West Central Reporter

The village of Godfrey Park Board Committee met Dec. 9 to report on the Snowflake Festival.

Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the committee:

Village of Godfrey Park Board Committee Meeting December 9, 2016 Minutes

Members Present: Chairman Mike Walters, Trustee Eldon Williams, Trustee Sarah Johnes, Ford Green, Max Heinz, Mark Lorch, Jess Woodman, Rob Hasse, Parks and Recreation Director-Kimberly Caughran, Director of Parks Maintenance-Jim Lewis, Recreation Supervisor-Jessica Wiedman, and Administrative Assistant-Angela Bosoluke

Members Absent: Norma Glazebrook and Craig Rathgeb

No Public Comments

Jess Woodman stated a correction was needed in the minutes of the November 10, 2016 meeting as he was absent from the meeting and therefore could not second the motion to approve the minutes of the October 14, 2016 meeting. Mark Lorch stated he had seconded the approval of the October minutes.

Mike Walters asked for approval of the November 10, 2016 meeting minutes with the above correction. Max Heinz made a motion to approve the minutes with this correction and Mark Lorch seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Kimberly Caughran distributed a Comparison Summary of the Great Godfrey Maze for the current year as well as the 12 previous years. She stated a profit of $32,721.23 was made during the 2016 season in comparison to $21, 556.82 the previous year. She continued there were a total of 11,034 tickets sold this year with $70,706.00 in ticket revenue with souvenir sales decreased from 2015. Kimberly stated the corn harvest was better than last year but Groupon was not as profitable, possibly because we did not begin the campaign until the third weekend. She continued the combo ticket price increased this year due to the addition of the jumping pillow. She stated all revenue and expenses are included in this report, with the exception of the full time staff payroll, which is reflected in regular payroll.

Jim Lewis reported the parks staff has been working on the installation of the Christmas lights and getting the shop organized. He continued that once the Christmas lights are installed the staff will begin changing the light fixtures out to LED lights according to the Go Green initiative the Village recently adopted. He stated the LED light is much better quality and all areas within the Village will be converted, with the parks lights to be completed once the snowflakes are taken down for the season. Jim continued that the parks staff has been landscaping the flower beds ahead of time so they will be manageable come spring. He stated the Evangelical flower beds will need to be mulched again this year and the Women’s Club has paid for the mulch in the past with the parks staff providing the labor.

Jessica Wiedman reported the youth basketball league had begun practices this week with the same number of teams registered as last year; 17 teams with a total of 160 participants. She stated sponsorships had been received for all of the registered teams. Jessica continued that registrations are currently being accepted for the rookie basketball program for 3-5 year olds, the cheer clinic for children 3 years through 5th grade and the Daddy-Daughter dance for girl’s ages 3-12 years. She stated that we are once again partnering with Alton Parks and Recreation on this event to be held at Bluff City Grill in Alton on

February 11, 2017 due to the attendance at last year’s event this venue will hold a maximum of 500 persons.

Kimberly Caughran reported the Snowflake Festival was held on Friday, December 2nd with a decent attendance. She stated 124 pictures with Santa were taken and the lines flowed well for the activities. She stated cookies were donated by Madison County Board members Mike Walters and Ray Wesley and pictures were donated by Norma Glazebrook. She continued a petting zoo and the jumping pillow were added to this year’s event. Kimberly stated the Breakfast with Santa will be held on Saturday morning at the Godfrey KC Hall with a total of 150 currently signed up to attend.

Kimberly reported that she will present a draft of the 2017 Parks and Recreation budget for the committee’s review at the January meeting. She stated she also will contact Tom Long about setting up the Park Foundation and also will check with Fred Whitworth regarding the status of the Veteran’s Memorial.

Kimberly distributed the 2017 event calendar for the Parks and Recreation Department. She stated Liberty Bank has requested to continue as sponsor for the Movies in the Park series. Kimberly commented that 1st Mid America Credit Union has stated that they would sponsor if needed. Kimberly continued the Parks and Recreation Department is planning to partner with the Godfrey Fire Department once again for the KidCation event to be held in August 2017. She reported the Advisory Committee for the Bike and Pedestrian Plan had been appointed at the most recent Village Board meeting and she will report further on this committee at the upcoming meetings.

There were no public comments.

With no further business, Rob Hasse made motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:46 a.m. and Twirp Williams seconded the motion. Motion passed and meeting adjourned.