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PARC COMMITTEE <br />The March 24, 2008 meeting of the PARC Committee of the South Bend Common Council was <br />called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ann Puzzello at 4:05 p.m. in the Council's <br />.Informal Meeting Room. <br />Persons in attendance included Council Members Henry Davis, Karen White, Kathleen Cekanski- <br />Farrand, Council Attorney, John Voorde, City Clerk <br />Committee Members present, Derek D. Dieter, Vice-Chairperson, Oliver Davis, Member, Martha <br />Lewis, Citizen Member. <br />Chairperson Puzzello stated that an update on the progress at the Greenhouse & Conservatory <br />will be given by Martha Lewis who serves as both Citizen Member on the PARC Committee and <br />Treasurer of the Botanical Society. Chairperson Puzzello also introduced Terry DeRosa, <br />Director, Potowatomi Zoo, who has formed a working relationship with the Botanical Society and <br />who has the responsibility to oversee the facilities. Martha retraced the history of the <br />Greenhouses and Conservatory since the announced intention to close by the City for financial <br />reasons in late 2006. She then proceeded to detail the great progress made thru the efforts of <br />the many volunteers, the Botanical Society, the City, and other benefactors who have worked <br />toward along-term solution to maintaining & restoring and developing through endowment a solid <br />future for the facilities. The progress report of '07 and '08's focus is outlined in a M. Lewis <br />handout which is attached. In response to a question by Council Member Karen White's <br />questions, Terry DeRosa spoke to the formalizing of a memo of understanding as to how to best <br />utilize the many volunteers. Catherine Hostetler of Historic Preservation spoke to the efforts to <br />create and fund a permanent position of horticulturist. She said the Botanical Society was <br />applying for a grant; but said the ability to raise funds was hurt by the absence of a firm statement <br />of support form the city to keep the facilities open. <br />In closing, Council Member Puzzello said she wanted the Council to consider changing the name <br />of her PARC Committee back to the Park Committee. There being no further business to come <br />before the Committee, Council Member Puzzello adjourned the meeting at 4:22 p.m. <br />Re ectfully su fitted, <br />ci~ An a o, Chairperson <br />Attachments <br />