WEST GEAUGA COMMUNITY JOINT RECREATION DISTRICT

Regular Meeting – June 17, 2025

West Geauga Commons

President Greg Poe called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Board members present:  Evan Byrum, Ed Curtis, Chris Domonkos, Rick Izant, Sara Sustin, Linda Palchick, Greg Poe and Mark Vidmar. Jason Abate and John Gromek were also present. Chris Hare from Russell Township officers was also in attendance.

The minutes from the June 2025 meeting were presented by Monica Gromek. Ed Curtis motioned to accept the minutes; Rick Izant seconded. Vote was taken – Evan Byrum-yes, Ed Curtis-yes; Chris Domonkos-yes; Kristen Foerster-yes; Rick Izant-yes; Sara Sustin-yes; Linda Palchick-yes; Greg Poe-yes, Mark Vidmar-yes. All in favor, motion carried.

The Board welcomed Chris Hare from Russell Township.  Chris was in attendance at the recent presentation of possible Pickle Ball Courts to be installed at The Commons.  Sara Sustin, Kristen Foerster and Evan Byrum gave information gathered as we begin researching this project.  Russell is now in 2026 budget workshops and several of our Board members presented information to discuss WGCJRD information on the Pickle Ball Project.  Sara Sustin gave a report of information gathered thus far on the project. Will the new courts be asphalt or concrete.  Concrete is a better option for longevity.  A quote was received from an Amish company, for the cost of 2 60x60 courts.  The sand will be taken out, and gravel will be installed and leveled as the new base.  This part of the preparation could be done under our Maintenance expense. Jason Abate cautioned us to keep the grade of the ground in mind.

The proposed project in this area from a Girl Scout for her Gold Award had been received.  She can still do this project, but the Board needs to see the scope of her project.

Board discussion to place a sign at the site “future home of pickle ball courts”; can we establish a GoFundMe account seeking donations for this project.  Information will be gathered how to proceed.

Ed Curtis will prepare and estimate the cost of the project. Our 2026 budget is due also to the Geauga County.  

Treasurer report - Ed Curtis

Treasurer Ed Curtis distributed the June 2025 treasurer’s report. The treasurer’s report showed: checking balance forwarded: $51,198.03; total disbursements: $8,328.88; total deposits: $1,000.00; ending checking balance: $43,869.15: Ending Savings Balance $24,500.60; total disbursements: $0; deposits: $5.03:  Linda Palchick motioned to accept the treasurer’s report. Evan Byrum seconded.  Vote was taken – Ed Curtis-yes; Chris Domonkos-yes; Rick Izant-yes; Sara Sustin-yes; Linda Palchick-yes; Greg Poe-yes; Mark Vidmar-yes. All in favor, motion carried.

Sara Sustin motioned to pay the following bills:                                                                                                             

USPS                                    PO Box annual rental                     $210.00                  

Monica Gromek                    June 2025 minutes                         $  40.00

Chris Domonkos seconded.  Vote was taken: Ed Curtis-yes; Chris Domonkos-yes; Rick Izant-yes; Sara Sustin-yes; Linda Palchick-yes; Greg Poe-yes; Mark Vidmar-yes. All in favor, motion carried. 

Board discussion on the beginning of the season baseball field preparation.  A letter has been sent to Kelly Graham, President of the WG Baseball Federation stating the Board’s upcoming actions because of many complaints of the condition of our field.

The path is in need of fill dirt along the sides of the path.  Rick Izant motioned to encumber 1,825.00 for work on the path.  Plus 799.00 for posts.  Linda Palchick seconded.  Vote was taken: Ed Curtis-yes; Chris Domonkos-yes; Rick Izant-yes; Sara Sustin-yes; Linda Palchick-yes; Greg Poe-yes; Mark Vidmar-yes. All in favor, motion carried. 

Ed Curtis distributed an Expense Analysis for the rest of 2025: what was spent YTD and what monies remain for the rest of 2025; explanation of our Capital Fund; Some discussion on the 2026 budget; and our levy renewal which is 2 yrs out yet.  Our present levy renewal of .02 mills has never been increased since its beginning in 1988. 

Facilities

Linda Palchick said that soccer has been concluded until the fall session.  Highland Heights has requested park usage on July 9 for one day for summer camp.  The graduation party held on June 15, went very smoothly; large attendance of approx. 200. They did a good job cleaning up after the event.    

Maintenance – Jason Abate

A tree fell across the drive.  Jason has been trying to keep up with the park; difficult to do with all the rain we have had.  Water did flow from the river to a small portion of the baseball diamond.  The path erosion has been fixed…long range plans may be needed in the future to move the path in farther. 

Chris Domonkos said the website is all up to date.

Board discussion concerning Baseball Federation and their usage of the baseball field. Rick Izant said we need better communication going forward.  Our Rec Board took back maintenance of the field for the remainder of 2025.  Need to try to recoup our costs and submit them to the Federation for consideration of reimbursement.  Field drags need to be budgeted.  Weed applications are needed.  Our fields were not prepared/ready for last year’s playoff games.  There needs to be shared responsibilities of both groups. 

Our newest board member Mark Vidmar questioned the background of our park and Board.  He questioned if our Mission Statement should be revisited/reviewed.  A brief summary was given by senior board members; over our 40+ years of experience and evolvement of our Park.  Mark and Sara Sustin stated our pavilion would be used more if there was electricity.  This has been dealt with also many years ago. Ed Curtis said we are a ‘dawn to dusk’ park. No alcohol on the premises. A long discussion and explanations ensued of situations endured since the park opened.   The Park rules have been updated when situations occur; that had to be addressed.   

New business – The lower bathroom needs work on the path entry into the building.  It is the original path and has sunk, causing a muddy situation.  Jason Abate and crew will fix the path. 

Reminder from Ed Curtis that our July meeting is being moved up a week to Tuesday, July 8 at 6:00 pm. for our budget hearing.  Discussion of food and who will bring what.  John Gromek will be our chef at the grill. 

The Board thanked Chris Hare from Russell Township attending.  Our Park is in Russell Township and any plans for the park over the years has been presented to the township. 

Linda Palchick motioned for meeting adjournment; Chris Domonkos seconded.  Vote was taken – Ed Curtis-yes; Chris Domonkos-yes; Kristen Foerster-yes; Rick Izant-yes; Sara Sustin-yes; Linda Palchick-yes; Greg Poe-yes, Mark Vidmar-yes, Evan Byrum-yes.  All in favor, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

__________________________                     ____________________________

Monica Gromek, Clerk                                            Greg Poe, President