HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 19 2020 Board Meeting MinutesSOUTH BEND BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING
October 19, 2020 The Board of Park Commissioners of the City of South Bend, Indiana met on Monday, October 19, 2020, at Howard Park Event Center and via Microsoft Teams virtual meeting for its regular meeting. Notice of the date, time and place of the meeting were duly given as required by law. The public was provided with a link to join the virtual meeting. Park Board members present were as follows: Mr. Mark Neal, President
Ms. Consuella Hopkins Mr. Dan Farrell Ms. Aimee Buccellato
VPA staff members present: Aaron Perri, Executive Director; Eva Ennis, Operations Coordinator; Annie Gawkowski, Chief Development Officer; Matthew Moyers, Partnerships & Standards Coordinator;
Jonathan Jones, Director of Recreation; Bridget Fields, Special Events Coordinator; Patrick Sherman, Project Manager; Jeff Jarnecke, Executive Director of Venues Other city representatives present: Clara McDaniels, Assistant City Attorney; I. Call to Order
Consuella Hopkins called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.
II. Approval of the August 17, 2020 Board Meeting Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes of the September 21 Park Board meeting by Aimee Buccellato, supported
by Dan Farrell, motion carried. Roll call vote 4-0.
III. Consent Agenda
1. Financial Statements – July 2020
2. Arborist licenses
3. Use of Parks
Motion to approve the consent agenda items 1-3 by Aimee Buccellato, supported by Dan Farrell, motion
carried. Roll call vote 4-0.
IV. Unfinished Business
1. Lease Agreement with First Tee of Michiana at Studebaker Golf Course
Jeff Jarnecke explained that the lease agreement with First Tee was discussed at the last board meeting.
More than 2,000 rounds of golf have been played free at Studebaker this year. The agreement is for a 25
year lease agreement with First Tee to operate out of the Studebaker Clubhouse and construct a building
on the golf course for their operations. The building will be donated to the City once construction is
complete. The building will be available for community events as well. The city will pay for utilities and
incremental maintenance expenses which is an estimated additional $10,000 per year. Both parties can
terminate the agreement with notice. The hope is to have the building construction complete in March.
Conrad Damien, 718 E. Broadway Street, commented that he spoke with First Tee previously about their
outreach to minority children and families and asked if there have been efforts to reach out to the minority
communities in South Bend. Jenny Zimmerman responded that First Tee has intentionally partnered with
economically disadvantaged schools to offer programs and advertising at. One of the biggest obstacles
has been transportation to Studebaker.
Troy Warner, Councilmember, commented that he would like to see as many young people into our
facilities as possible so he fully supports partnerships like this.
Consuella Hopkins recommended getting volunteers to walk the community and share the information
about the golf course, especially in the area surrounding the golf course.
Clara McDaniels noted that the signature page will need to be changed to include a notarization, but there
is not changes to the content of the agreement.
Motion to approve the Lease Agreement with First Tee of Michiana at Studebaker Golf Course by Dan
Farrell, supported by Aimee Buccellato, motion carried. Roll call vote 4-0.
V. New Business
1. Eagle Scout Project at Gov. Kernan Trail
Amy Roush, Director of Development, shared that Clay Pica would like to work on an Eagle Scout project
between Gov. Kernan Trail and Howard Park. He has been working with VPA’s horticulturalist to identify
a location and plan. Clay Pica shared that the plan is to terrace the hill and landscape it in addition to a
potential bench. He will fundraise for the project to cover any costs and use materials that
Motion to approve the Eagle Scout Project from Clay Pica by Aimee Buccellato, supported by Dan Farrell,
motion carried. Roll call vote 4-0.
2. 35th Street Wetlands Project Update
Andrew Tucker, of 137 S. 34th Street and Ecological Advocacy Committee member, presented
information about the 35th Street Wetland which is an area for a potential future park acquisition. The
location of the 35th Street Wetland is already zoned for potential recreational use and is located in a
high-need area for park land. The EAC has developed recommendations and assessed risks for moving
forward with creating a park at this location which Andrew Tucker reviewed as part of the presentation.
Aaron Perri reviewed resources that is available for the development of this park including funds
available in Park Bond K for new parks, funds received from the County to develop a wetland project in
relation to the agreement pertaining to Ponader Park, and potential grant dollars available through the
DNR.
3. Lease Agreement with SBI Regional at Charles Black Center
Jonathan Jones introduced SBI Regional programs that have been happening at Charles Black Center in
the music studio. SBI Regional offers programs in music production, graphic design, fashion,
photography and other related programs. Programs will be open to the general public and students in
the afterschool program and will include workshops, long-term courses, and the ability to record and
produce music live.
Motion to approve the License Agreement with SBI Regional by Aimee Buccellato, supported by Dan
Farrell, motion carried. Roll call vote 4-0.
4. 2021 Fees
Aaron Perri explained that the board approves fee changes annually and typically reviews the fees at
one meeting and approves at the following meeting. This is the first time that the board is reviewing
fees, so the board will be asked to approve at the following meeting. The only proposed fee changes are
for an increase in the Migratory Naturalist Program from $50 to $75 and a slight increase in the
Preferred Players Card for golf from $50 to $60.
Dan Farrell asked about volume assumptions in regards to golf and whether there are forecasts for
rounds to decrease for the following year. Aaron Perri replied that the assumption is that golf rounds
will decrease because this year saw more traffic due to people staying closer to home and beneficial
weather; however, the golf courses are in great shape and are continuing to operate at a high level so
the golf team plans to still have high numbers next year.
5. Artwork Lease Agreement at Howard Park
a. Brian Hutsebout
b. Robert Bloss
Aaron Perri explained that VPA put out a call to artists for Howard Park a few months ago and has
selected two pieces for installation. VPA will pay $1500 per artist per piece for a two-year lease. Clara
McDaniels reviewed the details of the liability transfer from the artist to the city at the point of delivery.
Aaron Perri noted that we designed the art pads to be a rotating display for art.
Motion to approve the Artwork Lease Agreement at Howard Park items A and B by Aimee Buccellato,
supported by Dan Farrell, motion carried. Roll call vote 4-0.
VI. Business by Executive Director Aaron Perri
Aaron Perri gave the following updates:
- VPA’s magazine, SPARK, has a new issue for fall/winter now available.
- 2021 budget was passed including the parks budget and the All-in Recreation plan.
- O’Brien Fitness Center improvement project has been awarded and will start construction this
winter while remaining open the entire time.
- Saturday, October 24 the city will celebrate Arbor Day where VPA will plant trees and honor the
volunteer of the year Steve Sass.
- Howard Park ice skating will open November 14 depending on weather.
- VPA is currently phasing out its Recreation software, RecTrac, into a more decentralized system.
No other questions or comments from the Park Commissioners, meeting adjourned at 6:25 pm by President Mark Neal. The next regular meeting will be held Monday, November 16, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. at Howard Park Event Center and with a virtual option.
Respectfully Submitted,
Eva Ennis