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armed and that the the Park Police did not receive adequate training to carry weapons. He <br /> stated that most crime does not happen in the parks and it wasn't necessary to arm them. <br /> He did say that if they did go through the thirteen week police academy training he would <br /> approve of them being armed. <br /> Mr. Jesse Davis spoke in opposition to the policy change. <br /> 2. Howard Park East Bank Neighborhood Association-Karen Schefineyer <br /> Ms. Shefineyer, Secretary of the Howard Park East Bank Neighborhood Association, <br /> informed the Board that her group started a petition two weeks ago. The petition is to <br /> "save Howard Park." Approximately 600 signatures have been obtained. The group <br /> wants "responsible development" in the Howard Park area. They are opposed to proposed <br /> plans to redirect a roadway through the park. This is tied to the sale and development of <br /> the nearby Transpo lot. <br /> President Goodrich stated that the Board was not supporting the plan that included <br /> rerouting a road through the park. <br /> Director St. Clair explained that the Department or the Board has not had a chance to <br /> look over the plans for the park. The decision of which development plan will be chosen <br /> for the Transpo property will be made by the Transpo Board. How that plan would <br /> impact Howard Park would have to be determined by this Board at a later date, but they <br /> have not seen any plan. <br /> III. Report By Organizations <br /> 1. South Bend Silver Hawks-Joe Hart, President <br /> a. Mr. Hart reported that nine home games are left in the season. <br /> b. Attendance is doing very well this season. He felt there was a chance to break the <br /> attendance record this year. <br /> c. He announced plans to become more of a year-round operation by constructing an <br /> indoor batting facility for use by the public as well as the team. It is proposed to be <br /> 10,000 sq. ft. and be located beyond the right field fence. <br /> Director St. Clair noted that an adequate batting facility has been lacking over the <br /> years. <br /> Mr. Hart also stated that it can be used for softball, also. <br /> Ms. Greene stated that several steps need to be taken in a short period of time to <br /> allow the construction to begin in October. <br /> d. Mr. Hart the Board and staff for all their help and good relationship over the past <br /> three years. <br /> 2. Potawatomi Zoological Society-Marcy Dean <br /> a. Ms. Dean reported that the Association of Zoos and Aquariums has completed its <br /> accreditation inspection. A committee spent three days at the zoo. They had some <br /> issues that are being addressed, but she felt good about the inspection overall. The <br /> reaccreditation hearing will be held September 13 at the national convention. <br /> b. A new dietician and keeper have been hired. A national search is underway for a <br /> general curator. <br /> c. The master plan procedure is underway. It is hoped to have it done by December. <br /> d. The Teamster contract has been ratified. She thanked all that were involved. <br /> e. Storm damage has been cleaned up. <br /> - - 2 - - <br />