08-12-02 Parks, Recreaction, Cultural Arts & Entertainment

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ommitt *port: Oaks, Zetrattott, (Cultural arts an Qntertainmett.t tommtttet The August 12,2002 meeting of the Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts and Entertainment Committee was called to order by its Chairperson Council Member Sean Coleman at 4:55 pm in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Pfeifer, Aranowski, Varner, Coleman, Kelly, Kirsits, White and King; Citizen Member Kim Kilgore, Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Park Superintendent Phil St. Clair, Community and Economic Development Director Jon Hunt, Zoo Director Clarence Wright, Tish Rogers, Michael Beitzinger, City Attorney Charles Leone, City Controller Rick 011ett, Health and Public Safety Committee Citizen Member Isabel Gonzalez and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Coleman noted that the purpose of the meeting was to receive updates on Coveleski Stadium and Potawatomi Zoo in light of recent articles appearing in the ittoutb fitttti +trtbuttt. Mr. Clarence Wright, Director of the Potawatomi Zoo, stated that after the thirteen (13) wallabies were killed at the zoo that they contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture which licenses the zoo to investigate the tragedy. He noted that the fence line was secure, however they would be fixing the two (2) service gates one of which is used for construction and the other for employees. He noted that for the most part the articles in the g4outt ono tt►uttt were accurate, and noted that the male black swan died also. Night houses for the animals are being considered. He noted that one (1) dog has been euthanized and voiced concern about irresponsible dog owners who would allow their animals to be part of a pack. Mr. Wright noted that the emu and kangaroos are recovering and that the one(1) wallabies that did survive is recovering at the Cincinnati Zoo. Their chief concern is to make sure that the animals are secure. Council Member Pfeifer inquired how the dogs got into the zoo. Mr. Wright stated that it is believed that at least two (2) dogs may have climbed over the fence, but that it is still a mystery since there is barbed wire above the fencing. There was one (1) weak spot in the gate which has now been secured. Tish Rogers, Executive Director of the Potawatomi Zoological Society, Inc., stated that approximately $36,000 has been donated by members of the community since the tragedy involving the wallabies. She stated that they are "overwhelmed by the community's reaction". She estimated that approximately $50,000 would be needed to restore the exhibit. Ms. Rogers noted that she has only been in this community for nine months and that the residents are caring and concerned. All members of the Society and the Park Board are concerned about the security of the zoo and the funding for the zoo. Mr. Wright stated that one(1) zoo security guard was terminated since it is believed that he was not doing his job based on the amount of rigomortis of the dead wallabies. Council Member Coleman thanked Mr. Wright and Ms. Rogers for their updates. Mayor Luecke then spoke on the Stanley Coveleski Stadium. He noted that Palisades has agreed to make additional payments. The current lease began in 1999 for a 10-year period. The Mayor noted that lease payments began being delayed during negotiations leading up to the new lease. Payments are divided with the first$10,000 going for the stadium and the remainder going into the sinking fund for roof, heating, air conditioning, turf, etc maintenance. As of July they are Parks,