The most recent minutes will be added to the website after they have been approved and signed at a Board meeting.   Minutes not included on this website can be viewed at Town Hall, Clerk-Treasurer's Office, 90 N. Holiday Blvd., Santa Claus, IN, during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

December 16, 2010

The December 16, 2010 board meeting of the Santa Claus Park & Recreation Dept. was called to order at 5:00 p.m.  Board members: Todd Grundhoefer, April Susnjara, Alan Masterson and Lisa O'Brien were in attendance.

Board approved the November meeting minutes.

Board approved all vouchers.

Community Center:

Lisa O'Brien reported that the Community Center will be equipped with a new fire system this month. 

Due to inclement weather the "Twas the Week Before Christmas" program has been cancelled.

Lisa O'Brien reported that holiday rentals have gone well so far and exercise programs are still occurring almost daily.

Yellig Park:

No new business

Other Business:

The Holiday Hustle was well attended with over 50 runners/walkers.  Participants reported that the course was challenging and enjoyed the experience.

Lisa O'Brien reported that our 5 year master plan is complete and we will host a public hearing on January 5th to review the plan and ask for public feedback.

This meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.

January 5, 2011

On January 5th 2011, the Santa Claus Park and Recreation hosted a 6:00 p.m. public meeting to review our new 5 year master plan.  April Susnjara, Joe Asbury, Todd Grundhoefer, Lisa O'Brien and Steve O'Brien were in attendance.

Lisa Gehlhausen with Regional 15 Planning Commission presented the plan that she helped put together with input from the Park board, town, and community member surveys.  Mrs. Gehlhausen presented the plan and reviewed future goals and past achievements.  She will submit the plan to the State for approval.

This meeting concluded at 7:15 pm.

January 19, 2011

The January 19, 2011 board meeting of the Santa Claus Park & Recreation Dept. was called to order at 6:00 p.m.  Board members: Todd Grundhoefer, Joe Asbury, April Susnjara, and List O'Brien were in attendance. 

Board approved the December meeting minutes.

Board approved all vouchers.

Community Center: 

Lisa O'Brien reported that Y Wee Care signed a new rental lease for the 2011-2012 school year.  No changes were made.

Board approved the spending of $575 to have the kitchen cleaned.  The gym floor will be stripped and waxed and carpets cleaned for an additional charge.  Y Wee Care will be responsible for paying 1/2 of the kitchen cleaning as agreed upon in their lease.

Board approved the purchase of 50 more chairs and 3-5 tables for community center.

Yellig Park:

Board requested that Lisa O'Brien run an ad for a part time position at the park this spring.  The Board is interested in hiring someone to prepare the ball fields this spring.  Pay will be up to $175.00/week.

Board approved an annual $.25 pay increase for Ron Vonderheide. 

Other Business:  None

This meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

February 23, 2011

The February 23, 2011 board meeting of the Santa Claus Park & Recreation Dept. was called to order at 6:00pm.  Board members:  Todd Grundhoefer, Joe Asbury, April Susnjara, Alan Masterson, and Lisa O'Brien were in attendance.

Board approved the January meeting minutes.

Board approved all vouchers.

Community Center:

Lisa O'Brien reports that Y Wee Care is currently seeking a new director.

Yellig Park:

Lisa O'Brien reports that she has found a college student that is seeking an internship at the park this summer.  This individual may be interested in the part time park position.

Lisa O'Brien reports that baseball/softball leagues have started preparation for the spring season.

Other Business:  None

This meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

March 23, 2011

The March 23, 2011 board meeting of the Santa Claus Park & Recreation Dept. was called to order at 6:00 pm.  Board members:  Todd Grundhoefer, Joe Asbury, April Susnjara and Lisa O'Brien were in attedance.

Board approved the February meeting minutes.

Board approved all vouchers.

Community Center:

Lisa O'Brien reports that Mary Beth Leibring has been hired as Y Wee Care's new director.  Mary Beth has requested that we consider purchasing covers for the smoke detectors in the gym.  This would allow the children to use balls in the gym.  Board requested that Lisa contact Weyer for a quote.

