Posted on May 22, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Repairs to the Bass Lake Beach House seawall are getting underway. The Starke County Park Board has been working with Bass Lake Beach operator Callahan Development, LLC, as well as the County Highway Department, to fix the wall and try to prevent future damage.
During last week’s meeting, Park Board President Roger Chaffins said the stone and sand were about ready to be delivered to the site. “The wall had cracked down, and the water’s rushing in underneath the building and washing the sand out,” he explained. “They’re going to put rock out there and then put sand in there, and fix it back the way it should be.”
Bass Lake Beach Assistant Manager Larry Clarich explained that the stone will shore up the wall and help preserve the work that’s being done now. He agreed to work with Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler to coordinate the delivery of the stone. Meanwhile, Chaffins offered to ask Sheriff Bill Dulin about the possibility of getting jail inmates to help haul it in by hand.
The park board was recently awarded a $5,000 Community Support Grant from the Starke County Community Foundation, to help with the cost of materials.
Showing posts with label Callahan Development. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Callahan Development. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Monday, March 5, 2018
Request for Proposals for Bass Lake Beach Operations Generates One Response
Posted on March 5, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Park Board’s proposal to split operations of the Bass Lake Beach and Campground has gotten a response. The entire beach and campground is currently operated by Callahan Development, LLC, which leases it from Starke County. But the company said it may be willing to give up control of the beach itself, to allow it to focus on the profitable campground and pier slots.
As of last week’s park board meeting, Park Board President Roger Chaffins said the county had heard from one person interested in running the beach. “He’s done this before, managed beaches to the west, by Valparaiso area, Lakes of the Four Seasons,” Chaffins explained. “After we talked a little while about what was going to be expected by him to be out there, he said that maybe it would be best if he would talk to Callahan, and see if they could work out a deal between them two.”
Discussions are still in early stages, and it still remains to be determined how much the county would get involved in such an arrangement. Chaffins said the county may consider offering some type of incentive. “I think at one time there, we’d even thought about whoever comes up with a proposal for us, is granting them, the first year, as far as electricity and water and, so to speak, rent, is waiving that,” he said. “So you come in there, at your expense, of the stuff you’re going to sell, the equipment you’re going to bring in, that’s going to be your expense. We thought about that, which I can’t see anything wrong with that.”
It was also suggested that the potential operator could be given some of the pier slips or some new ones could be built, to serve as an extra income source. Who’d be responsible for any building upgrades and for insuring the property is up for negotiation, as well. Any arrangement would have to win the approval of Callahan, Starke County, and the potential operator.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Park Board’s proposal to split operations of the Bass Lake Beach and Campground has gotten a response. The entire beach and campground is currently operated by Callahan Development, LLC, which leases it from Starke County. But the company said it may be willing to give up control of the beach itself, to allow it to focus on the profitable campground and pier slots.
As of last week’s park board meeting, Park Board President Roger Chaffins said the county had heard from one person interested in running the beach. “He’s done this before, managed beaches to the west, by Valparaiso area, Lakes of the Four Seasons,” Chaffins explained. “After we talked a little while about what was going to be expected by him to be out there, he said that maybe it would be best if he would talk to Callahan, and see if they could work out a deal between them two.”
Discussions are still in early stages, and it still remains to be determined how much the county would get involved in such an arrangement. Chaffins said the county may consider offering some type of incentive. “I think at one time there, we’d even thought about whoever comes up with a proposal for us, is granting them, the first year, as far as electricity and water and, so to speak, rent, is waiving that,” he said. “So you come in there, at your expense, of the stuff you’re going to sell, the equipment you’re going to bring in, that’s going to be your expense. We thought about that, which I can’t see anything wrong with that.”
It was also suggested that the potential operator could be given some of the pier slips or some new ones could be built, to serve as an extra income source. Who’d be responsible for any building upgrades and for insuring the property is up for negotiation, as well. Any arrangement would have to win the approval of Callahan, Starke County, and the potential operator.
