Rec Votes to Purchase New Gator for Sports Complex

The Grant County Recreation Commission board met on Monday, October 4, 2021 at the recreation office. Members in attendance were: Josh Eddie, Sam Hayden and Daron Cowan. Jen Hittle and Amy Orosco were absent. The meeting was also attended by Director Krista Anderson, Kristi Breese, Rachael Thooft and Tammie Hensley. The meeting was called to order by Hayden at 5:30 p.m.  Cowan moved to adopt the agenda and Eddie seconded, motion carried.

Cowan gave the Treasurer’s report. Payroll and accounts payable totaled $150,766.04 for the month of September 2021. He said that they had received a check from the school district that would be put into savings for the time being. Eddie moved to accept the Treasurer’s report, the previous meeting’s minutes and the consent agenda, Cowan seconded. The motion was approved.

Thooft reported on the audit which had been conducted by her firm, Dirks, Anthony and Duncan, LLC. There were no disagreements with the report and according to Thooft, the recreation commission is in good financial shape. Cowan moved to accept the audit, Eddie seconded and the motion was approved.

The board moved on to the staff reports. Anderson reported that the search was on for a wrestling coach so that Rec could offer wrestling again. She said she has had a few inquiries, but no one wants to commit to the responsibilities of being Head Coach. She added that she did have one man who was moving here from Oklahoma who was very interested in the position. Anderson is waiting to see if he brings back the documents she gave him to fill out.

GCRC will be sponsoring five events for Grant County Gives this year. They are an “80’s Wigged Out” Halloween run, a Dive-In show at the indoor pool and the Turkey Trot. Two events were held during Fall Fest -- the Chili Cook-off and Adult Trike Races. All proceeds will go into the scholarship fund which helps kids participate in the Rec’s programs and sports.

Steve Carrithers reported that he had obtained two bids for a new machine to replace the Polaris Ranger that is 20 years old and is in the shop again. He had a bid for $25,327.71 from American Implement for a John Deere Gator and a bid from Country Feeds in Montezuma for a Polaris Ranger for $18,550.00. He also would like to finish the concrete around the batting cages and a 26’ by 26’ pad beside the cages which will be a 4-person batting station. He received bids which covered both projects. The first from Barrios Construction was for $13,407.84 and the other was from Armando Anguiano for $11,050.00.

Cheri Hoppenstedt said that swim team is meeting on Monday, Friday and Saturdays. She also had Hickok School P. E. students the last week of September for a short swimming lesson followed by play time.

Kristi Breese reports that October will be a busy month for classes and programs. Upcoming events include a Mommy and Me class on October 15th, a “no school” fun afternoon on October 22nd and the Trick or Treat Trail on October 29th.

From the Wellness center, Zach Romero reported that the Turkey Trot is scheduled for November 6th. He had a smaller turnout for the Triathlon but those who took part had a good time. The new stair stepper machine has arrived and is a solid piece of equipment.

In sports, Edeka Hauser said that fall sports are wrapping up. Girls volleyball has been fun to watch this year and coed volleyball is having a great season with 12 teams. Pee Wee football is going well and biddy volleyball and flag football is almost over. Boys basketball registration has begun and games will start the first week of November.

In new business, the board members signed contracts with football and volleyball coaches.

In old business, Cowan rescinded the motion from the last meeting to install LED lights at the football and baseball fields and the motion was approved. After a discussion, the members present voted to purchase the new John Deere Gator from American Implement for the maintenance department. Funds for the purchase will come from one of the CDs that will be cashed out in November.   

A motion to adjourn was made by Cowan and seconded by Eddie. Hayden adjourned the meeting at 5:56 p.m. The next meeting of the Grant County Recreation board will be Monday, November 1, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.