05-25-95 Parks & Recreation - Laserfiche WebLink

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Committu *4port: Parks and Recreation Committee "eo tbs Common QCountU of tije City of uout1j The May 25, 1995 Parks and Recreation Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly at 5:05 P.M. at the Pinhook Lagoon office building by Parks Committee Chairman, Council Member Sean Coleman. Persons in attendance included Council Members Luecke, Kelly, Puzzello, Zakrzewski, Coleman, and Slavinskas; City Attorney Richard Nussbaum, Phil St Claire, Gwen Stiver, Al Kirsits, Paul McMinn, Jim Ruthrauff, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Members of the News Media, and Members of the Public. (A sign in sheet for members of the public is attached). Council Member Coleman welcomed all individuals to the Parks and Recreation Committee and introduced the Committee Members. He noted that the purpose of the meeting was to hold discussions on Bill No. 28-95 which would amend Chapter 19, Article 3, Section 1953 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing boating and limited water-skiing activites on Pinhook Lagoon.He made available copies of the proposed Bill to the members of the public. He noted that in a letter earlier this Spring to the Board of Park Commissioners he requested that the overall activites of the Pinhook Lagoon be studied and discussed. He further noted that the proposed Bill was a very limited Bill to authorize the Park Board to have control over activities at Pinhook Lagoon with the Ordinance being enabling legislation to allow such authority. He then introduced Mr. James Ruthrauff who is a member of a local ski club who made a formal presentation. As part of the presentation he showed a video highlighting the American Water-ski Association Activities throughout the nation. It showed a 850 ft. by 75 ft slalom course which would be proposed. There would be no jet skis, no general boating, and noise except those within the AWSA guidelines.He also showed an aerial photo of the Pinhook Lagoon area.He did note that there is currently a weed problem and that only one boat at a time would be permitted through a slalom course. He also highlighted that operational policy and left copies for the Committee Members. A minimum of a $1,000,000.00 liability coverage would be provided by the Association. He sees the proposal as a shared use concept with limited hours for a trial basis only. There was then an open discussion period with regard to questions from the public. Members of the public raised issues such as shore erosion,riparian rights, effect on water life, tree stubs in the water, legal restrictions with regard to state law, hours of usage,EPA guidelines with regard to Zebra Mussels and specific procedures to be used by voters where by a boat could not be used for 72 hours before being introduced into the St. Joseph River, watching facilities,alternative sites,etc. In light of the lateness of the hour and the Zebra Muscle concern in EPA regulations Council Member Coleman noted that there would not be a live demonstration this evening. Additional concerns raised by members of the public addressed bringing back swimming to the Pinhook Lagoon area, stocking the area with fish, etc.