08-23-00 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Personnel and Finance Committee August 23,2000 Page 7 Director of Marketing Mark Bradley stated that there will be an increased emphasis on promoting O'Brien and the health and fitness programs. He hopes to increase sponsorships and grants and to double the amount of grant writing. Additional emphasis will be made on public/private partnerships with NIPSCO, AEP, healthcare resources for fitness centers. He also plans to find new ways to promote the Potawatomi Zoo. Mr. Bradley stated that he would keep the Council updated through reporting to the Council's Park and Recreation Committee on marketing activities and initiatives. Citizen Member Gonzalez inquired about bi-lingual efforts for the many park and recreation programs. Ms. Gonzalez recommended that bi-lingual signage be considered. Betsy Harrison stated that discussion in this area have begun and that she would keep the Council informed. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENTCREATION DIVISION (F UND # 201-1103) 2000 Projected Expenditures: $ 1,565,770 2001 Projected Expenditures: $ 1,415,096 Decrease of 4.1% = (-$60,982) 2000 Projected Revenue: $ 1,476,078 2001 Projected Expenditures: $ 1,415,096 Director of Recreation Susan O'Connor noted that her staff is working on a new brochure. The budget includes moving six(6) positions being moved to maintenance, including a new fitness program, added an athletic supervisor, program supervisor and a healthy senior coordinator. . In light of the demand for new programs, new recreation programs have been added to Fremont, Boland and Muessel. The Council Attorney noted that training of the Park Rangers should be carefully reviewed in light of several incidents of ticketing on the East Race and the resulting confusion and frustration for out-of-state and out-of-country visitors who were competing in athletic activities. Many complaints have been received by the Ordinance Violations Bureau about citations not being properly issued. Betsy Harriman stated that Park Ranger training and overall review of proper citation procedures as they relate to the South Bend City Code are being evaluated currently and would be reviewed. Council Member Coleman inquired about the Kennedy Water Park. Ms. O'Connor noted that it is designed to be primarily a children's facility. Charges are made for adults since proper supervision is necessary. She noted that the City is attempting to recoup some of the operating costs. She added that there is a lot of parent participation and that costs for adults are minimal. Council Member Kelly also noted how popular the facility is and that a proper balance of safety and cost should be properly considered. Citizen Member Gonzalez suggested that the Recreation Division look into scholarship programs which could be made available for qualifying participants.