Can more be done to protect city assets? Officials are wondering if surveillance cameras should be placed at the Memorial Pool and Liberty Park that police dispatchers could monitor in real time, Batesville Parks and Recreation Board members learned Nov. 20.

Pool manager Melvin Siefert believed that facility has “the highest liability in town at night.” Member Tim Hunter said the cameras would be a cheap way “to have a set of eyes 24/7.”

Parks Commissioner Mike Baumer said vandalism at Batesville’s largest park “got pretty bad for awhile.” Exterior lights were broken, trash cans were smashed and graffiti appeared on pavilion tables and swings at the playground for handicapped persons.

Member Don Karbowski suggested barricading the park drives to keep traffic out after it closes at 11 p.m. Of the vandals, BPRB President Bob Fitzpatrick said, “I think a lot of it is foot traffic.”

No decision was made on whether the city could afford to purchase the video cameras.

Siefert reported that 2008 pool attendance was 15,615, with more than half using season passes. The busiest month was June, when 6,864 arrived to swim.

Member Beth Meyers asked about maintenance. The manager said, “The low diving board (which is about 25 years old) has to be replaced.” The estimated cost is $14,000 and there’s a six-month wait after ordering, Siefert said.

“The roof in the old building has got to be addressed soon,” he added. That will cost at least $30,000.

“We've got a list of things” to buy, according to Mayor Rick Fledderman, including a lawn mower to groom parks. He wants to see how much money is left at year’s end, noting that salaries and benefits have priority over equipment purchases.

Karbowski questioned if Belterra riverboat revenue-sharing funds could be used for the pool items. “It's possible,” Fledderman answered.

Last month BPRB balked at OK’ing the Friends of Brum Woods organizational structure that stated the group “will be responsible for approving all projects and activities,” then sought legal counsel. Members read city attorney Lynn Fledderman’s opinion at the meeting. Fitzpatrick said, “The way I look at it, it's pretty hard to be able to recognize the group as having any authority whatsoever.” Hunter pointed out the attorney said the Friends can serve in an advisory capacity and make recommendations.

Fitzpatrick noted that the authority to spend money on Brum Woods upgrades lies with the city council, not BPRB, because money was willed to the city by Lena Brum. The fund contained $161,534, clerk-treasurer Ron Weigel said Oct. 20. A resolution at the Dec. 10 council meeting will define how the dollars can be spent, the mayor said.

According to Baumer, “It was never their intention to take over Brum Woods. Brum Woods wouldn't be what it is right now without their help.”

Friends of Brum Woods President Mark Haeufle said, “As far as I'm concerned, the only purpose we have is to preserve the trails and do trail maintenance. How do we interact with you" when suggestions are received? Fitzpatrick said ideas about the woods should be brought to Baumer, who can share them with BPRB if action is needed.

Haeufle called the attorney’s words “harsh .... We're not looking to step on anybody's toes ... just doing the best for what Lena had in mind.”

As Batesville’s budget shrinks, BPRB members are worried about how city workers will be able to maintain not only existing soccer fields, but seven future baseball and softball fields at an adjoining complex. "We need to sit down and talk with them" about city employees and sports volunteers cooperating to get the work done, Fledderman said. A meeting with baseball leaders will be scheduled soon, followed by one with soccer club officials.

The commissioner said he and employee Larry Schutte have finished planting 13 trees, with three more scheduled to go in. As trees are removed for various reasons, more must be added. The duo has planted 56 since April 2006. Citizens are helping the cause. Baumer reported Fran Effinger purchased a sunburst locust in memory of Fritz Turner, which was planted near the Liberty Park gazebo. The Holtels bought a blue spruce in memory of a family member, which is located at the south end of the park.

Debbie Blank can be contacted at 812-934-4343, Ext. 113; or debbie.blank@ batesvilleheraldtribune.com. To comment on stories, visit batesvilleheraldtribune.com.