Yellig Park:

Lisa O'Brien reports that the baseball/softball schedule has been developed.  The park will be used up to 6 days/week for games.  Kyle Lambeck accepted the position to prepare fields for $150/week.  Kyle is also doing his internship with the park this summer.

Board agreed to waive the pony league rental fee for this summer.  Pony league is in the process to converting to a Babe Ruth league.  They will only use the park field for practice.  They will not be playing games this season.  Board will consider making adjustments to the Pony field to make it meet criteria for Babe Ruth.

Board approved the purchase of a sign recognizing Jay Cutler as a donor to the park.  The previous banner was stolen last fall.  These signs will be secured to the fence so that they will be very difficult to remove.  The cost of the sign will be $500.

Board will request funds from the county to provide more playground equipment to the park.

Other business:  None

This meeting was adjourned at 7:00 pm.

April 6, 2011

The April 6, 2011 board meeting of the Santa Claus Park & Recreation Dept. was called to order at 6:00pm.  Board members:  Todd Grundhoefer, April Susnjara, Alan Masterson and Lisa O'Brien were in attendance.  Lisa Gehlhausen from Indiana 15 Regional Planning Commission was present.

Lisa Gehlhausen presented the new modified 5 year plan that included recommendations from the state.  Board approved and adopted version 2011-2 Master Plan.

This meeting was adjourned at 6:45 pm.

April 23, 2011

The April 23, 2011 board meeting of the Santa Claus Park & Recreation Dept. was called to order at 8:30am.  Board members:  Todd Grundhoefer, Joe Asbury, April Susnjara, and Lisa O'Brien were in attendance.

Board approved the March meeting minutes.

Board approved all vouchers.

Community Center: 

Lisa O'Brien reported that protective covers for the smoke detectors in the gym have been installed.

Yellig Park:

Lisa O'Brien reports that the park is ready for the baseball season.  Current rain and flooding has made the preparation difficult, but it will be ready for play on May 1st.  Practices have already begun.

Board approve the pouring of a concrete pad by shelter house and one by the volleyball court.

Board requested funds from the county to add a wooden pirate play structure to the park.

Other business:  None

This meeting was adjourned at 9:30am.

May 18, 2011

The May 18, 2011 board meeting of the Santa Claus Park & Recreation Dept. was called to order at 6:00pm.  Board members:  Todd Grundhoefer, Joe Asbury, April Susnjara, Alan Masterson and Lisa O'Brien were in attendance.

Board approved the April meeting minutes.

Board approved all vouchers.

Community Center:  No new business

Yellig Park:

Board approved material costs for the volleyball court.  The court is lighted and nearly complete thanks to the young men that donated their time to build it.  The sand volleyball court can be reserve only by groups that have paid the user fee.  If it is not reserved, then it is open for all to enjoy. 

The concrete work is complete by the shelter house and volleyball court.

Board approved a daily usage fee of $25 for groups that have proof of insurance and would like to utilize the fields.  These groups may only use the fields if they are not being used by a regular league. 

Board approved $4000 for the payment of the boat playground structure after is has been delivered and installed.  Funds from the county will be used to pay for $3000 of this structure.

Board approved the lowest quote of $8500 to install a fence around the playground equipment.  This will help to prevent children from running in the parking lot.

Lisa O'Brien will speak with the Town Council about possibly updating/replacing our roadside sign.

Other business:  None

This meeting was adjourned at 7:00pm.

June 27, 2011

The June 27, 2011 board meeting of the Santa Claus Park & Recreation Dept. was called to order at 6:00 p.m.  Board members: Todd Grundhoefer, Joe Asbury, April Susjnara, and Lisa O'Brien were in attendance.

Board approved the May 2011 meeting minutes.

Board approved all vouchers.

Community Center:

Board requested that Lisa O'Brien obtain quotes to replace some old and damaged flooring in the daycare side of the community center.  The areas that are in need of replacement are in the restrooms and foyer.

