07-21-08 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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A motion was made by Mr. Mullins to approve maintenance vouchers for June 2008 totaling $1,208,153.78. It was seconded by Dr. Kelly. There being no further discussion, the motion was passed. VII.Business of the Director 1. Director St. Clair Phil reported that the Department’s budget hearing with the Common Council is tonight immediately after this meeting. He said he has had discussions today with Parks & Recreation staff on the impact that House Bill 1001 will have on the Department for the 2009 & 2010 budget. The largest cut in Fund 201 for 2009 will be a capital reduction of approximately $900,000. In addition, there will be a reduction of six positions, but park facilities should be running as in the past. He didn’t feel programming will be cut, but the scope of some programs may be reduced. The only line item with a major increase will be for gasoline. Fund 203 will not be impacted directly because it is completely funded by user fees. For 2010, an additional $1.4 million will need to be cut from Fund 201. If no additional revenue sources are identified an additional 24 full time positions and approximately 200 part time positions will be cut. Facilities and activities that could be impacted by these cuts include closing the swimming pools, eliminating the summer playground, track and junior baseball programs, closing the Rum Village Nature Center, closing the Howard Park Senior Center, closing King and Black Centers, closing the Conservatory and Greenhouses, closing the East Race Waterway, closing Newman Center, closing Howard Park Ice Rink, and closing Studebaker Golf Course. The Potawatomi Zoo was not impacted at this time because of the effort to maintain its accreditation. Any cut back in staff or services would jeopardize its accreditation and that would mean a significant reduction in the animal population because animals that are on temporary or permanent loan from other zoos would be removed. He stated this was the starting point to begin talking about 2010 and where new funding options can come from and the long term future of Parks and Recreation in South Bend. He reminded the Board that we are one of seventy-three nationally accredited parks and recreation agencies. We run an efficient and effective operation and there is not a lot of “fat” to cut. He hoped that starting tonight we have the opportunity to work with the community to find ways to adequately fund these facilities; facilities that we must have in a community of this size. The staff is aware of the situation and we are all going to do our best to move forward and try to look for funding initiatives that will help us in 2010. VIII.Comments by the Recreation Director 1. Ms. O’Connor reported that the Kid’s Triathlon will be this weekend at Potawatomi Park. And immediately afterward will be the grand reopening of Potawatomi Park. 2. Our first national youth softball tournaments will be held beginning July 30. They are a 10 and under and a 12 and under tournament. They will be held at Newton Park as well as Belleville. - - 4 - -