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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-20-2010 MinutesSBBPC OUTH END OARD OF ARK OMMISSIONERS RM EGULAR EETING D20,2010 ECEMBER The Board of Park Commissioners of the Park District of the City of South Bend, Indiana met on Monday December 20, 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 Mr. Garrett Mullins Dr. Thomas Kelly Park Board members absent were as follows: Mr. Robert Henry, President Staff members present: Phil St. Clair, Superintendent; Bill Carleton, Fiscal Officer; Betsy Harriman, Administrative Director; Susan O’Connor, Recreation Director; Randy Nowacki, Director of Golf Operations; Terry DeRosa, Zoo Director; Richard Payton, Development Director; Melanie Trowbridge, Parks Golf Professional; Thomas Bodnar, Park Board Attorney I.The meeting was called to order by Board Vice-President Robert Goodrich at 4:03 p.m. II.The first order of business was the interviewing of interested citizens. 1.Mr. Nowacki, Director of Golf, introduced Ms. Melanie Trowbridge, Director of Golf Instruction. She is the 2010 recipient of the Dick Walker Award. It is presented to those that are committed and dedicated to golf in Michiana. She was recognized for her service as professional at Studebaker and director of golf instruction. She is a 35 year member of the LPGA and a recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash from the governor. She has created and developed many golf programs for children in the area. She has taught golf to over 10,000 children and adults in the area. 2.Mr. Pat Henthorn of the City Engineering Department gave an update on the Angela Boulevard/Brownfield Park project. Construction will start next year. 3.Mr. Mark Carboneau, Park Foundation Board member, explained the mission of the Park Foundation is to find alternate sources of funding for the Parks to supplement the City’s funds. He asked that the Park Board appoint an ex-officio member to participate in their meetings. Mr. Goodrich requested a copy of the by-laws. 4.Mr. DeRosa, Zoo Director, Mr. Jim Martindale, Vice President of the Potawatomi Zoological Society. He requested permission to construct a membership booth to - - 1 - - check in members and sell memberships. This would alleviate congestion. Dr. Kelly made a motion to approve the construction of the membership booth and Mr. Mullins seconded the motion. It was approved by vote. 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 Arborist Licenses The following license application was presented for approval by the Board: a.Tony Cruz & Sons (Change of ownership) Mr. Mullins made a motion to approve the arborist license. Dr. Kelly seconded the motion and it was passed. 2.Update on Voorde Park Project- Bill Schalliol Mr. Schalliol informed the Board that a business on the west end of Voorde Park, Hoosier Tank, wished to purchase a section of the park to expand their receiving area. It would be a 2 acre parcel. An opportunity exists to add the parcel owned by District 11 Little League in a swap. Vice-President Goodrich said to explore the options and report back to the Board. 3.Request to Approve Zoo Fees for 2011- Director DeRosa Mr. DeRosa requested that entrance fees be increased $0.50 across the board and the fee for the rental of the corporate picnic area stay at $160. It has been two years since there was an entrance fee increase and one year since the corporate picnic area rental was raised. Dr. Kelly made a motion to approve the proposed fees for 2011. Mr. Mullins seconded the motion and it was passed. V.Approval of Minutes Mr. Mullins made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on October 18, 2010 and November 15, 2010 as mailed. The motion was seconded by Dr. Kelly and approved. VI.Approval of Maintenance Vouchers A motion was made by Dr. Kelly to approve maintenance vouchers for November 2010 totaling $905,762.18. 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 the City is starting a wellness program. It will include membership in the O’Brien Fitness Center. The City will subsidize these memberships through the insurance fund. - - 2 - - 2.He has been in contact with Ron Stahly of the Crossings School. Crossings School is an alternative school in Goshen. He is discussing the use of interns in the coming year. 3.The Common Council approved $100,000 last week for the first phase of heating upgrades at the Conservatory. 4.South Bend has been selected as a beta site for a Healthy Cities project. We are working with Indiana University on this. It will concentrate on 10-14 year olds. 5.He is working with Community and Economic Development on a site for the Miracle Field. It will be a complex for physically and mentally challenged children. It is planned to have two hard surface diamonds and two natural turf fields. Several locations are being looked at. A blues and ribs festival is being planned for next summer to help fund this project. Mr. Goodrich noted the passing of Mr. Joseph Gondocs, the retired long time City Florist and reflected on the wonderful gardens he planted in the City over the years. VIII.Comments by the Golf Operations Director 1.Mr. Nowacki reported that in 2011 the pro shop operation of Studebaker Golf Course will be taken over by Ms. Trowbridge. Bernie Crothers, Erskine Greenskeeper, will take on maintenance of Studebaker. Fifteen part time seasonal positions will be cut next year overall. 2.He anticipates no increase in rates for 2011 due to the state of the economy. 3.He is investigating several architects to renovate and add sand traps at the courses. IX.Comments by the Zoo Director 1.Director DeRosa reported that a Zoo Day for City United Way participants is being planned for 2011. 2.Proposals for the Concessions and Gift Shop operations are being accepted until January 4. At that time they will be evaluated. 3.Candidates are being evaluated for the vacant veterinary position. 4.Exhibit renovation is on going over the winter. 5.The Zoo has been working with Jonathon Burks, City Energy Director, to save energy on the exhibit renovations. A “green” roof will be installed on the otter building. X.Comments by the Development Director 1.Mr. Payton reported that the Park Foundation annual meeting will be held January 12. 2.The Activity Guide has been distributed to the schools. 3.A grant is being pursued through the Convention and Visitors Bureau for the Blues Festival. - - 3 - - XI.Comments by the Recreation Director 1.Ms. O’Connor informed the Board that the Ice Rink is running. 2.Holiday camp starts this week. 3.The recreation centers will be open 95 hours a week over the holiday break. 4.The fitness center is doing well. 5.Downtown for the Holidays had maximum attendance. 6.The Senior Citizens’ Lunch last week at Martin Luther King, Jr. Center had 300 participants. 7.We have been doing two programs with the South Bend School system. The first is the SNAP (Special Needs and Abilities Program) Program for preschool. The second is the flag football program for Edison School. Dr. Kelly made a motion to appoint Mr. Goodrich as the ex-officio member of the Park Board Foundation for their meeting in January. This appointment is in effect until the next Park Board meeting. Mr. Mullins seconded the motion and it was passed. XII.There being no more business to come before the Board the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held January 17, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the O’Brien Administration Center. Respectfully Submitted, William Carleton Executive Secretary - - 4 - -