Adel Volunteer Fire Department

The meeting included a review of recreation updates, specifically concerning youth baseball and softball registrations, which are slightly lower than the previous year, and the conclusion of the Adult Indoor Volleyball league season. The department is actively recruiting seasonal staff, including lifeguards, concession staff, and umpires, with applications currently being processed. The 2026 Spring/Summer Activity Guide is scheduled for distribution the week of March 23rd. Updates were provided on the official end of the Community Ice Rink Season and ongoing 2026-2027 budget discussions, noting the successful securing of $10,000 in grant funds for tennis court resurfacing. The board approved a new two-year campground lease agreement for tenant Don McKean, which includes a rate increase, and confirmed arrangements for the Annual Kiwanis Club Easter Egg Hunt. Discussions were also held regarding the installation of Pickleball court nets and reservation procedures.

The key topics discussed included updates on departmental activities. For Recreation, the Adult Indoor Volleyball league will have 7 teams starting January 11th, and sign-ups for Youth Baseball and Softball 2026 are opening soon, with an initial organizational meeting planned for later in the month. Final program reports indicated that 1st and 2nd Grade Basketball had 117 registrations, and the Adult Pickleball league featured 16 teams. The Parks Department provided updates regarding the Ice Rink, noting challenges due to warmer weather and investigating the feasibility and cost of installing a chiller machine (estimated at $27,000). Recruitment for 2026 Aquatic Center Staff is underway. Additionally, the board expressed intent to renew land leases for crop rental with Phil Lautner (ending February 28, 2026) and the Island Park Campground with Don McKean (ending April 2026). An update on a collaborative tennis meeting covered grant opportunities and timelines, with a follow-up planned for March 2026. Other items included a recommendation to earmark LOST funds for Phase 1 of the Water Tower Park project.

The meeting included updates on the Shoot the Moon Soccer Tournament, winterization of park restrooms, and a season recap of Island Park. Progress on the Eagle Vista Park development, now named Eagles Landing, was discussed. The board was informed about a CIRPTA Trail Grant award and vandalism at the new Pickleball courts. Updates were provided on youth basketball registration, the Over 30 Men's League, and the Thanksgiving Turkey Shoot. The Fall Pickleball League was also discussed. A first draft of the proposed budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year was reviewed, including capital projects and the addition of a full-time employee in the Parks Department.

The Adel Parks & Recreation Board meeting included discussions and updates on various parks and recreation projects. Updates were provided on Eagle Vista Park, including the progress of the playground, trail, and basketball court construction. The success of the Pickleball ribbon-cutting event was highlighted, along with concerns about vandalism at the courts. The board reviewed new amenities at Southbridge Pond, including trail sections and a pedestrian bridge. Budget preparations for fiscal years 2026-2027 were discussed, with considerations for tennis court resurfacing, parking lot paving, and trail extensions. The board also discussed the November meeting date and the seasonal shutdown of water sources in parks. Updates were given on basketball registration, the Fall-Winter Activity Guide, the Power Wheels Nationals event, and the Bags League. Finally, the resignation of board member Patricia Ehrenfried was acknowledged, and plans for recruitment were discussed.

The meeting included updates on the Recreation Department, such as the 3rd-6th Grade Girls and Boys Basketball program and the Adult Coed Indoor Volleyball 2026 season. The board discussed the program report for the Turkey Toss Free Throw Competition. The staff will put up the ice rink kit at Raccoon Valley Bank later this month once colder weather sets in. The Tree City USA application will be submitted soon. Concrete near the broken post on the Pickleball courts has been cut out and replaced. Tim Vick has accepted the job to be Adel's next City Administrator. Adel Park/Rec youth basketball players will be represented at Youth Basketball night at the Iowa Wolves. Staff is working on the Notes From the North Pole.