Mrs. Stillman, coordinator of the Christmas craft show was present.  Mrs. Stillman expressed some concern regarding future of the craft show and wants it to continue to be a success.  Mrs. Stillman was inquring about any possibilities for the Santa Claus park and Rec. to partner with the craft show.  After some discussion, Lisa O'Brien agreed to contact the Christmas celebration coordinators to obtain further information for Mrs. Stillman so that she can begin preparing for the event. 

Board approved May's payment to Vectren and Santa Claus Hardware.

Yellig Park:

Lisa O'Brien reports that the new play structure has been installed with the fence to be added in the next few weeks. 

Baseball season has basically wrapped up for the season and it went smoothly.

Other business:

A meeting will be held on July 6th to prepare the annual Park and Rec. budget.

This meeting was adjourned at 7:00pm.

July 21, 2011

The July 21, 2011 board meeting of the Santa Claus Park & Recreation Dept. was called to order at 5:30 pm.  Board members:  Todd Grundhoefer, Joe Asbury, April, Susnjara, and Lisa O'Brien were present. 

Board approved the June meeting minutes.

Board approved all vouchers.

Community Center:  No new business.

Yellig Park:

Met with Minutemen Football Rep., Kevin Heckel, to discuss this season at Yellig park.  Kevin reported that they will use the field on M, T, and Th beginning Aug 27th.  Kevin reported that he will turn in proof of insurance before starting the season.  The Minutemen will have games on the lighted field on Tuesday night and allow the soccer team to practice on the upper field during these nights. 

Lisa O'Brien will make rain delay/cancellation decision for soccer and football.

Other business: 

Board approved $500 for purchase of new chain saw for the park.

Boad approved the payment of $284.43 to Weyer Electric.

Board approved payment of $8,472.00 to H&R Aluminum for park fencing.

This meeting was adjourned at 6:15pm.

August 4, 2011

The August 4, 2011 board meeting of the Santa Claus Park & Recreation Dept. was called to order at 8:00pm.  Board members:  Todd Grundhoefer, Joe Asbury, April Susnjara, and Lisa O'Brien were in attendance.

Board approved all vouchers.

Community Center:

Board requested that Lisa O'Brien obtain flooring quotes for the Daycare side of the Community Center.  Much of the flooring is the original flooring and is in need of replacement.  Discussed other future needs of the building.  The windows are also originals and are no efficient. 

Y Wee Care will start another school year on August 16th.

Yellig Park:

Other business:  None

This meeting was adjourned at 7:00pm.

August 24, 2011

The August 24, 2011 board meeting of the Santa Claus Park & Recreation Dept. was called to order at 8:00pm.  Board members: Todd Grundhoefer, Joe Asbury, April Susnjara and Lisa O'Brien were in attendane.

Board approved all vouchers.

Board approved July and August minutes.

Community Center:

Board approved the lowest quote of $4,700 from Ruxer to replace flooring in the daycare side of community center.  This work will need to wait until Christmas break when the children are out of the building.

Y Wee Care has started their school year.

Yellig Park:

Steve O'Brien was present at the meeting to present a proposal developed by himself and Ted O'Brien.  The O'Briens would like an opportunity to be employed as tournament directors for Yellig park.  They would work strictly off of commission from tournament profits.  All monies would be run through the Park and Rec Dept.  Please see attached proposal.

Todd Grundhoefer made a motion to accept the proposal and Joe Asbury seconded it.  All were in favor of pursuing this option and presenting it to the Town Council for consideration. 

Steve O'Brien requested permission to proceed with a 3 on 3 volleyball tournament on Oct. 3rd.  Todd Grundhoefer made a motion to allow him to proceed with this one tournament while the details of the rest of the proposal are being considered.  Joe Asbury seconded it and all were in favor.

Lisa O'Brien reported that soccer and football have started their seasons at Yellig Park.

Other business:  None

This meeting was adjourned at 9:00pm

September 26, 2011

The September 26, 2011 board meeting of the Santa Claus Park & Recreation Dept. was called to order at 8:00pm.  Board members: Todd Grundhoefer, Joe Asbury, April Susnjara and Lisa O'Brien were in attendance.

