02-18-83 Parks & Recreation - Laserfiche WebLink

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fdnmmt2#rr larvart Wu flit Common &until of Or OltIg of bourn limb: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE The February 18, 1983 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee of the Common Council was called to order at 4 :00 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room by its Chairman .Councilman Lewwis A, McGann. • Persons in attendance included: Councilmen Serge, Crone, Beck, Harris, Szymkowiak, Zielinski, and McGann,• Eugenia Schwartz , James Seitz, John Oxian, Kathryn Brookins, Mrs. John R. Liouberger, Jr. , Mrs. Elmer A. Rich, Ann Puzzello, Melvin L. Holmes, John L. Horvath, Gwen E. Stiver, Leslie Chotz , Lewis L. Hegyi, Mrs. Carl F. Prell, Jack Detzler, Mrs. Stephen R.:. Phelps, Steve Phelps, Peter Braasch, John Peddycord, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, and Mr. Kromkowski. Councilman McGann noted that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss various questions raised at the February 14th council meeting regarding the Fredrickson house. Councilman McGann then had everyone introduce themselves who was in attendance. He then called upon the Superintindent of Parks, James Seitz for a further explanation. Mr. Seitz noted that the Last Will and Testament of Arthur A. Fredrickson gave property to the First Bank and Trust Company as Trustee for the purpose of the "establishment, beautification, maintenance and full equipment by the City of South Bend, Indiana, by and through its Board of Park Commissioners, of a. public park in said. City to be named, and known as "Fredrickson Park, " within eight years after my death. . . " He further noted that pursuant to. the will the City must deliver to the Trustee within in two (2) years following Mr. Fredrickson' s death, a firm and binding commitment to establish a park. There was no mention of the use of the house in the will. . Mr. Seitz noted that the building and the maintenance of the park was of utmost concern. He further stated that the Park Board never wanted the house destroyed. He believed that minimum acreage necessary for a park should be twenty (20) acrea. Land acquisition could run approximately $250, 000 and a total of $450,000 to $500,000 would be needed for acquisition and • development. Maintenance again would be an important aspect. Councilman McGann then called upon Mrs. Schwartz for an update. She indicated that a lease arrangement may be permitted under the Will. She passed out a letter dated February 17, 1983 from Mayor Parent to John Oxian regarding this issue. Councilman McGann then had her read in its entirety Item XIII of the- Will. She noted that a firm commitment from the City had been given to the Trustee. Mr. Braasch of 1st Source Bank stated that they have not made a decision regarding the lease but were reviewing the letter proposal. Mr: Peddycord the . attorney for the estate stated that it is the banks duty and obligation to carry out the intent of the will. They are willing to cooperate however the house is a secondary concern. As of this date they have not received a formal written proposal from' the City regarding the lease arrangement and hoped that one was forthcoming. Mr... Peddycord noted that the will specifically calls for the "establishing, beautifying and fully equipping said park for recreational and picnic purposes. . . " .As[ 10CU IVol1•HIM•CO.