09-06-01 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Personnel and Finance Committee September 6, 2001 Page 6 emphasized that the process is what matters when updating the public. She stressed the need for all park programs to be accessible. Council Member White voiced concern over the process currently being utilized in the development of the Southeast Side Park. She noted that many residents feel that are not part of the planning process. Mr. St. Clair stated that the original planning took place approximately five (5) years ago, with the original plan calling for $ 6-7 million dollars. He said that this was unacceptable due to the costs and the park was placed on the back burner. He noted that they are looking at what is affordable and that Marco Mariani, a Planner with Community and Economic Development, is in charge of meeting residents and conducting meetings about the Southeast Side Park. In response to a question from Council Member White, Mr. St. Clair stated that a budget of $ 1 million is being considered. Council Member Kelly requested that he be informed of all meeting times, dates and locations so that he could attend. Council Member White made a similar request. Council Member Pfeifer suggested that all such meetings on the Southeast Side Park be given on a regular basis to the City Clerk's Office so that the entire Council can be informed. The Council Attorney requested on behalf of Council Member Aranowski for a line- item breakdown of the proposed expenditures and incomes for the new skateboard park. Dr. Varner noted that he would be interested in such detail and in particular staffing, fees, hours of operation, etc. Council President Pfeifer noted that Council Member tJjdak is concerned about liability insurance. Mr. St. Clair noted that a new state law exempts such operations (Council Member Coleman then circulated a copy of PL 250-2001 which will be codified as Indiana Code § 34-6 and Indiana Code § 3413) Council President Pfeifer requested that a copy of that state law be left with the City Clerk's Office. Rev. Michael Mather voiced concern that many individuals do not believe that they have been included in the planning of the Southeast Side Park. He noted that he feels like the train is moving out and the city just wants people like himself to jump onboard and approve the plan rather than be part of the planning process. He urged the Committee to focus on a positive partnership of private individuals working with government officials. He said is concern is over the process and that there should be more activities and involvement for citizens. Rev. Mather stated that when all people work together it would be a better process. He concluded that when people are involved from the very beginning that it will be a better and more viable park since they do not want another Dean Johnson Park. He noted that residents from American Homes Dreams homes have been included but no one from Heritage Homes SE have been included in the process. Council Member Coleman stated that the process is not complete and that these concerns would be addressed. Council Member Kelly noted that the concerns he hears are that nothing is happening.