09-06-06 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 6, 2006 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Page 5 Park Superintendent Phil St. Clair then joined the Committee meeting and introduced his staff: Fiscal Officer Bill Carleton, Administrative Director Betsy Harriman, MarketinglPromotions Mark Bradley, Randy Nawacki of the Gvlf Offices, and Director of Recreation Susan O'Connor. Mr. St. Clair provided a multi-page handout entitled °2007 South Bend Parks & Recreation Department Proposed Budget" (copy attached) and highlighted portions of it. He noted that there are forty-seven {47) city parks and 1,300 acres of park property in the city. Operations are divided into Park Administration, Park Maintenance, Golf, Recreation and the zoo. He then reviewed with Mr. Carleton Fund 201 expenses utilizing the handout and alive-year budget comparison and Fund 203 which is the non- reverting fund established several years ago by the Council. Mr. St. Clair stated fihat he has requested that the greenhouses be closed, noting that far the past five (5) years attendance has been about 4,OOD individuals. With increasing NIPSCO costs he is finding it cost-prohibitive to operate. The facility is aging and contacts were made to the Morris Family and they are not interested at this time in financially assisting the city. He has no recommendation far a future use far this area. Council Member Dieter suggested that the City Administration contact other greenhouse operations to see how they are managed and run more energy-efficiently. Council Member Kelly noted that he has been contacted about the proposed closing and that a petition is being circulated against it. He stated that it has long been a great recreational location in the 3~d District, and hopes that its cast could be handled if at all possible. Mr. St. Clair stated that the operating budget is $290,000 and that it is projec#ed to cost between $1.3 and $1.7 million to revamp the facilities. It is projected to cast $3 million to relocate it to the zoo. Two (2) positions would be eliminated In response to a question from Council Member Pfeifer, Mr. 5t. Clair stated that the tree lawn maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner, except in cases of "immediate danger" where the Forester would recommend immediate action by the city. If the city takes action a bill is sent requesting payment within thirty (30) days far work done by the City. It was Hated by Council Member White that the 2% Administration Fee was shifted from Fund # 201 to Fund # 203. Dr. Varner noted that the Administration fee has increased by $30,000.