The Gallatin Park Board has spent much of the spring and summer months readying the fields at Dockery Park for summer ball games.
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The board ordered lights for both fields and one hundred clay bricks were bought for the batters’ boxes. One new bat per team was purchased. Heavy duty tines needed for the infield grooming machine were purchased.
Teams for summer co-ed adult league softball have been turned in. The deadline is Wednesday, July 1.
Calls had been received from Jamesport wanting to have the leagues play each other again this year. No motion was made and the issue was tabled.
The fee for adult league players was increased to $20 each.
Umpire pay was discussed and set at $25 for home plate umpires and $15 for base umpires.
The 13 player per team rule was amended to allow a player on Greg Lollar’s team to be added to a roster. The vote was 3-2 with one abstaining. A request was made for permission in writing from Tri-County. (The Tri County Ball League is based out of Lawson and numerous towns in more than three counties are a part of it.) A motion carried to consider all Gallatin teams full once the roster was at 13 players.
The board agreed that Park Board policy would be to only allow a player to play up one level from the appropriate age/grade level in baseball/softball.
A question was raised on how teams are determined, as it has been stated that teams are unfair.
According to Board Secretary DeAnna Swalley, ball teams are determined by honoring requested coaches by the parents and then sorting out to keep the number of boys, girls, and each age level as equally as possible.
First aid kits for the concession stands were discussed. After talking about the mosquito issue at the lower field, the board agreed to buy repellant wipes to sell at the concession stand by a vote of 4-yes, 0-no, 3 abstain. A motion carried to purchase needed parts for the large popcorn machine. A hot dog machine was purchased from Zeroed Inn. A motion carried to increase drink prices for a tournament instead of trying to charge admission.
For the general upkeep of the park, the board held workdays for brush removal, water meters, concession stands, trash removal, etc. A plaque needs to be placed at the pond for the dock. A motion carried to purchase needed equipment.
A new rope for the flag pole will be purchased. The shelter building door was discussed. The building settling is the problem. The board agreed to call the mayor of Weatherby regarding a grant their city received for a new community building.
The board discussed mowing bids and passed a motion to eliminate bids using park equipment. After discussion, a bid from Griffin out of Chillicothe was accepted by a vote of 5-1.
As soon as ball season is over, the lower bathrooms will be pumped. The American Lotus are coming up in the pond and need sprayed. Red Bud trees will be planted. The tennis court is among the items for a work day.
A motion carried that any group or organization wanting rental fees waived for the park building needs to be physically present at the preceding park board meeting for board consideration.
An ad for bids on roofing all four buildings was placed in the paper. Bids for metal and shingle roofing were accepted. Several roofing bids were turned in. A motion was made to delay opening the roofing bids until after the insurance adjuster has been to the park.
Vandalism at the livestock barn and to other areas was discussed. Panels will be placed along the front of the livestock barn and paint will take care of the other graffiti.
Alicia Chrisman met with the board regarding the upcoming Daviess County Livestock show. It will be July 9, 10, and 11. A motion passed to allow the Fair Board to bring in port-a-potties.
The above is a compilation of park board meetings held over this spring and early summer. The next Park Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 16.
The Gallatin Park Board members are Alan Bradford, Mike Butcher, Kayli Warner, Casey Griffin, Greg Lollar, DeAnna Swalley, David McLey, Jeremy Holcomb and Kristie Smith.
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