SYRACUSE — Syracuse Parks and Recreation board meeting began Monday evening, July 13, with a committee report from tree board member Jerry Riffle, who announced the Indiana Urban Forestry Council is sponsoring a municipal tree workshop Tuesday, July 21, at Lakeside Park. The workshop will be conducted by Lindsey Purcell from the Purdue University Extension Office.

Parks department superintendent Chad Jonsson updated the board on department projects including the progress of the Lakeside Park pavilion. Jonsson reported permits have been received and the pavilion is prepared for removal Monday, July 20.

The master plan committee will meet soon and discuss possible projects that will be included in the five-year plan. Public input will likely be heard during a regularly scheduled board meeting, giving opportunity for those interested to share ideas with board members.

Members were presented with the park and recreation 2016 budget that will be reviewed by the town council for approval. The budget will allow for the purchase of a vehicle for the parks department use as discussed during the June board meeting. Also reported in June was the need for repairs to the community center air conditioning system. At that time Jonsson reported during a regular service check, it was brought to his attention the current units were not working to the full capacity.

During the Monday meeting the superintendent presented the parks board with two estimates with the cost of replacing the air conditioning units. He explained both companies, Ritter and Collier’s, recommended replacement rather than repair, based on the age of the system. At 13 years old, replacing parts would not guarantee future problems from arising.

After considering both estimates, Ritter with $16,500 and Collier’s at $16,721, the members began to weigh their options. Member Kip Schumm expressed he would prefer to choose Ritter, the local business, however, the service by Collier’s is considerable. With a motion by member Shirley Connolly to accept the proposal for Ritter, the board was indecisive.

Based on the length of time and quality of Collier’s service, the committee agreed to accept the company’s proposal with Jeff Nicodemus’ motion to accept, followed by the majority vote.

In program updates, Tyler McLead announced an average of 40 to 50 children have been participating in Art in the Park during the Artisans and Farmers Market at Crosson Mill.

The Mudtastic Classic had a successful turnout, with 96 registrations ranging from 8 to 71 years old. The annual Tour des Lakes welcomed 251 bicycle riders during the weekend event.

Upcoming events include the town wide garage sales scheduled July 31 to Aug. 1, and Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival will present “Love’s Labor’s Lost,” at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at Lakeside Park.