Porter Park Board members were cautioned that while it’s fine to provide a list of possible caterers to those who rent park facilities, the list should not be designated as “approved” or “preferred” caterers.

That was the opinion of associate town attorney Ethan Lowe. He said the Park Department doesn’t want to endorse a caterer because of potential liability so a disclaimer should be part of the list.

Board member Rondi Wightman asked if the park could charge caterers $100 each to be included on the list. Lowe said he didn’t know if that strictly would be prohibited, but it does seem odd. He recommended increasing the rental fees instead to generate more money.

Park administrator Stephanie Miller said through November, 2010 rental income is lagging slightly behind last year’s.

Miller asked Lowe about park rules that allow alcohol use in shelters for a rental yet do not require a security guard like a community building rental does when alcohol is served.

Lowe said a clear distinction should be made between alcohol being sold and being provided; he suggested clearly spelling out in the rental agreements that all state and local liquor laws will be followed. Also, the park could require that renters must provide event insurance coverage.

The attorney was asked if caterers and bartenders booked for park rentals should obtain a town license to do business; he said that needs to be researched. Regarding the Park Board’s outdated bylaws, Lowe said town code and state law are the best resources to consider first before adding additional regulations.

Wightman has been obtaining information about a possible Porter dog park for pets and their owners. “I don’t think we have anything currently in our inventory (of parks) to do it,” she said, asking if the Park Board could use CEDIT money or possibly sell bonds to buy property and develop it.

Lowe said the board and/or Town Council could finance the project.

Lastly, Wightman asked if the Park Department could sponsor a Super Bowl viewing party without having to pay rights to the NFL or participating teams. Lowe said he hasn’t come to a definite conclusion based on NFL terms of use.

The park is sponsoring its second annual family Game Night Jan. 28 from 6-8 p.m. Last year the most popular game was bingo and it will be featured this year with more prizes. Seniors are especially invited to attend.

At the Jan. 18 Park Board meeting, park superintendent Jim Miller said Porter director of engineering Matt Keiser will be present to update plans to relieve flooding on Waverly Road and in Hawthorne Park with a new drainage system there. Discussion also will take place regarding the planned Orchard Pedestrian Way hike/bike trail through Hawthorne and a parking lot to accomodate trail users.

Jim Miller said Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore superintendent Costa Dillon is helping organize a group of Northwest Indiana park superintendents and park professionals to meet quarterly to discuss topics of mutual interest.

In other business, with the former Westchester Neighbors Food Pantry having vacated its basement quarters at the Hawthorne community building, board members discussed what to do with the space. President Patty Raffin asked if they should find a tenant or reserve the space for a potential bike/canoe rental or concession stand for the pedway trail and a planned boat launch at the nearby Little Calumet River.

Jon Granat, Town Council liaison to the Park Board, said, “That could be five years, two years away. You should rent it out if you can.”

Jim Miller reported a message board has been installed in front of the community building for park announcements.

Posted 12/16/2010