Board approved all vouchers.

Community Center:  No new business.

Yellig Park:

Lisa O'Brien reported that soccer may be out of paint.  Lisa ordered the same as last year.  Board requested that Lisa check the shed before ordering more.

Board may want to consider a user contract for athletic groups in the future to clarify the board and user responsibilities.

Other business:

The board will host the 2nd annual Rudolph's Holiday Hustle 5K on December 10th.  April Susnjara will contact committee members to start planning for the event.

Board agreed to waive the rental fee for the Community Center for the Optimist's pancake breakfast.  The board appreciates their continued support. 

This meeting was adjourned at 7:00pm.

October 19, 2011

The October 19, 2011 board meeting of the Santa Claus Park & Recreation Dept. was called to order at 6:30pm.  Board members:  Todd Grundhoefer, Joe Asbury, April Susnjara, Alan Masterson, and Lisa O'Brien were in attendance.

Board approved all vouchers.

Santa Claus town council member, Ron Smith, was in attendance.  He indicated that he had 3 comments/concerns for the board to consider:

1)  Mr. Smith would like to see the park used more for tournaments next springs.

2)  Mr. Smith requested that the board have the political signs removed from the park until Election Day.  Mr. Smith acknowledges that there is no current ordinance prohibiting the sings.

3)  Mr. Smith wanted to forewarn the board that significantly dropping the Santa Claus Community Center budget is on the agenda for October 20, 2011 Town Council meeting.  Mr. Smith stated that he, personally, has had conversations with the YMCA to buy/take the building.  Mr. smith said the reduction in the budget could cause the Community Center to close down.  The board expressed concerns for the future of Y Wee Care, senior citizen activities, rentals and gym.  Board also questioned the last minute notice and purpose of the sudden cuts.  Mr. Smith informed the board that the council will most likely give 5 acres of land to the Park and Rec. that may be considered for a building in the future.

Community Center:

Board will be present at the October 20, 2011 Santa Claus Town Council meeting to express concern for the proposed budget cut.  Lisa O'Brien will also check into the deed and ownership of the community center.

The board approved payment to Kellie Ebert for rental clean-ups at the Santa Claus Community Center, and also for stripping floor in daycare to prepare for new carpet.  Each job will be $100.00 fee.

Yellig Park:

Lisa O'Brien reported that soccer and football is wrapping up another great season.  Board may want to consider a user contract for athletic groups in the future to clarify the board and user responsibilities.

The board is accepting proposals for tournament development at Yellig Park.  The board approved the purchase of a new utility gator for the price of $11,500.00.  The funds for the purchase will come from 1/2 Community Center budget and 1/2 from Park budget.

Lisa O'Brien will get quotes to concrete the sidewalk form the concession stand to the maintenance building. 

The board approved the purchase of 2 new pitching machines.  One machine will be used for baseball and one for softball.

Other business:

The 2nd annual Rudolph's Holiday Hustle 5k on December 10th will be ran in Christmas Lake Village.

This meeting was adjourned at 7:45pm.

November 29, 2011

The November 29, 2011 board meeting of the Santa Claus Park & Recreation Dept. was called to order at 6:30pm.  Board members: Todd Grundhoefer, Joe Asbury, April Susnjara, and Lisa O'Brien were in attendance.

Board approved all vouchers.

Community Center:

Upcoming events include 3 weekends of craft show as part of the town wide Christmas celebration and Christmas program with Y Wee Care and Santa Claus Senior Citizens on December 6th at 5:30.

Ruxer's installed carpet in the daycare and turned out well.

Yellig Park:

Board approved bid of $10,900 to D & E Concrete to pave concrete path between soccer fields this spring.  This was the lowest bid.

Board will request and additional $14,500 from the park and rec account to finish the paving project at the December 12th town council meeting.

Other business:

Board received a letter of interest from Ben Sanford to fill the vacant park board seat.  This is the only letter of interest.  Ben is an active member of our community and active at the park.  Board will recommend him for the open seat at the December 12th town council meeting.

This meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm.