09-06-06 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

September 6, 20D6 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Page 6 Susan O'Connor, Director of Recreation, reviewed several new programs proposed far next year including a weight winners camp which will be year-round. All user fees are approved by the Park Board for such programs before they may go forward. Leeper Tennis has been moved to Fund # 203, with user fees accounting for about 3Q% of all park operations. Fund # 203 are fee-based and support about 50-60 recreation programs. Athree-minute video was then shown to the committee. In response to a question from Counci[ Member Kirsits, it was noted that daylight savings time is extending many programs and is generating more revenue. Council Member Pfeifer thanked that Park Department for their assistance on the Civil Rights Heritage Center at the farmer natatorium. Ann Herndon, of 330 West Colfax, noted that she is Assistant Director of the Historic Preservation Commission. They are being besieged with telephone calls about the City Administration's proposed closings of the greenhouses and conservatories. She stated that there is a "groundswell of support for them". She requested a "stay of execution" for these great facilities in South Bend. Jan Tehminkowski of '1117 South 31St confirmed that a petition is being circulated to save the greenhouses and conservatories. She suggested that things like plant sales and befiter marketing should be taking place. She noted that there has been very little maintenance done on them by the city with broken pipes being evident. She said the conservatory is not fifty years old. People have offered to volunteer and no one has contacted them. The turnstile rarefy works and no one shows to take people around. She stated that these facilities are "gems in our community" which are "uniquely designed" which should be saved. Catherine Hostetler of 708 South St. Joseph stated that eighteen (18) months ago she met with the City and asked to be "kept in the loop" about the greenhouses. They were "completely blind-sided" by the announcement of their closing. She urged this decision to be re-accessed since more time is need to work on grants. In response to a question from Council Member Pfeifer, Mr. St. Clair stated there is no exact date for closing. In response to a question from Council Member White, Mr. St. Clair stated that the Park Board has not taken former action since they would have to make a declaration that the buildings are "obsolete".