Cobler also said 12 new signs to identify the city’s parks are almost ready and will soon be posted.

Jeff Noe of A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) asked the board about a site for his organization’s annual party to raise funds for charities. He said ABATE’s District 14 has 611 members in Wapello, Davis, Mahaska, Jefferson, Keokuk, Washington, Van Buren and Henry counties.

“In our glory days we donated to 33 charities after bringing in $11,000,” he said. “Now we’re down to 10 charities and not a lot of money.”

Noe said ABATE checked Bridge View Center as a possible site but it “wasn’t financially possible” for the group. Their next choice was Ottumwa Park.

“The problem is the park closes at 11 p.m. and we hope the board will consider a longer time [for this event],” Noe said.

Board Member Robert LaPoint chaired the meeting and suggested Noe submit a formal request for the board’s agenda next month.

The board approved minutes from the April 8 meeting, which included a discussion of the water temperature of the showers at The Beach.

Finance Director Mike Heffernan had said the showers use the same water heater as the pools, but the Beach will be getting an “on-demand” water heater for the showers.

Public Works Director Larry Seals had said there are two kinds of “on-demand” water heaters and The Beach will be getting one for commercial use with the water on a continuous circulating system.

Board Member Kim Hellige had asked about the status of the major league football field. Seals said he had sent Randall Fields of the Ottumwa Hawks what he needed to prepare before he made a presentation to the board.

The April minutes also noted the Kids First Committee has raised all but $3,000 for Phase One of their playground project. Construction should begin June 9 or June 15.

Depending on the utilities located in the ground in Sycamore Park, the entire structure may have to be moved over slightly, according to the minutes. However, it shouldn’t affect any trees.

Phase Two of the project will include the second leg of the playground equipment and the shelter. Phase Three will include the bathrooms.