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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-18-2010 MinutesSBBPC OUTH END OARD OF ARK OMMISSIONERS RM EGULAR EETING O18,2010 CTOBER The Board of Park Commissioners of the Park District of the City of South Bend, Indiana met on Monday October 18, 2010 at the O’Brien Administration & Recreation Center, 321 E. Walter St., South Bend, Indiana for its regular meeting. Notice of the date, time and place of the meeting were duly given as required by law. Park Board members present were as follows: Mr. Robert Goodrich, Vice President Dr. Thomas Kelly Mr. Garrett Mullins Park Board members absent were as follows: Mr. Robert Henry, President Staff members present: Phil St. Clair, Superintendent; Betsy Harriman, Administrative Director; Susan O’Connor, Recreation Director; Randy Nowacki, Director of Golf Operations; Terry DeRosa, Zoo Director; Richard Payton, Development Director; Mike Dyszkiewicz, Maintenance Superintendent; Thomas Bodnar, Park Board Attorney I.The meeting was called to order by Board Vice President Robert Goodrich at 4:04 p.m. II.The first order of business was the interviewing of interested citizens. There were no citizens wishing to speak. III.The next order of business was unfinished business. There was no unfinished business. IV.The next order of business was new business. 1. Request to Approve Celtic Events for 2011- Paula Garis Ms. Garis requested that the Board approve two events. The first is a concert that is held as part of the East Race Concert Series on Sunday July 24, 2011. Fiddler’s Hearth is sponsoring the bands and dancers, as well as selling food and beverages. The concert will be open and free to the public. Secondly is the Michiana Celtic Festival to be held in Howard Park on Sunday September 4, 2011. The first Celtic Festival was held this year and 3,000 people attended. This is also sponsored by Fiddler’s Hearth. A $5 entrance fee will be charged to cover expenses. Dr. Kelly made a motion to approve the events as presented. Mr. Mullins seconded the motion and it was approved. - - 1 - - 2. Request to Approve Zoo Education Fees- Terry DeRosa Mr. DeRosa requested that the education fees for zoo programs be approved. He explained all the various programs they offer and how they are reflected in the fees. Mr. Goodrich asked if additional children from the same family could be discounted in some manner. Mr. DeRosa said there weren’t many instances of this happening, but that he would consider it. Mr. Goodrich asked if Mr. DeRosa was considering a change in the entrance fee to the Zoo for 2011. Mr. DeRosa explained that it hadn’t been discussed at this point. Director St. Clair said that some discussion needs to take place before that decision is made. Mr. Mullins made a motion to approve the fees effective January 2011. Dr. Kelly seconded the motion and it was passed. 3. Request to Dispose of Zoo Vacuum Cleaner- Terry DeRosa Mr. DeRosa requested the Board approve the disposal of a broken vacuum cleaner at the Zoo. He estimated the cost new six years ago was $100. Dr. Kelly made a motion to approve the disposal of the vacuum. Mr. Mullins seconded the motion and it was passed. 4. Request to Approve of Contract Extension for Cemetery Maintenance- Mike Dyszkiewicz Mr. Dyszkiewicz requested that the contract with Hoosier Cutters be extended for one additional year at the same cost. He said they have done an outstanding job at the cemeteries. Mr. Mullins made a motion to approve the extension of the contract for one year with Hoosier Cutters. Dr. Kelly seconded the motion and it was passed. V.Approval of Minutes Dr. Kelly made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on September 20, 2010 as mailed. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mullins and approved. VI.Approval of Maintenance Vouchers A motion was made by Dr. Kelly to approve maintenance vouchers for September 2010 totaling $831,699.60 It was seconded by Mr. Mullins. There being no further discussion, the motion was passed. VII.Business of Director St. Clair 1. Director St. Clair reported that improvements at the Conservatory were estimated at $1,000,000. This included structural upgrades, a new parking lot and entrance, as well as heating improvements. Going into winter, the biggest concern is the heating. The steam lines run through the growing rooms from the boilers to the Conservatory. The structural integrity of the growing rooms is in question. To avoid losing heat during the - - 2 - - winter, individual gas heaters are going to be proposed for installation. He will discuss this with the Mayor soon. It is hoped that the cost would be under $75,000. 2. The Coveleski Stadium upgrade will cost about $9 million and include new field turf, lighting, and structural changes. It is hoped that many improvements can be made prior to next season. 3. Sheridan and Boland fields will be sodded and irrigated. The old lights from Coveleski will be moved and used at these fields. 4. The 2011 Capital request has not been formally approved, but he is optimistic. 5. Teamster negotiations are complete, but ratification hasn’t taken place. VIII.Comments by the Golf Operations Director 1. Mr. Nowacki reported to the Board that all courses are aerified. 2. Well #2 at Elbel is down. Peerless is working on bringing it back up. 3. He reported on the bunker renovation project. He reviewed the phases that will be followed in the project. He mentioned several consultants that may be used. IX.Comments by the Zoo Director 1. Mr. DeRosa explained that the otter exhibit is nearing completion and they are waiting the arrival of the graphics. Landscaping is underway. 2. ZooBoo preparation is underway. It will be held October 22-34. 3. Winterization of exhibits and holding areas are taking place. 4. The attendance report this month includes all the free admissions. Dr. Kelly asked about the attendance drop from 2008. Director St. Clair explained that this is due to schools cutting back on field trips, the current economy, and the number of complimentary admissions from Zoological Society memberships. X.Comments by the Maintenance Superintendent 1. Mr. Dyszkiewicz said that city leaf pick up will begin soon. 2. Central Mowing is slowing down. 3. The Plaza Park wall is finished. 4. He commended the Keep America Beautiful program and the Southgate Church for their volunteer work in the parks. They were honored at the recent volunteer recognition ceremony. 5. A new sidewalk and parking lot were completed at the Charles Black Center. XI.Comments by Development Director 1. Mr. Mike Payton informed the Board that the final reports are being filed pertaining to the Project Hire grant. He thanked everyone for their help in this worthwhile effort. 2. Beginning next year, we will be doing two activity guides rather than three. They will be more extensive than in the past. - - 3 - - XII.Comments by the Recreation Director 1. Ms. O’Connor thanked Ms. Amy Roush for putting together the Volunteer Recognition Ceremony. It was a wonderful event. 2. Garry Harrington and Vince Gresham filmed a segment for “Outdoor Elements” that will be shown in February or March. 3. The family equestrian ride at Potato Creek was held last Saturday. There were a hundred riders that participated. It was a huge success. 4. The fall softball season is over. 5. The Ice Rink is getting ready to open the day after Thanksgiving. 6. The Senior Center is getting some electrical upgrades. 7. River City basketball is starting. 8. Downtown for the Holidays will be the first weekend of December. 9. The National Recreation and Parks Association national congress will be held next week and several staff will be attending. XIII.There being no more business to come before the Board the meeting adjourned at 5:14 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held November 15, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the O’Brien Administration Center. Respectfully Submitted, William Carleton Executive Secretary - - 4 - -