Monday, January 29, 2018
Starke County Park Board Still Waiting for Concrete Repairs at Bass Lake Beach
Posted on January 29, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A lack of action on concrete repairs at the Bass Lake Beach is drawing concerns from some Starke County Park Board members. Back in August, board members asked the operator of the facility, Callahan Development, LLC, to repair the seawall surrounding the beach house patio and install glacial stone to help protect it from incoming waves.
The two groups came to an agreement in October in which Callahan would repair the wall, but the county would install the stone. Little progress has been made since then.
During last week’s park board meeting, County Attorney Marty Lucas suggested that operator Richard Callahan and Assistant Manager Larry Clarich assess the situation. “Kind of what it is, it’s a little open-ended at this point,” Lucas explained. “That’s probably why it seems a little murky because what we’re really talking about is the two of you get together, look at it, and see who can do what and how much. Do you see what I’m saying? We have a goal, but we don’t have exactly how to get there yet.”
Clarich explained that Callahan hasn’t had a chance to look at the site yet, and it would be hard to do it now because the lake is frozen. But Clarich said he hopes to be able to do the work sometime between March 15 and May 1.
Still, board member Debbie Mix was concerned with the lack of progress up until now. “We need to have a plan,” she said. “We just can’t let months and months go without having a plan. Last month we said we hadn’t gotten together, there was no plan, and before that. That was also in October that was said. So my concern is that we just keep on pushing, kicking it down the road, and it’s going to be May 15 and nothing’s going to be determined.”
Lucas then suggested that Mix might want to take a more active role in overseeing the work. “Maybe you could help facilitate the communication,” he said. “I mean, to be really honest, I’m supposed to be the lawyer, not the person that goes out there and oversees construction projects.”
In any case, Clarich said the repairs also depend on the county’s cooperation when it comes to installing the stone. Board member Roger Chaffins said he’s been working on that. “If I can get the stone brought in there and it’s there waiting, if I can get the sand brought in there for the beach, it’s there waiting, that’s done,” he said. “It doesn’t have to thaw out for that to get in there. And I talked to [Surveyor] Bill Crase to see if the guy that had the stone still has it, so we can pick it up at a reasonable price, the county can. Now the next question is with Rik [Ritzler], if he wants to drive a truck in there or whatever, I don’t know.”
Since the park board doesn’t have its own budget, members decided to pursue grant funding for the stone and sand. Otherwise, it would be up to the county commissioners to figure out how to pay for the materials.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A lack of action on concrete repairs at the Bass Lake Beach is drawing concerns from some Starke County Park Board members. Back in August, board members asked the operator of the facility, Callahan Development, LLC, to repair the seawall surrounding the beach house patio and install glacial stone to help protect it from incoming waves.
The two groups came to an agreement in October in which Callahan would repair the wall, but the county would install the stone. Little progress has been made since then.
During last week’s park board meeting, County Attorney Marty Lucas suggested that operator Richard Callahan and Assistant Manager Larry Clarich assess the situation. “Kind of what it is, it’s a little open-ended at this point,” Lucas explained. “That’s probably why it seems a little murky because what we’re really talking about is the two of you get together, look at it, and see who can do what and how much. Do you see what I’m saying? We have a goal, but we don’t have exactly how to get there yet.”
Clarich explained that Callahan hasn’t had a chance to look at the site yet, and it would be hard to do it now because the lake is frozen. But Clarich said he hopes to be able to do the work sometime between March 15 and May 1.
Still, board member Debbie Mix was concerned with the lack of progress up until now. “We need to have a plan,” she said. “We just can’t let months and months go without having a plan. Last month we said we hadn’t gotten together, there was no plan, and before that. That was also in October that was said. So my concern is that we just keep on pushing, kicking it down the road, and it’s going to be May 15 and nothing’s going to be determined.”
Lucas then suggested that Mix might want to take a more active role in overseeing the work. “Maybe you could help facilitate the communication,” he said. “I mean, to be really honest, I’m supposed to be the lawyer, not the person that goes out there and oversees construction projects.”
