported that he along with Roger Burrus and Al Smith met with John Demaree a property owner adjacent to Nancy Burton Memorial Park. John Demaree has proposed to trade a parcel of land along Eagle Creek for a portion of Nancy Burton Memorial Park that is adjacent to his property. He proposes an even trade (square foot for square foot). After discussion the Board felt that the Nancy Burton Memorial Park property would be more valuable than flood plain. The Board asked Roger Burrus to establish with John Demaree that if appraisals showed the park property was more valuable would he consider an arrangement other than an even trade.

Roger Burrus reported that he has had conversations with Terry Jones, Director of Planning and Administration concerning the proposed development of Villa Francesca. The developer is attempting to receive DNR approval to build on the flood plain by raising Turkey Foot Ave. This would significantly affect the proposed parking lot area for Turkey Foot Nature Park. Roger Burrus will stay in contact with Terry Jones on this issue.

Art Small moved the Board approve the claims submitted. Seconded and passage was unanimous.

The next Park Board meeting will be January 12, 2005.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.