RUSHVILLE — The Rushville Parks & Recreation Board met Jan. 11 and chose new officers.

President of the board is Sue Otte; vice-president is Paul Barada Sr.; and Dave Malson is the secretary.

New members were welcomed to the board. They are Aaron Gurley, who is replacing Liz Crain; James Zachery, who is replacing Denny Corn; and Will St. John, who is replacing Anna Karen Pennington.

Parks director Danny Mathews recommended the board put Rita Kaster back in as pool manager for the 2012 season. Malson shared that Kaster implemented swim programs, kept the pool open longer in the season and did a very good job.

Malson stated the budget for the pool manager has been cut $2,500 as the line item is now down to $9,500, but said Kaster is aware of this.

Barada moved to approve the hiring of Rita Kaster as pool manager. Otte seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Mathews reported that Mayor Mike Pavey would like for each department to clean up their area. Mathews added that the parks department and police department have been working hard this week to do so.

Mathews discussed the Valentine's Dance, which will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 10 at Benjamin Rush Middle School. This is the parks department's 10th year to put this on.

Mathews said he likes to do programs for all ages and this dance benefits the middle school kids.

Kevin Green will D.J. and the parks department furnishes the soft drinks and cookies. Mathews stated he would appreciate any help beginning at 5:30 p.m. to chaperone and that he looks forward to this every year. He will order supplies, which will run $65 to $100 and will be taken out of special events in the Non Reverting Fund.

Barada moved to approve the Valentine's Dance and to take the money for supplies out of the Non Reverting Special Event Fund. Aaron Gurley seconded the motion. Motion carried.

In new business, Mathews stated he received a quote for $2,268.74 for adequate lighting to light up the new Rushville signs. Mathews stated he had no idea this would cost this much and asked if everyone feels this money should come out of the Parks budget.

Barada stated he raised $6,000 to put the signs up and now no one can see them once it gets dark. He feels its only $2,268.74 to light up signs and the least we can do is luminate them.

Malson asked if other quotes were received and Mathews stated no, that this quote was from Mark Osborne at Radio Shack, who received the quote for solar lighting through siliconsolar.com.

Malson stated there are several local electricians in town and suggested getting a quote from Rosfeld Electric and Custer Electric. Malson feels we need two or three comparisons.

Malson then went on to say the past administration was going to take the money out of the General Fund but Malson suggested taking the money out of the Non Reverting Fund.

Mathews is to contact Rosfeld and Custer and get a quote on solar-powered lights and bring it to the next meeting.

Barada stated he would like to see the money spent locally.

Sharpe reported that Rushville Riverside Park Amphitheater booking agent Vicky Richmond had resigned to take on another job. The amphitheater board has hired Andy Wilson with Bohlsen Group out of Indianapolis. Andy is John Wilson's son, who is from Rushville. Sharpe explained that Andy has done a great job and that this year's acts have been booked.

May 19 will be Community Day, which will consist of a free meal, kids' games, music and silent auction.

June 9 will feature ZOSO, a Led Zeppelin tribute band as headliner and Healing Sixes as the opener.

June 23 will feature Free Fallin, which is a Tom Petty tribute band as headliner and Zeek and the Geeks as opener.

July 14 will feature Off the Wagon, which is a country/bluegrass band as headliner and returning Cee Cee James opener. This concert is labeled the "Shades of Blue" concert.

July 21 will feature John Waite as headliner and Monofication as opener.

Aug. 11 will feature Young Dubliners as headliner and an acoustic opener for the Irish show.

Aug. 25 will feature An Innocent Band, which is a Billy Joel Tribute band as headliner and a jazz trio to be announced.

Sharpe stated the tribute bands have always drawn the biggest crowds and hopes the weather cooperates this year and isn't as hot as last year.

Sharpe then shared with the board the amphitheater's sponsorship packages, ranging from $25 to $5,000. Anyone interested in being a sponsor is encouraged to contact Sharpe at City Hall: 932-3735.

Solid Waste District manager Carol Yeend was present and shared with the group information on the Indiana Clean Community Challenge Internal Quality Assurance Program.

Yeend said her goal is to decrease the amount of waste going to the landfill.

She would like to decrease the trash left in the parks and get everyone to recycle. She is encouraging more recycling in parks, particularly ball diamonds.

Yeend said the city needs to revise vendor contracts and educate the vendors and renters of the parks about recycling.

Yeend stated she has three years to get this goal accomplished but wants to start now.

Yeend suggested stipulating in the ball leases that all groups must recycle.

She will educate and produce the materials to support this effort.

Yeend also shared with the board that she would like the Parks Department to plant more native trees in the parks. She has been working with Mathews on this.

Barada moved to consider Yeend's two requests. Gurley seconded. Motion carried.

Parks liaison/Council member Brad Berkemeier introduced himself.

Berkemeier said he is looking forward to working with Mathews and the Parks staff. Berkemeier said we have a great parks system and hoped to make continued progress in the next four years.

Malson noted that Sharpe is back, taking Paula Shelton's place as secretary, and that the mayor is fine with this. Malson made a motion to pay Sharpe based on her regular hourly rate. Gurley seconded. Motion carried.