Plymouth Park Board approves request to seek quotes for equipment, opens bids for mower and Gators

The Plymouth Park Board conducted its first meeting of 2024 in the Conservation Club House in Magnetic Park on Monday evening, January 8^th. 

Mayor Robert Listenberger appointed Mike Kershner to replace Dave Morrow on the board.  Morrow had to resign his position due to being elected a member of the Plymouth City Council.  Mr. Kershner had been a park board member, appointed by the Plymouth Community School Corporation (PCSC).  He is no longer a teacher for the PCSC, so they have decided to appoint a new representative to the Park Board.  It is anticipated that Joshua Troyer, the Athletic Director for the PCSC will fill the vacancy left by Kershner, although it didn’t happen at Monday’s meeting.  The School Board is expected to make that appointment during their meeting on Tuesday. 

The park board elected new officers with Mike Kershner being elected President, Alex Eads Vice President, and Kayla Wade Secretary. 

Park Superintendent Mike Hite was complimented on the department’s work for decorating the parks during the holiday season.

The Plymouth Park Board took official action on Monday to cover the monthly cost through Comcast for security cameras in the park.  Superintendent Mike Hite said the Blueberry Festival was willing to pay approximately $40,000 for the installation of the infrastructure and 15 security cameras spread throughout the park for use during the annual Labor Day Festival.  The Plymouth Park Department will be using the security cameras the rest of the time as an additional means of security.  The monthly cost is roughly $240.

Three bids were also opened for a new John Deere Mower and two Gators. Bids were received from Monticello John Deere in the amount of $24,613 for the Gators and $19,548 for the mower.  The Knox John Deere Store bid $19,013 for the mower and $24,253 for the Gators and Plymouth Gilsinger John Deere offered bids of $18,760 for the mower and $23,825 for the Gators.

Superintendent Hite said he would be trading in one mower and two Gators.  He asked to have the bids taken under advisement for review and the board allowed him to award the bid to the most reasonable and lowest bidder before next month’s meeting.  He also noted that the equipment is in his 2024 budget.

Superintendent Hite was also approved to begin seeking quotes for equipment in this year’s budget.  He hopes to purchase another pick-up truck, a dump truck, a pull-behind lift, and a tilt trailer. 

The annual Daddy Daughter Dance will be February 10^th at Riverside Intermediate School.  Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, January 16^th.