In any case, Clarich said the repairs also depend on the county’s cooperation when it comes to installing the stone. Board member Roger Chaffins said he’s been working on that. “If I can get the stone brought in there and it’s there waiting, if I can get the sand brought in there for the beach, it’s there waiting, that’s done,” he said. “It doesn’t have to thaw out for that to get in there. And I talked to [Surveyor] Bill Crase to see if the guy that had the stone still has it, so we can pick it up at a reasonable price, the county can. Now the next question is with Rik [Ritzler], if he wants to drive a truck in there or whatever, I don’t know.”
Since the park board doesn’t have its own budget, members decided to pursue grant funding for the stone and sand. Otherwise, it would be up to the county commissioners to figure out how to pay for the materials.
Friday, October 13, 2017
Bass Lake Beach Operator Considers Giving Part of Beach Back to County, As Lease Renewal Proceeds
Posted on October 13, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Bass Lake Beach and Campground will continue to be operated by Callahan Development, LLC for another 10 years, but the company may be willing to turn some of the property back over to Starke County. The county owns the facility, but has leased it to Callahan since 2008. Now, Callahan has given the county written notice that it will exercise its option to renew the lease through April of 2028.
Callahan’s attorney Todd Wallsmith discussed the process with the Starke County Park Board Tuesday. “The lease is effectively renewed at this point,” he explained. “We’ve given notice of our intent to renew the lease. There is not an option in the lease for another renewal after the 10 years. There is not a rewriting of the lease or anything else. The only issue that remains in the lease to be resolved is how much the county intends to raise the rental.”
But Wallsmith said Callahan is open to the idea of giving the beach itself back to the county, while the company would continue to run the more profitable campground and pier slots. “The reality is the expenses of maintaining a beach, perhaps the way some people want to see it and certainly in light of some of the things that the DNR had recommended with the stone being put down, et cetera, it’s cost prohibitive. It’s not something that any business would be able to do. It’s more akin to something that a government would do. A government would have to seek grants for it, in order to really effectuate that.”
Wallsmith and County Attorney Marty Lucas said there are a lot of issues that would need to be worked out. But Lucas said if that could be done, there would be many potential benefits, like grant funding and increased public involvement. “I just think you’re going to find the public is going to be more interested in volunteer activities if the beach was being operated publicly,” Lucas said.
Still, a group of local residents wants both parties to work together to clarify some of the terms of the lease. Park Board President Debbie Mix has suggested forming a work group to help set some future goals.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Bass Lake Beach and Campground will continue to be operated by Callahan Development, LLC for another 10 years, but the company may be willing to turn some of the property back over to Starke County. The county owns the facility, but has leased it to Callahan since 2008. Now, Callahan has given the county written notice that it will exercise its option to renew the lease through April of 2028.
Callahan’s attorney Todd Wallsmith discussed the process with the Starke County Park Board Tuesday. “The lease is effectively renewed at this point,” he explained. “We’ve given notice of our intent to renew the lease. There is not an option in the lease for another renewal after the 10 years. There is not a rewriting of the lease or anything else. The only issue that remains in the lease to be resolved is how much the county intends to raise the rental.”
But Wallsmith said Callahan is open to the idea of giving the beach itself back to the county, while the company would continue to run the more profitable campground and pier slots. “The reality is the expenses of maintaining a beach, perhaps the way some people want to see it and certainly in light of some of the things that the DNR had recommended with the stone being put down, et cetera, it’s cost prohibitive. It’s not something that any business would be able to do. It’s more akin to something that a government would do. A government would have to seek grants for it, in order to really effectuate that.”
Wallsmith and County Attorney Marty Lucas said there are a lot of issues that would need to be worked out. But Lucas said if that could be done, there would be many potential benefits, like grant funding and increased public involvement. “I just think you’re going to find the public is going to be more interested in volunteer activities if the beach was being operated publicly,” Lucas said.
Still, a group of local residents wants both parties to work together to clarify some of the terms of the lease. Park Board President Debbie Mix has suggested forming a work group to help set some future goals.
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