HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-26-10 Parc Committee (parks,recreation,cultural arts & etc.)~"
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`'' '~ ` PARC COMMITTEE (Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts 8~ Entertainment)
April 26, 3:34 p.m.
Committee Members Present: Ann Puzzello, Chairperson; Timothy Rouse, Vice-
Chairperson, Oliver Davis, AI "Buddy" Kirsits
Other Council Members Present: Derek Dieter, Karen L. White; David Varner, Tom
LaFountain, Kyle Chamberlin, Citizen Member
Others Present: Mayor Luecke, Gregg Zientara, Rita Kopala,
Dave Relos, Phil St. Clair, Jeff Gibney, Mikki Dobski,
Gary Gilot, Major Bob Webster, Patti Phillips
Agenda: 1. BILL NO. 20-10 -APPROPRIATION COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME #677
2. BILL NO. 21-10 -APPROPRIATION PARKS & RECREATION FUND #201
3. BILL NO. 22-10 - TRANSFER ALONZO WATSON PARK FROM PARK BOARD TO
CITY OF SOUTH BEND
4. UPDATE -COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
BILL NO. 20-10 -APPROPRIATION COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME #677
Chairperson Puzzello opened the meeting by recognizing the Mayor who proceeded to make the
presentation.
Per the second interim agreement with the National Football Foundation, the City is responsible
for repairs and expenditures of a capital nature in maintaining the Hall of Fame. Referring to the
Council's packet, the Mayor broke down the $71,000 request before opening for questions.
Karen White asked for a fund balance. The controller stated a balance of $1,039,000 remained in
the fund that was created just for the requested purpose. As a matter of fact, the fund could not
be used for any other purpose.
With no further questions from Council or the public, Tim Rouse motioned the bill go to Council
favorably. Councilmember Oliver Davis followed and all affirmed.
BILL NO. 21-10 -APPROPRIATION PARKS & RECREATION FUND #201
Park Commissioner Phil St. Clair was called upon was called upon by Ann Puzzello to make the
presentation. He explained the Park Department had been awarded a federal grant of $353,437
from stimulus funds to hire up to forty seasonal workers. These employees would help South
Bend achieve its non-housing revitalization goals including neighborhood clean-up and graffiti
abatement. Of the 40, 25 would work in parks and 15 would work for Neighborhood Code. At
Councilmember Oliver Davis' urging Phil pledged to work with NCE to help with persistent graffiti
problems. Councilmember Varner asked if the funding grant was for more than one year. St.
Clair said it was not. Karen White asked if the 40 hires would reflect the population demographic
of the City. Phil said the 40 did. Karen asked for the report.
Brief comment followed before Councilmember Kirsits motioned, seconded by Councilmember
Oliver Davis and all agreed to send favorably to Council.
BILL NO. 22-10 ALONZO WATSON PARK LAND TRANSFER
Mayor Luecke made the presentation. He said the Park Board last Monday had unanimously
supported the transfer of Alonzo Watson Park to the Salvation Army allowing construction of the
Kroc Center; Groundbreaking was scheduled for May 13. He went on to say bids for clearing the
land and site preparation for construction had been received. As many trees as possible in the
park would be saved.
Karen White asked about the memorial promised for Alonzo Watson and the status of the
footbridge. Jeff Gibney said Watson would be memorialized with a large stone and plaque.
Upgrades were also planned to pain, light, and refurbish the bridge. Patti Phillips spoke in favor
of the project. She said the Kroc Center will complement programs experiencing record
enrollment at Ivy Tech.
Councilmember Kirsits motioned and Councilmember Rouse seconded a favorable
recommendation to Council. All affirmed.
HALL OF FAME UPDATE
The Mayor said funding issues in Georgia had delayed the projected opening of the new facility in
Atlanta. Given that the NFF had asked the contract with South Bend be extended through 2011
and maybe 2012.
Jeff Gibney then revealed that the City had hired consultants previously who worked with them to
update their studies. AEG, a design group, was retained to look at the engineering
considerations affecting possible re-use of the Hall of Fame property. The city contemplates a
"town square" approach with the re-use of the site. Buxton, a retain consultant, will refresh their
study of downtown and also look at LaSalle Square's retail potential.
Councilmember Puzzello asked Jeff to provide copies of the studies for Council. Councilmember
Rouse wondered what the consultants cost. Jeff said Buxton was updating their study for $7,500
while AEG was to be paid $15,000.
Councilmember Henry Davis questioned the necessity of hiring consultants, suggested a local
panel of developers could volunteer expertise. Jeff responded citing the unique elements of the
studies and prior work relationships with the consulting groups would provide the best possible
information. Councilmember Varner and Kyle Chamberlin, citizen member, both suggested the
terms of the NFF contract be reviewed rather than automatically extending the current
arrangement.
Councilmember Kirsits suggested the parade route for the enshrinement festival this summer be
changed to benefit downtown businesses, perhaps down old Michigan Street.
There being no further business to come before the Committee at this time, Chairperson Puzzello
adjourned the meeting at 4:25 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Ann Puzzello, Chairperson
PARCS Committee