City of East Moline Park Board met Aug. 14.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
Stombaugh called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm in the East Moline City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present: Ald. Almblade, C.Braggs, R. Cervantes, D. Kannenberg, G. Lowery, B, Rusch, M. Spencer, B. Stombaugh,
Absent: K. Layman
Guests: Steve Montgomery – Adult League Facilities Mgr; Tracy Nissen – New Jacobs Field Concessions Mgr.; Dave Lambrecht- EM Maintenance Supervisor, Jennifer DiBuono and Mariah Benson –RICo Health Dept; Theresa Martin- EM Exec. Secretary
Stombaugh opened meeting introducing guests to board members.
Secretary’s Report: Motion to approve June minutes made by Cervantes, Seconded by Spencer, All in favor, motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report: Cervantes was not able to get a report. Should have one at next meeting. Reports from Partnering Organizations: none.
Old Business
1) Update on EMYB
• Stombaugh reported conversations between Mayor and Greg Reisbeck, LL Dist 5 Admin, that new volunteers needed to be voted on to the board if we are wanting to get the games focused back to North East Park and heard from the League President that no one had ever attempted to contact him about volunteering in any capacity this last year. He did not know when they are holding their league elections. The League is required to have elections during the month on September. Mayor responded that he indeed sent interested persons list to United League President, Marcus Nache. Appears there is resistance among United League board members to help.
• Stombaugh said we will not meet deadline to bring EMYB back to EM fields.
2) Update from Adult Softball
• Stombaugh read letter to board of Margaret A.E. Montgomery resignation as concession stand Mgr. It reads:
July 31, 2018
After several weeks of thinking and pondering, I have decided that I am not the person to hold the position of Concession Mgr of the Jacobs Sports Complex.
I was under the impression that the city wanted to make the softball/baseball parts of the complex a more successful part of the Parks Dept. I was very interested in assisting with the development and success of the facility, but unfortunately I found that there are way too many bosses and the people who actually work the facility, and in this instance I mean the concession workers, are not respected for their experience nor the work that they perform.
I have over 30 yrs in food and beverage experience, most of which were large in size as well as financial success. I feel that my experience and knowledge and food and beverage has been ignored and past over for what all other “bosses” feel is more important.
I truly wanted to believe that things would get better, that a consistent working situation would somehow start to happen, but after the meeting that I had with the representatives of the city and thinking about the past tournament interaction, it became painfully obvious that things are never going to change and that whomever holds the position, will be answering to more people than are necessary to make the facility successful.
I am sorry that I cannot continue as the Concession Mgr, but am sure that you will be able to find someone for the position in the time I have given. I wish the city all the best in the future success of the facility and its operations.
Sincerely,
Margaret A. E. Montgomery
• Steve Montgomery was present to answer questions of Board Members. Introduced Tracy Nissen to handle the concessions stands for the remaining season. Montgomery said there was a constant need for umpires due to retirements and he has had to fill in when needed. Stated there is an Oct. tournament and possibility a Labor Day tournament that would be overflow games from a Moline Greenvalley tournament.
New Business
i. Disscussed conflict with EMSSC tournament that weekend and car parking problem.
• On Ordinance for No Smoking in EM Parks, Stombaugh gave brief background on history. Board made a policy for No Smoking in Parks but this lacks method of enforcement. RICo Health Dept. guest DiBuono and Benson presented their goal of a tobacco free QC in all parks through an Ordinance – that can be enforced with fines for violations. They provided brochures to members containing information of other cities efforts and suggestions on how to write ordinance. Suggested to use of EM web site, press releases and voluntary enforcement to get public aware of ordinance. They presented signs that can be supplied at no charge and customized if desired. Discussed locations for signs at park entrances, pavilions, playground areas. Members discussed vaping, chew, and other tobacco related products. They stated that CDC rules that vaping is a form of tobacco because of the nicotine in it. Discussed limiting smoking to parking lot, no smoking at all, and inside vehicles. It was generally decided to limit to parking lot.
• Motion to create ordinance for tobacco free parks similar to Moline except to include all forms of tobacco made by Cervantes, Seconded by Spencer. Voting in favor: Ald. Almblade, C.Braggs, R. Cervantes, D. Kannenberg, G. Lowery, B Rusch, M. Spencer, B. Stombaugh; Against: none. Motion passed. Almblade to create ordinance and circulate. Requested RICo representatives and board member be present at Sept 4 council meeting for COW discussion on ordinance. All agreed.
• Discussion on utility cart for Jacobs Park. Members discussed various options, electric, gas, size, and other features desired. Spencer to research availability and report back.
Other:
• Guest Theresa Martin gave her concerns on Jacobs Park. She and new Concession Mgr., T. Nissen toured Jacobs facility and reported many items that needed to be addressed. Her need is to establish a budget for next year needs.
o Suggested Park Board have visit park and get list of priorities for her.o Memorial at entrance of Adult League Fields is not being maintained and neither is the Jacobs Park entrance Sign. Suggested several options for low maintenance.
Asked who’s responsibility is was to maintain? There is dead shrubbery around it. o Suggested board recruit a volunteer group to help maintain. Maybe Adopt a Park? o Goose Poop all over.
o Back building with tarp covering and unused stuff in them.
o Fields in good shape.
Added comment by Steve Montgomery: If EM want to have a sports complex, we must push forward to make improvements.
• Cervantes made motion for special meeting at Park, seconded by Lowery, all in favor, motion passed. It was decided to meet Tues Aug 28th, 6:00pm at Little League pavilion.
• Steve Montgomery reported that a girls travel club wanted to make EM their home park for mutual benefits. Members were generally in favor of idea and expressed desire to explore option. Also stated need for two more adjustable outfield fences.
• Lambrecht reported that Willemarck was unable to mow Jacobs Park fields and City had to cover. Stated that it would take two employees full time to keep facilities in desired shape.
Motion to adjourn meeting made by Lowery, seconded by Spencer, All in favor, motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 7:45pm.
https://www.eastmoline.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08142018-491
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